William’s guidebook
City/town information
Talkeetna:
• Talkeetna Inn & TeePee Bar (I own this)- Talkeetna’s largest downtown hotel (only 22 rooms). Budget accommodations, fun dive bar on premise, 2 acres on the Susitna river with views of Denali from the property.
• Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge- High-end accommodations, with several restaurants and bars, and an amazing deck with views of Denali.
• Denali Brewing Company- 2nd largest brewery in Alaska, coming out of a town of 900 residents. The beer sells itself. The Twister IPA is the top seller.
• K2 Aviation or Talkeetna Air Taxi- Both of these companies offer flight tours around Denali, with glacier landings. It’s one of the most majestic experiences I’ve ever had.
• Fairview- An iconic Alaskan bar that’s been open since 1923, with little to no updating. It’s the nightlife hub of Talkeetna and a blast!
130 paikallista suosittelee
Talkeetna
Talkeetna:
• Talkeetna Inn & TeePee Bar (I own this)- Talkeetna’s largest downtown hotel (only 22 rooms). Budget accommodations, fun dive bar on premise, 2 acres on the Susitna river with views of Denali from the property.
• Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge- High-end accommodations, with several restaurants and bars, and an amazing deck with views of Denali.
• Denali Brewing Company- 2nd largest brewery in Alaska, coming out of a town of 900 residents. The beer sells itself. The Twister IPA is the top seller.
• K2 Aviation or Talkeetna Air Taxi- Both of these companies offer flight tours around Denali, with glacier landings. It’s one of the most majestic experiences I’ve ever had.
• Fairview- An iconic Alaskan bar that’s been open since 1923, with little to no updating. It’s the nightlife hub of Talkeetna and a blast!
Girdwood:
• Hotel Alyeska- Stunning hotel with spa, hikes, and tram up to top of the mountain.
• Sitzmark- A fun ski-in, ski-out bar/restaurant at the bottom of the mountain.
• Double Musky- Most popular restaurant in Girdwood. Nice wine list and voted best steak in America.
• Girdwood Brewing Company- A local brewery with amazing beers and a fun vibe. I personally recommend the NE IPA.
24 paikallista suosittelee
Alyeska
Girdwood:
• Hotel Alyeska- Stunning hotel with spa, hikes, and tram up to top of the mountain.
• Sitzmark- A fun ski-in, ski-out bar/restaurant at the bottom of the mountain.
• Double Musky- Most popular restaurant in Girdwood. Nice wine list and voted best steak in America.
• Girdwood Brewing Company- A local brewery with amazing beers and a fun vibe. I personally recommend the NE IPA.
Fairbanks:
• Tuffy’s Bar (I own this)- This is a Taphouse style bar that shows any sporting event that you’d like to watch. Walking distance to the Boatel, which is a great Fairbanks bar for sunny days. Also next door to Pipe & Leaf (below).
• The Cabin Bar (I own this too)- This bar boasts a 4600 sq ft outdoor space for small concerts and outdoor drinking. The interior décor is higher-end and a great place for a date. Our motto is “Alaska’s nicest dive bar”.
• Chena Hot Springs Resort- A completely off-the-grid natural hot springs and resort. Running off of geothermal energy, it has its’ own airstrip, plenty of activities, etc… You can hike Angel Rocks on the way there or back.
• Riverboat Discovery- The most popular tourist activity in Fairbanks. The old school river boat takes you to a small “village” where life of the Alaskan Natives in the region is replicated.
• Pipe & Leaf- (family-owned)- Retail arm of the largest marijuana cultivation in Alaska (Third State). All of your legal cannabis needs can be fulfilled here.
32 paikallista suosittelee
Fairbanks
Fairbanks:
• Tuffy’s Bar (I own this)- This is a Taphouse style bar that shows any sporting event that you’d like to watch. Walking distance to the Boatel, which is a great Fairbanks bar for sunny days. Also next door to Pipe & Leaf (below).
• The Cabin Bar (I own this too)- This bar boasts a 4600 sq ft outdoor space for small concerts and outdoor drinking. The interior décor is higher-end and a great place for a date. Our motto is “Alaska’s nicest dive bar”.
