PLACES TO GO

The Alaskan things to do and some things NOT to do!

About encounters with bears and moose: Bears generally avoid people especially if there is a group of three or more. They can run 40 mph, so you cannot out race them, or bike faster than they can run. Do not run from bears or scream. These behaviors suggest that you are tasty prey. Instead, hold your arms high so you look bigger and speak to them in a firm voice. I usually try to convince them I’m not good to eat as I think of little else to say. I’m still alive. Then slowly back away. Do not stare a bear or moose in the face. Moose don’t avoid people and occasionally forage on the edge of trails. They usually do not bother people but are unpredictable and dangerous front and back. Wait for them to move. If their ears go back and they lick their lips, they will likely charge. Move behind a tree if you can, or run if chased. Once they no longer feel threatened they should calm down.

Places in Town

The Alaska Native Heritage Center

At the Alaska Native Heritage Center, each of our Native region’s dwellings is set around a picturesque small lake. Live dancing, storytelling, and arctic games of skill are performed on stage, providing a rich cultural experience. Craftsmen and women also showcase their wares. Look at their website or call to see their schedule

The Anchorage Museum

Recently, we saw a terrific display of Alaska’s WWII and the Cold War eras. (They planned to use several nuclear bombs to create a harbor and other interesting facts.) The Anchorage Museum also has a small room for Alaskan humor (“Laughter in the North”), and another room celebrates our relationship with dogs (“Dog Show”). These exhibits provide a unique and entertaining perspective on Alaska's history and culture.

Alaska Jewish Museum

Two interesting facts: Alaska was asked to take in European Jews as WWII was starting. Antisemitism ended that. Also, it was Alaska Airlines that moved many Ethiopian Jews to Israel during Operation Magic Carpet. The museum is small but interesting. The curator, Leslie Freed, is knowledgeable and a friend of ours.

For abundant bird viewing there are the Potter’s Bog walkways and the Westchester Lagoon. The Westchester Lagoon path can take you around the lake (about 1 1/4 miles), through a neighborhood, and/or along the inlet’s shore.

Bikes are available for rent in Anchorage, too. The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail (11 miles) in town is easy and passes many beautiful Anchorage sites. You can download a map of those trails.

Point Worzonof is on the way to the airport and you can see the planes take off every seven minutes from Ted Steven’s Int’l Airport. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Foraker & Mt. Denali from this overlook.

You can also bike or drive to Earthquake Park, which is close to Point Worzonof. Earthquake Park has an outdoor display of the damage that the quake left in 1992 at a staggering 9.2 magnitude. (The only one recorded stronger was in Chili, measuring 9.5).

Restaurants

Organic Oasis: Good vegetarian choices but they also serve meat, and protein drink as well. My favorite place for soups.

Lucky Wishbone: James Beard Award: Award-winning fried chicken, real milkshakes, and tasty hamburgers.

Fire Island Bakery and Cafe: The staff goes to France each January for the month to take baking classes. Their pastries and bread are outstanding. Their sourdough is proofed for three days, and our doctor declared it the healthiest bread (it tastes great). Two locations. Downtown has the most variety. The second smaller location is tucked among a neighborhood near Lake Otis. Breakfast and lunch.

Midway Cafe: Breakfast and lunch. Good soups.

White Spot: Classic greasy spoon with a good breakfast and lunch.

Wild Scoops: Fabulous ice cream with some Alaska-specific flavors. Anchorageites bring their homegrown rhubarb, and Wild Scoops turn it into rhubarb ice cream or sorbet and give the supplier credit for any ice cream flavor. Good to the community. Three locations…with some weird hours.

Crows Nest: High end with a view of downtown or the inlet.

Southside Bistro: High end in South Anchorage.

Turnagain Arm

Just outside of Anchorage is the scenic drive along Turnagain Arm, which also takes you to Girdwood and the Alyeska Ski Resort. It is a 40-minute drive and well worth it. “The Bake Shop” in Girdwood has good fare for breakfast and lunch, especially their homemade soups.

You can rent bikes in Girdwood. I’ve been told you can take a circular trail and return the bike yourself or have them pick up the bikes at the end of a 13-mile trip to Indian.

The finest dining in Girdwood is the Seven Glaciers Restaurant. It is hauté cuisine for Alaska. It is halfway up the mountain and requires a trip in the ski gondoliers. Recommend reservations.

A few miles past the Girdwood turn-off is the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is a sanctuary dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife through conservation, education, research, and quality animal care. Their many rescued wildlife including bears (black and grizzly), muskox, porcupines, wood bison, and elk.

Also along Turnagain Arm is “Beluga Point,” which allows you to get out and walk along the water’s edge, but be sure to look behind you as you head towards the water’s edge. There are often Dall Sheep scampering or relaxing along the mountainous cliffs. Along the ocean side of the highway, a baby beluga whale might poke its head out of the water to study you. That happened to Chris, one of my best friends. Once, a workman called me to say he would be late. About 100 beluga whales were there, and he could not bring himself to leave. I don’t blame him.

Avoid walking on Alaska’s beaches (called “Mud Flats” here). The beaches are glacial silt. When dry, it is like walking on sand but can act like quicksand once wetted by the incoming tide. There are many rescues every year, but not all attempts are successful.

Phillips 26 Glacier Cruise

The cruise to see glaciers and wildlife departs from Whittier (also along the Turnagain drive) is an hours drive. They serve a thick clam chowder for lunch. Read the website carefully because the Whittier tunnel has one-way traffic, switching directions every 30 minutes.