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Anchorage Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Anchorage Travel & Tourism, Free Anchorage Travel Guide Online

Anchorage Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap Anchorage Travel & Tourism, Free Anchorage Travel Guide Online

The atmosphere of Anchorage is relaxed. There is less of a feeling of urgency than in many other metropolitan centers. Perhaps it is the majestic beauty of the mountains, or the profusion of flowers throughout the city or the pink and lavender light that reflects on the winter snow that consistently draw the attention of resident and visitor alike away from the press of business at just the right moment and toward the true heart of Anchorage.

Anchorage sits on a high bluff at the base of the Chugach Mountains along the coast of Cook Inlet in south central Alaska. It is as far north as Helsinki, Finland, and as far west as Honolulu, Hawaii. Protected by the mountains and warmed by Japanese currents of the Pacific Ocean, Anchorage has a temperate, maritime climate. Spring through fall, Anchorage's climate is similar to San Francisco's spring weather, with temperatures that can reach into the 70's with an average of 65 degrees.

Winters bring snow with high temperatures dipping into the 20s, creating a climate very much like ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, Canada, or Europe. Low humidity also contributes to Anchorage's comfortable climate.

The Chugach, Kenai, and Alaska ranges can be seen from Anchorage. Mount McKinley, 130 miles north of downtown, can also be seen on clear days. This 20,320-foot peak is the tallest mountain in North America.

There are approximately 100,000 glaciers in Alaska. Portage Glacier, just 45 miles south of downtown Anchorage, is one of the most visited attractions in Alaska.

Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and is home to over half of the state's residents.

Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a cosmopolitan air, yet Anchorage retains the spirit of a frontier town. Sled dog races are still major events, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. The rugged countryside is just a short drive away.

In Anchorage you can enjoy a casual lunch of reindeer sausage and dine in the evening at an elegant restaurant. The fresh fish is extraordinary. One could spend two weeks in Anchorage eating only salmon and halibut and not tire of it as there are so many delicious variations employed in the preparation of each seafood dish. There is a wide range of choice in cuisine. Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Thai, Indian, Korean, German, Cajun, Nouvelle cuisine, and vegetarian offerings are among the possibilities. In addition, many coffee shops and brew pubs (featuring locally brewed beers) are scattered throughout the city.

Chose a clear day for travel, try for a land-side seat, and "flightsee" a glacier. This is the mode of travel offering the best views both during flight and when landing on the glacier. Take time for a side trip to Denali Park via the Alaska Railroad and stay a day there for a park tour. It is wise to start the tour early in the day as clouds roll in during the afternoons and block even the view of Mount McKinley.

Every season of the year offers never to be forgotten experiences for the whole family. Be sure to pack a pair of binoculars for each of the children, and a camera with a telephoto lens for the family photographer.

In May the salmon run upstream, and it is said that they are so numerous that it would be possible to cross the river on a solid bridge of salmon. Each summer, Anchorage comes alive with big, bright flowers. The extended summer daylight makes possible impressive floral displays and an abundance of fresh vegetables.

The city plants 311 flowerbeds with 54,000 plants at 52 sites. Businesses and residents add their own hanging baskets and flower beds. In all, there are an estimated 100,000 hanging baskets! Visitors can ride around downtown in a horse-drawn carriage.

Summer also brings long hours of daylight. After dinner it is not unusual to decide to go out for a hike. Darkness does not occur until 3:00 or 4:00 AM! During the day there are opportunities to visit wildlife preserves, shop for Native Alaskan handicrafts, or take a hike in the surrounding Chugach Mountains or along the paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail.

Winter days are very short, but are filled with activity. Winter is the time for skiing, sledding, ice-skating, dog mushing, and ice fishing. It also is the time for the display of the Northern Lights. They appear late at night, when it is darkest, during fall and winter, and are best seen north of Anchorage in Fairbanks.

Anchorage's downtown is ideal for walking. The grid plan was laid out with military precision by the Army Corps of Engineers, with streets and avenues running exactly east-west and north-south. The municipal People Mover bus system covers Anchorage, costs nothing within the central city, and only a dollar one-way outside the downtown area.

Anchorage has its own symphony orchestra, opera company and concert association, as well as numerous independent performance groups. The larger venues include the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, George M. Sullivan Area, the Egan Convention Center, and University of Alaska Anchorage's Wendy Williamson Auditorium.

In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip. When planning a vacation in Alaska, be sure to allow enough time. Distances are vast, and there is so much to see and enjoy. Try to schedule a minimum of two weeks in Anchorage and the immediate area for the vacation of a lifetime.

Anchorage Attractions: Anchorage Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Anchorage Travel & Tourism, Free Anchorage Travel Guide Online

Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum

4721 Aircraft Dr.

907/248-5325.

