I'll be in Anchorage next week. What should I do/see? Best restaurants,

[ohiosmith]

shopping district, pubs, tours?

Many thanks.

[Blue_In_AK]

1. What kind of food are you looking for?

I hope it stops raining for you ... our weather hasn't been too hot the past few days.

[ohiosmith]

2. Local favorites.

[Blue_In_AK]

3. I like Glacier Brewhouse or Orso's

which are downtown on Fifth Avenue, right next to each other. They're run by the same people, but Orso's is a little more upscale. They both have great food. Or if you're going for something a little more informal (and raucus) you could go to Humpy's which is on Sixth.

Are you going to have a car? If so, you can drive either direction out of Anchorage and see some spectacular scenery. If not, you can get on the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail downtown and take a good walk along the shores of the Knik Arm of Cook Inlet out through Earthquake Park and even on to Kincaid Park if your legs are up to it. There's a relatively new Native heritage center out in east Anchorage which I've never been to, but I hear is very nice.

If you're here over the weekend, they have a Weekend Market in the parking lot at Third and E Street, I believe (across from the Hilton), where the locals sell all kinds of stuff.

A fun night out if you can get tickets is the Whale Fat Follies at Mr. Whitekeys' Fly By Night Club in Spenard. His troupe does a pretty hilarious show about Alaska, politics and other eccentricities. (Definitely left-leaning).

Cleofus, Larissa -- you guys want to weigh in here?

[ohiosmith]

4. Thanks Blue. Great info.

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Have fun.

I think you'll like Anchorage. We're a friendly town.

[cleofus1]

6. check out this website immediately!!!!

http://www.anchorage.net/441.cfm

do it now!!! i command you! kisss my ring! for i am the duke of anchorage!....now go to that website!

[snowbear]

7. Coming to Alaska, huh?

Wow! Check out the Alaska State Fair if you have a vehicle and feel like driving about an hour north of Anchorage.. Or you can take the Alaska Railroad there if you just want to kick back...

Downtown, I like to eat at Glacier Brewhhouse (laid back atmosphere), or Orso.... or sometimes even Humpy's Tavern..

There's a brand new place they JUST opened downtown called... I think.. "The Bridge" ..I haven't been there yet, but heard it was pretty cool :) If just opened so I'm not sure if they're super busy or what? But you can check em out... Simon and Seaforts downtown is an awesome seafood place!

Just outside of town is the best pizza in Alaska at Moose's Tooth... or you can go to Bear Tooth (same owners) and watch a movie for $3 and eat pizza, or whatever you want.. If you go there... their halibut tacos are outta this world!

Take a drive south of Anchorage if you can along the Seward Highway for at least 10 or 12 miles.... you don't have to drive all the way to Girdwood if you don't feel like it.. but you won't believe what a stunningly beautiful drive that is!!! The ocean on one side of the highway, big cliffs with mountain goats on the other side... You can stop at The Indian House for lunch.. or maybe just go up to Indian Valley Meats up the road and check out their nifty business!

I sure hope you get plenty of sunshine while you're here.... we're kinda into our rainy season -- altho' today was sunny and beautiful!

Let us know what you'd like to do.. what sorts of places you'd like to see! :bounce:

[DenaliDemocrat]

8. Humphy's

For some beer battered deep fat fried halibut with awesome homemade tartar sauce.

[Blue_In_AK]

9. Sounds like we all have the same ideas about food, huh? :-)

[ohiosmith]

10. Thanks to all. I fly in this Friday evening and out the following Tuesday.