Food scene
These are places I like to go. Most of these spots are within easy walking distance of the Carriage House. The first listing, for Fire Island Bakery, is a must!
Fire Island Bakery — Wonderful place for breakfast and just a few blocks from the Carriage House. The pastries! Sweet or savory. The challah! 7th&K.
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Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop
718 K StFire Island Bakery — Wonderful place for breakfast and just a few blocks from the Carriage House. The pastries! Sweet or savory. The challah! 7th&K.
All Carriage House guests have cause to shop here. Go for the full espresso bar, the the pastry case or the produce. It's got groceries and a deli. Its fish counter is one of the best in the city.
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New Sagaya City Market
900 W 13th AveAll Carriage House guests have cause to shop here. Go for the full espresso bar, the the pastry case or the produce. It's got groceries and a deli. Its fish counter is one of the best in the city.
A great Mexican restaurant just opened a downtown location! The La Paz fish tacos are fantastic. On 4th Ave and F St. It's a pleasant walk from the Carriage House. BEST LATE-NIGHT OPTION FOR FOOD IN THE WHOLE CITY! Serves until midnight. It's also just a few blocks from the train station, so a good stop on your way to check in at the Carriage House. 525 W. 4th.
Serrano’s Mexican Grill
A great Mexican restaurant just opened a downtown location! The La Paz fish tacos are fantastic. On 4th Ave and F St. It's a pleasant walk from the Carriage House. BEST LATE-NIGHT OPTION FOR FOOD IN THE WHOLE CITY! Serves until midnight. It's also just a few blocks from the train station, so a good stop on your way to check in at the Carriage House. 525 W. 4th.
This is everyone's favorite spot for a full breakfast. Gets busy on weekend mornings. Open 7-3.
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Snow City Cafe
1034 W 4th AveThis is everyone's favorite spot for a full breakfast. Gets busy on weekend mornings. Open 7-3.
Located at G & 3rd Ave., 49th State has decent pub food, great beer options and a fabulous roof deck. You'll want to stay all night and see the sun almost set. (Indoors is OK, too, but noisy.)
Wait too long? Crush, on G St. is near and classier; Williwaw has a nice roof deck, too; and you can also eat outside at Inlet Pubhouse or Anchorage Brewing.
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49th State Brewing Co - Anchorage
717 W 3rd AveLocated at G & 3rd Ave., 49th State has decent pub food, great beer options and a fabulous roof deck. You'll want to stay all night and see the sun almost set. (Indoors is OK, too, but noisy.)
Wait too long? Crush, on G St. is near and classier; Williwaw has a nice roof deck, too; and you can also eat outside at Inlet Pubhouse or Anchorage Brewing.
Casual-hip neighborhood bistro with an urban/industrial vibe. Nice deck on a sunny day. In other weather, I prefer to eat in the bar area. Excellent beer choices on tap.
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Rustic Goat
2800 Turnagain StCasual-hip neighborhood bistro with an urban/industrial vibe. Nice deck on a sunny day. In other weather, I prefer to eat in the bar area. Excellent beer choices on tap.
Simon's has been a favorite with locals and tourists since forever. It's a good place for a birthday dinner and to treat yourself with halibut or steak. Get a table by the window. I prefer the more casual vibe of the bar side. You can order from the full menu there, and there are also tables by the window. View is fantastic.
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Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
420 L StreetSimon's has been a favorite with locals and tourists since forever. It's a good place for a birthday dinner and to treat yourself with halibut or steak. Get a table by the window. I prefer the more casual vibe of the bar side. You can order from the full menu there, and there are also tables by the window. View is fantastic.
This place has ice cream that tastes like Alaska - spruce tip flavored, and rhubarb, etc. Get a cone while you're walking downtown. There's also an outlet in the beer garden at 49th State.
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Wild Scoops
429 E StreetThis place has ice cream that tastes like Alaska - spruce tip flavored, and rhubarb, etc. Get a cone while you're walking downtown. There's also an outlet in the beer garden at 49th State.
The nearest pub to the Carriage House. It’s great for sitting outside on a summer eve. When it’s not quite warm enough they’ve got fire pits and cute little igloos to cut the breeze. They serve good food, a step up from usual pub fare.
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Inlet PubHouse
1020 W 12th AveThe nearest pub to the Carriage House. It’s great for sitting outside on a summer eve. When it’s not quite warm enough they’ve got fire pits and cute little igloos to cut the breeze. They serve good food, a step up from usual pub fare.
This is a short drive from the Carriage House. It has a varied menu that's good for families, and lots of tables. Outdoor dining area, too, but no view.
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Spenard Roadhouse
1049 W Northern Lights BlvdThis is a short drive from the Carriage House. It has a varied menu that's good for families, and lots of tables. Outdoor dining area, too, but no view.
This is the place to go when one of you wants white tablecloths and august servers and the other wants pizza. Or you just want an adult place to have a beer. It’s in the Hotel Captain Cook, but it’s popular with locals, too. Adult locals. Who drive Mercedes and wear good cashmere.
