Need suggestions for my first time in Anchorage and Denali---What to see and What to eat. I will be here for about a week in August. Thanks.

Eat Salmon! On the East Coast we do not get such great tasting fish. Can you fit in a trip south to Seward? The scenery is breathtaking. Stop at Alyeska resort and ride the gondola to the top. As your trip gets closer you might check events happening in the Anchorage Daily News www.adn.com. We missed Hobo Jim by a day. I enjoyed the Trolley tour around Anchorage. Great pizza and beer at the Moose place on Seward Hwy. (JSevy, do you know what place I mean?) My favorite was Arctic Apricot Beer. There is a farmers market in downtown Anchorage on Saturdays which was fun. Good place for some inexpensive souveniers like homemade jellies, salmon treats for kitty, etc and some interesting food vendors. Have a great trip.

Go to Alaska (on Fodors!) and you will find lots of good info.

The must see I hear over and over is Kenai Peninsula, especially the boat rides to see marine wildlife.

Try this site:
http://www.denalisummertimes.com/
I've never been to Alaska, but my niece (who's lived in Healy her entire life) authors this site, and it's got a lot of good info.

I spent two weeks on the Kenai Peninsula in Sept 2000 and it was one of the best vacations of my life. I love fresh fish, and much to my amazement, all three of us preferred the fresh halibut to the salmon (the salmon was great too, though!). By all means try both at the Glacier Brewhouse in Anchorage.

We salmon and rainbow trout fished on the Kenai River out of Cooper Landing, which was fantastic, and my son also caught salmon in Homer. The Kenai Fjords six hour cruise is a must as well.

The pizza place you're thinking of is Moose's Tooth and it's GREAT!!!

I would say you have to eat Alaskan seafood, particularly salmon and halibut. Most good restaurants in Alaska have good seafood selections. I agree with Donna that a stop at the Aleyska Resort would be fun. Also the small town of Girdwood, near Aleyska, has a fun local Alaskan feel and lots of unique shops and some good local restaurants. Bring lots of film and take pictures. You will so enjoy the natural beauty of Alaska. I lived in Alaska for 22 years and I miss it every day. Enjoy your trip.

Where is the farmers' market in Anchorage? Is it open all day or just early morning?

Here you go Clousie, I copied this from the Anchorage Daily News Tourist Info site:
Saturday Market

More than 300 vendors gather overlooking Ship Creek offering a day of eating, shopping and more eating. Vendors will sell Matanuska Valley vegetables, herbs and flowers. Local artists and crafters provide everything from framed photographs and artwork to clothing, jewelry and pottery. Food choices include pizza, reindeer hot dogs, halibut tacos, salmon quesadillas and ethnic foods. There also is free live entertainment.

Where: Third Avenue and E Street
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays May 18 to Sept. 14
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-272-5634
Web: www.anchoragemarkets.com

Donna,
Do an Alaskan Indian Dinner(info @ visitor center downtown park in Anchorage). For Breakfast a MUST in Anchorage is Gwenies, try the raindeer sausage(I think there a 2 places now go to the one near the Barett Inn)If you like bar nightlife? Chilcoot Charlies(younger 20-30 crowd) or Fly By Night Clu30-60 scene w/ yuppies to bush pilots, the old place was much better but?). Huckleberry ice cream is good. The Mat-Su Inn near Wasilla has a great seafood platter(haven't been there in a long time). The House of Lords is one very fancy place(bottom of Sheridan Hotel I believe)$$$$ but the best service I've ever had. Take lots of film to the park, it costs like gold in the park! Check and see if the State Fair is going on in the Matinooska Valley. You'll see some of the biggest vegetables in your life(due to the long day growing season along w/ handmade wares.
Whatever you do, be ready to be awestruck like never before!!! It's the greatest outdoor experience I've ever had! Have fun.

The Saturday market is really great. I guarantee you will find something nice...A hint, the market is almost directly kitty corner from the Hilton Hotel. Find the Hilton downtown and you will be right there.

Make sure you try beer battered fried halibut at the Saturday market - it's delicious!