Back from AK (Anch/Sew/Denali) with trip report and details
Jul 20th, 2007, 02:23 PM
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Back from AK (Anch/Sew/Denali) with trip report and details
Finally caught up on my sleep and sifted through my 996 pictures enough to leave a trip report!!
July 6: Flew Delta Orlando - Anch, Arrive Midnight, stay at SUSUITNA B & B in the Denali Suite (great place, easy walking to town, clean, friendly, nice breakfast, highly recommend it!)
July 7: Walked to 3rd, 4th and 5th Ave for shops and the GREEN MARKET. Wonderful weather and enjoyable morning for walking the booths at the Green Market (Salmon Quesadillas!!!) Took the FREE shuttle from the Visitors Center to the NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER, very interesting. (Buy the COMBO ticket for $1 more to see the Museum of History and Art too.)
July 8: Got our rental car and drove south toward Girdwood along TURNIGAN ARM. (Lovely drive with many turn offs, allow yourself lots of time to stop and enjoy these.) Spent the afternoon at the Annual GIRDWOOD FOREST FAIR. Lots of fun watching locals and shopping local artists, beautiful scenery for a festival among trees, so pretty.
Continued our drive to SEWARD. Got snacks in Seward Safeway, very expensive and lousy fruit. Stayed in a water view room at the ALASKA SALTWATER LODGE (nice big room, very clean, fridge, coffee pot, microwave, recommend it!!) at Lowell Point 2 ml south of town, worth the drive.) Went to the Yukon Bar to see HO BO JIM.
July 9: Took the KENAI FJORDS 8.5 hour boat trip. We saw beautiful glaciers and lots of wildlife, harbor seals, sea lions, puffins, orca whales, otters and humpback whales. The weather was a little hazy and we had 8 foot seas in the gulf (yes, I was sea sick!!). Dinner at Fox Island on the way back, tasty. I found the trip long and recommend the 6 hr one. The commentary was good and staff excellent. Nice 90 ft boat with indoor and outdoor seating, don”¦t skip a boat tour!!! (Best prices for souvenirs was at the shop directly across from the marina.) Bring a scarf and gloves, cool and windy on the water.
July 10: Visited the SEWARD SEA LIFE CENTER, don”¦t skip this!! Allow yourself 2-3 hrs here for nice lectures and lots to see. Very informative. Small but worth the visit.
We headed back to Anch with a stop at EXIT GLACIER. The visitors center has a great 3D map of the area, worth a visit and great short hikes putting you directly beside Exit glacier. Awesome to walk to one after seeing it on the boat yesterday, amazing sight. Continue to Anch to stay at the OSCAR GILL HOUSE B&B on 10th Ave. We had room One, oldest house in Anch, right on the park, great location, great breakfast of blueberry pancakes. We enjoyed their garden as well as the public rose garden in the park across the street. (Especially since the sun was up till 11pm, we had time to walk and enjoy these.) Dinner at SIMON & SEAFORDS, not impressed, very noisy.
July 11: Headed north toward Denali with a stop in TALKEETNA for a flightseeing tour with TALKEETNA AERO SERVICES. We were to have a flight around Mt McKinley with a glacier landing but the weather was cloudy and the plan was amended. We flew the summit and over many glaciers, beautiful sights, 50 minute flight, a real treat. (Hate to admit my stomach was done and ready to put my feet on the ground!) We picnicked in Talkeetna, cute little town! Continued our drive to Denali.
Checked in at the WILDERNESS ACCESS CENTER picking up our tickets for tomorrow mornings bus ride into the park. Dinner at BLACK DIAMOND GRILL. Overnight in HEALY at the DENALI LAKEVIEW INN with the Mt Glow room (twin and king beds). Such a nice room and view of the lake, fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, etc. Quiet and peaceful place, recommend it.
