A Walking Tour of Anchorage: Discover Authentic Alaska

The Mayor’s Walk of Anchorage

This walking tour of Anchorage is led by the former mayors of the city. So, no matter which mayor is leading your tour group, they will have you learning all about the history and traditions of Anchorage.

A couple of the topics included in the tour include:

• The 1964 earthquake
• How oil was an important part of the area moving forward in the modern world

Learn how you can discover the best of Alaska in 8 days!

Alaska Farm Tours

There is an Alaskan Farm Tour in Anchorage. But you will also find them in Talkeetna and Palmer. This walking tour in Anchorage will have you wandering around farms. Plus, you will taste some of the items that are grown in the soil.

You will hear an abundance of farming stories during your visits to the farms. Before you leave the farms, you must purchase items like birch syrup and Alaska beer. You definitely won’t be disappointed when you enjoy them back home!

Ghost Tours of Anchorage

Ghosts are everywhere in Anchorage. So, why shouldn’t your family experience some paranormal activities while in Alaska?!

This walking tour in Anchorage will have you visiting many of the haunted sites in the city. The stories can be spooky. But the chills you get will have you wanting more.

Walking Around Lake Hood Floatplane Base

Does anyone in your family love airplanes and aviation? If they do, I recommend taking the walking tour of Lake Hood Floatplane Base. Approximately two hundred seaplanes take off and land at this base every single day.

That means you will see quite a few as you are on this walking tour of Anchorage. At the same time, you will visit numerous historical features. I recommend listening closely as you hear the history of the area.

Check out these bucket list destinations in Alaska for your next family vacation.

Walking Adventure in Historic Downtown Anchorage, AK

As you are walking through the historic downtown area of Anchorage, you may miss out on so much if you are not taking the walking tour. The Anchorage Convention and Visitors Bureau and the website Alaska.org created this official walking tour of Anchorage.

A few points of interest during this walking tour of Anchorage include:

• A log cabin
• The historic Anchorage Hotel
• Delaney Park
• The Oscar Anderson House

These are the best walking tours of Anchorage. You must take at least one of them when you are discovering Alaska with your family. These walks are perfect for seeing the sights and making a few memories with the people you love. So, imagine visiting one of the best family travel destinations and having authentic experiences like these walking tours in Anchorage! Talk about family friendly activities that will get your brain thinking about other family vacation ideas everyone will love.

So, are you ready to book a family vacation in Alaska and take one of these walking tours?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to book a family vacation in Alaska, complete with a walking tour, you can sign up for my newsletter here. These newsletters are packed with travel ideas, so you can find the perfect vacation for your family!

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This market opened back in 1992. It was only open on Saturdays at that time, and there were only twenty vendors. Today, there are more than three hundred vendors, and they offer so much more than locally-grown produce. In addition to all the home-grown foods, you will find handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, collectibles, and ready-to-eat prepared foods at thirty different booths.

There is even a section dedicated to kids. Kids between the ages of eight and sixteen can set up their own booths to sell items they have grown, baked, or made. This is an excellent way for kids to learn about business. Plus, they are helping donate to a good cause at the same time.

As you are shopping, you can stop to watch the performances on the main stage. You may even see a street entertainer or two performing in the middle of the aisles. If you have a talent, you can sign up to be a performer for the time when you are visiting the area. It is a wonderful way to show your talent and have fun at the same time!

The people in charge of the Anchorage Market also host numerous other events during the year. Those events include the Bear Paw Festival, Holiday Food and Gift Festival, Arts and Crafts Emporium, and the Christmas Village. Each one offers something unique, so you might want to consider them all before you plan your next Alaska vacation!

I can’t wait to help plan your trip to Alaska and include fun events and attractions like the Anchorage Market! I have so many ideas of things you can do with your family so that no one will be bored during your vacation in Alaska. After all, Alaska offers something for everyone, so your whole itinerary can be filled with items your entire family will love.

So, are you ready to plan your vacation in Alaska and go shopping at the Anchorage Market?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. This will take you directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you are not ready to plan your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share throughout the year.

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Looking for an Amazing Experience with Your Family? Check Out the Northern Lights in Alaska!

Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

You are definitely not alone when it comes to wanting to check seeing the northern lights off your travel bucket list! However, if you want to see the Aurelia Borealis in Alaska, you must know when to visit.

The best time to see the northern lights in Alaska is between the months of November through March. The nights are colder and longer, and that means the darker skies are perfect for viewing this dancing light show.

You may be able to capture the northern lights in Alaska in September, October, April, and May. But since the skies are getting brighter during those months, you really need to plan your viewing options carefully. Plus, you need to be prepared for disappointment if you don’t catch the northern lights during those months.

