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Amidst the wild, barren forests of Alaska sits the beautiful city of Anchorage. Considered to be the only true metropolis in the 49th state, Anchorage has a population of approximately 250,000. The hub of the business community in Alaska, Anchorage has made its mark with first class banks, hotels and museums. Anchorage offers its visitors some of the best entertainment, food, accommodations and sporting events in the country.
With all of this industry and forward thinking, you might assume that Anchorage would have lost all of its wild charm. Far from true, dog sled races and the occasional moose wander the streets of this seemingly modern city. If you enjoy sports, Anchorage has plenty to offer. From wonderful ski resorts to incredible fishing, there is something to captivate everyone. Shoppers will be busy with sprees throughout stores that stock everything from fine furs to items made of qiviut or musk-ox hair. From shopping to hiking through the wilderness, there is something for everyone in Anchorage, Alaska's metropolis.
Food and Accommodation
Some of the finest restaurants in the state can be found in Anchorage. You may have a hard time finding some of the more traditional Alaskan dishes due to local game laws, but there are plenty of delicious dishes to sample around the city. If you get tired of American cuisine there are many Korean, Japanese, Thai and Italian restaurants to try. Whether you are traveling on a budget or looking for a five-star restaurant, Anchorage has something to tempt you. Here are a few of our favorites:
The Crows Nest
If you want to see the best views of Anchorage and enjoy some of the finest cuisine in the state while you ogle the sights, make sure to dine at the Crows Nest restaurant. Some of the chef's famous dishes include fresh seafood recipes, delightful vegetarian meals and old standards like juicy steaks and rack of lamb. The restaurant is decorated with beautiful brass fixtures and simple but elegant hardwood flooring. Refined without being pretentious, a delight!
**The Crows Nest is located on top of the Hotel Captain Cook at 5th Avenue and K Street. For more information and reservations call: 907/276-6000. Reservations are required. *Expensive. **
Located in a small wood frame house on the bluff, the Marx Brothers Café has been around since the mid-1900's. Started up by three friends, the restaurant is a favorite of the locals. Jack Amon, Ken Brown and Van Hale cook up everything from smoked sturgeon to caramelized rack of lamb for their hungry patrons. Some of the restaurants famous dishes include melitzanosalata (an eggplant spread served with Greek olives and pita bread), Maine lobster and a delicious Greek salad.
**The Marx Brothers Café is located at 627 West 3rd Avenue. For more information and reservations call: 907/278-2133. Accepts most major credit cards. Reservations are recommended. The wine list is very extensive. Closed on Sundays, does not serve lunch. *Moderate.
** After reading this section many must think "There are an awful lot of brothers with restaurants in Anchorage!", but don't let the name throw you off. The Hogg Brothers Café is one of the best deals going in Anchorage. This funky little lunch counter serves everything from delicious burgers to house specials like the El Breakfast de Roberta (scrambled eggs on English muffins surrounded by home fries, all topped with onions, peppers and cheese sauce). A budget travelers dream!!
**The Hogg Brothers Café is located at 1049 West Northern Lights Boulevard. For more information call: 907/276-9649. Does not accept reservations. Accepts MasterCard and Visa. *Inexpensive**
Top Attractions
Anchorage has something to capture the imagination of everyone who visits. From wide stretches of beautiful forests to great shopping and a variety of museums, Anchorage has it all. Here are a few of our favorite things to do and see in Anchorage:
**Potters Point Game Refuge is located ten miles south of the Alaska Zoo past East 36th Street. For more information and directions call: 907/345-5014. The Alaska Public Lands Information Center can also provide you with information, call: 907/271-2737. **
Made up of all of the mountains to the east of Anchorage from Eklutna to the north and south to Girdwood, the Chugach State Park is the pride of Anchorage. Trails range in distance from 2 miles to 30 miles, and are accessible to both hikers and mountain bikers. To avoid encountering wild animals in heavily vegetated areas it is a good idea to carry a bell, sing or converse loudly. Common sense and proper safety precautions will keep you safe. Wildlife lovers will thrill at the sight of bears, foul and other animals that inhabit the park.
**The Chugach State Park is located south of East 36th Street near the Potter Point Game Refuge. For more information and hours of park operation call 907/762-2261. Maps of the trails are available from the Alaska State Parks. **
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