Suggestions please for Anchorage.

[goody1]

Hi,

 

My wife and I are on HALs' Amsterdam next July for a 14 night Alaskan cruise. We know what we want to do at the majority of the stops, however we're at a loss for Anchorage where we stop for over 12 hours. Any suggestions/advice gratefully received. Thanks..

[Assateague Island Princes]

Hi Goody - we're on the May 31st sailing of this wonderful HAL itinerary! Are you as excited as we are??? Anyway, we rented a car, and are still deciding whether to head south down to Seward, taking in the magnificent scenery along Turnagain Arm that we've heard so much about, or to head north, maybe going to Kennicott Mine, the Matsu area, Wasilla, etc. I think we're leaning toward north - simply because Anchorage will be the furtherest north we'll get this trip. Plus, we intend to be out on deck as early as possible while sailing up Cook Inlet to Anchorage. With the almost constant daylight, we're hoping to experience some of that Cook Inlet scenery from the water perspective - cup of coffee in one hand, chocolate croissant in the other, and binocs around my neck. I'm thinking it couldn't get much finer! LOL!

 

I know there are others on our sailing who are planning to take the train south (which I hear is quite stunning!) to then take the PWS cruise out of Whittier or the other glacier cruise out of Seward. This would also be an option using a rental car, plus you'd have the ability to stop wherever you wanted while heading south, which you wouldn't have available to you on the train.

 

I also found a flightseeing excursion to Denali from Anchorage - expensive! but it takes you to the park, you would have time to take a shuttle into the park, then they fly you back to Anchorage early evening. The problem with this is what if you get to Denali, the weather turns bad, and they can't fly you back to Anchorage that evening? The Amsterdam sails without you and you're stuck in Denali, having to make arrangments to get to the next port of call. While I would LOVE to do that flight and get to see Denali this trip, looks like its gonna wait til our strictly self-planned land trip we're working on for 2012. So much to do, so little time - LOL!

 

Whatever you decide - I'm sure it will be an amazing day at our Anchorage port of call. Enjoy your cruise!

[frugaltravel]

Need a "few" things to do in Anchorage? Start with this list from a poster "Places" on Trip Advisor.

 

1. Log Cabin Visitors Center on 4th Avenue and F Street - Start your visit here http://www.anchorage.net

2. Anchorage Museum of History and Art http://www.anchoragemuseum.org

3. Alaska Native Heritage Center http://www.alaskanative.net

4. Resolution Point and Captain Cook Monument with views of Cook Inlet and Mt. McKinley

5. Earthquake Park, West on Northern Lights Boulevard near Aircraft Drive

6. Elmendorf State Hatchery http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/hatchery/hatchery.cfm

7. Fort Richardson Hatchery http://www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us/statewide/hatchery/hatchery.cfm

8. Far North Bicentennial Park off Tudor and Abbott Roads with miles of trails for hiking and biking

9. Kincaid Park on West end of Raspberry Road with 35 miles of hiking and biking trails http://www.muni.org/parks/index.cfm

10. Oomingmak Shop - Musk Ox wool hand knitted masterpieces by Native Alaskans http://www.qiviut.com

11. Ulu Factory at 211 W. Ship Creek Avenue

12. Music in the Park every Wednesday and Friday at noon, 4th Avenue and E Street http://www.anchoragedowntown.org

13. Summer concerts at Town Square on Thursday 5-8 PM http://www.anchoragedowntown.org

14. Music and Dance on Saturday at 2 PM at Peratrovich Park, 4th Avenue and E Street http://www.anchoragedowntown.org

15. Wild Salmon on Parade throughout downtown. See map on http://www.anchorage.net/salmon

16. Theater Thursday at noon in Peratrovich Park, 4th Avenue and E Street http://www.anchoragedowntown.org

17. Ship Creek Center at 4th Avenue and C Street with exhibits and free performances http://www.shipcreekcenter.com

18. Ship Creek near railroad tracks north of 1st Avenue where city anglers congregate to catch salmon

19. Segway Tours of Anchorage at 630 W 4th Avenue #441-1124

20. Alaska Experience Center http://www.alaskaexperiencetheatre.com

21. Alaska Public Lands Information Center at 605 W. 4th Avenue

with fascinating exhibits http://www.nps.gov/aplic

22. Anchorage City Trolley Tours start at 612 W. 4th Street between 9AM and 6 PM

23. Russian Orthodox Museum at 605 A Street

24. Oscar Anderson House Museum at 420 M Street open between noon and 5 PM

25. Play tennis, volleyballs, softball at Delaney Park Strip located between 9th and 10th Avenues and A& P Streets.

26. Aurora-Alaska Great Northern Lights http://www.thealaskacollection.com

27. Cyrano’s Playhouse http://www.cyranos.org

28. 4th Avenue Theater Building at 630 W. 4th Avenue that survived the 1964 earthquake and is listed on National Register of Historic Places