July 12: We boarded the green bus at the Wilderness Access Center for the 8:30am FISH CREEK SHUTTLE. (Bring your own water and snacks.) Made stops at Polychrome Pass, Toklat River, etc. Beautiful ride, lots of opportunity for photos and rest rooms. We saw moose, caribou, hares, sheep and bears. We got off the bus at Fish Creek and hiked for a bit. Busses come by every 30 minutes so you just wave down the next one when you want to return. No marked trails. Got back at 6pm. (Visitor”¦s center just closed¼)
July 13: Don”¦t miss the DENALI VISITOR”¦s CENTER. Great video and lots of great info, super book store. We went to the DOG KENNEL DEMONSTRATION ( It”¦s FREE! Takes place, 10am, 2pm, 4pm.) Very informative and interesting.
Then we were off to our rafting trip with DENALI OUTDOOR CENTER. We had the 2 hour SCENIC WILDERNESS oar raft trip down the NENENA RIVER, great guide, very relaxing (class 1 & 2 rapids) and beautiful. (There is an option to continue into the rougher parts with class 3 & 4 rapids.) Another great way to see the mountains from a different angle.
After that we drove back into the park and hiked at SAVAGE RIVER. Great trail there. Beautiful hike. On the drive out, it was 8:30pm and we saw lots of wildlife!!!! More caribou and more moose. We hit it right, the time of night brought all the animals to the water and they seemed more active than when we rode the bus mid day. Definetly go hike at the later part of the day. People told us they saw lots of animals at 9pm so that was why we were there. (Sun sets at 11:15 right now.)
July 14: We head out of town, back to Anch with a stop in TALKEETNA for the annual MOOSE DROPPING FESTIVAL. Fun festival with lots of locals, local music and local art. (A woman asked my Mom where she was from? She said her tan legs proved she wasn”¦t from Alaska, lol.) Continued our drive back to Anch to stay at the WILDFLOWER INN B & B on
I Street. We had the LUPINE ROOM with a king and double beds. Wonderful hosts, extra special breakfast included reindeer sausage, clean place, even allowed us to bring dinner in and use their kitchen. (Check out the CITY MARKET across the street for a easy deli dinner and food/gifts.)
July 15: We went to the ALASKA MUSEUM OF HISTORY & ART, very interesting. (Worth that extra dollar with the combo ticket!) Then to the ULU knife factory and ended our visit with a picnic in EARTHQUAKE PARK before turning in our rental car at the airport. The weather was 70 degrees and every local put on a tee shirt and headed to the park, lol. Flew home.
**Made a stop at the WALMART store for last minute gifts. Everything we”¦d seem in every gift shop was here for less money. (Stock up on tees/magnets/Alaska SOCK Company socks/totes/books/etc.)
**Note: If I”¦d had more time, I”¦d hiked more in Denali. Anchorage is a clean city with GORGEOUS flowers all over. Wildflowers are blooming everywhere. People were pleasant. The ONLY place the recycle is in Denali!! Never had traffic or crowd trouble as I expected traveling in the height of the season. No mosquitoes. Flight was smooth and uneventful. Three woman traveling, we felt safe everywhere. Never even saw a police presence. Weather was wonderful, mornings of 50 degrees and afternoons up to 60”¦s. Only had the umbrella out once and windshield wipers on twice. Rain was brief and weather clears quickly. Great trip!!!
July 6: Flew Delta Orlando - Anch, Arrive Midnight, stay at SUSUITNA B & B in the Denali Suite (great place, easy walking to town, clean, friendly, nice breakfast, highly recommend it!)
July 7: Walked to 3rd, 4th and 5th Ave for shops and the GREEN MARKET. Wonderful weather and enjoyable morning for walking the booths at the Green Market (Salmon Quesadillas!!!) Took the FREE shuttle from the Visitors Center to the NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER, very interesting. (Buy the COMBO ticket for $1 more to see the Museum of History and Art too.)
July 8: Got our rental car and drove south toward Girdwood along TURNIGAN ARM. (Lovely drive with many turn offs, allow yourself lots of time to stop and enjoy these.) Spent the afternoon at the Annual GIRDWOOD FOREST FAIR. Lots of fun watching locals and shopping local artists, beautiful scenery for a festival among trees, so pretty.