• Chena Hot Springs Resort- A completely off-the-grid natural hot springs and resort. Running off of geothermal energy, it has its’ own airstrip, plenty of activities, etc… You can hike Angel Rocks on the way there or back.
• Riverboat Discovery- The most popular tourist activity in Fairbanks. The old school river boat takes you to a small “village” where life of the Alaskan Natives in the region is replicated.
• Pipe & Leaf- (family-owned)- Retail arm of the largest marijuana cultivation in Alaska (Third State). All of your legal cannabis needs can be fulfilled here.
Whittier:
• The Inn @ Whittier- Getting to Whittier requires you to drive through one of the longest tunnels in America. It’s a cute, small, coastal town. The Inn @ Whittier is the only non-Airbnb lodging you can stay at. They have a wonderful restaurant and bar. Walking distance to everything else.
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center- This is on the way to Whittier and is worth a visit if you haven’t seen bears, moose, etc… It takes about 2 hours to fully enjoy.
• Glacier Jet Ski Adventures- This can be booked through the Inn, and is my favorite activity to do in Whittier. They put you on a WaveRunner and take you to a glacier and a waterfall in the middle of the ocean. It’s awesome!
• Crazy Ray’s Adventures- This is the best outfit for any Whittier fishing trips. If interested, book early. They fill up!
73 paikallista suosittelee
Whittier
Whittier:
• The Inn @ Whittier- Getting to Whittier requires you to drive through one of the longest tunnels in America. It’s a cute, small, coastal town. The Inn @ Whittier is the only non-Airbnb lodging you can stay at. They have a wonderful restaurant and bar. Walking distance to everything else.
• Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center- This is on the way to Whittier and is worth a visit if you haven’t seen bears, moose, etc… It takes about 2 hours to fully enjoy.
• Glacier Jet Ski Adventures- This can be booked through the Inn, and is my favorite activity to do in Whittier. They put you on a WaveRunner and take you to a glacier and a waterfall in the middle of the ocean. It’s awesome!
• Crazy Ray’s Adventures- This is the best outfit for any Whittier fishing trips. If interested, book early. They fill up!
Denali/Healy:
• 49th State Brewery- This is the flagship location of 49th State Brewery and it’s a fun property. If you’re in the area, definitely stop here!
• Totem Inn- This is where I recommend staying in the area. It’s much more affordable than any hotel in Denali (this is in Healy) and it’s right next door to the 49th State Brewery, so no drinking and driving needed to enjoy the evening fully.
• Salmon Bake- A very touristy, but delicious, restaurant in Denali National Park. I believe it’s now owned by 49th State Brewery, but has been an Alaskan staple since I was a kid.
22 paikallista suosittelee
McKinley Park
Denali/Healy:
• 49th State Brewery- This is the flagship location of 49th State Brewery and it’s a fun property. If you’re in the area, definitely stop here!
• Totem Inn- This is where I recommend staying in the area. It’s much more affordable than any hotel in Denali (this is in Healy) and it’s right next door to the 49th State Brewery, so no drinking and driving needed to enjoy the evening fully.
• Salmon Bake- A very touristy, but delicious, restaurant in Denali National Park. I believe it’s now owned by 49th State Brewery, but has been an Alaskan staple since I was a kid.
Hope/Cooper Landing:
• Bear Creek Lodge & Dirty Skillet- True Alaskan-Style Lodging and a tremendous restaurant. Hope likely isn’t on your radar, but should be.
• Rafting Six Mile Creek- This is my favorite, adrenaline, filled activity to take friends and family on. Not for everyone… Class 5 rapids!
• Seaview Café & Bar- The lone bar in Hope, on the ocean. Great views. Closed on Tuesday & Wednesday.
• Cooper Landing Brewing Company- Cooper Landing is stunning, a true must see, and this is a must stop.
22 paikallista suosittelee
Cooper Landing
Hope/Cooper Landing:
• Bear Creek Lodge & Dirty Skillet- True Alaskan-Style Lodging and a tremendous restaurant. Hope likely isn’t on your radar, but should be.
• Rafting Six Mile Creek- This is my favorite, adrenaline, filled activity to take friends and family on. Not for everyone… Class 5 rapids!
• Seaview Café & Bar- The lone bar in Hope, on the ocean. Great views. Closed on Tuesday & Wednesday.