29. Wendler Building at 4th Avenue and D street is also on National Register of Historic Places

30. Iditarod Race starts at Wendler Building at 4th Avenue and D Street

31. Bronze statue of Balto, famous dog, located in front of the Wendler Building

32. Town Square Park located between 5th and 6th Avenues and E and F Streets with gorgeous flowers and Whaling Wall painted by artist Wyland

33. Alaska Botanical Garden at Tudor and Campbell Airstrip Road

http://www.alaskabg.org

34. Imaginarium Science Discovery Center http://www.imaginarium.com

35. Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum http://www.alaskaairmuseum.org

36. Alaska Heritage Museum at Well Fargo at 301 W Northern Lights Boulevard #265-2834

37. Alaska Museum of Natural History http://www.alaskamuseum.org

38. Alaska Railroad Depot with many fascinating historical photos http://www.alaskarairoad.com

39. Alaska State Troopers Museum http://www.alaskatroopermuseum.com

40. Anchorage Market on 3rd Avenue and E Street during summer weekends http://www.anchoragemarkets.com

41. Zoo http://www.alaskazoo.org

42. Surfing on a bore tide south of Bird Point along Seward Highway

43. University of Alaska Anchorage, visit bookstore for nice sweatshirts and other gifts http://www.uaabookstore.uaaa.alaska.edu

44. Visit any of 150 city parks right in Anchorage

45. Anchorage Symphony Orchestra http://www.anchoragesymphony.org

46. Tony Knowles Coastal Trail ideal for biking, hiking and walking

47. Visit bicycle rental shop at 4th Avenue between C&D streets http://www.alaska-bike-rentals.com

48. Go biking on Powerline Pass, to get there follow O’Malley Road and Upper Hoffman

49. Attend Greek Festival in August

50. Take a drive south along Seward Highway for many scenic stops and to visit Girdwood for outdoor activities

51. Run Mayor’s Marathon in June

52. Go to AWAIC (Abused Women’s Aid in Crisis) Summer Solstice Festival http://www.awaic.org

53. Use trailhead at Glen Alps to hike to Flattop Mountain and Little O’Malley Peak ($5.00 parking fee)

54. Use trailhead at Prospect Heights to hike to Wolverine Peak and Near Point ($5.00 parking fee)

55. Use Upper Hoffman trailhead for hikes to Powerline Pass and Little O’Malley Peak ($5.00 parking fee)

56. Use Eklutna trailhead for hikes to Twin Peaks and Bold Ridge trails ($5.00 parking fee)

57. Use Eagle River Nature Center to access Crow Pass, Albert Loop and Dew Mound trails ($5.00 parking fee)

58. Go bird watching to Potter Marsh on Seward Highway

59. Watch ducks on Goose Lake near UAA

60. Play 18 holes at O’Malley Golf Course

61. H2Oasis Indoor Water Park- great place to take kids of any age

62. Alaska Statehood Monument at 2nd Avenue and E Street

63. Fire Department Museum at 100 E. 4th Avenue

[ellbon]

you might not see any animals in Denali.. many people do not. getting t sward is a 2 plus hour drive. lots of great places to stop.. makes it longer. yes to the boat ride if you go. you could just drive to Girwood-sp- and enjoy the lunch and the mt there.

 

the museum i heard was good but never had time to see it. there is hiking trails also to do but not sure how great they are.

[Budget Queen]

Hi Goody - we're on the May 31st sailing of this wonderful HAL itinerary! Are you as excited as we are??? Anyway, we rented a car, and are still deciding whether to head south down to Seward, taking in the magnificent scenery along Turnagain Arm that we've heard so much about, or to head north, maybe going to Kennicott Mine, the Matsu area, Wasilla, etc. I think we're leaning toward north - simply because Anchorage will be the furtherest north we'll get this trip. Plus, we intend to be out on deck as early as possible while sailing up Cook Inlet to Anchorage. With the almost constant daylight, we're hoping to experience some of that Cook Inlet scenery from the water perspective - cup of coffee in one hand, chocolate croissant in the other, and binocs around my neck. I'm thinking it couldn't get much finer! LOL!

