Posted by Nancy D. Brown

Anchorage, Alaska Visitor Information Center

The first place I take a visitor from out of town is to the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, amazing trails right in downtown with views of mountain ranges, and the waters of Cook Inlet, and along the trail Earthquake Park.

When I crave a local brewpub I turn to Glacier BrewHouse, FireTap Alehouse or Snow Goose Restaurant, where I can dine on local favorites like the fresh catch of the day, a wood-fired pizza, and wash it all down with a local microbrew.

To escape work I head for the trails the wind through Anchorage Parks and greenbelts for a run, a bike, or a quick cross-country ski.

For complete quiet, I can hide away in the Chugach National Forest, or more than Chugach State Park, the nations third largest state park is within the Municipality of Anchorage boundaries!

If you come to Anchorage, get your picture taken in front of the Log Cabin Visitor Information Center on Fourth Avenue.

If you have to order one thing off the menu at Simon and Seaforts, get the Asiago Alaska Halibut.

Anchorage is my one stop shop for Alaska products and gifts found nowhere else: smoked salmon, handmade baskets, Ulu knife sets, Ivory, Jade and wood carvings, gold nugget jewelry, mukluks and moccasins, Qiviut woolens, the list goes on and on. First Friday Art Walk is a great way to see local art work on display and even have a nibble of food in the galleries.

Snow City Cafe, Anchorage, Alaska

When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I go to City Diner for a great meal at a price that can’t be beat. Snow City Cafe is a great place for breakfast. Order the crabby omelet or Kodiak Benedict.

For a huge splurge, I go to Sullivans Steakhouse.

Photo ops in Anchorage include hooking a huge salmon literally steps from downtown in Ship Creek, or aboard a boat just yards away from the deep blue Portage Glacier.

The best vantage points are taken by walking to the top of Flattop Mountain, taking the tram or hiking to the top of Mt. Alyeska for a panoramic view of the Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm. Alyeska Resort, in Girdwood, is only 40 minutes outside of Anchorage and is worth an overnight if you have the time.

The most random thing about Anchorage is the Running of the Reindeer and Outhouse Races that speed down Fourth Avenue during Anchorage Fur Rendezvous.

In Anchorage, an active day outdoors involveswalking the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, kayaking at Eklutna Lake, hiking at the Eagle River Nature Center, skiing the Chugach Mountains, or fishing for halibut or salmon.

My favorite walking route is through the forested Campbell Creek Greenbelt.