Thanks for starting the this thread, wharvey. Lots of interesting feedback here.
My wife, myself, and my 11yo daughter may get one 24 day's layover at ANC, starting 1pm on on Saturday July 18th. I've booked a night using points at the Sheraton, using SPG points (referenced above as the place with the best views).
I hope you won't mind, OP, if I "butt in" to ask the folks here how best spend one ridiculously short visit with family on July 18?
It hardly seems worth creating a new thread running concurrently with this one. Thanks!