 

I know there are others on our sailing who are planning to take the train south (which I hear is quite stunning!) to then take the PWS cruise out of Whittier or the other glacier cruise out of Seward. This would also be an option using a rental car, plus you'd have the ability to stop wherever you wanted while heading south, which you wouldn't have available to you on the train.

QUOTE]

 

It isn't Kennicott Mine, it's Independence of Hatcher Pass. You are most likely too early and will have no access.

 

I would also hope, NO ONE is considering taking the train to Seward?? It is not doable either. As for your "stunning" reference. The Anchorage/Whittier train, parallels the Seward Highway the ENTIRE distance with a car superior for the abilitiy to stop. Along with the option to visit the Portage Glacier visitor center, Alyeska, Crow Creek Mine, Wildlife Conservation. etc etc etc

[Budget Queen]

you might not see any animals in Denali.. many people do not. getting t sward is a 2 plus hour drive. lots of great places to stop.. makes it longer. yes to the boat ride if you go. you could just drive to Girwood-sp- and enjoy the lunch and the mt there.

 

the museum i heard was good but never had time to see it. there is hiking trails also to do but not sure how great they are.

 

Sorry, you are wrong on Denali Park, you will definately see wildlife. The "many" people who do not see wildlife, never get into the park. Those that do, see plenty.

 

Always, plan on 3 hours for Anchorage/Seward each way.

[strega7]

Thanks budget queen, we wanted to go from anchorage to seward, but were not quite sure if we wanted car or train. I think we will be renting a car and driving down... I will have to look at a map and see the different places we would like to stop :).

[goody1]

Thanks to all for the great advice. I'm leaning towards hiring a car as it will give us much more flexibility in choosing where to stop. I think its great that HAL are doing 14 night cruises in Alaska, as its a long way from Scotland for a 7 nighter.

[tetleytea]

How I weigh in on everything:

 

- A train to Seward, or for that matter trying to go to Seward at all--bad idea. Not a good choice for a long port-of-call in Anchorage. The trip to Seward itself is good, but you need an overnight. Otherwise driving will be defining your day. But who knows, maybe sightseeing-driving is your thing....

- A trip to Whittier may be all right. It's just, there's really not a lot to do there (besides the PWS cruise). If you ever cruise Alaska again, you may very likely wind up in Whittier again. And then end up doing a repeat of the PWS cruise.

- A day trip to Denali from Anchorage will probably land you in the "people who don't really go into the park" camp, who don't see much. If you do that, do it for the flightseeing; not the land part of Denali. And even that, I don't think that's the best choice in the way of flightseeing.

- As listed earlier, lots of stuff to do in Anchorage in the way of quantity. Not a lot in the way of quality. But that's fine--the end result is you get to tour Anchorage. That's cool. Also, if you have errands to do, like Walmart--this is the place to do it.

 

- Tour Knik Glacier gets my vote. A few places that do it:

 

http://glacierjetalaska.com/

http://knikglacier.com/

http://www.toursaver.com/index.php/knik-glacier-jetboat-tours/?SGLSESSID=8f8cc55bd0d960ad59d770d90a142cf6&/1/

http://www.toursaver.com/index.php/deal/dealview/action/view/frmArticleID/189/

 

Anyway, the reason I like Knik Glacier the best is because it's _Alaska_. Anchorage is just another American urban setting (kind of similar to Denver/Boulder/Co Springs/Ft. Collins if you ask me). Every city in America is interesting & unique in its own right, but...what did you come for? To see another city? I can imagine Lake Eklutna and Portage Glacier are good, and for the same reason; but I haven't been.

 

- There's also a circuit with a rental car you could do, where you go up into Wasila and visit the Iditarod HQ...and run whatever shopping errands you need/want to do--Wasila has a big shopping district. They have souvenirs (they DON'T have wine there, apparently, but nearby Palmer does). Then jog over to Palmer, visit the Reindeer Farm. Hatcher Pass. Then down to the Musk Ox farm. Back through Palmer, grab lunch/dinner. Then Eagle River, and do...whatever...there. Then Anchorage. If you look at a map, it's a circle. You're not really doubling back anywhere--except maybe Hatcher Pass, and that depends. None of these sites are downright spectacular, IMHO, but it makes for a nice, satisfying day. Now that, in my mind, constitutes a more satisfying drive-tour than an all-day drive to Seward & back.