Mid-May-mid-Sept., daily 9-6; mid-Sept.-mid-May

Tues.-Sat. 10-4 or by appointment.

Small but interesting and informative facility presents the state's aviation history with vintage aircraft, a theater, observation deck along Lake Hood, and a gift shop. A historic Fairchild American Pilgrim and a Stearman C2B, the first plane to land on Mt. McKinley in the early 1930s, are highlights. Volunteers are working to restore many of the planes.

Alaska Center For The Performing Arts

621 W. 6^th Ave. at G St.

907/263-2900; 907/263-2787 for tickets.

Daily 8-5; tours Wed. 1 PM.

This distinctive stone and glass building faces a park filled with brilliant flowers all summer.

Alaska Heritage Library And Museum

301 W. Northern Lights Blvd., at C St.

907/265-2834.

Free.

Late May-early Sept., weekdays noon-5; early Sept.-late May, weekdays noon-4.

This museum in the lobby of a large midtown bank displays a variety of Alaskan Native artifacts including baskets, dolls, paintings, and rare books.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Take 4^th Ave. Trolley

907/257-5635

8800 Heritage Center Dr. (Glenn Hwy. At Muldoon Rd.), 907/330-8000.

Admission charged.

Mid-May-Sept., daily 9-6; Oct.-mid-May, weekends noon-5.

Situated on a 26-acre site facing the Chugach Mountains, this spacious center offers an introduction to Alaska's Native peoples through interpretive displays, artifacts, photographs, demonstrations, live performances, and films. Next to the lake outside, five village exhibits representing Alaska's varied Native heritage acquaint you with the traditional structures and culture of Native peoples.

Alaska Public Lands Information Center

605 W. 4^th Ave. at F St.

907/271-2737.

Memorial Day-Labor Day, daily 9-5:30

Labor Day-Memorial Day, weekdays 10-5:30.

This is a great one-stop source of information on all of Alaska's public lands, including national and state parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges. Make reservations for a state ferry, watch nature videos, learn about plants and animals, or view films highlighting different areas of the state.

Alaska Railroad Depot

411 W. 1^st Ave.

907/265-2494.

Daily, depending on train schedules.

Built in 1942, some of the original woodwork can still be seen inside the lobby. In front are totem poles and an historic engine used in the building of the Panama Canal before it hauled freight in Alaska. A monument in front of the depot relates the history of the railroad, which played an important role in the city's growth.

Alaska Statehood Monument

Corner of 2nd Ave. & E St. A plaque and the bust of President Eisenhower commemorates the Alaska Statehood Act signed by the President on January 3, 1959, making Alaska the Union's 49th state.

Alaska Zoo

2 miles east of the New Seward Hwy. 4731 O'Malley Rd.

907/346-3242.

May-Labor Day, daily 9-6; Labor Day-Apr., daily 10-dusk.

Siberian tigers, musk oxen, seals, moose, and a variety of Alaskan birds call this home, but the main attractions are Oreo, a brown bear, and Ahpun, a polar bear. You can hop a city bus here from downtown.

Anchorage Museum Of History And Art

121 W. 7^th Ave.

907/343-4326; 907/343-6173 for recorded information.

Admission charged.

Mid-May-mid-Sept., Sun.-Thurs. 9-9, Fri.-Sat. 9-6; mid-Sept.-mid-May, Tues.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. 1-5.

Visitors can join an informative 45-minute tour or watch a film on Alaska.

Permanent collection depicts 10,000 years of Alaska history, including Native subsistence lifestyles, European exploration, Russian-America and contemporary times. Also features art of the north from travelers, adventurers and Native artists. Daily presentations by local artists and authors take place from June through August.

Chugach State Park

Headquarters, Mile 115, Seward Hwy.

HC 52, Box 8999, 99540

907/345-5014.

Alaska's most accessible wilderness, Chugach State Park is nearly half a million acres in size. Bordering Anchorage to the east, it has nearly 30 trails - from 2 to 30 miles long - suitable for short hikes, weeklong backpacking, and mountain biking.

Eklutna Native Village

907/688-6026

Fee for tours

Mid-May-mid-Sept., daily 8-6

klutna, Inc. an Alaska Native Corporation, established Eklutna Historical Park in 1990 to preserve the heritage and traditions of the Athabascan people, and to portray the rapidly disappearing lifestyles of the Dena'ina Athabascan Indians in Southcentral Alaska.This small indigenous community 26 miles north of Anchorage on

the Glenn Highway, is the oldest

continually inhabited Athabascan site in the area. At the village cemetery is the hand-built St. Nicholas Siberian-style prayer chapel, traditional Russian Orthodox crosses, centuries old Russian icons, and 80 Native spirit houses, structures traditionally erected over the grave of a deceased relative. This custom comes from the melding of Athabascan and Russian Orthodox beliefs and practices. Often a family uses specific colors for their Spirit House to identify their clan. The cost of admission includes informative 30-minute tours, and the gift shop sells Native crafts.

