Renee’s Alaskan Adventure Guidebook
City/Town Information
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska with the best restaurants. There is no tax here so if you are planning to head out stock up on supplies before hitting the road. There is a Costco, Cabela's, and a smattering of asian grocery stores.
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Anchorage
Anchorage is the largest city in Alaska with the best restaurants. There is no tax here so if you are planning to head out stock up on supplies before hitting the road. There is a Costco, Cabela's, and a smattering of asian grocery stores.
Whittier is just after Girdwood, near Portage Glacier and closer to the house than Seward. In order to get there, you have to pay a tunnel toll of $13 per vehicle, pass through said tunnel into Whittier where fishing charters, kayak rentals, and beautiful trail hikes await. You can also connect to the Alaska Marine Highway system from Whittier to Valdez or Bellingham, WA. + other destinations.
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Whittier
Whittier is just after Girdwood, near Portage Glacier and closer to the house than Seward. In order to get there, you have to pay a tunnel toll of $13 per vehicle, pass through said tunnel into Whittier where fishing charters, kayak rentals, and beautiful trail hikes await. You can also connect to the Alaska Marine Highway system from Whittier to Valdez or Bellingham, WA. + other destinations.
If your feeling adventurous, plan a day trip to Seward. Get up early, pack a sack with some extra clothes/raingear, some food stuffs and take a 2 and a 1/2 hour drive to Seward. There are trails to hike, fishing charters to book, the Alaska Sea Life Center to visit, and campgrounds to enjoy. Seward also hosts the annual (around the 4th of July weekend) Mount Marathon Race if your feelin' spunky enough.
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Seward
If your feeling adventurous, plan a day trip to Seward. Get up early, pack a sack with some extra clothes/raingear, some food stuffs and take a 2 and a 1/2 hour drive to Seward. There are trails to hike, fishing charters to book, the Alaska Sea Life Center to visit, and campgrounds to enjoy. Seward also hosts the annual (around the 4th of July weekend) Mount Marathon Race if your feelin' spunky enough.
One of my favorite weekend haunts! What a beautiful place for combat fishing-sometimes along side bears (of whom are too busy fishing to be bothered), class 2 white-water rafting, float rafting, hiking and gold panning! It's only an hour and 45 minutes drive from the house!
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Cooper Landing
One of my favorite weekend haunts! What a beautiful place for combat fishing-sometimes along side bears (of whom are too busy fishing to be bothered), class 2 white-water rafting, float rafting, hiking and gold panning! It's only an hour and 45 minutes drive from the house!
Soldotna
A bustling little town with great fishing spots.
Another frequently visited spot. Homer is another little bustling, salty town which is 4 hours away from the house. The Homer Spit is always a fun place to be! There is a plethora of halibut fishing charters to choose from. Some of my favorite spots are the Pho and Thai Restaurant for good food, Mako's Water Taxi, Seldovia Bay Fast Ferry, and of course, the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry.
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Homer
Another frequently visited spot. Homer is another little bustling, salty town which is 4 hours away from the house. The Homer Spit is always a fun place to be! There is a plethora of halibut fishing charters to choose from. Some of my favorite spots are the Pho and Thai Restaurant for good food, Mako's Water Taxi, Seldovia Bay Fast Ferry, and of course, the Alaska Marine Highway Ferry.
A quaint little village of 235 people. Just a ferry ride away from Homer gets you there. From the house, plan on the 4 hour car ride to Homer and an additional 45 minute ferry ride on the Seldovia Bay Fast Ferry or Alaska Marine Highway Ferry. Once there, get some lunch and hike the Otterbahn Trail or just mosey around the boardwalk and get some ice cream. If a weekend trip is do-able, I recommend (bring bear spray) setting up a tent on the beach, lighting a campfire and having a personal summer! Wake up and go to the harbor restrooms to clean yourself up a little, get coffee and some brunch and head to a pre-booked kayaking tour or fishing charter. There are also rooms to book if roughing it isn't your thing, although I highly recommend roughing it, especially so in the months of June and July.
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Seldovia
A quaint little village of 235 people. Just a ferry ride away from Homer gets you there. From the house, plan on the 4 hour car ride to Homer and an additional 45 minute ferry ride on the Seldovia Bay Fast Ferry or Alaska Marine Highway Ferry. Once there, get some lunch and hike the Otterbahn Trail or just mosey around the boardwalk and get some ice cream. If a weekend trip is do-able, I recommend (bring bear spray) setting up a tent on the beach, lighting a campfire and having a personal summer! Wake up and go to the harbor restrooms to clean yourself up a little, get coffee and some brunch and head to a pre-booked kayaking tour or fishing charter. There are also rooms to book if roughing it isn't your thing, although I highly recommend roughing it, especially so in the months of June and July.
Food Scene
An 8 minute drive from the house. Very popular breakfast joint, worth the wait or get your food quicker and order it "to go". Has some vegan options too.