Continued our drive to SEWARD. Got snacks in Seward Safeway, very expensive and lousy fruit. Stayed in a water view room at the ALASKA SALTWATER LODGE (nice big room, very clean, fridge, coffee pot, microwave, recommend it!!) at Lowell Point 2 ml south of town, worth the drive.) Went to the Yukon Bar to see HO BO JIM.
July 9: Took the KENAI FJORDS 8.5 hour boat trip. We saw beautiful glaciers and lots of wildlife, harbor seals, sea lions, puffins, orca whales, otters and humpback whales. The weather was a little hazy and we had 8 foot seas in the gulf (yes, I was sea sick!!). Dinner at Fox Island on the way back, tasty. I found the trip long and recommend the 6 hr one. The commentary was good and staff excellent. Nice 90 ft boat with indoor and outdoor seating, don”¦t skip a boat tour!!! (Best prices for souvenirs was at the shop directly across from the marina.) Bring a scarf and gloves, cool and windy on the water.
July 10: Visited the SEWARD SEA LIFE CENTER, don”¦t skip this!! Allow yourself 2-3 hrs here for nice lectures and lots to see. Very informative. Small but worth the visit.
We headed back to Anch with a stop at EXIT GLACIER. The visitors center has a great 3D map of the area, worth a visit and great short hikes putting you directly beside Exit glacier. Awesome to walk to one after seeing it on the boat yesterday, amazing sight. Continue to Anch to stay at the OSCAR GILL HOUSE B&B on 10th Ave. We had room One, oldest house in Anch, right on the park, great location, great breakfast of blueberry pancakes. We enjoyed their garden as well as the public rose garden in the park across the street. (Especially since the sun was up till 11pm, we had time to walk and enjoy these.) Dinner at SIMON & SEAFORDS, not impressed, very noisy.
July 11: Headed north toward Denali with a stop in TALKEETNA for a flightseeing tour with TALKEETNA AERO SERVICES. We were to have a flight around Mt McKinley with a glacier landing but the weather was cloudy and the plan was amended. We flew the summit and over many glaciers, beautiful sights, 50 minute flight, a real treat. (Hate to admit my stomach was done and ready to put my feet on the ground!) We picnicked in Talkeetna, cute little town! Continued our drive to Denali.
Checked in at the WILDERNESS ACCESS CENTER picking up our tickets for tomorrow mornings bus ride into the park. Dinner at BLACK DIAMOND GRILL. Overnight in HEALY at the DENALI LAKEVIEW INN with the Mt Glow room (twin and king beds). Such a nice room and view of the lake, fridge, microwave, toaster, coffee pot, etc. Quiet and peaceful place, recommend it.
July 12: We boarded the green bus at the Wilderness Access Center for the 8:30am FISH CREEK SHUTTLE. (Bring your own water and snacks.) Made stops at Polychrome Pass, Toklat River, etc. Beautiful ride, lots of opportunity for photos and rest rooms. We saw moose, caribou, hares, sheep and bears. We got off the bus at Fish Creek and hiked for a bit. Busses come by every 30 minutes so you just wave down the next one when you want to return. No marked trails. Got back at 6pm. (Visitor”¦s center just closed¼)
July 13: Don”¦t miss the DENALI VISITOR”¦s CENTER. Great video and lots of great info, super book store. We went to the DOG KENNEL DEMONSTRATION ( It”¦s FREE! Takes place, 10am, 2pm, 4pm.) Very informative and interesting.
Then we were off to our rafting trip with DENALI OUTDOOR CENTER. We had the 2 hour SCENIC WILDERNESS oar raft trip down the NENENA RIVER, great guide, very relaxing (class 1 & 2 rapids) and beautiful. (There is an option to continue into the rougher parts with class 3 & 4 rapids.) Another great way to see the mountains from a different angle.
