Last year stayed at the Comfort Inn in ANC (across from the Alaska RR deopt) for $100/night. Was the most reasonable decent place I could find. Property is fairly new, very clean. Also backs up next to a creek very popular with the locals. Saw hundreds of people at all hours of the day fishing (and catching) huge salmon.

Chugach is a wonderful destination for a day. Plenty to do for the landlocked without four wheels.

I was hoping to return to ANC and FAI this summer for vacation. My move has delayed those plans for a bit...

I have not been to Alaska but you might find this useful
http://www.fodors.com/miniguides/mgr...ur_section=ove

The timing for this forum is perfect. I leave tomorrow, Sat, 23rd for big Anchorage. Am spending 10 days without a cruise and all these tips are great.

Thanks!

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Another couple of urban-oriented comments--If you are a carnivore, I highly recommend Cafe de Paris, especially their bleu cheese-stuffed filet mignon! But be prepared not to eat for two days to make up for the calories....

And there is a cultural museum in ANC that is VERY good if the native life has any interest at all for you. Alaska-themed artwork also.

Finally, their zoo is supposed to be very good for animals from that climate type, though I didn't go myself.

Mike B. in OKlahoma

I was in Anchorage about a year and a half ago. Definitely drive to Seward, and spend the bucks for a glacier cruise there. Try to get one that includes the salmon cook out stop. Plan to dawdle while you drive to take in the magnificent scenery, and definitely go up on the Exit glacier.

The other thing we did that I haven't seen listed here is to drive to Talkeetna (check my spelling on that). It's the gateway to Denali, and offers great views of the mountain. There is a lodge on the road near there that is operated by one of the tribes. It would be a great place to stay if you have time, but if not, stop, and check out their views of the mountain for free.

If you're going in August, you may have some bug issues there, so plan accordingly.


Have fun, & eat lots of salmon!

JP

If one does Seward on one day from Anchorage, would a second day trip be better spent going to Homer, Whittier or Talkeetna?

Talkeetna. (1) Whittier is a 15 min stay. There's almost nothing there unless you are going to take a boat, etc. You will get there and then take the next tunnel back, immediately. Its something you can do on the way to/from Seward if you time it right. (2) Homer is way too far for a day trip. You could be driving up to 9 hours. And while its not Seward, you have "similar" scenery. (3) Talkeetna gives you totally different scenery and if its a clear day, its remarkable. Its about as close as you can be to Denali and still get the whole mountain in the pic. You also drive through the Mat-Su valley and depending on when you are there, may find some produce stands etc with good local things. Don't forget the anti-mosquito potion!

Just mentioned because FT has a good share of aviation buffs ....

ANC has to be the best remaining place in the world to see the big old piston-engined airliners from the 1950s still in action, hauling freight to and from the remote settlements. There are aviation enthusiast tours from Europe and Asia that go to ANC for this specific reason.

Maybe you don't want to be that extreme, but an hour spent round the perimeter of ANC photographing the old DC-6s of Northern Air Cargo (they still have 12 in their fleet) and many others rumble off over the mountains is a real step back in time.

We also stayed in Clacko's B&B on the hillside overlooking Homer, Kachemack Bay and the glaciated mountains beyond. What a world-class view! I lingered and almost missed my king crab legs dinner at Land's End!

I will add link to the thread that I started myself, below:

http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/007328.html

In terms of department stores, Anchorage has 3 department stores: Nordstrom's, Sears, and JC Penneys. It has Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Warehouse.

Downtown, in the summer time, is lovely - with the flowers in the parks, hanging flower pots etc. Seeing Cook's Bay, from the city park (with the statue of Captain Cook) is also very nice. Otherwise, the best thing I liked was the airtour, originating from Lake Hood - of Mount Mckinley - where the plane went within 300 feet of the mountain - and next to the smaller peaks, granite towers, valleys, crevices, glaciers etc.

I also agree with what has been said in these 2 threads.