Elmendorf Air Force Base Wildlife Museum

8481 19^th St., Bldg. 4-803

907/552-2282 for recorded information.

Free. Mon.-Thurs. 3-4:45, Sat. noon-5.

Mounted grizzlies, polar bears, birds, and moose live at this self-guided museum.. There are also hands-on displays

Imaginarium

737 W. 5^th Ave.

907/276-3179

Admission charged.

Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. noon-5.

Children can stand inside a giant soap bubble at the bubble lab, hold a starfish in the marine exhibit, learn about the northern lights, or take a galaxy tour in the planetarium at this experiential science museum. Featured attractions include an iguana, an alligator, and even a 19-ft python.

Oomingmak Musk Ox Producers Co-op

604 H St. Step inside for a look - and feel - of qiviut (pronounced key-vee-ute), the soft underwool of the musk ox. The wool--eight times warmer than sheep wool of equal weight--is hand knit into warm garments by Natives in Western Alaska. 272-9225.

Old City Hall

524 W. 4^th Ave.

This 1936 building now houses offices of the Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau. A few exhibits and historic photos are right inside the lobby. Out front, check out the marble sculpture of William Seward, the secretary of state who engineered the purchase of Alaska from Russia.

Oscar Anderson House Museum

420 M St., 907/274-2336

June-mid-Sept., Tues.-Sat. 11-4; mid-Sept.-May, by appointment.

City butcher Oscar Anderson built Anchorage's first permanent frame house in 1915 at a time when most of Anchorage consisted of tents. A Swedish Christmas open house is held the first two weekends of December. Half-hour tours are available whenever the museum is open.

Potter Marsh

907/345-5014.

Weekdays 8-4:30.

Canada geese and other migratory birds and the occasional moose or beaver frequent this marsh about 10 miles south of downtown on the Seward Highway. An elevated boardwalk makes viewing easy. The Potter Point Section House, an old railroad service building just south of the marsh, operates as a state park information center. Out front is an old engine with a rotary snowplow that was used to clear avalanches. Seward Hwy.,

Resolution Park

Western end of 2^nd and 3^rd Aves.

A cantilevered viewing platform dominated by a monument to Captain Cook is found in this tiny park. Mt. Susitna, known as the Sleeping Lady, is the prominent low mountain to the northwest. Mt. McKinley - referred to by most Alaskans by its traditional name, Denali - is often visible 125 miles away.

Ship Creek

Whitney Rd.

The creek is dammed here, with a footbridge across the dam. You'll see a waterfall, salmon running upstream, anglers, and, above it all, the tall buildings of downtown.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Access points are on the waterfront at the ends of 2^nd, 5^th, and 9^th avenues and at Westchester Lagoon.

On summer evenings, this recreational trail can be crowded with strollers, runners, bikers, dog walkers, and in-line skaters. In winter, cross-country skiers take to it in droves. The trail begins off 2^nd Avenue, west of Christensen Drive, and curls along Cook Inlet for approximately 11 miles to Kincaid Park, beyond the airport.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

The Center is located in Anchorage, Alaska at the corner of Muldoon Road and Glenn Highway, 15 minutes from downtown.

9 - 9 .

Admission charged.

A trail introduces visitors to Native Tradition Bearers, artists and performers as they tour five village exhibits surrounding a lake on the 26-acre campus.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is the first-ever visitor attraction to share Alaska Native traditions through educational programs for everyone; the center opened in May 1999.

Five Traditional Villages

Visitors enter the Center through the Welcome House, which includes interpretative displays, a theater hosting a film presentation and daily performances of traditional Native dance troupes.

A 30-member Academy comprised of Elders and Tradition Bearers was formed to help guide the Center's staff in program and building design.

The five traditional villages represent the five major Alaska Native cultures and offer a look into each culture's crafts and lifestyle.

Nearby Glaciers

20-mile Glacier

45 min. south Hanging glacier visible from the highway. Look northeast up the Twenty Mile River valley just before you reach Portage.

Explorer Glacier

50 min. south Viewable from the road to Portage Glacier, look for this hanging glacier near the Bear Creek Campground.

Byron Glacier

1 hr south Near the visitor center at Portage Glacier. A 3/4-mile walking trail takes you to the snowfield at the base of the glacier. Join a guided "iceworm safari" or explore on your own.

Exit Glacier

2.5 hrs. south A short walking trail just north of Seward takes you right up to the glacier. Adventurous hikers can take a (long, strenuous) climb up to the 300-square-mile Harding Ice Field.