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Fletcher's
939 W 5th AveThis is the place to go when one of you wants white tablecloths and august servers and the other wants pizza. Or you just want an adult place to have a beer. It’s in the Hotel Captain Cook, but it’s popular with locals, too. Adult locals. Who drive Mercedes and wear good cashmere.
Fantastic biscuits and eggs. It is great for a quick breakfast or brunch. A nice addition to a downtown block that needs some love.
Biscuit Betties
Fantastic biscuits and eggs. It is great for a quick breakfast or brunch. A nice addition to a downtown block that needs some love.
Some of the best restaurants in Anchorage are hole-in-the-wall spots. This one, near the Anchorage Museum downtown, is a favorite. Menu goes beyond pho.
Phở Lena
137 West 5th AvenueSome of the best restaurants in Anchorage are hole-in-the-wall spots. This one, near the Anchorage Museum downtown, is a favorite. Menu goes beyond pho.
I love catching a flick here! But you didn’t come to Alaska to watch movies. Go instead next door, to Bear Tooth Grill. The blackened cod (or halibut) tacos are terrific. They have excellent pizza for pickup here. This is the sister restaurant to Moose's Tooth, which is far too popular. Bear Tooth now has a patio with fire pits. Lovely place to go when the weather is nice.
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Bear Tooth Theatrepub
1230 W 27th AveI love catching a flick here! But you didn’t come to Alaska to watch movies. Go instead next door, to Bear Tooth Grill. The blackened cod (or halibut) tacos are terrific. They have excellent pizza for pickup here. This is the sister restaurant to Moose's Tooth, which is far too popular. Bear Tooth now has a patio with fire pits. Lovely place to go when the weather is nice.
There are so many reasons to go to Girdwood, but Jack Sprat would be worth the drive all by itself. The yam fries! The bibimbap! Wonderful Alaska seafood dishes, artfully prepared. Dress code is casual and it's not really that expensive. Beer & wine only. They don't take reservations, so go early. Bring warm cloths to enjoy a beverage on the porch while you wait.
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Jack Sprat
165 Olympic Mountain LoopThere are so many reasons to go to Girdwood, but Jack Sprat would be worth the drive all by itself. The yam fries! The bibimbap! Wonderful Alaska seafood dishes, artfully prepared. Dress code is casual and it's not really that expensive. Beer & wine only. They don't take reservations, so go early. Bring warm cloths to enjoy a beverage on the porch while you wait.
This place is tres chic! Reservations recommended. Not available? You can usually get seats, or even a table, in the bar area!
Whisky & Ramen
This place is tres chic! Reservations recommended. Not available? You can usually get seats, or even a table, in the bar area!
Williwaw Social
609 F StCheck out the roof deck! Or see a show downstairs.
Chickadee is a sweet little spot 2 blocks from the Carriage House. It has killer coffee and nice light eats.
1343 G St
Chickadee is a sweet little spot 2 blocks from the Carriage House. It has killer coffee and nice light eats.
Best handcrafted brews
If you like exotic, high-test brews, this is the place. Yes, the pints are pricey, but they're unique, and the atmosphere is so cool. Very casual and hip. Fabulous roof deck. Outdoor tables and gas fire pits. Or you can have a drink indoors in a wine barrel. Serves food some nights. Closes early-ish, like 9? weekdays/ 10pm Fri-Sat, due to brewery license limitations.
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Anchorage Brewing Company
148 W 91st AveIf you like exotic, high-test brews, this is the place. Yes, the pints are pricey, but they're unique, and the atmosphere is so cool. Very casual and hip. Fabulous roof deck. Outdoor tables and gas fire pits. Or you can have a drink indoors in a wine barrel. Serves food some nights. Closes early-ish, like 9? weekdays/ 10pm Fri-Sat, due to brewery license limitations.
Neighborhoods
Let's get this straight so you sound like a local: Girdwood is the town. Alyeska Resort is the largest business in that town. It's a beautiful drive, 30 miles of gorgeousness. Once there you can take the Alyeska tram, hike Winner Creek or Crow Pass, visit the Alyeska spa, eat at the Bake Shoppe, Girdwood Brewing or one of the fancy restaurants.
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Girdwood
Let's get this straight so you sound like a local: Girdwood is the town. Alyeska Resort is the largest business in that town. It's a beautiful drive, 30 miles of gorgeousness. Once there you can take the Alyeska tram, hike Winner Creek or Crow Pass, visit the Alyeska spa, eat at the Bake Shoppe, Girdwood Brewing or one of the fancy restaurants.
Sightseeing
Best place to see a moose on short notice. This would be a state park in any normal place. Tons of lovely trails for running or biking in summer
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Kincaid Park
9401 Raspberry RoadBest place to see a moose on short notice. This would be a state park in any normal place. Tons of lovely trails for running or biking in summer
Fabulous place for birdwatching, right on the city’s doorstep. Lots of moose and an occasional bear in there, too. Potter is laced with boardwalks, so you can easily stroll. Bring binoculars if you have them.
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Potter Marsh Bird Sanctuary
Seward HighwayFabulous place for birdwatching, right on the city’s doorstep. Lots of moose and an occasional bear in there, too. Potter is laced with boardwalks, so you can easily stroll. Bring binoculars if you have them.
