Visiting Anchorage Alaska
Recently I took a trip to the very underrated Anchorage, Alaska. Anchorage is smack in the middle of mountains, wilderness and the sea. It’s also Alaska’s largest city with loads of activities and restaurants for all to enjoy. I loved that so many of these things were short drives away from the city as opposed to long journeys. Making it a convenient base for travel through Alaska.
Things to Do:
Alaska Native Heritage Center: I went to see a live dance performance at the heritage center and it was very moving. Learning about Alaska’s indigenous people was a high priority and this was the perfect place for that. The center has multiple life sized Native dwellings that felt very authentic and much like the real thing. The sites included multiple artifacts that the indigenous people used in their normal every day lives such as glasses, gloves, etc. https://www.alaskanative.net/
Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Wildlife is something I’m very passionate about so stopping at the Wildlife Conservation center was a must. Dedicated to preserving Alaska’s wildlife, this 200 acre conservation houses injured and orphaned animals such as caribou, black and brown bears, moose, wolves and other Alaska animals. Here is where I got to see a bear for first time. https://www.alaskawildlife.org/
26 Glacier Day Cruise: This five hour cruise is perfect for seeing all the nature Alaska has to offer. It ventures over 100 miles in Prince William Sound and includes a complimentary hot meal. I opted for the veggie chilly which was perfect for the weather that day. If you’re lucky you’ll get a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat as well as glaciers and mountains. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a Glacier-ita.
Anchorage Museum: I’m not a huge fan of museums but this one was worth a visit because of its interactive exhibits and rich history of diverse Alaskan culture and art. My favorite displays were the colorful Polar bears. It’s an interesting take on showing the bears in a more playful state since they are naturally the most aggressive of all bears. Another exhibit I enjoyed was an interactive screen that plays sounds of multiple lies being told that sound so interesting that one might actually believe them. Some of these exhibits are temporary but they are always changing with attention grabbing ones. Another special exhibit I enjoyed most was “Black in Alaska” which showcases the contributions of Black people in the state. The photos were breath taking and I was amazed by all of their compelling stories. For the art and history lovers, the museum offers up to 10,000 years of Alaska history and art. https://www.anchoragemuseum.org/
Alyeska Nordic Spa: This was my favorite stop of the trip by far. Self care and unplugging is extremely important for me and it’s something I still struggle with keeping up with. The spa is newly opened and has beautiful tranquil grounds for you to relax and unwind. There are cold plunge pools, warm pools, hot tubs, a steam room and multiple saunas. The amenities are centered around a hydrotherapy experience that is quite enjoyable. It’s important to note that the spa is “cell phone” free so lock your phone up and unwind. www.alyeskaresort.com/nordic-spa
Where to Eat:
Orso : This was the first restaurant I ate at when arriving in Anchorage. I had the perfect welcome dinner along with an inviting atmosphere.
South Restaurant and Coffee House: I came here for a hearty and healthy brunch to start the day. I had the avocado toast with egg whites. I also had the oatmeal which wasn’t too heavy. The menu had a wide range of options for breakfast/brunch and dinner.
Jack Sprat: A rather popular place in the Girdwood area very close to the Alyeska Resort. The vegan nachos were a hit and I loved the burger. It has a very cozy feel especially being located in a small mountain town and it’s popular among locals. www.jacksprat.net/
Forte: Stumbled across this restaurant in the Alyeska Resort as it was newly opened. Italian cuisine is one of my favorites and this place did not disappoint.
Bear Tooth Grill: A very lively and happening restaurant where you’ll find many locals and tourists alike. I found it interesting that it’s connected to a local movie theater. I had a cajun salmon bowl that was pretty flavorful. It does get rather busy so be prepared to potentially wait for a table.
49th State Brewing: I didn’t get to visit here due to the inclement weather and lack of time, but this brewery was recommended by a local as well as a tourist. There is an outdoor sitting area where you can have a beer and enjoy a great view.
Where I Stayed
Lakefront Anchorage Hotel: This hotel overlooks Lake Hood and it’s also Anchorage’s only lakeside hotel overlooking Lake Hood. It has three restaurants at different price points and scenery. The rooms were very large and I admired to cozy feel to the lobby area. www.millenniumhotels.com/
Alyeska Resort: Located in Girdwood which is only 30 minutes south of Anchorage and is also Alaska’s only true “resort town”, Alyeska Resort is a high end hotel with beautiful grounds. A real treat is taking Alyeska Aerial Tramway from the hotel to the top of Mount Alyeska. The ride is about 7 minutes and goes about to about 2,300 feet above sea level. From here you can see for miles along the mountain as well some glaciers.
All in all I would highly recommend a visit to Anchorage, Alaska because of its diverse scenery, range of activities and easy navigation.
Disclaimer: I was welcomed as a guest of Anchorage by Visit Anchorage but all views and opinions are my own.