On day 7, instead of returning to Anchorage, go north to Fairbanks. Spend days 8/9 driving back to ANC via the Richardson/Glenn Highways. That way there's less backtracking, you see more, and you do a big loop through interior Alaska.

Although I don't necessarily agree with Chuppi's description of my chosen place of residence, the idea is spot-on about trying to find smaller inns/B&B's, especially out in the rural areas. Depending on what your final itinerary winds up being, I can probably point out a few recommendations for you.

On a side note, I'm doing my annual Anchorage-Valdez-Whittier-Anchorage road/ferry loop trip this weekend. Looking forward to it.