After that we drove back into the park and hiked at SAVAGE RIVER. Great trail there. Beautiful hike. On the drive out, it was 8:30pm and we saw lots of wildlife!!!! More caribou and more moose. We hit it right, the time of night brought all the animals to the water and they seemed more active than when we rode the bus mid day. Definetly go hike at the later part of the day. People told us they saw lots of animals at 9pm so that was why we were there. (Sun sets at 11:15 right now.)
July 14: We head out of town, back to Anch with a stop in TALKEETNA for the annual MOOSE DROPPING FESTIVAL. Fun festival with lots of locals, local music and local art. (A woman asked my Mom where she was from? She said her tan legs proved she wasn”¦t from Alaska, lol.) Continued our drive back to Anch to stay at the WILDFLOWER INN B & B on
I Street. We had the LUPINE ROOM with a king and double beds. Wonderful hosts, extra special breakfast included reindeer sausage, clean place, even allowed us to bring dinner in and use their kitchen. (Check out the CITY MARKET across the street for a easy deli dinner and food/gifts.)
July 15: We went to the ALASKA MUSEUM OF HISTORY & ART, very interesting. (Worth that extra dollar with the combo ticket!) Then to the ULU knife factory and ended our visit with a picnic in EARTHQUAKE PARK before turning in our rental car at the airport. The weather was 70 degrees and every local put on a tee shirt and headed to the park, lol. Flew home.
**Made a stop at the WALMART store for last minute gifts. Everything we”¦d seem in every gift shop was here for less money. (Stock up on tees/magnets/Alaska SOCK Company socks/totes/books/etc.)
**Note: If I”¦d had more time, I”¦d hiked more in Denali. Anchorage is a clean city with GORGEOUS flowers all over. Wildflowers are blooming everywhere. People were pleasant. The ONLY place the recycle is in Denali!! Never had traffic or crowd trouble as I expected traveling in the height of the season. No mosquitoes. Flight was smooth and uneventful. Three woman traveling, we felt safe everywhere. Never even saw a police presence. Weather was wonderful, mornings of 50 degrees and afternoons up to 60”¦s. Only had the umbrella out once and windshield wipers on twice. Rain was brief and weather clears quickly. Great trip!!!
Jul 21st, 2007, 03:43 PM
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Kristinesonja, isn't Alaska beautiful! We did almost the same itinerary as you, except for the river trip. Do you remember how much that cost per person? And did you get splashed a lot during the trip? Thanks!
Jul 21st, 2007, 04:57 PM
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http://denalioutdoorcenter.com/rafting.html#menu
We rode the Oar Raft Trip called SCENIC WILDERNESS. $73, We didn't get wet on this mild ride. You could continue the trip for the rougher part, I chose not to as I had my Mom with me. (Many seniors did though.)
They offer paddle trips where you participate or the oar trip where you just sit and ride. I recommend it.
We rode the Oar Raft Trip called SCENIC WILDERNESS. $73, We didn't get wet on this mild ride. You could continue the trip for the rougher part, I chose not to as I had my Mom with me. (Many seniors did though.)
They offer paddle trips where you participate or the oar trip where you just sit and ride. I recommend it.
Jul 21st, 2007, 06:52 PM
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Interesting, your trip was almost exactly the same one we made in 2000. The Delta flight from Orlando then only had about 35 people on it so we each had a whole row to ourselves. Alaska is such a gorgeous place - hope to go back soon!
Jul 22nd, 2007, 01:30 PM
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farm123,
Savage River is the point at which you can drive up to, 12 miles I think. Only authourized vehicles and busses go beyond here.
At Savage River there is a small parking lot and going opposite the direction of the bridge is the SR Loop. Nice little trail goes along the river.
We were told that if you continue on it will cross over the river and come back the other side. You can see the trail on both sides but we didn't go to the point where it crosses.
The braids are very shallow there, you can walk on the river bed too.
DEFINETLY worth getting out of the car and walking. Take a look up at the Indian Cheif head also.
Kristine
Savage River is the point at which you can drive up to, 12 miles I think. Only authourized vehicles and busses go beyond here.
