Don't forget our very own
Seat 2A on FlyerTalk is more infamous for being a Denali driver. If you get him, I understand you're in for a treat.
So can you or Seat 2A tell us how to reserve tickets on a bus with a particular driver? It really makes an incredible difference.
Anchorage (and even Fairbanks) has some world-class cuisine, though, and if you have a few extra dollars, it's definitely worth splurging on a meal or two. Check out Simon and Seafort's, Orso, Glacier BrewHouse, Kincaid Grill, Jens, Southside Bistro, Moose's Tooth, and Bear Tooth. Even a good meal at most of those won't set you back more than $30 (maybe $50 with drinks and tip at Simon's or Orso).
Agree, Moose's Tooth (and Snow city Cafe) best meals we had.
Highway 3? What's "Highway 3"?
Never heard of such a road. 
I told you the Frommer's pull out map was useless, lol. But that is supposedly the state highway # for the road from Anchorage to Denali, per that map.
I'm actually not sure what the Penney's garage charges (I'll take your word that it's $1/hour), but the transit center garage (owned and operated by the Municipality) is only a couple blocks west (on 6th between H and G), and I know for sure it only charges $1/hour. The 5th Avenue Mall garage (on 5th between B and C) is also not unreasonable (it's also operated by the Muni, if I recall correctly), but I probably use it once a year. Both of the the Muni-operated garages are MUCH better deals than the Diamond Parking-operated surface lots.
I could possibly be mistaken--driving around looking for parking, saw $1.00/hour, and was near Penney's, but may have been one you mentioned.