A bit unreal... far away from what we consider "real life," but still part of
the US! Interesting to see the cultural differences.
- Place to Stay: Moosewood Manor (B&B)
One thing to watch out for in the Anchorage area -- hotels are expensive. All
tourist related items are expensive. Bed and breakfasts are a nice lower-cost
alternative. This one is fabulous -- within Anchorage city limits, yet back
in the mountains! The hosts cook wonderful breakfasts and leave snacks around
at all hours -- you will not go hungry here! Got great advice on sightseeing,
too. We weren't able to see the moose in the front yard, but we're told the
moose come around from time to time.
- Thing to do: Alaska Native Heritage Center
Very interesting, interactive overview of the five major cultural groups of
Alaska. Not only do you see your standard museum-like exhibits, but there are
also presentations, natives performing craft work, and a chance to walk
through model dwellings representative of each group. You won't think of
Alaska the same way again!
- Thing to do: visit during summer solstice
Alaska is far enough north that during the summer, it is light almost 24 hours
a day in Anchorage. (Go up to Fairbanks, and you'll get even more light!) It
really is as amazing as it sounds, to be able to go to bed at "dusk"! It is
common to go on a midnight hike the evening of the solstice, something I wish
I'd done while I was up there.
- Thing to do: drive to Seward
About three hours' drive south of Anchorage is the town of Seward, a popular
starting point for tours of Kenai Fjords National Park. The drive south on
the Seward Highway is often listed as one of the ten most scenic drives in
America, with good reason! Start out with water, waterfalls, and sheer
granite cliffs. Add some more greenery on the second half. It can't be
explained in words! Once you get to Seward, walk out to Exit Glacier, which
you can reach out and touch! Ray's on the marina has great salmon dishes.
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