Alaska is a popular summertime vacation destination worth considering. Between the mild temperatures and the midnight sun, venturing into America’s Last Frontier is a little bit adventurous without being too extreme for most people. While it’s not your typical touristy location, you can find plenty to do in the area, particularly if you love the great outdoors. If you are headed to Anchorage, Alaska’s largest city, here are some places to stay, foods to eat and things to do:
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Where to Stay When staying in Anchorage, Alaska, you have your choice of chain hotels, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, lodges and resorts. If you would like to stay close to the center of town, consider The Hotel Captain Cook, a hotel on W 5th Avenue. It’s located close to shops and restaurants, and visitors have described the rooms as being large, clean and having nice views. If a bed-and-breakfast appeals to you, Susitna Place in downtown Anchorage might be a good bet. With nine rooms of various sizes, you’ll find something that matches your budget. You’ll have a flat-screen TV in your room, free wi-fi and free parking. Suites have private decks and bathrooms; smaller rooms share bathrooms and have a common deck. If you don’t mind staying outside of the city, consider the Eagle River Nature Center. Rent a cabin or a yurt, and enjoy being surrounded by Alaska’s spectacular natural features and wildlife. Finally, if you’re up for an adventure outside the city, Within the Wild Adventure Lodges may offer just what you’re looking for. Enjoy a combination of luxurious amenities, such as massages and a hot tub, with adventurous outings, like hiking, kayaking and glacier-trekking.
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Where to Eat If you’re looking for a homey diner, Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant, located on Spenard Road, might be a great place to enjoy a homecooked breakfast, lunch or dinner. Treat yourself to Alaskan King Crab legs or a filet of Alaskan smoked salmon. You can also enjoy omelettes, burgers or a delicious Reuben. If you want to hang out with the locals, try downtown Anchorage’s Glacier BrewHouse. Here, you can dine on eclectic offerings ranging from thin-crust pizzas to jambalaya fettuccine to apple and currant bread pudding. Of course, you will want to sample the various types of beer brewed on the premises. For a romantic dinner out, try the Italian-inspired CampoBello Bistro, where you can eat homemade ravioli, seafood crepes or shrimp and scallops Florentine while being surrounded by modern art on the walls.
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What to Do Many of the attractions in Anchorage will revolve around the stunning scenery during the summer months. You will want to be sure to watch the sun’s trek across the sky during the weeks of the midnight sun. Visiting Prince William Sound will allow you to take in waterfalls, glaciers and fjords, along with sighting seals, sea lions, eagles, deer and bears. You can spend time kayaking or sailing through the calm water. Walk or bike on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, where you can follow the 11-mile trail through Earthquake Park and beyond. Rent a bike near the entrance on 2nd Avenue in downtown Anchorage. If you would like to spend some time indoors learning about Alaskan history and art, consider the Anchorage Museum at Rasmusen Center. You can also enjoy the planetarium. Admission fees are $12 for adults and $7 for children.
No matter where you go in the Anchorage, Alaska area, you’re sure to want to bring along your camera to capture some of the breathtaking sights that you simply won’t see from any of the other states. The summer is a particularly beautiful time to go, so if you are hoping for some Alaskan adventure this summer, contact your travel agent to book your trip now!