Ship Creek has to be the most urban salmon fishery in the world. It’s in downtown Anchorage, near the railroad station. Most summer days and nights you’ll see anglers vie for fish - kings, sockeye, coho … Bring a pair of polarized glasses and stroll down to the pedestrian bridge over the river. Watch and learn. Consult a tide table. You’ll see action in the hours before and after high tide. To get to the bridge, navigate to the Ulu Factory gift shop. It’s right behind.
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Ship Creek
302 E Whitney RdShip Creek has to be the most urban salmon fishery in the world. It’s in downtown Anchorage, near the railroad station. Most summer days and nights you’ll see anglers vie for fish - kings, sockeye, coho … Bring a pair of polarized glasses and stroll down to the pedestrian bridge over the river. Watch and learn. Consult a tide table. You’ll see action in the hours before and after high tide. To get to the bridge, navigate to the Ulu Factory gift shop. It’s right behind.
William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery
941 N Reeve BlvdFish hatchery. Always interesting to learn about salmon.
Not only is this an interesting museum, it’s by a busy floatplane lake. Great place to get a sense of Alaska’s massive general aviation sector.
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Alaska Aviation Museum
4721 Aircraft DrNot only is this an interesting museum, it’s by a busy floatplane lake. Great place to get a sense of Alaska’s massive general aviation sector.
This is a big hit with visitors. It offers a chance to see iconic Alaska wildlife and take impressive photos.The 40 minute drive from Ånchorage is spectacular. Combine it with lunch or dinner in Girdwood, and maybe a hike.
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Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
43520 Seward HwyThis is a big hit with visitors. It offers a chance to see iconic Alaska wildlife and take impressive photos.The 40 minute drive from Ånchorage is spectacular. Combine it with lunch or dinner in Girdwood, and maybe a hike.
This is a top notch museum for Alaska history and an overview of Alaska Native culture. Also: a nice restaurant and maybe the best place to buy a classy Alaska gift.
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Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center
625 C StThis is a top notch museum for Alaska history and an overview of Alaska Native culture. Also: a nice restaurant and maybe the best place to buy a classy Alaska gift.
Nice views, and you can go a long way with few hills.
My favorite way to jog to the trail from the Carriage House is via City Market. Turn left on K. Right on 15th. The sidewalk along 15th drops down and joins the Chester Creek Trail. Turn right on that trail and you will soon arrive at Westchester Lagoon. Pick up the Coastal Trail there.
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Tony Knowles Coastal Trail
Raspberry RoadNice views, and you can go a long way with few hills.
My favorite way to jog to the trail from the Carriage House is via City Market. Turn left on K. Right on 15th. The sidewalk along 15th drops down and joins the Chester Creek Trail. Turn right on that trail and you will soon arrive at Westchester Lagoon. Pick up the Coastal Trail there.
Shopping
The Kobuk is such a fun gift store! It’s got lots of practical treats and Alaska-made items, all artfully packed into a historic mercantile. Has sister stores at the airport, too. Famous for its signature spicy tea.
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The Kobuk Cafe
504 W 5th AveThe Kobuk is such a fun gift store! It’s got lots of practical treats and Alaska-made items, all artfully packed into a historic mercantile. Has sister stores at the airport, too. Famous for its signature spicy tea.
Climate-appropriate clothes make such a difference in your ability to enjoy Anchorage. This store is within walking distance of the Carriage House. Has a decent supply of rain gear and warm layers.
6th Avenue Outfitters
520 W 6th AveClimate-appropriate clothes make such a difference in your ability to enjoy Anchorage. This store is within walking distance of the Carriage House. Has a decent supply of rain gear and warm layers.
A large store w all kinds of outdoor gear. You can also rent skis and camping gear.
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REI
500 E Northern Lights BlvdA large store w all kinds of outdoor gear. You can also rent skis and camping gear.
Beautiful store with top quality running gear and high-quality casual fashion coveted by the outdoor crowd. 5 blocks from Carriage House.
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Skinny Raven Sports
800 H StBeautiful store with top quality running gear and high-quality casual fashion coveted by the outdoor crowd. 5 blocks from Carriage House.
My best clothes, the ones that women stop me on the street to admire, come from Second Run. The shop has a range of consigned treasures. It is not cheap. But for the same price as a polyester frock from a mall, you can get a unique item with a label you once read about in Vogue. Buy it and you’ll feel like a million bucks.
Second Run
720 D StMy best clothes, the ones that women stop me on the street to admire, come from Second Run. The shop has a range of consigned treasures. It is not cheap. But for the same price as a polyester frock from a mall, you can get a unique item with a label you once read about in Vogue. Buy it and you’ll feel like a million bucks.
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Ukuzulazula
Yes, it's safe
Many of my guests are concerned about crime rates. It's true that Alaska has very high rates of domestic violence, alcoholism and drug addiction. As a visitor, your risk is low. I don't give a second thought to safety as I walk around downtown at night. I carry bear spray when I go hiking, or jogging on distant sections of the Coastal Trail.