Anchorage offers a taste of Alaska with many options to visitors. Some great places to start in the downtown area would be the Anchorage Museum of History and Art, the Native Heritage Center, Wolfsong and the State Trooper Museum. The Aviation Heritage Museum is located near the airport.

Every visitor should make tracks to the Anchorage Convention & Visitor's Bureau Log Cabin at the corner of 4th & F streets and then for a well-spent $10, pick up the trolley across the street for a 1 hour overview of the Anchorage area. Anyone who enjoys walking should venture to the "Coastal Trail" for beautiful views of Cook Inlet or take a walking tour of the downtown area. Anchorage is an adventurer's paradise as there are bike/walking trails in abundance. It is also becoming a hot spot for birders. The trails meander through wooded areas and next to lagoons and streams which are excellent places to watch for birds and other wildlife. You can even take in a day of fishing at Ship Creek, adjacent to downtown Anchorage.

The Alaska Zoo is a short drive from downtown and on the way to a wonderful vantage point, flattop mountain. From here, on a clear day, you have an awesome view of the city, airport and Cook Inlet as well as our spectacular snow-covered mountains. A few miles farther south is Potter's Station and Potters marsh wildlife sanctuary. Less than 1 hour south of Anchorage, you will pass the entrance to the Whittier Tunnel, see Portage Glacier area and the visitor's center, majestic Alyeska ski slopes and the town of Girdwood. A great place to stop for lunch is the Alyeska Bake Shop or dinner at Double Musky or shop for treasures at the Kobuk Valley Jade Shop. You can be adventurous and try your hand at panning for gold at nearby Crow Creek Mine. Alaska Wildlife Center offers a glimpse of Alaskan wildlife in a natural setting.

Within a one hour drive to the south of Anchorage you will find a enough fun attractions to fill a day. Portage Glacier and Big Game Alaska are about as far as you want to go. Heading back to Anchorage will be Alyeska ski area in Girdwood and home of Seven Glaciers Restaurant at the top of the mountain. A side trip or separate day trip to Whittier is recommended to get a glimpse of Prince William Sound and maybe treat yourself to our favorite day cruise, Phillips 26 Glacier Tour.

A drive about an hour north will take you to Wasilla and Palmer area and the site of the State Fair grounds. Your first stop should be the Matsu Valley visitor's center for directions and updates on current events. Points of interest include a Reindeer farm, Wolf country and a visit to the Muskox Farm is an educational must. Also, you will want to see the Iditarod Race Headquarters, while you are in the area.

The Anchorage area offers and abundance of fine restaurants. Several of our favorites include Marx Brothers, known especially for its wine list and "fine" dining, The Glacier Brewhouse, Simon & Seaforts, Sacks Cafe, Ristorante Orso and Club Paris, all located in the downtown area. For a more "Alaskan" experience, try the Sourdough Mining Company. Alaska Wildberry Products is across the street (proud of their "chocolate waterfall"), or Gwennies Old Alaskan Restaurant serving a hearty breakfast anytime.