Ok this is the last time I will post here. I am giving you all our Itinerary when we were in Alaska. And if you read the whole thing you will see that repete shot his/her big mouth off calling our tour guide a couch potato, which we had no tour guide I planned the whole trip!!!!!!

Fairbanks: Arrived May 28th

El Dorado Mine Tour
Dredge #8 tour
Walking tour of Fairbanks
Fairbanks Ice Museum
Pioneer Park and Alaska Salmon Bake
Artic Circle Tour
Drove every major road in and around Fairbanks
Chena Hot Springs Ice Museum
Alyeska Pipeline
North Pole
Ester and Nenana
Chatanika Gold Camp
University of Alaska Museum
Discovery Riverboat tour on Chena River

We then left for Denali Park, took the Wonder Lake tour. Stayed at Crowsnest cabins.
Left for Anchorage, visited Talkeetna
In Anchorage we went to the Museum and had Thai food which we had never had.
Anchorage itself the city other than a couple museums nothing. We drove as far as Hope on the Seward highway. Took the train to Seward, took the Kanai Fjord tour, Exit Glacier Tour, dog sled, Sea World, toured the town of Seward and did some shoping. Ate at the Roadhouse. We took another tour via train to Whittier for the 26 Glacier tour. Went to Palmer to Hatcher Pass and Independence Mine, Wasilla to the Air and Transportation museum. Also at Palmer we went to the Musk Ox farm. Forgot to mention when we were in Fairbanks we went to Chicken. We left the Anchorage area and headed for Valdez and spent three nights there.

So I hardly call this having a couch potato as a tour guide. I suggest unless you absolutely know what the heck you are talking about you do not throw out name calling. I still stick to the fact that Anchorage in itself the city has very little, you have to drive out of the city and then yes there is lots to do. Also we saw whales, sea lions, otters and eagles on our drives and tours . I am finished here now, and will not post again, I love sharing and giving opinions and suggestions to people when they ask. Thought that was what this board was for, not being slamed because I do not agree with everyone. I drove 9,642 miles round trip and DH and I had such a great time and saw so much. We loved Alaska, and are very happy that we were able to make this trip.

chill, marleneawe, I wasn't referring to your tour planning. I was specifically trying to counter "DH's cousin" who said "nothing to see or do except for the museum."

I feel sorry for anyone who lives in such a place they feel is so boring.

And it's not the Anchorage I know -- or lived in.

Amen repete. Everyone certainly has their opinions, but I think it also has to do with whether you are into exploring independently of local friends and relatives likes/dislikes..
I think of past travels with in-laws and/or friends, when they didn't want to do certain things, and my husband and I would return and have a different experience because of our age/interests.
I never have enough time to do half of what is available in Anchorage, and that's not shopping. It's biking trails, hikes, golfing, indoor water recreation, and outdoor activities.
True, Anchorage is a gateway of sorts, but it's wonderful restaurants, native crafts, air museums, panoramic vistas and more are a great reason to share it's value and beauty with visitors. Happy travels, J.

thanks, j,
wasn't trying to be mean, but it sounds like marleneawe was stung by a few other remarks here as well. I had two purposes, one: point out that the local relative didn't provide the best advice (in fact, it was flat out wrong ...) and two: note that there are plenty of things to do in ANC.

Oh boy am I going to regret this but here goes: So all Anchorage has to offer is biking trails, hiking trails, golf, indoor water activities and restaurants? So that proves my point that for us there was nothing to do in the city of Anchorage. DH and I do none of the above. We did the two museums, was going to do their walking tour and that was a dud. Anyway once we got out of the "city", it was great.

As far as thinking that DH cousin was to blame, and that we should not "depend" on relatives to show us a good time. Neither is true. For fact we did not even think the cousin was going to be back from their trip. They flew in so they could catch us before we left. We did not even ask them to take us anywhere. They asked us what we wanted to do and see. Therefore I left it up to them. They are also in there 70's. Not "couch potato" or boring at all. They are very active in Anchorage in both of the Museums and also in their church and a couple other groups. We had already checked on the internet and via brochures etc and knew we had to go out of the city to really experience the scenery and beauty. My DH was very surprised and happy to see his cousin that he had not seen for over 25 years. And we had a lovely visit with them. I was talking for our experience, that Anchorage had nothing to offer, and I again stick to it.

As a longtime resident of Anchorage I agree to a point - Anchorage is a pleasant middle-sized town that happens to be located, as the saying goes, "15 minutes from Alaska." The city's heritage is not long; its economy has been dominated by government, military, and oil companies since its inception. As the biggest city in a small (population) state, it takes on many of the same functions of comparable places - medical facilities, shipping and shopping entrepot, a place to buy a car... ordinary stuff. What did you expect from an American town of 250,000? The Metropolitan Opera? The Louvre? Harrods?

90%+ of tourists never see Anchorage at its best, which is in midwinter. Then, there's a vibe, an energy about the place that makes it really come alive. It's all about the local people then, not the tour buses or the RVs queueing down the Seward Highway so the occupants can whack fish on the Russian River.

If people are bored by Anchorage's offerings in the summer - the beautiful gardens, hikes up to Flat Top or birding at Potter Marsh; burgers and onion "rings" at the Roadrunner (beside a creek with salmon in it) or the buzz of floatplanes taking off for God knows where at Lake Hood or the view of the sun setting (at 1 in the morning) over behind the the Sleeping Lady... well, fine. More than fine, actually. Two roads out. Pick one.

marleneawe~ I respect your opinion of Anchorage.
You said you and your husband do not do many of the things I listed, many of which are recreational and would offer some folks an enjoyable experience, including those who travel with children and grandchildren
To you, Anchorage has nothing to offer.
I would only regret that hundreds of other potential visitors, after reading the post, might choose not to visit.
I felt as an Alaskan resident that I should speak up.
I wish you good health and safe travels, J.