Matanuska Glacier

2 hrs. north/east This glacier stretches 27 miles long. Look down over parts of it from the Glenn Highway or drive closer (over private land) for a lowland perspective of its 4-mile-wide terminus.

Portage Glacier

Begich-Boggs Visitor Center on the shore of Portage Lake

907/783-2326

One of Alaska's most frequently visited tourist destinations, this is 54 miles southeast of Anchorage via the Seward Highway and Turnagain Arm. A 6-mile side road off the Seward Highway leads to the. Unfortunately, the glacier is receding rapidly, so the view across the lake is not as good as it used to be. southeast of Anchorage.

Scenic Drives From Downtown

Kenai Fjords National Park

Best known for world-class fishing, the Kenai Peninsula is an Alaska-sized outdoor playground that includes the and port towns with lots to do. There's also Whittier, gateway to the pristine Prince William Sound.

The Matanuska Valley

is a beautiful area rich in outdoor activities and includes Alaska's only community based on agricultural, a restored gold mine and a Musk Ox farm. Further North is Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak: Mt. McKinley.

Eklutna Historical Park

Discover an intriguing mix of Russian and Native Alaska cultures at Eklutna Historical Park, just a half-hour from downtown.

The park features the Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, a cemetery with colorful spirit houses and displays that explore the fascinating history of the Russian influence on Athabaskan culture.

Big Game Alaska

Located on the Seward Highway 5 miles from Portage Glacier, Big Game Alaska offers the visitor an opportunity to view a variety of animals from the comfort of their own vehicles. Among these are: Moose; Sitka Black-tailed Deer; Caribou; Elk; Bison; Muskoxen; Raptors/Birds and Small Mammals.

As Alaska's only drive-through animal park, Big Game Alaska is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of injured and orphaned animals.

Alaska Sealife Center

A scenic 2.5-hour drive to the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward.

Accessible by road, rail, air and sea, the new Alaska SeaLife Center is one of the state's top attractions.

The Center is the world's first cold-water marine institute, dedicated to preserving the marine environment through research, rehabilitation and education.

Interactive exhibits and discovery programs allow hands-on experience.

Three different habitats, with viewing above and below the water's surface, mirror the natural surroundings of Resurrection Bay. Visitors can view endangered Steller Sea Lions, harbor seals, and countless seabirds as they live and interact as they would in the wild.

This 115,000-square-foot facility is operated by the Alaska SeaLife Center - a private, non-profit corporation. Scientific leadership is provided by the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Tours of the Center are self-guided

Girdwood

Forty miles southeast of Anchorage, the town of Girdwood, a ski resort, summer vacation spot, and home to an eclectic collection of locals. The main attraction is the Mt. Alyeska Ski Resort, the largest ski area in Alaska. Besides winter sports, the town has mountain hiking, restaurants, and gift shops. 40 miles south of Anbchorage along the Seward and Alyeska highways.

Kenai Fjords National Park

Box 1727, Seward, 99664

907/224-3175.

This 670,000-acre coastal park is accessible by driving to the photogenic port town of Seward, 125 miles south of Anchorage, at the south end of Seward Highway. Seward is the launching point for excursions into the park, where you can get an up-close view of blue tidewater glaciers and some remarkable ocean wildlife. If you take a day trip around the park, on a tour boat from Seward, you may glimpse sea otters, sea lions, bald eagles, thousands of seabirds, and perhaps a humpback or orca whale. One of the park's chief attractions is Exit Glacier, which can be reached by the one road that passes into Kenai Fjords.

Prince William Sound

This pristine, 15,000-square-mile region a few hundred miles east of Anchorage is best explored by a charter tour from Anchorage. The area is home to about 150 glaciers, as well as trickling waterfalls and hidden coves. You'll also see brown bears, wolves, and marine life. Tour operators offer flightseeing, wildlife viewing, or glacier tours.

Anchorage Events: Anchorage Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Anchorage Travel & Tourism, Free Anchorage Travel Guide Online

Events

January

Sled Dog Races

Each weekend races are conducted by the Alaskan Sled Dog & Racing Association. January through February. Tozier Memorial Track. (907) 562-2235

Anchorage Folk Festival

Locals and celebrity artists entertain. University of Alaska Anchorage.

(907) 566-2334

Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival

(907) 562-9911

Annual Symphony of Seafood

Showcases new products made from wild Alaska salmon and white fish.

(907) 276-7315

February

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous

One of the largest winter carnivals in North America - a 10-day celebration that includes the World Championship Dog Sled Race, fireworks, outdoor games and more.

(907) 274-1177

March

Tour of Anchorage Cross-Country Ski Race

A premier marathon that is part of the American Ski Marathon Series.