At Savage River there is a small parking lot and going opposite the direction of the bridge is the SR Loop. Nice little trail goes along the river.
We were told that if you continue on it will cross over the river and come back the other side. You can see the trail on both sides but we didn't go to the point where it crosses.
The braids are very shallow there, you can walk on the river bed too.
DEFINETLY worth getting out of the car and walking. Take a look up at the Indian Cheif head also.
Kristine
Jul 23rd, 2007, 03:01 PM
#9
Kristine,
Excellent report and very timely considering that we'll be in Alaska in about a month doing, seeing and staying in some of the same places you did. We're doing the Anchorage to Homer to Seward (we'll be staying at the Salt Water Lodge), to Talkeetna to Healy (we'll be staying at the Lakeview Inn Denali) and back to Anchorage. I really appreciate your descriptions of the 2 Anchorage museums, the Seward Sea Life Center and the Exit Glacier hike, the Denali bus ride, and your restaurant experiences.
Some questions for you:
In Anchorage upon arrival, is it worth going to WalMart or somewhere else to stock up on soda, beer, and other provisions before heading south? You mention the Seward Safeway was expensive and I was wondering if things are any cheaper in Anchorage.
What was your impression of the Salt Water Lodge? Any tips? We've signed up for the Salt Water Lodge's combo Kenai Fjords/fishing trip. I notice you went with a larger outfit. Any advice for the Lodge's tour? Did you take any anti-sea sickness stuff?
We're considering the flightseeing out of Talkeetna and are wondering if you thought it was worth the expense. How did it rate on the "wow" factor? Why did you choose the Summit tour as opposed to the other non-glacier tours? How many seats in the plane?
What was your favorite place or two for lunch/dinner and why?
I'll probably have more Qs later but these ought to keep you busy, LOL!!
Thanx, Dave
Excellent report and very timely considering that we'll be in Alaska in about a month doing, seeing and staying in some of the same places you did. We're doing the Anchorage to Homer to Seward (we'll be staying at the Salt Water Lodge), to Talkeetna to Healy (we'll be staying at the Lakeview Inn Denali) and back to Anchorage. I really appreciate your descriptions of the 2 Anchorage museums, the Seward Sea Life Center and the Exit Glacier hike, the Denali bus ride, and your restaurant experiences.
Some questions for you:
In Anchorage upon arrival, is it worth going to WalMart or somewhere else to stock up on soda, beer, and other provisions before heading south? You mention the Seward Safeway was expensive and I was wondering if things are any cheaper in Anchorage.
What was your impression of the Salt Water Lodge? Any tips? We've signed up for the Salt Water Lodge's combo Kenai Fjords/fishing trip. I notice you went with a larger outfit. Any advice for the Lodge's tour? Did you take any anti-sea sickness stuff?
We're considering the flightseeing out of Talkeetna and are wondering if you thought it was worth the expense. How did it rate on the "wow" factor? Why did you choose the Summit tour as opposed to the other non-glacier tours? How many seats in the plane?
What was your favorite place or two for lunch/dinner and why?
I'll probably have more Qs later but these ought to keep you busy, LOL!!
Thanx, Dave
Jul 23rd, 2007, 06:13 PM
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dfrostnh,
I only got to the AK Bead Shop on Tudor. I was rather disappointed as I told them I was from FL and hoping to buy something unique to Alaska or that I couldn't find at home. I got minimal assistance and bought very little. (no customer service
)
dcd,
If you'd like to see pics of any of the lodging, email me [email protected]. I have pic inside and outside of the places.
"In Anchorage upon arrival, is it worth going to WalMart or somewhere else to stock up on soda, beer, and other provisions before heading south?"
Yes, I would stock up in Anch. Seward is secluded and w/only one grocery store prices are at a premium. I'd stock up. (Heading north, the Fred Meyer grocery in Wasilla is a good stop. Tescoro gas station is on that corner too. $2.99 gallon gas instead of $3.49 in Denali).