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Snow City Cafe
1034 W 4th AveAn 8 minute drive from the house. Very popular breakfast joint, worth the wait or get your food quicker and order it "to go". Has some vegan options too.
A local favorite for fried chicken and it's within walking distance from the house.
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Lucky Wishbone
1033 E 5th AveA local favorite for fried chicken and it's within walking distance from the house.
The best coffee in Alaska. There are several locations, all are popular. Both downtown locations are a 5 minute drive from the house. The closest Kaladi cafe is attached to the Anchorage Performing Arts center, or the other downtown location, inside Sagaya City Market, is just a little farther and you can stock up on groceries too!
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Kaladi Brothers Coffee
1340 W Northern Lights BlvdThe best coffee in Alaska. There are several locations, all are popular. Both downtown locations are a 5 minute drive from the house. The closest Kaladi cafe is attached to the Anchorage Performing Arts center, or the other downtown location, inside Sagaya City Market, is just a little farther and you can stock up on groceries too!
BurgerFi
600 E Northern Lights BlvdBeyond Burgers, FamiLY FRieS and gluten-free options... it's all so good!
Enjoy Moose's Tooth Pizza, a pitcher of local Broken Tooth beer and a movie! If you don't have time for a movie, you can still dine in, or take out from the theatre or grill side. They have great margaritas and it's a six minute drive from the house!
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Bear Tooth Theatrepub
1230 W 27th AveEnjoy Moose's Tooth Pizza, a pitcher of local Broken Tooth beer and a movie! If you don't have time for a movie, you can still dine in, or take out from the theatre or grill side. They have great margaritas and it's a six minute drive from the house!
Jackie's Place Restaurant
2632 Spenard RoadAuthentic dim-sum = YUM!
The only Ethiopian restaurant in Alaska and it's exceptionally delicious and very filling!
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SILK Restaurant and Sushi Bar
500 East Benson BoulevardThe only Ethiopian restaurant in Alaska and it's exceptionally delicious and very filling!
Ray's Place
2412 Spenard RdFamily owned and operated, super friendly and excellent food.
Ginger
425 W 5th AveAsian fusion with lots of seafood options
Handcrafted Alaskan ice cream using natural and local ingredients that brings absolute joy to any day!
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Wild Scoops
429 E StreetHandcrafted Alaskan ice cream using natural and local ingredients that brings absolute joy to any day!
Who DOESN'T love a good Hawaiian malasada within walking distance (15 minute walk) from the house!
Wiki Wiki
936 Gambell StWho DOESN'T love a good Hawaiian malasada within walking distance (15 minute walk) from the house!
Sightseeing
Short drive from the house which takes you up into Arctic Valley where you can see the panorama of Anchorage below. Great spots along the road to catch a sunrise or sunset. The road terminates at the Arctic Valley Ski Area where there are several excellent trails.
Arctic Valley Overlook
Arctic Valley RoadShort drive from the house which takes you up into Arctic Valley where you can see the panorama of Anchorage below. Great spots along the road to catch a sunrise or sunset. The road terminates at the Arctic Valley Ski Area where there are several excellent trails.
The famous Alaska Railroad is just an 8 minute drive, or 45 minute walk from the house! Destinations range from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna, Palmer Fair Grounds, down to Girdwood and on to Seward. Offers some of the most stunning views of Alaska's beauty.
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Anchorage Depot station
411 W 1st AveThe famous Alaska Railroad is just an 8 minute drive, or 45 minute walk from the house! Destinations range from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Denali, Talkeetna, Palmer Fair Grounds, down to Girdwood and on to Seward. Offers some of the most stunning views of Alaska's beauty.
If you want gorgeous hikes that are just 15 minutes away by car, this is the trail head to start from. There are several trails to take with varying levels of intensity, some loop and some go on and on. It connects to other trails along the Turnagain Arm which include Potters Creek, Rainbow and Windy trails. I enjoy all the trails along the system and have run into bears multiple times so please bring bear spray.
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McHugh Creek Trailhead
Seward HighwayIf you want gorgeous hikes that are just 15 minutes away by car, this is the trail head to start from. There are several trails to take with varying levels of intensity, some loop and some go on and on. It connects to other trails along the Turnagain Arm which include Potters Creek, Rainbow and Windy trails. I enjoy all the trails along the system and have run into bears multiple times so please bring bear spray.
A 45 minute car ride to the Alyeska Hotel where you can ride the tram (or hike up) to the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. If you hike up, its a free ride back down on the tram, which I personally was thankful for. The views are breath-taking.
You can also hike the Winners Creek Trail to the hand tram that is no longer in service. You can access the Crow Pass trail system which takes you through to Eagle River Nature Center (a 22.6 mile hike). There are also cabin rentals that are booked well in advance through recreation.gov
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Girdwood
A 45 minute car ride to the Alyeska Hotel where you can ride the tram (or hike up) to the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. If you hike up, its a free ride back down on the tram, which I personally was thankful for. The views are breath-taking.