(907) 561-0949

Iditarod Sled Dog Race

More than 1,000 dogs line up to start the world's best known dog race. Mushers trek by dog sled following old gold rush trails in what is called the "The Last Great Race on Earth" from Anchorage to Nome. The 1,049 miles to Nome begins in downtown Anchorage on 4th Avenue.

(907) 376-5155

April

Native Youth Olympics

More than 100 young people from across the state come together in Anchorage to demonstrate their favorite Native Games, keeping alivethe many traditional contests of their forefathers.

(907) 265-5981

Alyeska Resort Spring Carnival

2002 marks the 25th year for this Carnival which welcomes spring with great skiing, events such as the Slush Cup, prizes & activities, a beach party, food, drinks and fun. Girdwood.

(907) 754-2209.

May

Open Air Markets

Held Tuesdays in Eagle River, Wednesdays at Northway Mall, and Saturdays in downtown Anchorage. Displayed are a huge variety of goods including Alaska grown produce, fresh seafood from Alaska's waters, spectacular and unique works of art, Alaska made crafts and gifts. Wednesday & Saturday Market: (907) 272-5634. Tuesday Market: (907)694-4702.May-September.

Music in the Park

Summer Concert Series held Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-1 p.m., 4th Ave & E Street Park (907)279-5650

May

Irish Music and Cultural Festival

A Celtic celebration of food, music and dance.

(907) 566-2028

June

Semi-pro Baseball

Anchorage's two semi-pro teams play under the midnight sun at Mulcahy Stadium, June through August. Anchorage Bucs (907) 561-2827; Anchorage Glacier Pilots (907) 274-3627.

Three Barons Renaissance Fair

Village peasants, merchants and nobles wear the dress of the period, speak "olde" English and entertain as they did for royalty.

(907) 868-8012

Blues on the Green

An all day outdoor blues celebration with live entertainment from national and local blues bands. Delicious foods, unique merchandise, and cultural/community booths

(907) 272-1341/1800-478-7328.

Ship Creek King Salmon Derby

Downtown annual event. Ship Creek.

(

907) 276-647

Juneteenth

The third Saturday of every June is now recognized as a state holiday. "JUNETEENTH DAY" is the celebration of freedom and diversity. Everyone is welcome to participate & enjoy food, fun, and entertainment.

(907) 278-1778

Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon

Celebrate the summer solstice with a marathon that attracts runners from around the world.

(907) 343-4474

AWAIC Summer Solstice Festival

Outdoors festival packed with food, Alaska-made items and free entertainment to benefit the Abused Women's Aid in Crisis shelter. Town Square.

(907) 279-9581

July

Mount Marathon Race

This annual race starts in downtown Seward, runs up a mountain and returns to downtown.
July 4^th annually. (907) 224-8051

Bear Paw Festival

Annual celebration featuring the Teddy Bear Picnic & Family Fun Day, Classic Car Show, Miss Bear Paw Pageant, 5K fun run, Slippery Salmon Olympics, Quilt Show & Auction.

(907) 694-4702

Girdwood Forest Faire

Arts and crafts, music and food all weave through a forest. There are games and fun for all ages, as well as the Midnight Sun Paragliding Fly-In and 5K Fun Run. Girdwood.

(907) 783-2931

August

Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival

A four day camp-out music festival, under the never-dark summer skies of Alaska. Bands play 20 out of 24 hours! Talkeetna.

(907) 696-1668

Alaska State Fair

The state's largest fair with craft booths, live entertainment and farm exhibits, including 90 pound cabbages and other giant vegetables. Palmer Fairgrounds (907) 754-4827

September

Alyeska Blueberry & Mountain Arts Festival

Weekend of great food and wine, creative arts and crafts, and rousing folk music. (907) 754-1111

Alaska Airlines annual "Autumn Classics"

Bringing together an international cast of musicians to perform a great variety of music. (907) 747-6774

October

Quyana Alaska

Native dance celebration held in conjunction with the annual Alaska Federation of Natives convention. (907) 274-3611

Johnson/Nissan Hockey Classic

See four top-ranked college teams compete in this fast-paced hockey tournament. (907) 786-1230

November

The Dickens Holiday Food and Gift Festival

Old fashioned holiday bazaar.

(907) 277-7469

Annual Crafts Emporium at the Egan Center

Holiday crafts fair with fun and holiday opportunities for the whole family.

(907) 263-2800

CARRS/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout

Top-ranked men's basketball teams compete in this nationally-recognized college tournament.

(907) 786-1230

Ballet West's "The Nutcracker Ballet"

The magic of the Nutcracker returns annually. Music by the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. (800) 478-7328

Late November

Annual Crafts Weekend At the Museum

A big winter crafts event-just in time for Holiday Shopping! There are many artists, authors, and craftspeople who will display and sell their work. Includes holiday music and the opening of the Annual Dolls & Toys Exhibition.

