It’s worth visiting just to see the crazy furniture that the owners built themselves out of scrap. They stock unique jewelry, bags, homewares, and as an added bonus, drinking chocolate and handmade truffles. My favorite combo: a spicy hot chocolate with an Indian bop truffle. Grab a cup, sit yourself down, and enjoy the surroundings. Two locations. 751 East 36th Ave #105, Anchorage, AK 99510, and 423 G St, Anchorage, AK 99501, www.moderndwellers.comTIDAL WAVE BOOKS The largest bookstore in Alaska. It’s locally owned and sells a great selection of new and used books, with an emphasis on Alaska-themed books. Discover surprises on the shelf that may not exist anywhere else in the world. Midtown (open year round): 1360 West Northern Lights Blvd Anchorage, AK 99503, Downtown (open in summer): 415 West 5th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99501, www.wavebooks.comANCHORAGE FARMERS’ MARKETS Matanuska Valley farmers display an abundance of gigantic veggies and fruit; lettuces as big as your torso and radishes that taste as sweet as apples. Local bakeries, flowers and plants also feature. There are two locations, both open on Saturdays from May to October. Anchorage Farmers’ Market: 15th Ave at Cordova St, www.anchoragefarmersmarket.org, South Anchorage Farmers’ Market: Subway/Cellular One Sports Centre at the corner of Old Seward and O’Malley. www.southanchoragefarmersmarket.comALASKA NATIVE MEDICAL CENTER CRAFT SHOP Yes, it’s at the hospital, but it has the best selection and prices for native art in Anchorage. Each piece of art has a story to tell and more proceeds go directly back to the artist than most galleries. As you make your way to the craft shop keep an eye out for priceless works of art on display. 4315 Diplomacy Dr, Anchorage, AK 99508, www.anmc.orgSHOP
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13 Anchorage, AKMTS GALLERY Like the gallery, located in Mountain View, just a bit east of Downtown, the art is off the beaten path, with unique monthly exhibits of local and global artists. Third Fridays of the month are openings. 3142 Mountain View Dr, Anchorage, AK 99514, www.mtsgallery.wordpress.comFIRST FRIDAYS ART WALK First Fridays of the month art galleries stay open late in Downtown Anchorage. Pick up a map in the Anchorage Press. Some galleries have catering by local restaurants, so you can eat and drink while viewing local artists’ work. ANCHORAGE MUSEUM A new wing added in 2009 complements the old concrete architecture, the towering glass standing out against the mountain backdrop. Meander through the birch forest of the public common as you approach. Inside you’ll find an extensive collection of art of the north, and travelling exhibits from around the globe. 625 C St, Anchorage, AK 99501, www.anchoragemuseum.orgBEAR TOOTH THEATER AND GRILL The place to catch international films with the locals. Monday nights they screen independent, international, artsy movies. 1230 West 27th Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503, www.beartooththeatre.netCULTUREALASKA NATIVE HERITAGE CENTER An insight into Alaska as it was before it was settled by Russians and Americans. Reconstructed native villages show what life was like then and now for the indigenous peoples. 8800 Heritage Center Dr, Anchorage, AK 99504, www.alaskanative.netDOS MANOS Self-described as “a funktional art gallery”, this is form equals function Alaskan style. Features a constantly changing spiral staircase display of Alaskan inspired art. 1317 West Northern Lights Blvd, Suite 3, Anchorage, AK 99503, www.dosmanosgallery.comAFTER HOURS BY DESIGN Local designers gather on the second Wednesday of every month to discuss design, trends, art, or just hang out. All are welcome and they meet up at a different bar or restaurant each time. Check the website for details. www.graphicdesignalaska.comANCHORAGE MARKET AND FESTIVAL Carnival-esque atmosphere with booths selling Alaskan specialities from mesmerizing aurora photography to hand carved sculptures as well as great food. It’s hard to decide between the reindeer sausage or the smoked salmon. Open weekends during the summer. Cnr 3rd and E St, Anchorage, AK 99501, www.anchoragemarkets.comFUR RONDY FESTIVAL AND THE IDITAROD From the end of February to the beginning of March the Fur Rondy festival celebrates local history and culture with dogsled races, outhouse races, running of the reindeer and more. In the first weekend of March, the more well-known dogsled race, the Iditarod, has its ceremonial start in Anchorage. www.furrondy.net, www.iditarod.com
14 Anchorage, AKBIKE OR XC SKI TOUR OF ANCHORAGE In summer, hire a bike from Pablo’s Bike Rentals (440 L St), and cruise along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail from Downtown to Westchester Lagoon, where you’ll get a great view of the Chugach Mountains and some good bird watching. From the lagoon you’ll have two options. If you continue south, you’ll get to see some great wildlife and mudflats past Earthquake Park, and the trail will then connect with Kinkaid Park, which has an extensive trail system and an excellent Frisbee golf course. Alternatively, you can travel east along Chester Creek Trail, following the creek through forests and marshland, viewing the birds and moose along the way. Try doing these rides at midnight in the summer and get a real sense of what midnight sun is all about.In the winter all these trails are groomed and lit for cross-country skiing. Grab a pair of skis and enjoy the crisp winter air. Watch out for the occasional ski-jorner… those guys move fast! Westchester Lagoon is open for ice skating and hockey in the winter as well.
15 Anchorage, AKSEWARD HIGHWAY Take a drive south on the Seward Highway, along Turnagain Arm for views of the Cook Inlet, Kenai Peninsula, rocky cliffs, and untouched shoreline. Visit Beluga Point and Bird Point. If you’re lucky, you may spot a Beluga whale, the vanishing white giant that follows fish up the inlet as the tide comes in. There are a number of trail heads along the Seward Highway that take you up the cliffs to beautiful viewpoints. KENAI FJORDS NATIONAL PARK If you’re up for a longer drive, continue south along Route 1 onto the Kenai Peninsula and into the Kenai Fjords National Park. The landscape as you drive south is positively mesmerizing. Eventually you’ll reach the end of the road at Seward (three-hour drive from Anchorage) on the east side of the peninsula, or Homer (four-hour drive from Anchorage) on the west side. Both towns are full of culture, history and natural beauty. If I need to clear my head, there are two great hikes in CHUGACH STATE PARK that help me reconnect with mother nature, and reset my brain. Common sightings on both: ptarmigan, porcupine, moose, dall sheep. Necessities: boots, water, camera, map, hat, extra layer, hiking poles, and bear spray. Winter addition: snowshoes. NEAR POINT TRAIL Easy to moderate: first three miles wide and flat, last mile steep and narrow to the top with rewarding views of the Alaska Range, Sleeping Lady, Chugach Mountains, Anchorage, and Cook Inlet. Access at Prospect Heights trail head off of Hillside Drive. Elevation Gain: 1900 ft. Easy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter for the first three miles.LITTLE O’MALLEY TRAIL AND THE BALLPARK Easy to moderate: five miles round trip to the back of the ballpark. Access from Glen Alps trailhead off of Upper Huffman Road. Elevation gain 1800 ft. In summer, view rock formations left by glaciers, colorful summer flowers and dall sheep. At the end of the ballpark discover bottomless mountain lakes and connect up with Williwaw Lakes Trail. Snowshoe and backcountry ski in the winter.DRIVESHIKES