You can also hike the Winners Creek Trail to the hand tram that is no longer in service. You can access the Crow Pass trail system which takes you through to Eagle River Nature Center (a 22.6 mile hike). There are also cabin rentals that are booked well in advance through recreation.gov
Portage Glacier is just an hours drive from the house with a visitors center, trails to explore and campgrounds to enjoy. It is a favorite stop for tourists and locals alike. Pack a picnic and stay the day!
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Portage Glacier
Portage Glacier is just an hours drive from the house with a visitors center, trails to explore and campgrounds to enjoy. It is a favorite stop for tourists and locals alike. Pack a picnic and stay the day!
AWCC is located between Girdwood and Portage Glacier, about an hours drive from the house. Tickets are available for purchase online at alaskawildlife.org. for $17.00 (nonresident price) per visitor, children under 6 are free.
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward HwyAWCC is located between Girdwood and Portage Glacier, about an hours drive from the house. Tickets are available for purchase online at alaskawildlife.org. for $17.00 (nonresident price) per visitor, children under 6 are free.
A great way to spend an hour or two, whether or not you have kids!
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Ζωολογικός Κήπος της Αλάσκας
4731 O'Malley RdA great way to spend an hour or two, whether or not you have kids!
Denali
A BUCKETLIST ITEM!! Need I say more
Shopping
In case you need warmer clothes or outdoor gear, it's 8 minutes away and shares a roof with Nordstrom Rack, Burger-Fi, Carrs and Planet Fitness
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REI
500 E Northern Lights BlvdIn case you need warmer clothes or outdoor gear, it's 8 minutes away and shares a roof with Nordstrom Rack, Burger-Fi, Carrs and Planet Fitness
When I travel, sometimes I find a need for extra items and being a frugal person, I hit up the local thrift stores to get it.
Goodwill is located next to New Sagaya Midtown Market (8 minutes away).
Goodwill Retail Store and Donation Center
3838 Old Seward HwyWhen I travel, sometimes I find a need for extra items and being a frugal person, I hit up the local thrift stores to get it.
Goodwill is located next to New Sagaya Midtown Market (8 minutes away).
A nice little consignment store for ladies clothing and accessories which is right down the road from the house
Second Run
720 D StA nice little consignment store for ladies clothing and accessories which is right down the road from the house
Nearby Grocery Stores
Groceries and other conveniences are 8 minutes by car and 40 minutes away on foot from the house.
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Fred Meyer
1000 E Northern Lights BlvdGroceries and other conveniences are 8 minutes by car and 40 minutes away on foot from the house.
Just in case you need a quick whole pizza for under $10 and some trail snacks...it's 7 minutes away (by car).
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Costco Wholesale
330 W Dimond BlvdJust in case you need a quick whole pizza for under $10 and some trail snacks...it's 7 minutes away (by car).
Carrs
1650 W Northern Lights BlvdRight down the street from the house, but please drive.
Stocks the largest variety and highest quality Asian produce in Anchorage. Just 8 minutes from the house by car. This is my favorite grocery store
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New Sagaya Midtown Market
3700 Old Seward HwyStocks the largest variety and highest quality Asian produce in Anchorage. Just 8 minutes from the house by car. This is my favorite grocery store
A smaller version of the Midtown Market and also 8 minutes away from the house. Kaladi Brother's Cafe and L'Aroma Bakery are both located within both Sagaya grocery stores
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New Sagaya City Market
900 W 13th AveA smaller version of the Midtown Market and also 8 minutes away from the house. Kaladi Brother's Cafe and L'Aroma Bakery are both located within both Sagaya grocery stores
A great selection of beers and spirits right next door to another Wild Scoops Ice Cream Parlor AND right across the street from Burger-Fi ! Talk about some JOY and HAPPINESS just down the street from the house!
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La Bodega
1200 W Northern Lights BlvdA great selection of beers and spirits right next door to another Wild Scoops Ice Cream Parlor AND right across the street from Burger-Fi ! Talk about some JOY and HAPPINESS just down the street from the house!
Local Breweries
This brewery has the biggest selection of beers, is one of the first Alaskan breweries and there is food too
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Midnight Sun Brewing Co.
8111 Dimond Hook DrThis brewery has the biggest selection of beers, is one of the first Alaskan breweries and there is food too
A local and tourist favorite that is close by and a little more pricey with a great atmosphere.
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Glacier Brewhouse
737 W 5th AveA local and tourist favorite that is close by and a little more pricey with a great atmosphere.
A more European style brewery with doubles, triples and quads. Cool atmosphere but no food
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Cynosure Brewing
144 E Potter DrA more European style brewery with doubles, triples and quads. Cool atmosphere but no food