(907) 343-4326

December

Swedish Christmas Celebration

Enjoy traditional Swedish decorations and customs at the Oscar Anderson House Museum. (907) 274-2336

Anchorage International Film Festival

The highly successful annual Anchorage International Film Festival is held during winter solstice, the darkest and coldest part of the year. Local movie buffs have a chance to catch some of the hottest offerings in independent films and to meet film makers and shakers from around the globe. The main venue, Bear Tooth Theater Pub, is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Enchanted World Robotic

performers in authentic costumes depict customs from around the world. (907) 276-2087

New Years Eve

"Just Desserts" Cross-country run on lighted trails. Entry fee: Your favorite dessert! (907) 343-4474

Annual Gala & Dinner Party

Alyeska Resort with Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display.

(907) 754-1111

Annual New Years Eve Ballwith the Anchorage Opera at the Hotel Captain Cook

(907) 279-2557

Arts and Entertainment

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

One of only 22 multi-theatre performing arts centers in the country.

170,000-square-foot facility

Three theaters seating 2,000, 700 and 340 people.

Lobby carpeting & seat upholstery designed by Alaskan artists 23 Native masks on display

Hosts everything from Broadway shows and performing artists of world renown to local professional productions

Tours available in summer; call 263-2900.

4th Avenue Theatre

630 W. 4th Ave.

This Art Deco-style landmark first opened in 1947, survived the 1964 earthquake, and was completely refurbished in 1992. Contains shops and the original floor-to-ceiling bronze murals.

George M. Sullivan Arena

Recorded event & ticket information, (907) 566-1596

8,000-seat facility Olympic-sized ice rink with insulated floor covering

Hosts large-scale sporting events, concerts and trade shows.

Home rink of the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolf and semi-pro Anchorage Aces hockey teams.

William A. Egan Center

For more information, call 263-2800.

Alaska's largest meeting and convention center.

Named for the state of Alaska's first governor

Completed in 1984.

UAA's Wendy Williamson Auditorium

3211 Providence Dr. (907) 274-5522.

Nearby Alaska Pacific University hosts productions, as well, in its Grant Hall.

University of Alaska Anchorage plays host to many musicians, theatrical productions, and events in its Wendy Williamson Auditorium, built in 1975.

Anchorage Concert Association

430 W. 7th Ave, Suite 200;

Anchorage, AK 99501

272-1471

The Anchorage Concert Association (ACA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the world's best performing artists to Alaska .

Anchorage Facts: Anchorage Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Anchorage Travel & Tourism, Free Anchorage Travel Guide Online

Population:

254,000. Anchorage is Alaska's largest city with 42 percent of the state's population.

Elevation:

118 feet

Tides

: The Upper Cook Inlet near Anchorage has the second greatest tide range in North America at 38.9 feet.

Aviation:

Alaska has about one registered pilot for every 58 residents, six times as many pilots per capita and 14 times as many airplanes per capita as the rest of the United States.

Time Zone:

Anchorage observes Alaska Standard Time (AST).
, which is 4 hours earlier than New York City. When it is noon in NYC, it is 8:00 AM in Anchorage and 9:00AM in California.

Northern Lights:

The best time to see the northern lights, or "aurora borealis" is during a cold, clear winter night. Many of the area hotels have a "northern lights wake up call" and if you indicate that you want to be awakened, they will call your room if the lights are dancing in the night sky.

Darkness and Light:

The least amount of functional daylight during the winter is seven hours and 35 minutes, and that occurs on Winter Solstice, usually around December 21. Anchorage gains daylight rapidly until Summer Solstice, which occurs around June 21 and which has nearly 24 hours of functional daylight.

Weather:

Anchorage is far south of the Arctic Circle , but Alaskan weather can change at a moment's notice. Storms gather momentum in the Gulf of Alaska, and the polar regions can experience snowstorms on the 4th of July and bask in hot summer sun on July 5th. Powerful winds can race from the mountains with no warning. If you're taking a flightseeing tour, prepare for delays or cancellations. The fog can set in as quickly as it can also lift - and small planes are dependent on the weather.

What to Wear

The weather is perfect for casual wear for people taking advantage of the many outdoor activities. Visitors may notice a drop in temperature while riding to the top of Mt. Alyeska or hiking in the Chugach Mountains. It is a good idea to bring a jacket for those activities. Wear layers of clothing and peel off a layer or add one as the weather changes.

Comfortable walking shoes are great for all seasons. In winter, bring heavier layers, long underwear, warm hat and gloves, and warm boots. Alaska's informality is perfect for visitors.