"What was your impression of the Salt Water Lodge? Any tips? We've signed up for the Salt Water Lodge's combo Kenai Fjords/fishing trip. I notice you went with a larger outfit. Any advice for the Lodge's tour? Did you take any anti-sea sickness stuff?"
We had an upstairs room at SWL. 2 dl beds, small bathroom, large windows, dining table, wood floors, fridge, microw, coffee pot, basket of teas/coffee. We were very pleased there, nice and quiet, clean, safe, friendly, lovely view, eating area was downstairs & large where guests gathered in the am and chatted. I had booked my boat trip before my room so didn't know they offered tours. I used the perscription TRANSDERM SCOP patches everyday of my trip. I put a new one on every 3 days. Get them through a Dr. (Honestly, I can get sick on a DOCK!!)
"We're considering the flightseeing out of Talkeetna and are wondering if you thought it was worth the expense. How did it rate on the "wow" factor? Why did you choose the Summit tour as opposed to the other non-glacier tours? How many seats in the plane?"
The flight seeing was very expensive, I admit I'm probably the last person who'd want to fly in a little plane at home, *B*U*T* this was ALASKA!!!!! I forked over the money and DID IT! I knew knew I'd be quesy with motion sickness but seized the moment. I'm glad I did. I think the 'wow' factor was worth it. I saved $ for a year and planned for 6 months, I wasn't going to go home saying "I wish I had." We had a glacier landing booked but the pilot made the recommendation as to what was worth seeing that day considering the weather. I got the impression that plans are liquid, it all depends on the weather that day. The plane was a 10 seater including 2 pilots. We had head sets with microphones to hear commentary and ask our own questions.
"What was your favorite place or two for lunch/dinner and why?"
Honestly, we didn't do alot of dining out. All our lodging included breakfasts, that saves on food costs. We had a cooler in the car with snacks and a gallon of store bought water to refill water bottles each day. (Didn't have to pay $2 for bottled water at the tourist spots.) My FAVORITE in Anch was snacking all through the Green Market, lots of fun vendor foods. Glacier Brewhouse was on our list, but we chose not to stay as it was very noisy. Snow City Cafe on the corner of 4th and L was very busy (B & L)and looked good, but we didn't make it back there as I wanted to. Don't eat at the Downtown Deli on 4th, don't recommend it. In Seward we had dinner on the boat ride. Stop by the Yukon Bar for the local hangout. In Healy we ate at the Black Diamond Grill, decent meal. Denali, had a simple sub/soup meal at Bub's Subs and a good pizza/Alaskan Summer Ale beer across the street. I had alist of dining spots but we seemed to snack all day and not look for formal meals.
Soory, I rambled on but I'm still on a 'Alaskan high' and eager to share info. I can email you photos. I'm glad to answer any other questions. How many of you traveling?
Kristine
I only got to the AK Bead Shop on Tudor. I was rather disappointed as I told them I was from FL and hoping to buy something unique to Alaska or that I couldn't find at home. I got minimal assistance and bought very little. (no customer service
)dcd,
If you'd like to see pics of any of the lodging, email me [email protected]. I have pic inside and outside of the places.
"In Anchorage upon arrival, is it worth going to WalMart or somewhere else to stock up on soda, beer, and other provisions before heading south?"
Yes, I would stock up in Anch. Seward is secluded and w/only one grocery store prices are at a premium. I'd stock up. (Heading north, the Fred Meyer grocery in Wasilla is a good stop. Tescoro gas station is on that corner too. $2.99 gallon gas instead of $3.49 in Denali).
"What was your impression of the Salt Water Lodge? Any tips? We've signed up for the Salt Water Lodge's combo Kenai Fjords/fishing trip. I notice you went with a larger outfit. Any advice for the Lodge's tour? Did you take any anti-sea sickness stuff?"
We had an upstairs room at SWL. 2 dl beds, small bathroom, large windows, dining table, wood floors, fridge, microw, coffee pot, basket of teas/coffee. We were very pleased there, nice and quiet, clean, safe, friendly, lovely view, eating area was downstairs & large where guests gathered in the am and chatted. I had booked my boat trip before my room so didn't know they offered tours. I used the perscription TRANSDERM SCOP patches everyday of my trip. I put a new one on every 3 days. Get them through a Dr. (Honestly, I can get sick on a DOCK!!)