Where to See the Northern Lights in Alaska

Fairbanks

Seeing the northern lights in Fairbanks, Alaska is quite easy. This city is considered one of the best places to see the northern lights in Alaska. If you don’t want to go out searching for the best place to see the Aurelia Borealis, we can always plan to have you join a tour during your vacation in Alaska.

Anchorage

The northern lights in Anchorage, Alaska are pretty incredible. But they are not as good as they would be up in Fairbanks. It is best to go outside the city, where there are no bright lights, for the best northern lights experience.

Juneau

If you are considering a cruise to Juneau, you may be able to capture the northern lights from the ship. Many cruise lines will offer northern lights excursions too and we can check into those as we are planning your vacation.

Denali National Park

Everyone loves spending time in Denali National Park when they are on vacation in Alaska. I recommend extending your stay at the park a little, so you can catch the northern lights. There is no light pollution within this park, so the lights will be bright and beautiful!

Where to See the Northern Lights Outside of Alaska

Do you have no desire to visit Alaska? Not a problem! There are many other parts of the world to see the northern lights!

A few places to capture the beauty of the northern lights include:

• Iceland
• Finnish Lapland
• Lofoten Islands, Norway
• Greenland
• Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
• Abisko, Sweden
• And of course, you may also want to consider seeing the southern lights when you are on vacation. Not as many people are aware of the southern lights or have taken the time to see them. So, if you are looking for a truly unique adventure with your family, you may want to consider checking out the southern lights instead!

Checking out the northern lights in Alaska is an amazing experience you can have during your next family vacation! And the memories you make with your family will be worth the trip.

So, are you ready to see the Northern Lights during a family vacation in Alaska?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to schedule a planning session with me by clicking here. When you click on this link, you will be taken to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

And if you aren’t ready to book your next family vacation, you can sign up for my newsletter here. This will ensure you continue to receive all the travel information I share.

The post Looking for an Amazing Experience with Your Family? Check Out the Northern Lights in Alaska appeared first on integritylawfirmcmr.com.

Hikes Near Anchorage You Must Consider for Your Next Family Vacation in Alaska

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

This is one of the best hikes near Anchorage if your family is new to the whole hiking scene. The trail begins right in downtown Anchorage. And while it is eleven miles long, you can do as little, or as much of it, as you want. The trail is paved and has a gentle grade. There are also benches and picnic tables along the way, so you can stop to rest as often as you wish. I recommend sitting on a bench and looking out towards the water. Beluga whale sightings are common from this trail, so make sure you don’t miss any during your visit! 

Thunderbird Falls Trail

The Thunderbird Falls Trail is another easy one-mile hike near Anchorage. You will find this trail to the north of Eagle River. Your leisurely stroll will take you through a birch tree forest until you reach your destination in front of a two-hundred-foot waterfall. 

Byron Glacier Trail

The Byron Glacier Trail is another easy hike near Anchorage. Once you park your car, you can walk with your family down a one-mile-long groomed hiking trail. At the end, you will discover stunning views of the glacier and the nearby valley. If you are really ready for an adventure, you can wander up the glacier to the ice cave to do a little exploring. 

Flattop Sunnyside Trail

This hike near Anchorage can be quite busy, depending on the time of year and time of day you visit. As your family starts to walk along this three-and-a-half-mile trail, you will quickly realize why so many people choose this hiking adventure. The views are simply gorgeous, so make sure you have your camera ready for all those photo ops. 

One thing to note if you do hike the Flattop Sunnyside Trail. You must obtain a daily use parking pass for Chugach State Park to park your vehicle at the trailhead. This is common for any of the trails you want to hike that are within the park. 

Rendezvous Peak Trail

The Rendezvous Peak Trail is slightly over three miles long. This is a looped trail, so you won’t need to backtrack to return to your vehicle. The trail is moderately difficult, so it is best to make sure you are prepared with sturdy hiking boots and water. It is best to hike this trail from the month of March through October. The rest of the year, the trail is too difficult due to the snow. 

O’Malley Peak Trail

One of the more difficult hikes near Anchorage is the O’Malley Peak Trail. This is a seven plus mile trail located within Chugach State Park. The best times to hike this trail is from the months of June through October. There is a river near this hiking trail, so you will want to be prepared for the possibility that you will get wet during your adventure. 

If the length of the O’Malley Peak Trail is too long for your family, I recommend considering the Little O’Malley Peak Trail. That trail is only four and a half miles long and it is not nearly as difficult. And if you time your visit right, you can see a plethora of wildflowers growing along the trail. 

