In Anchorage for a quick business trip? Break out of the board room and hit the highlights of the state’s largest city—in just one day!
The First Six Hours: Morning Breakfast and Activities
Start with an Alaska breakfast of reindeer sausage and eggs at our downtown location. Then head to one of the many city parks to walk off those calories. Town Square (anchored by the landmark Kimball’s department store building) is conveniently located downtown, with biking in the summer and skating in winter. Alternatively, ramble the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail for beautiful views of Cook Inlet, multiple mountain ranges, and a moose-inhabited forest.
Now that your blood is moving, it’s time for a foray to the Anchorage Museum, a treasure trove of Alaska art, history, science and Alaska Native tradition. Here’s where you can view everything from ingenious Inuit fishing hooks to a cross-section of the Alaska pipeline. Recently renovated, the museum now includes the unique Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, showcasing thousands of years of Native history through hundreds of indigenous artifacts.
The Next Six Hours: Lunch and Souvenirs
Time travel can leave a visitor hungry. For lunch, try the Glacier Brewhouse, a favorite local hangout, where the menu includes everything from steak and pizza, to wild Alaska seafood such as Bering Sea crab cakes. Avoiding wheat? The restaurant has a full selection of gluten-free options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Or, simply head back to the Solstice Bar & Grill located in the hotel for English pub fare like a selection of curries, pot pies and of course, fish and chips.
In the afternoon, hit the downtown shops for unique Alaska souvenirs. Bonus: Your shopping dollar stretches farther in Anchorage, where there’s no local sales tax. Our top picks for unique Alaska gifts include:
Ulu knives
A quintessential Alaska keepsake, the Ulu knife is modeled on a traditional Alaska Native design. Still in use after thousands of years, this functional tool processes fish and game, and handily slices everything from vegetables to pizza. Find the knives in Anchorage shops, or head to the Ulu Factory to see craftspeople create the knives onsite.
Qiviut
The soft under-wool of the musk ox is known to Alaskans as qiviut. Softer and less itchy than sheep’s wool, it’s crafted into hats and scarves by a cooperative of 250 Alaska Native knitters. Look for these beautiful items for sale in several Anchorage shops.
After your shopping adventures, it’s time for an Anchorage-style dinner. Wine lovers will swoon over Crush, where the wine list is unparalleled, and the owners are equally committed to the arts of conversation and cuisine. Top off the evening with a live performance featuring local and international touring acts at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
All this and more is accessible from our centrally-located hotel. Downtown Anchorage is eminently walkable, laid out in a clear grid pattern that’s easy to navigate. With a little planning and a sturdy pair of shoes, your short day trip will quickly include the very best of the state’s commercial and cultural hub. We look forward to helping you make the most of your time in our favorite city!