"We're considering the flightseeing out of Talkeetna and are wondering if you thought it was worth the expense. How did it rate on the "wow" factor? Why did you choose the Summit tour as opposed to the other non-glacier tours? How many seats in the plane?"
The flight seeing was very expensive, I admit I'm probably the last person who'd want to fly in a little plane at home, *B*U*T* this was ALASKA!!!!! I forked over the money and DID IT! I knew knew I'd be quesy with motion sickness but seized the moment. I'm glad I did. I think the 'wow' factor was worth it. I saved $ for a year and planned for 6 months, I wasn't going to go home saying "I wish I had." We had a glacier landing booked but the pilot made the recommendation as to what was worth seeing that day considering the weather. I got the impression that plans are liquid, it all depends on the weather that day. The plane was a 10 seater including 2 pilots. We had head sets with microphones to hear commentary and ask our own questions.
"What was your favorite place or two for lunch/dinner and why?"
Honestly, we didn't do alot of dining out. All our lodging included breakfasts, that saves on food costs. We had a cooler in the car with snacks and a gallon of store bought water to refill water bottles each day. (Didn't have to pay $2 for bottled water at the tourist spots.) My FAVORITE in Anch was snacking all through the Green Market, lots of fun vendor foods. Glacier Brewhouse was on our list, but we chose not to stay as it was very noisy. Snow City Cafe on the corner of 4th and L was very busy (B & L)and looked good, but we didn't make it back there as I wanted to. Don't eat at the Downtown Deli on 4th, don't recommend it. In Seward we had dinner on the boat ride. Stop by the Yukon Bar for the local hangout. In Healy we ate at the Black Diamond Grill, decent meal. Denali, had a simple sub/soup meal at Bub's Subs and a good pizza/Alaskan Summer Ale beer across the street. I had alist of dining spots but we seemed to snack all day and not look for formal meals.
Soory, I rambled on but I'm still on a 'Alaskan high' and eager to share info. I can email you photos. I'm glad to answer any other questions. How many of you traveling?
Kristine
Jul 24th, 2007, 03:24 PM
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Check out this map.
http://www.anchorage.net/library/Anc...walkingmap.jpg
Green Market is every Sat and Sun morning through the summer. It's gate is at 3rd and E Street. (Fish chowder, salmon quesadillas, smoked slamon, lots of food!!) Check out the Alaska Sock Company socks at the market, ($4 at Walmart). They make great gifts and are easy to pack.
Start at 4th and F at the two visitors center and then head to 3rd.
DRIVING: very easy driving. Good roads. Good signage. Simple roads you can't get lost of with consistant mile markers. If you don't go with a MILEPOST, they are for sale all over but you should have one before you drive through the state. From Anch, you can't go wrong with Seward Hwy to the SOuth and Parks Hwy going North, lol. Driving was easy.
I know the rental companies warn you about chipped windshields and flat tires, I never even saw a car to the side of the road. Noone broken down.
http://www.anchorage.net/library/Anc...walkingmap.jpg
Green Market is every Sat and Sun morning through the summer. It's gate is at 3rd and E Street. (Fish chowder, salmon quesadillas, smoked slamon, lots of food!!) Check out the Alaska Sock Company socks at the market, ($4 at Walmart). They make great gifts and are easy to pack.
Start at 4th and F at the two visitors center and then head to 3rd.
DRIVING: very easy driving. Good roads. Good signage. Simple roads you can't get lost of with consistant mile markers. If you don't go with a MILEPOST, they are for sale all over but you should have one before you drive through the state. From Anch, you can't go wrong with Seward Hwy to the SOuth and Parks Hwy going North, lol. Driving was easy.
I know the rental companies warn you about chipped windshields and flat tires, I never even saw a car to the side of the road. Noone broken down.
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