Leaving for Alaska for honeymoon in two weeks. One week renting a car and driving around on our own, then 1 week cruise.

My question... on the drive from Anchorage to Denali (done in one day) - other than Talkeetna which we will see another day) - what are some other recommendations for places to make some short stops along the way? Cool towns, scenery, places to get lunch, etc...?

A necessary reference is THE MILEPOST- you need a copy. This is a mile by mile log of Alaska roads. Be aware you are too early for Denali park shuttles to Eielson- you will only get to Toklat- doesn't start until June 1. Allow 6 hours for the drive with stops. You may want to consider stopping, Eagle River natural center, Eklutna spirt house tours, Tunderbird falls, Wasilla- sled dog headquarter museum. For lunch plan ahead- consider Talkeetna Roadhouse or the Latitude, if you get farther or want something later- the Lazy J Cafe in Cantwell.

There is always construction on the road so your driving time is longer than yoiu might think.

We really enjoyed the Musk Ox Farm (near Wasilia I think)

Thanks for the advice so far. I actually already have the Milepost and have been highlighting things that look good, but am just looking for some firsthand recommendations as well.

We know we're a little early for Denali, but it was more important for us to go right after the wedding (more continuous days off of work, thank god).

We are doing kind of a whirlwind first week with some backtracking that couldn't be helped due to cheaper flights and cheaper round-trip car rentals (Anchorage to Denali to Talkeetna to Seward, back to Anchorage in a Monday thru Friday trip) but we're okay with it as I love driving.

We'll rest up from the long drives the following week on the cruise where we plan to do virtually nothing other than one helicopter trip and the White Pass Railway.

Thanks again for the replies and for all the other replies in this forum (especially to BQ)... they have been invaluable in planning this trip!

The Musk ox farm is in Palmer, there is the sled dog headquarter museum in Wasilla. Also for excellent musk ox viewing- head to the large animal research viewing at Fairbanks University. Also great botanical garden, raindeer farm- worth a look.

No personal experience yet (I'm going in June), but I'll share some information from the Lonely Planet Alaska guidebook which has been my primary planning tool.

Eagle River Road: "This stunning side trip into the heart of the Chugach Mountains follows the Eagle River for 13 miles. The road is paved and winding, and paralleled by a well-maintained bicycle trail."

Eagle River: "Haute Quarter Grill is a highly recommneded splurge, offering a lot of gourmet for your dollar--try the smoked duck ravioli or jambalaya."

Wasilla: "Great beer, tasty food and a clean, nonsmoking atmosphere make Great Bear Brewing Co Wasilla's eatery of choice."

"Just 22 miles northeast of Palmer, Hatcher Pass cuts through the photogenic alpine paradise of the Talkeetna Mountains, with meadows, ridges, steep drops and a beautiful body of water known as Summit Lake. You can drive here from Wasilla, Willow or Palmer, but the latter is the shortest and most scenic route."

Talkeetna: "Talkeetna Roadhouse is the best place for a hearty meal. West Rib Pub & Grill is a good place to kick back and enjoy a beer and burger. Cafe Michele has Talkeetna's best food and most upscale atmosphere, either inside the bright and spotless dining room or out on the flower-bedecked patio. Prices are steep, but worth it."

Carlo Creek (13 miles south of the Denali Park entrance): "McKinley Creekside Cafe, at McKinley Creekside Cabins, is a nice cafe with good food and a deck. Next door and up the hill, the Perch Restaurant is a fine-dining option. Steak, pasta or seafood dinners all come with the lofty view enjoyed by every table."

At the park entrance: "McKinley/Denali Steak & Salmon Bake has a garish exterior and a classic off-kilter Alaskan interior. Overlook Bar & Grill at the Crow's Nest is a cozy and comfortable place for a meal (steak, seafood, pasta and poultry) or a selection from the long list of available beers. No extra charge for the view. This is the best bar in the greater Denali area."