Anchorage
The most remarkable thing about Anchorage is its unique blend of city life and wildlife. Devoid of tall monuments but cradled by mountains, free from mass thoroughfares yet riddled with hiking trails, the city holds unlimited wonders for outdoor enthusiasts.Trails For Tales
More than 121 miles of paved trails stretch through Anchorage's parks, which fill the city with an abundance of green grass, thick coniferous forests, wildlife, creeks and streams. In the 1990s, the American Backpackers Club named Anchorage "Best Trail City in the U.S." Even if you never leave the city, you will be able to experience Alaska's wilderness at its best. One warning on the trails, though: Although there are leash laws within the city limits, fewer than half of the friendly pooches you meet on the trail will be constrained by a cord—and none of the moose will, so pay attention!
If you want to ride on one of the city's many trails, you might first want to stop by the Downtown Bicycle Rental shop, just around the corner from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. This popular trail runs along the Cook Inlet coastline at the west edge of downtown and looks over the mud flats, which appear emerald green in summer. Be sure to stay on the trail and off of the flats, though. While appealing to look at, these mud flats consist of glacial silt that has a quicksand reflex to weight; helicopters and fire hoses have to be used to extract people who walk on to these areas.
Kincaid Park, located 10 miles from downtown, contains 40 miles of trails, many of which are groomed for skiing during winter. The dirt trails leading through the woods are also used for biking and hiking in the summertime. The Chester Creek Greenbelt, which runs east-west parallel to the south edge of downtown, is another option. This greenbelt contains parks with benches for resting as well as playgrounds for kids of all ages. Many other trails circle and twist throughout the city—be sure to ask for directions if you're longing to find a stroll through the woods.
Stage and Screen
The biggest concerts are held in the Sullivan Arena. Call CARRS TIX at +1 907 263 2787 for more information on tickets and schedules of events.
Nightclubs and Nightlife
Visitors will find the best loved nightlife act in town at Mr. Whitekeys' Fly by Night Club. It is owned and operated by the piano-playing Mr. Whitekeys, a contributor to the Alaska Almanac and the author of Mr. Whitekeys' Alaska Bizarre. He produces and performs in a series of seasonal shows, beginning each March with Springtime in Spenard and continuing with new acts in the form of summer's Whale-Fat Follies and winter's Christmas in Spenard. Offering crude and hilarious depictions of Alaska, the shows comprise a wild mix of satire, music, and creative interpretations of politicians and current events, both local and national. These shows are much loved by locals and visitors, so try to arrange reservations in advance.
Barhopping is another favorite pastime in Anchorage, particularly in winter, as it offers a way to spend time with friends while also giving folks a "spirit"-lifting way to thumb their noses at the plunging temperatures. Each club in town has a different feel and offers different local specialties. The downtown area's most popular circuit seems to be the one where clubs are close enough to skip between without freezing to death, but still distanced enough to encourage a rejuvenating, fast-paced walk from one to the next. Many bars have limited dining options, so a logical place to start a downtown brewery tour would be with a filling stop at the Glacier BrewHouse. From there, check out the dancing at Whale's Tail in the <
Captain Cook Hotel (The), meet some unusual locals at Darwin's Theory and then see the historic Rumrunner's Old Towne Bar, part of the Historic Anchorage Hotel, which was built in 1915.
The most noteworthy bar in town is the midtown Chilkoot Charlie's, with its multiple dance floors, bars, bands and consistently bustling crowds. This "mall" of bars provides a number of completely different atmospheres and clientèle; you do not have to walk outside to go "barhopping" here—just head into the next large, low-ceilinged room.
Local Festivals and Events
If you're interested in local flavor, check out the yearlong series of festivals and local events. Especially noteworthy are the
Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the Alaska State Fair, Ship Creek Viewing Platform Silver Salmon Derby and the Alaska Native Olympics, which draws more than 200 participants). Late November is dominated by the the Great Alaska Shootout, an ultra-popular basketball tournament.
Art Fare
If you're attracted to art—either for purchase or perusal—there are many locations awaiting you in Anchorage. Galleries and museums here specialize in showcasing the artwork of the Alaska Native cultures. In addition to the museums, noteworthy downtown galleries include the Stephan Fine Arts Gallery, the
Oomingmak musk ox producer's cooperative, the Rusty Harpoon (The) and the Aurora Fine Arts Gallery. While much of the stock in these galleries is Native-related, non-Native Alaskan artists find equal representation with paintings and photographs that focus on the plethora of wildlife and wilderness scenes found around Anchorage.
Whether you're looking for outdoor activities or cultural events, the selection to choose from is remarkable for a city of Anchorage's size. Attend the many festivals and revel in the diversity found within the local population, or spend time exploring the outdoors, which are different from those of any other city. Whatever your interests are, you will find plenty to entertain yourself during your stay.
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