[frugaltravel]

Wasila has a big shopping district. They have souvenirs (they DON'T have wine there, apparently, but nearby Palmer does).

 

Is that new? Last year there was a "Little Brown Jug" or store with a similar name in Wasilla with a fairly large wine selection.

[tetleytea]

Is that new?

 

It could be I just didn't see it. We looked in Walmart, Target, the grocery store, several places. I could only figure Palin-town must be a dry town. Just a couple miles down the road on Palmer-Wasila highway, I had no problem finding wine.

[Assateague Island Princes]

BQ - thanks for the correction w/my post mixing up Kennicott/Independence Mine. I'm crushed tho to realize we are too early for Independence - were hoping to do that. Oh well, on our 2012 land trip, we're planning on a different time frame, later in the season to be there for salmon runs, so I'll put that tour to Independence in that folder again. Appreciate the information.

 

Re: the train to Seward - TA told us there is talk of HAL offering a train to Seward as one of their excursions for our long day in Anchorage, and that is what I was referencing. I do realize the train parallels the Seward Highway, but thank you for pointing that out for others.

 

I'm quite sure that we will head north from Anchorage w/our rental car rather than toward Seward (another "must do" on the 2012 land tour, we're planning on spending atleast 3 days there then). I just like the idea of seeing some of Anchorage and then taking off on our own. We're interested in the Iditarod, Wasilla, Palmer, etc.

[tiyana4]

We found the drive to/from Talkeetna very scenic. I agree that flightseeing over Denali and Mt. McKinley is an excellent choice. It was certainly the highlight of our trip. We aren't fond of large tour groups or buses, so we passed on the ground tour into the park. Instead, we found that having our own vehicle gave us the freedom to stop when we wanted to eat, take photos, or simply marvel at our surroundings. We also went horseback riding thru the mountains near Anchorage, visited the Alaska Zoo, and spent the better part of an afternoon at the museum of Art - all highly recommended.

[alpal1993]

We are taking a 10 hour tour to Turnigan Arm, Alyeska and Glacier boat cruise also included is Alaskan Heritage Center.

[mytime53]

It could be I just didn't see it. We looked in Walmart, Target, the grocery store, several places. I could only figure Palin-town must be a dry town. Just a couple miles down the road on Palmer-Wasila highway, I had no problem finding wine.

 

Wasilla, dry?:eek: In Alaska, liquor (including wine and beer) must be sold in liquor stores. Both Fred Meyer and Carrs/Safeway have their own liquor stores attached. Plus the Brown Jug previously mentioned, a liquor store attached to every gas station quik store, and a few independent liquor stores. Without even trying, I can think of at least 7 within a 2 mile stretch of the highway through town...Wasilla is definitely not dry!

 

Even though Independence Mine is closed the end of May, it is still a beautiful drive up to it. The best way for visitors spending the day in the Valley is to drive up through Palmer or Wasilla and return through the other town. People mistakenly think they have to go through Palmer to get to Hatcher Pass. Not so...Wasilla Fishhook and Palmer Fishook roads begin in their respective towns and converge at the base of the mountains.

[Budget Queen]

 

Even though Independence Mine is closed the end of May, it is still a beautiful drive up to it. The best way for visitors spending the day in the Valley is to drive up through Palmer or Wasilla and return through the other town. People mistakenly think they have to go through Palmer to get to Hatcher Pass. Not so...Wasilla Fishhook and Palmer Fishook roads begin in their respective towns and converge at the base of the mountains.

 

This is excellent detailed information. The point is, not to even consider Hatcher Pass in/out of Willow. :) But I was there in June a few years back and Hatcher Pass was closed, probably the last third of the way to the mine. So, if this is a possibility, it may want to be verified, that it is passable, especially important for people who have no winter driving experince. I do know, it can be completely open, and there are homes there, just might be good to check just before you go on the conditions.

[tetleytea]

Plus the Brown Jug previously mentioned, a liquor store attached to every gas station quik store, and a few independent liquor stores.

 

Brown Jug, that's good information to have. We wasted like 1 1/2 hours trying to find wine to bring on the ship. Fortunately for us, that was our "off" day on a land tour (I schedule those...when the days before and after are crazy hard). I sure would have hated it if that was 1 1/2 hours' of port-of-call. Scribble in notes: "Brown Jug for wine. 509 Parks Highway."

