Hi! Visiting Anchorage in August. Tips?

[sbj405]

I'll be coming to Anchorage for a conference in August. My bf and I plan to spend about a week beforehand. We're planning on doing some backpacking in Denali and then maybe head South. Any suggestions on cheap places to stay in Anchorage? I've got lodging for the conference, but could use a cheap place when we first arrive. Also backpacking and hiking suggestions are appreciated (specifically Denali St. Park vs National Park). Recently, saw the SP recommended as less crowded.

I've been to AK before, but never Anchorage. It'll be BF's first trip. Thanks.

[Obamarama]

1. Watch out for the teradactyls!

Er, I mean horse flies. They are the size of small house pets with wings! :-)

[anditos]

2. sbj405 - where is the conference?

Finding a cheap place to stay in Anchorage in the summer is practically impossible (throughout high school I worked at the Best Western on Spenard Road not more than 2 miles from the airport). There are some cheap places but I would not recommend staying in them. Back in the 90s they were "The Mush Inn" and "Matanuska Inn". Unless some major changes have come about, I would avoid these places at all costs. You probably will have to drop a minimum of $120 for a relatively clean "Holiday Inn" type experience. Wherever you plan on staying, get your reservations in order quickly. Summer is the peak season and, since Anchorage is the main hub of tourist activity in the state, rooms usually are booked.

When in Anchorage, you HAVE to try the breakfast at Gwennie's. We ate there every Saturday for years. You will not find a better breakfast in Alaska (and quite possibly this country). Here's a link to the yahoo review:
http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-2806731-gwennie_s_old_alaskan_restaurant_anchorage-i

I've never gone hiking up north but can say that visiting Denali Park is a nice trip. My summers growing up were spent on the Kenai Penninsula fishing. There are some really cute towns down that way w/ some parks that could offer you what you're looking for. There also is some good hiking right outside of Anchorage in the Chugach Mountains.

Enjoy your trip and let us know how it goes when you get back.

[sbj405]

5. Thanks fo the breakfast recommendation.

I'm staying at the Captain Cook, during the time of the conference. Is it really as cheesey as the website looks?

[cleofus1]

11. capt cook is a nice place

not the best...but very nice...

[roguevalley]

12. Captain Cook is my fave hotel. Nice place. Bring a jacket and an

umbrella in case our global warming turns to water a while.

[snowbear]

3. August....

August is sometimes (often) the start of the rainy season... Especially as soon as the state fair opens! Seems like as soon as it's fair time, the rain shows up..

Like someone else asked.. it would be good to know which area of town your conference is in. Would make it easier for suggesting places.

Taking the road south on the Seward will be beautiful!

There's a kazillion new motels/hotels in the mid-town and downtown areas here, so let us know what area of Anchorage you'll be in.. :)

[sbj405]

6. Thanks.

I have a hotel for the period where I'll be working. Looking for the other times, so I'm flexible on location. We'll be renting a car.

We arrive around 5pm and plan to leave the next morning for Denali. So I suppose something by the airport or a bit outside of town would work.

Also, if anyone has ideas for places or outfitters for sea kayaking.

[Blue_In_AK]

4. Since you'll be north of Anchorage for a bit

you might try coming over Hatcher Pass on your way back. When you're coming south on the Parks, take the Willow-Fishhook road eastbound from Willow. You'll come out by Palmer and then can access Anchorage from the Glenn Highway. Hatcher Pass is a beautiful drive (although gravel a good part of the way), and you might be there just the right time for the blueberries if you're coming in mid-August.

Here's a little photo site (although I have some that are better) :)

http://hodomania.com/Photographs/photos/america/Alaska/Hatcherpass/index.htm

[sbj405]

7. Wow. Looks gorgeous. Drive sounds nice.

Will keep in mind, depending on what time of rental car we get.

[Blue_In_AK]

8. You shouldn't have any trouble with any kind of car

that time of year. It is a little treacherous for motor homes though. The road has a lot of switchbacks, but if you take your time, you shouldn't have any problems. I believe it's about a 40-mile drive.

[sbj405]

9. Good to know.

We took a Mazda 323 through the mountains of Honduras. Sounds like this will be a piece of cake in comparison.

[Dear Maggie]

10. A place in Anchorage & Come to Valdez!

Well I think that no trip to Alaska would be complete without coming to Valdez! And we have a Bed n Breakfast & you could stay someplace with us for a good price.

We also have many things to do in Valdez So plan to stay at least 2 days And here are some other choices from our 'links' page

Check out Donna's Bed & Breakfast in Anchorage A two person room is $80 plus tax & that's a very good price for Anchorage. Tenting isn't a bad choice if the weather is good ... even in Anchorage. I like the park at the edge of town.