• Cooper Landing Brewing Company- Cooper Landing is stunning, a true must see, and this is a must stop.
Seward:
• Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise- Several tour companies offer wildlife cruises and it’s well worth the money!
• Alaska Sealife Center- Great for kids. If only adults, do the wildlife cruise.
• Hotel Seward- Budget friendly accommodation in a truly historic building. Small rooms, but a great way to experience what life in Alaska was like in the old days.
• Mermaid Grotto Café- This is my favorite restaurant in Seward, and one of my favorites in Alaska. Great food, fun energy, beautifully designed.
125 paikallista suosittelee
Seward
Seward:
• Kenai Fjords Wildlife Cruise- Several tour companies offer wildlife cruises and it’s well worth the money!
• Alaska Sealife Center- Great for kids. If only adults, do the wildlife cruise.
• Hotel Seward- Budget friendly accommodation in a truly historic building. Small rooms, but a great way to experience what life in Alaska was like in the old days.
• Mermaid Grotto Café- This is my favorite restaurant in Seward, and one of my favorites in Alaska. Great food, fun energy, beautifully designed.
Suggested Anchorage Activities
Hike Flat Top Mountain- Easily the most popular hike in Anchorage. Moderate fitness required, about 1.5 hours round-trip. Stunning views of Anchorage and the surrounding area from the top.
E-Bike The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail- There are a couple e-bike rental shops in downtown Anchorage (I recommend Pablo’s) that you can pick up an e-bike and start cruising the Coastal Trail. A beautiful 11-mile trail that essentially runs North to South of Anchorage, along the water. I recommend stopping by Westchester Lagoon (my friends Jill and Yull have a small hot dog stand there) and Kincaid Park, while along the trail.
Drive to Girdwood/Whittier- The Seward Highway has been designated as one of the most beautiful drives in America, and does not disappoint. Save this for a beautiful, clear, day. I have individual Girdwood and Whittier activities suggested below.
Visit Hatcher Pass- This is about a 1.5 hour drive from Anchorage and is absolutely stunning. I love the views of the mountains from Palmer (generally a farming community) along the way. Once at Hatcher Pass, you can grab lunch/drinks at the restaurant there, tour an old mine, and then continue along up to Summit Lake for breathtaking scenery. I very much recommend this!
Anchorage Trolley Tour- A variety of Anchorage tours… The one hour tour is the most popular and covers Anchorage’s best sites.
Alaska Railroad Same Day Return (Seward)- Round-Trip train to Seward. You’ll get 6 hours and 45 minutes in Seward. You can walk around the town or book one of the wildlife cruises (recommendation for Seward below).
Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing and Sled Dog Tour- 90 minute tour. Fly over Church Range and Knik Glacier, landing on Troublesome Glacier where a team of 40 sled dogs will transport you across the glacier. Moose and Mountain Goats can also be seen.
Downtown Anchorage- Plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, and be sure to get a reindeer dog from one of the many hot dog vendors! I also recommend checking out the Delaney Park Strip while down there.
32 paikallista suosittelee
Anchorage
Suggested Anchorage Activities
Hike Flat Top Mountain- Easily the most popular hike in Anchorage. Moderate fitness required, about 1.5 hours round-trip. Stunning views of Anchorage and the surrounding area from the top.
E-Bike The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail- There are a couple e-bike rental shops in downtown Anchorage (I recommend Pablo’s) that you can pick up an e-bike and start cruising the Coastal Trail. A beautiful 11-mile trail that essentially runs North to South of Anchorage, along the water. I recommend stopping by Westchester Lagoon (my friends Jill and Yull have a small hot dog stand there) and Kincaid Park, while along the trail.
Drive to Girdwood/Whittier- The Seward Highway has been designated as one of the most beautiful drives in America, and does not disappoint. Save this for a beautiful, clear, day. I have individual Girdwood and Whittier activities suggested below.
Visit Hatcher Pass- This is about a 1.5 hour drive from Anchorage and is absolutely stunning. I love the views of the mountains from Palmer (generally a farming community) along the way. Once at Hatcher Pass, you can grab lunch/drinks at the restaurant there, tour an old mine, and then continue along up to Summit Lake for breathtaking scenery. I very much recommend this!