Average

Temperatures:

Month

High

Low

January

19F

5F

February

27F

9F

March

33F

13F

April

44F

27F

May

54F

36F

June

62F

44F

July

65F

49F

August

64F

47F

September

57F

39F

October

43F

29F

November

30F

15F

December

20F

6F

When to Go

Warm temperatures and long evenings of midnight sun draw visitors to Alaska from June through August.. July and August are the rainiest months in South Central Alaska (including Anchorage) and the Interior. Mosquitoes enjoy the summer rains, so come prepared with repellant.

To avoid the summer crowds and prices, go during fall or spring. From late August to early September there are displays of brilliant foliage, bright blue skies, and the mountains and glaciers dusted with fresh snow. Daytime temperatures are pleasant, though evenings can be chilly. May and June are the driest months.

Winter brings skiing, sledding, ice-skating, dog mushing, and ice fishing, along with the Northern Lights. They appear late at night, when it's darkest, during fall and winter. They are best seen north of Anchorage in Fairbanks.

Business Hours

Most Alaskan stores are open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 5 PM. Larger grocery stores remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Banks and credit unions are typically open Monday-Friday 10-5, and some have limited Saturday hours. Most government and other offices are open Monday-Friday 9-5, though some close at 4:30.

Many Alaskan gas stations remain open until 10 PM, and some stay open 24 hours a day. Most are also open on weekends, particularly along the main highways.

Holidays

January 1

New Year's Day

3rd Mon. in January

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day

3rd Monday in February

President's Day

March or April

Easter Sunday

last Monday in May

Memorial Day

July 4

Independence Day

1st Monday in September

Labor Day

4th Thursday in November

Thanksgiving Day

Dec. 24 and 25

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

December 31

New Year's Eve

Customs & Duties

Arriving in the United States from another country: For information, contact the
U.S. Customs Service, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20229, 202/354-1000;

Electricity

The U.S. electrical standard is 110 volts/60 cycles AC. International visitors traveling with dual-voltage appliances will not need a converter, but they will need a plug adapter. The standard U.S. electrical outlet takes a plug of two flat pins set parallel to one another.

Emergencies

For police, fire, or ambulance, dial 911.

Hospital Emergency Rooms

Alaska Regional Hospital

(2801 DeBarr Rd., 907/276-1131).

First Care

(3710 Woodland Dr., 907/248-1122; 1301 Huffman Rd., 907/345-1199).

Providence Hospital

(3200 Providence Dr., 907/562-2211).

Flightseeing Tours

Any air-taxi company (check the Anchorage Yellow Pages) can arrange for a flightseeing trip over Anchorage and environs. The fee will be determined by the length of time you are airborne and the size of the plane Three-hour flights over Mt. McKinley, including a landing on a remote backcountry lake are also availble.

Kenai Fjords Park Tours

Kenai Coastal Tours

( 907/277-2131 or 800/770-9119) leads day trips into Kenai Fjords National Park - in Seward, which is 127 miles south of Anchorage at the end of the Seward Highway. They also offer combination train-cruise-motor-coach trips from Anchorage.

Money

ATMs

As in the rest of the US, most ATMs in Alaska charge a fee if you don't have an account, but this fee is not imposed at most credit union ATMs.

Exchanging Money

Anchorage is not a major international city, so the best strategy is to buy traveler's checks in U.S. dollars before you come to the United States.

Taxes

Anchorage has no sales tax.

Tipping

At restaurants, a 15% tip is standard for waiters; up to 20% may be expected at expensive ones.

On package tours, conductors and drivers usually get $10 per day from the group as a whole; check whether this has already been figured into your cost.

Telephones

The country code for the United States is 1. The area code for Anchorage is 907.

Daily events

recording ( 907/276-3200).

Alaska Public Lands Information Center

(4^th Ave. and F St., 907/271-2737

Daylight Hours

In Anchorage, there are 24 hours of functional daylight on Summer Solstice. The further north you travel, the more sun you get in the summer; in Barrow the sun does not set for 84 days! The day with the least amount is on Winter Solstice, yet Anchorage still enjoys 7:35 hours of daylight. Again, the farther north the fewer the daylight hours.

Travel To Anchorage By Air

More than 240 flights arrive each day, Anchorage has flight connections from anywhere in the world. Domestic and international flights fly into
Ted Stevens
Anchorage International Airport (ANC) ( 907/266-2525), 6 miles from downtown

Numerous domestic and international carriers offer air service to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport as well as many charter flights. Travelers flying the "Great Circle Route" to other continents may have stopover privileges in Alaska, which allow for local travel.

Flying time is 13 hours from New York, 8 hours from Chicago, 7 hours from Dallas, and 6 hours from Los Angeles.

Several carriers, connect Anchorage with smaller Alaskan communities. Some serve the area from Lake Hood, part of Anchorage International Airport; others operate out of Merrill Field, 2 miles east of downtown on 5^th Avenue.

Carriers

Ground Transportation

Taxis, buses, rental cars and some hotel shuttles are available at the airport. Downtown is just 15 minutes away.

