Hello everyone,

I have to take a business trip this coming week from the east coast to Anchorage, AK. Since the meeting is on Friday I have decided to extend through the weekend returning home on the red-eye Sunday evening.

First question - I have re-read several posts regarding Anchorage and it seems that I may need a rental car. I won't have one for my meetings but could pick one up for Sat/Sun. My question is whether I will need one or if there is public transit or enough to do within walking distance.

Any suggestions for things to do would be appreciated. This is last minute and I haven't had time to do my usual planning. DH and I were there briefly before our Alaska cruise a couple of years ago and we did visit the Native American Heritage Center.

Thanks in advance.

You could easily spend a day shopping and strolling downtown. Anchorage's downtown is a walkable city!

A day trip (with a rental car) to Seward to see the Sealife Center and Exit Clacier would also be good. Portage Glacier is a little closer to Anchorage.

Go to www.anchorage.net to see the events listed. I very much enjoyed the Public Market in downtown. I see a garden and arts event scheduled at the fairgrounds which are in Palmer, an easy day trip and a beautiful view from the fairgrounds. I also liked the trolley tour of the city. If you go to Palmer I would also include a visit to Independence Mine.

Since you went on a cruise your previous visit, you may not want to do this. But if it were me, on Saturday, I'd take the train to Seward, do one of the Kenai Fjord boat trips, and take the train back. Then on that Sunday, I'd rent a bicycle to ride the Tony Knowles trail around Anchorage, eat at a couple of the excellent restaurants, watch the salmon fishing a little while . . . doing more would depend on how much time I had before the flight home.

What are YOUR interests?

Thanks all for your responses. I have a couple more questions.

Looking at the weather forecast could be raining most of the time. Does this change any suggestions?

I was looking at the public market and possibly renting bike for the coastal trail.

Also thinking trip to Portage Glacier or Kenai - for those is it better to reserve train on my own or one of the packages through tour operators that includes transportation?

My interests are varied and I enjoy just about anything. I am looking to get out and appreciate Alaska, view scenery and possibly wildlife and take some pictures.

I did the train to Seward/ Kenai Fjords day cruise in the late 90's. Great day! Also, I agree on Anchorage being a great and walkable city. Love the visitor's center in a Log Cabin.

Alaska Railroad Passenger Services: 800-544-0552

Kenai Fjords Boat Tours: 877-777-4051

They both have websites, also, and don't forget the time difference when phoning. Good luck with your planning!

You got many great suggestions. I just want to emphasize that Anchorage has endless hiking opportunities. If you are interested in this type of activities then rent a car and chose whatever trail sounds interesting to you. Flat Top is of course the name you will hear the most if you ask anyone about hiking in Anchorage. Don't be mislead, although Flat Top is a great hike with nice views but there are many more that have even more stunning scenery. Go to the Visitor Center they have a map and description of trails around Anchorage. For scenery a train to Seward is a good option. You do not need to take a tour, you can do it easily on your own. Without a car you can do the downtown walking tour, get another map from the Visitor Center on 4th Avenue and F Street. Don't miss the Museum of History and Art and plan on having an excellent lunch there.

I just wanted to follow up and thank everyone for the input and let you know how the weekend worked out for me.

On Saturday, I took the Alaska Railroad down to Seward for a Kenai Fjords day cruise. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate and they ended up cutting the cruise a bit short and had to stay in the bay so no glaciers or Nat'l Park. But, we did see some Orcas that were hunting the salmon around where the fishing boats were, one humpback, some sea lions, couple of bald eagles and a sea otter. Scenery - we couldn't see much because of the rain and clouds although we did see some nice waterfalls. Kenai Fjords Tours also refunded a portion of the cruise cost because it was shortened and we didn't get to the glaciers. I really wasn't expecting it and it was nice that they did it without people having to complain.

Was rewarded my second day with better weather. I rented a bicycle and biked the Tony Knowles coastal trail. Saw three moose and Denali was out! I then walked around the market a bit and had a nice late lunch to last me until my flight home.

It was a great weekend and nice to be able to mix a bit of pleasure in with business.

Lindsyb, even though your boat tour was cut short due to adverse weather, it sounds like you saw more in a weekend than most people see while spending weeks in Alaska. Humpbacks, orcas, and seeing Denali from Anchorage . . . you were very blessed while you were there!!!