Anchorage Trolley Tour- A variety of Anchorage tours… The one hour tour is the most popular and covers Anchorage’s best sites.
Alaska Railroad Same Day Return (Seward)- Round-Trip train to Seward. You’ll get 6 hours and 45 minutes in Seward. You can walk around the town or book one of the wildlife cruises (recommendation for Seward below).
Helicopter Tour with Glacier Landing and Sled Dog Tour- 90 minute tour. Fly over Church Range and Knik Glacier, landing on Troublesome Glacier where a team of 40 sled dogs will transport you across the glacier. Moose and Mountain Goats can also be seen.
Downtown Anchorage- Plenty of shops, restaurants and bars, and be sure to get a reindeer dog from one of the many hot dog vendors! I also recommend checking out the Delaney Park Strip while down there.
Food scene
Moose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria- 3300 Old Seward Hwy- 907-258-2537
Easily Alaska’s most popular restaurant. Serving pizza’s, salads, soups, and apps. They also make ALL of their own beer and it’s amazing! Expect to wait at least an hour to get in. They have a sister restaurant called Bear’s Tooth which serves much of the same food and all of the same beer, but usually less busy.
347 paikallista suosittelee
Moose's Tooth Pub & Pizzeria
3300 Old Seward HwyMoose’s Tooth Pub & Pizzeria- 3300 Old Seward Hwy- 907-258-2537
Easily Alaska’s most popular restaurant. Serving pizza’s, salads, soups, and apps. They also make ALL of their own beer and it’s amazing! Expect to wait at least an hour to get in. They have a sister restaurant called Bear’s Tooth which serves much of the same food and all of the same beer, but usually less busy.
Snow City Café- 1034 W 4th Ave- 907-272-2489
Anchorage’s most popular breakfast spot. Again, expect to wait an hour unless there at opening. Ton’s of great items for breakfast and lunch and right downtown.
231 paikallista suosittelee
Snow City Cafe
1034 W 4th AveSnow City Café- 1034 W 4th Ave- 907-272-2489
Anchorage’s most popular breakfast spot. Again, expect to wait an hour unless there at opening. Ton’s of great items for breakfast and lunch and right downtown.
49th State Brewery- 717 W 3rd Ave- 907-277-7727
The food here is subpar in my opinion, but they have a great deck, some cool Alaskan dishes, and awesome beer. Usually gets very busy, so expect a 45 minute wait (you’re starting to see a trend I’m sure). Great for lunch on a sunny day.
191 paikallista suosittelee
49th State Brewing Co - Anchorage
717 W 3rd Ave49th State Brewery- 717 W 3rd Ave- 907-277-7727
The food here is subpar in my opinion, but they have a great deck, some cool Alaskan dishes, and awesome beer. Usually gets very busy, so expect a 45 minute wait (you’re starting to see a trend I’m sure). Great for lunch on a sunny day.
Glacier Brewhouse- 737 W 5th Ave- 907-274-2739
Another brewery restaurant. I think this is your best bet for VALUE. The dishes are great, and prices are reasonable compared to Simon & Seaforts and the Crow’s Nest. Also very busy, but everywhere good will be!
211 paikallista suosittelee
Glacier Brewhouse
737 W 5th AveGlacier Brewhouse- 737 W 5th Ave- 907-274-2739
Another brewery restaurant. I think this is your best bet for VALUE. The dishes are great, and prices are reasonable compared to Simon & Seaforts and the Crow’s Nest. Also very busy, but everywhere good will be!
Manhattan Restaurant & Lounge- 11321 Old Seward Hwy- 907-336-7177
This is in South Anchorage, about a 10 minute drive from the house. It’s filled with South Anchorage locals and has an amazing outdoor space. It’s a popular weekend day drinking spot for local residents on sunny days.
15 paikallista suosittelee
The Bradley House Food & Spirits
11321 Old Seward HighwayManhattan Restaurant & Lounge- 11321 Old Seward Hwy- 907-336-7177
This is in South Anchorage, about a 10 minute drive from the house. It’s filled with South Anchorage locals and has an amazing outdoor space. It’s a popular weekend day drinking spot for local residents on sunny days.