Airport Services

Secure baggage and cold item storage is available at Anchorage International Airport. Please call Huntleigh at (907) 248-0373 for more information.

Transfers Between the Airport and Town

Taxis

queue up at the lower level of the airport terminal outside the baggage-claim area. Alaska Cab, Checker Cab, Yellow Cab, and Anchorage Taxi Cab all operate here; you'll get whichever cab is next in line. All charge about $17, not including tip, for the ride to downtown hotels.

By Bus

The municipal
People Mover bus system ( 907/343-6543) covers the Anchorage metropolitan area. Get schedules and information from the central bus depot at 6^th Avenue and G Street. The one-way fare is nominal for rides outside the downtown area; rides within downtown are free.

By Car

Only one road leads to Anchorage from the north and only one road out to the south. The Glenn Highway enters Anchorage from the north and becomes 5^th Avenue near Merrill Field; this route will lead you directly into downtown. Gambell Street leads out of town to the south, becoming New Seward Highway at about 20^th Avenue.

Car Rentals

are readily available.

Requirements

In Alaska you must be 21 (and no older than 99) to rent a car, and rates may be higher if you're under 25. You'll pay extra for child seats which are compulsory for children under five, and for additional drivers . Non-U.S. residents will need a reservation voucher, a passport, a driver's license (written in English), and a travel policy that covers each driver, when picking up a car.

The Alaska Railroad

The routes run from Anchorage either south to the ports of Seward and Whittier, or north to Denali National Park and Preserve and Fairbanks.

In addition to spectacular wilderness vistas and wildlife viewing, the train ride itself is praised by passengers of all ages. Choose between a comfortable Alaska Railroad car or a privately operated tour company railcar with luxurious appointments. Day trips from Anchorage or overnight packages are available.

Northbound Routes

To Denali National Park & Preserve and Fairbanks

The route passes by rivers, sheer granite cliffs, forests and the 295-foot Hurricane Gulch.

Visitors can view Mt. McKinley, rising above the six million-acre Denali National Park and Preserve - and the tallest mountain on the North American continent. Its height is 20,320 feet.

Southbound Routes

To Whittier (Prince William Sound) or Seward (Resurrection Bay)

Observe mountains with hanging glaciers and abundant wildlife. Watch for whales, bald eagles, and Dall sheep.

Driving in Alaska

Road Conditions

Driving in Alaska presents some unusual obstacles. Moose often wander onto roads and highways. The moose will usually move on its own. Be especially vigilant when driving at dusk or night, since moose can be active at all hours.

Parking in Anchorage is usually not a problem, and most of the big discount stores allow free parking in their lots.

Headlights must be used at all times on the Seward Highway south of Anchorage. State law requires that slow-moving vehicles pull off the road at the first opportunity if leading more than five cars.

Anchorage Kids Activities: Anchorage Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap Anchorage Travel & Tourism, Free Anchorage Travel Guide Online

Attractions of Interest to Children

Alaska Zoo

4731 O'Malley Rd

2 miles east of the New Seward Hwy.

907/346-3242.

Admission Charged

May-Labor Day, daily 9-6; Labor Day-Apr., daily 10-dusk.

Alaska Native Heritage Center

A trail introduces visitors to Native Tradition Bearers, artists and performers as they tour five village exhibits surrounding a lake on the 26-acre campus.

The Alaska Native Heritage Center is the first-ever visitor attraction to share Alaska Native traditions through educational programs for everyone; the center opened in May 1999.

Five Traditional Villages

The Center is located in Anchorage, Alaska at the corner of Muldoon Road and Glenn Highway, just 15 minutes from downtown.

9 - 9 .

Admission charged.

Visitors enter the Center through the Welcome House, which includes interpretative displays, a theater hosting a film presentation and daily performances of traditional Native dance troupes.

A 30-member Academy comprised of Elders and Tradition Bearers was formed to help guide the Center's staff in program and building design.

The five traditional villages represent the five major Alaska Native cultures and offer a look into each culture's crafts and lifestyle.

Alaska Sealife Center

A scenic 2.5-hour drive to the shores of Resurrection Bay in Seward.

Accessible by road, rail, air and sea, the new Alaska SeaLife Center is one of the state's top attractions.

The Center is the world's first cold-water marine institute, dedicated to preserving the marine environment through research, rehabilitation and education.

Interactive exhibits and discovery programs allow hands-on experience.

This 115,000-square-foot facility is operated by the Alaska SeaLife Center - a private, non-profit corporation. Scientific leadership is provided by the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

Tours of the Center are self-guided

Imaginarium

737 W. 5^th Ave.

907/276-3179

Admission charged.

Mon.-Sat. 10-6, Sun. noon-5.

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