 

Another thing that caught me off guard: our GPS didn't work. I get it through our cell phone, but in Anchorage it's roaming. No cell phone GPS when on roaming. If I had known that, I would have picked up a map at the rental car desk and asked for directions to a few places. Should have done my homework and mapped out where I was going! (but I was counting on GPS)

 

P.S. Yeah, Wasilla Fishhook would have been really nice to drive, but they were closed in May. Pretty much had to go through Palmer and double back.

[tiyana4]

Another thing that caught me off guard: our GPS didn't work. I get it through our cell phone, but in Anchorage it's roaming. No cell phone GPS when on roaming. If I had known that, I would have picked up a map at the rental car desk and asked for directions to a few places. Should have done my homework and mapped out where I was going! (but I was counting on GPS)

 

I have never tried to use GPS on a cell phone. We lugged our own from home and it came in handy in Juneau, Skagway and on the drive to Talkeetna. Our GPS was shaky in downtown Anchorage, but outside the city we had no problems.

[tetleytea]

I have never tried to use GPS on a cell phone.

 

Oh I *live* out of my cell phone when I'm travelling! It's my phone, email, internet, memo pad, flashlight, alarm clock, GPS, walkie talkie, everything. I don't want to keep track of a separate GPS when I'm travelling if I don't have to. Phone GPS works like a charm in the U.S., except for Alaska it seems. And even that, it's not the GPS itself--it's the roaming. Having that GPS in your pocket when you're away is such a lifesaver! I have even used it hiking. It often doesn't work very well on international travel, but that's no surprise, of course.

[Maverick6969]

ALPAL1993 - Can you tell me who you booked thru and are you staying in Anchorage the night before and the night of your excursion. I'm going to be in Anchorage for 2 nights and have a full day trying to find something to do. Can you give me some details on your plans? Thanks

[Assateague Island Princes]

Maverick - alpal is sailing on HAL's 14 night itinerary on the Amsterdam, so she isn't staying overnight in Anchorage. These cruises have a very long day in Anchorage - 7AM to 11PM. I saw (on one of these threads, I believe) that she booked thru a booking agent for her excursion to Alyeska, etc., but I'm sure she'll get back to you w/details of who she booked thru.

 

alpal - when you get a minute - head over to the Roll Calls - Alan/Allyn has a question about this excursion you booked as well. Just bein the messenger here, girlfriend, haven't seen you post in a while - hope all is well!

[alpal1993]

ALPAL1993 - Can you tell me who you booked thru and are you staying in Anchorage the night before and the night of your excursion. I'm going to be in Anchorage for 2 nights and have a full day trying to find something to do. Can you give me some details on your plans? Thanks

 

Hi We will not be staying in Anchorage this time .We are docking at Port Anchorage aboard HAL Amsterdam.When we stayed at the Hilton and walked about town exploring on our own Had dinner at The Glacier Brew House which we enjoyed.In am we took a walk down to Cook Inlet at 6:30 am too much light and excitement .

The tour is through Alaskatours.com.It goes to Native Heritage Center and Alyeska two places that were on our wish list.The drive to Alyeska has been deemed awsome with many picturesque stops.It is fairly priced.IMHO

[alpal1993]

ALPAL1993 - Can you tell me who you booked thru and are you staying in Anchorage the night before and the night of your excursion. I'm going to be in Anchorage for 2 nights and have a full day trying to find something to do. Can you give me some details on your plans? Thanks

 

We will be stopping in Anchorage on our cruise very special addition of this port on the 14 night HAL Amsterdam .The first time we flew into Anchorage on our first leg of a cruise tour.We went to Talkeetna ,Denali and Fairbanks so we wanted to do something different this time.Alaskatours.com is were I found the tour to Alyeska and Portage Glacier.Just click on Anchorage and several tours will come up.

Anchorage is a very tourist friendly City we felt safe even at 6:30 am when we took a walk down to Cook Inlet.Couldn't sleep much(too excited and too much Sunlight)

[NMLady]

Someone posted elsewhere that Anchorage tours are now on the HAL website so you might want to take a look.

We'll probably be spending our day with friends who live in Anchorage so I haven't looked at the tours. I probably should in case there's a half day one and then we could visit our friends the rest of the day. I haven't seen him in 32 years and I've never met his wife, so I'd think just a few hours with them might be enough. I could be wrong though.

[alpal1993]

I saw my tour posted on Alaska destination thread on HAL.For our cruise it was not included for HAL purchase.The independent tour starts at the Hilton,which we would have to get to on our own unless things change,and they pick us up or a shuttle is provided