Southside Grill- 12870 Old Seward Hwy- 907-297-0597
This is also close to the house and my personal favorite spot for breakfast. It’s a non-descript diner, but is quick, with quality food and fair pricing. I personally love the pecan waffle 😊
11 paikallista suosittelee
Southside Grill
12870 Old Seward HwySouthside Grill- 12870 Old Seward Hwy- 907-297-0597
This is also close to the house and my personal favorite spot for breakfast. It’s a non-descript diner, but is quick, with quality food and fair pricing. I personally love the pecan waffle 😊
Crow’s Nest:- 939 W 5th Ave- 907-276-6000
Anchorage’s nicest restaurant, on top of the Hotel Captain Cook. A great place to grab a martini and enjoy the 360 degree views of downtown Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and Sleeping Lady. Expensive, and no shorts, hoodies, flip flops, etc… Also serves dinner.
62 paikallista suosittelee
Crow's Nest
939 W 5th AveCrow’s Nest:- 939 W 5th Ave- 907-276-6000
Anchorage’s nicest restaurant, on top of the Hotel Captain Cook. A great place to grab a martini and enjoy the 360 degree views of downtown Anchorage, the Cook Inlet, and Sleeping Lady. Expensive, and no shorts, hoodies, flip flops, etc… Also serves dinner.
Simon & Seafort’s- 420 L St.- 907-274-3502
Beautiful bar with fantastic views of Sleeping Lady. High-end dining available as well, but I think there are better places to eat. Grab a cocktail in the bar before/after dinner.
185 paikallista suosittelee
Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
420 L StreetSimon & Seafort’s- 420 L St.- 907-274-3502
Beautiful bar with fantastic views of Sleeping Lady. High-end dining available as well, but I think there are better places to eat. Grab a cocktail in the bar before/after dinner.
Bars
F St. Station- 325 F St.- 907-272-5196
Personally, my favorite bar in Anchorage. Not only is the food phenomenal, but the atmosphere is authentic and genuine. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike. I’ve heard it’s one of the busiest bars in America! Don’t forget to try the cheese… You’ll know what I mean when you’re there.
106 paikallista suosittelee
F Street Station
325 F StF St. Station- 325 F St.- 907-272-5196
Personally, my favorite bar in Anchorage. Not only is the food phenomenal, but the atmosphere is authentic and genuine. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike. I’ve heard it’s one of the busiest bars in America! Don’t forget to try the cheese… You’ll know what I mean when you’re there.
Williwaw Social Rooftop Bar- 609 F St.- 907-868-2000
When the sun is out, this is my favorite place to grab a cocktail or beer. There’s also a speakeasy inside this building. If interested, locate the phone booth on the first floor, pick up the phone, and the person on the other end will give you a passcode. You’ll go up to the 2nd floor for the entrance door.
71 paikallista suosittelee
Williwaw Social
609 F StWilliwaw Social Rooftop Bar- 609 F St.- 907-868-2000
When the sun is out, this is my favorite place to grab a cocktail or beer. There’s also a speakeasy inside this building. If interested, locate the phone booth on the first floor, pick up the phone, and the person on the other end will give you a passcode. You’ll go up to the 2nd floor for the entrance door.
Darwin’s Theory:- 426 G St.- 907-277-5322
This is where the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Partied at when they performed in Anchorage. It’s a true Alaskan dive bar. Number one seller of Red Hot Shots too… Fun to pop in for 1 or 2.
24 paikallista suosittelee
Darwin's Theory
426 G StDarwin’s Theory:- 426 G St.- 907-277-5322
This is where the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s Partied at when they performed in Anchorage. It’s a true Alaskan dive bar. Number one seller of Red Hot Shots too… Fun to pop in for 1 or 2.
Pioneer Club:- 739 W 4th Ave- 907-276-7996
Another Alaskan dive bar with pool. Popular with the 20’s and early 30’s crowd. Sometimes a DJ or live music on the weekends, but always TouchTunes and a local energy.
18 paikallista suosittelee
Pioneer Bar
739 W 4th AvePioneer Club:- 739 W 4th Ave- 907-276-7996
Another Alaskan dive bar with pool. Popular with the 20’s and early 30’s crowd. Sometimes a DJ or live music on the weekends, but always TouchTunes and a local energy.