Lower Winner Creek Trail 

If your family loves thrills with their adventures, you must do the Lower Winner Creek hike. The trail will take you through the rainforest until you reach a gorge. The trailhead is located just past the aerial tram at the Hotel Alyeska. This hiking trail is three miles long, but that only gets you to the hand tram at the canyon. You will need to use the hand tram to get across the canyon to Crow Creek Mine Road. 

It is important to note that the hand tram does not open until Memorial Day weekend. Therefore, we must plan your vacation in Alaska carefully if you want this hike to be on your family’s list of adventures. 

Twin Peaks Trail

The Twin Peaks Trail begins at the edge of the parking lot for Eklutna Lake. At the two-and-a-half-mile mark, your family will be rewarded with magnificent views of the lake from above. At this point, you can either turn around and head back to your car or you can continue to hike to other destinations. If you continue north, you will have the chance to do the rest of the Twin Peaks Trail. And if you go to the east, you will find yourself hiking a ridgeline to reach the summit of Pepper Peak. 

These are some of the best hikes near Anchorage that you will want to add to your family’s list when you are taking a family vacation in Alaska. Of course, hiking is only one of the dozens of things you can do when you are on vacation in Anchorage. So, do not think that you must spend all your time outdoors, unless of course you really want to! 

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Alaska or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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Anchorage Attractions You Must Check Out During Your Next Family Vacation

Alaska Railroad

The Alaska Railroad is where all the fun began in Anchorage many years ago. People were flocking to the Anchorage area in search of gold. Since the area was so isolated, a railroad was constructed to make it easier for people to get there. Over the years, the railroad was expanded. You can now take a train ride from Anchorage to Fairbanks, Seward, Talkeetna, Whittier, and other destinations. This Anchorage attraction is an excellent option if your family wants to see even more of this gorgeous state! 

Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum

All the plane lovers in your family will be more than ready to venture over to the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum. This museum can be found on the shoreline of Lake Hood. That happens to be where the Anchorage International Airport is located, and it is the busiest seaplane base. Inside the museum, your family can peruse the vintage aircrafts. But make sure you take the time to visit the Restoration Hanger to see a few aircrafts being restored to their original glory. Your kids might also love entering the retired control tower. There they can listen to live radio feeds, as planes are taking off and landing on the lake. 

Chugach State Park

There are numerous parks in the state of Alaska, but Chugach State Park is one you will find directly in Anchorage. This attraction in Anchorage covers almost five hundred thousand acres of land. Your family will love walking right to the trailheads from the city streets. The Glen Alps Trailhead is a popular starting point for many visitors, but don’t let that be the only trail you take during your family vacation in Anchorage. 

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

If your family loves to be outdoors, a walk or bike ride along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail is a must. This trail hugs the coastline of Anchorage for eleven miles. Your family can easily do any portion of this trail during your family vacation. I recommend you see it all, if possible, because of the history and sights along the way. You must also look out towards the water too, because beluga whale sightings are very common. 

Anchorage Museum

The Anchorage Museum is located at the Rasmuson Center. The museum has four floors and each one is filled with items every family member will love. While your kids may prefer the Spark!Lab on the first floor, you may spend your time exploring the Art of the North. Of course, you will all enjoy a little time inside the planetarium, as you learn about space. 

Alaska Native Heritage Center

Learning about all eleven of the Alaskan indigenous groups is as easy as visiting the Alaska Native Heritage Center. Culture and history come to life inside this building, so there is no way your kids will be bored. Imagine spending part of your day together, learning cultural dances, playing games, and even recreating local art. This is always the attraction in Anchorage that is at the top of my list for family vacations in Alaska!

Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge

Spotting wildlife in Anchorage is always simple. However, if you want to see a lot of animals at once, you must take your family to the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. The animals you will see the most include ducks, geese, loons, and moose. During your time at this refuge, you must venture down to Potter Marsh. That is where your family can walk along a wooden walkway through the swamp. 

Moon Valley Park

Younger children will love the playground at Moon Valley Park. Older children will love the large fields and walks along the Chester Creek Trail. And you will love the green open spaces that are perfect for picnics and some downtime while the kids play!

These are just a few of the Anchorage attractions you can add to your family’s itinerary during a family vacation in Alaska. I would love to know which of these attractions in Anchorage interest you the most and if you have any others you would add to this list. I will make sure they all get onto your itinerary as I am personalizing your family vacation. 

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized family vacation itinerary for your trip to Anchorage or another destination?

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session. When you click on this link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.

Not ready for a personalized family vacation planning session yet? Sign up for my newsletter and continue to receive all the travel information I share.

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