Gardyloo=D>

Gardyloo, we loved Anchorage for its diversity plus all the activities mentioned above. It's like stepping back in time in many ways, but it also has the modern amenities and conveniences. We saw a moose on one street and within minutes we were walking into Nordstroms. This small town girl was impressed with Anchorage, which as you said, really is a small city. Where else can you find a city of that size with so much to offer?

After reading your post above, I feel we've missed so much Anchorage has to offer, and now we must get back there to appreciate its rhythm in the winter. Thanks for posts - you Alaskan's have a lot to be proud of, and I admire you for always putting its/your best foot forward!

As I said in my first reponse, I recognize M's right to her opinion, but I stand by remarks that she got faulty help (or had incomplete research).

It was interesting that M ``cherry picked" the activities she didn't like in her response -- and ignored what I'd mentioned.

As for ``both museums," I'd say choose two:

Alaska Heritage Library and Museum
Alaska State Trooper Museum
Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum
Anchorage Museum of History and Art
Alaska Museum of Natural History
Oscar Anderson House Museum
Imaginarium museum
Alaska Native Heritage Center
Anchorage Fire Department Museum
Russian Orthodox Museum

Then there's
Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers' o-operative
Salmon jumping Ship Creek
Alyeska tram
Earthquake Park
An underrated botanical garden
Fabulous drives along the Arm (still in Anchorage)
The Whale Fat Follies

Gardyloo, you've got to remember that we all can't come from a state where the No. 1 tourism attraction (by far) is a shopping mall. (Although the deep-fried cheese curds and walleye on a stick are quite good.)

repete~ ah, the Whale Fat Follies. I have always wanted to enter, but with little talent, what would my chances be to wear the tiara?

Reminds me of a joke. What's the difference between a local resident and a whale?
A. Twenty pounds and a tavern jacket.

P.S. Do not miss Skinny Dick's Halfway Inn on your next road trip(I know, would have been better last night)..if you think I'm pulling your leg, Google it. A real place in Alaska
Yes, BayouGal, they sell t-shirts

J, that would have been a WONDERFUL birthday gift . . . but, there's always Christmas!!!!

No no my friend~ I'm so spoiling the surprise, but I was bringing two, one for you, one for matnikstym!
I will be walking five paces behind in my stylish pareo, the better to hide my swollen liver.
Girl, I just cleaned my kitchen floor on hands and knees(wood w/finish), and felt so sad... will Nick ever find another girl who will treat what's left of him with the respect he so deserves..makes all the moan-eek business pale by comparison.
Hey, any good dinner ideas? I'm tired of fish, had a roast last night..
Kids, you think on it whilst I shine up like a vintage Corvette.
Hey, has anyone ever toured with a car group? (insert necessary travel talk).. I have some older friends who have a roadster.., J.

OK, I appreciate the response from everyone. We sat back down and prioritized what we really want to do.

Does this look a bit more reasonable from our first itinerary?

May 26 fly to Alaska – arrive at 3:30; drive to Seward (Seward)

May 27 Resurrection Bay (Seward)

May 28 Exit Glacier; helicopter tour and glacier walk (Alaska Tours) (Seward)

May 29 drive to Whittier; ferry to Valdez (Valdez)

May 30 Valdez area activities (Valdez)

May 31 drive to Wrangell St Elias (???)

June 1 Wrangell St Elias activities (???)

June 2 drive to Denali (Denali)

June 3 Denali (Denali)

June 4 Denali (Denali)

June 5 Denali (Denali)

June 6 drive to Homer (Homer)

June 7 bear trip (Homer)

June 8 Homer activities (Homer)

June 9 drive to Anchorage; fly home – depart at 4:00

We've essentially cut out a lot of the backtracking and the train ride. Honestly, I love driving and would be much happier driving myself so I can stop when and where I want, so that seemed like the easiest thing to take out.

Sounds like there is some good hiking around Valdez (Keystone Canyon) and Homer (Kachemak Bay State Park) so that gives us things we like to do in there instead of more driving.

Again my opinion only, but I would never consider the Bay cruise in Seward, hopefully you mean at least 6 hours to Kenai Fjords??? I also would book direct with Godwin's for the helicopter flight, I never recommend booking agents. Establish a relationship with the vender, get all your questions directly answered.


I would not make the drive in one day Wrangell to Denali Park, you are passing by some pretty spectacular possibilities, you have a marathon day that will allow no changes. I would overnight in Palmer, Talkeetna etc. Give yourself some time for ad lib stops. Glacier Trekking is a highlight www.micaguides.com

Same with Denali to Homer in the same day, you are looking at 10 hours with brief stops. Is the bear watching that much better in this timeframe- making you backtrack??? Otherwise I would link it up at the begining with Seward.

I would consider making June 5 a stop in Talkeetna or even farther south (Wasilla or even Anchorage), possibly with a Denali flight along the way. It would also bite off a small chunk of the drive to Homer -- and you want to take your time on the drive to Homer because there are many potential scenic stops along the way.

I wouldn't skip Anchorage entirely. The Flattop hike is excellent. We used to run it as training for the Mount Marathon race in Seward. Tremendous views. (Plus at this time of the year, there'll still should be a snowfield for glissading on the way down -- if this appeals to you. It's not for the outdoors timid.)

It's still a ton of miles, but it sounds like you're my type of traveler that likes to squeeze a lot in. Best of luck.

We somehow did close to a 1000 miles on a week trip to Kauai, so a lot of driving is never an issue for us