5 of the Most Underrated Spots in Anchorage
Beautiful Anchorage, Alaska is a laid-back, rustic town with stunning natural landscapes in its back yard. For visitors to the Anchorage area, there are a lot of great attractions that deserve a little extra attention. Here are a few of the most interesting places in Anchorage that may not be on the top of the run-of-the-mill itinerary.
1. Alaska Aviation Museum
Situated on Lake Hood at Anchorage International Airport, the Alaska Aviation Museum brings visitors on an imaginative tour through the state’s storied history with the airplane. The museum houses an impressive collection of planes from throughout the past century, especially the light but rugged single-engine planes favored by daring bush pilots navigating the air above the Alaskan wilderness. Its location makes it ideal as a trip-starter or a fun send-off when you’re on your way out of the city.
2. Midnight Sun Brewery
There are over 20 craft breweries in Alaska and a dozen of them are located in and around Anchorage. The Midnight Sun Brewing Company is among the best ,and it’s a great place to get a taste of Anchorage’s contribution to the national beer scene. Midnight Sun offers brewery tours every week, going behind the scenes to see where the company makes its signature Pacific Northwest style beers. It’s also nice to grab a bite of local fare from the brewery’s Loft restaurant.
3. Alaska Native Heritage Center
Far from being a standard museum experience, the Alaska Native Heritage Center is a functioning artists’ workshop where 30 skilled native artists and their interns hone their craft. Visitors get to see everything from live wood carving to boat construction, intricate sewing, and more. The ANHC is also a hands-on experience that encourages visitors to make their own crafts in the generous space while learning about the history of Alaska’s native arts.
4. Cyrano’s Off-Center Playhouse
Cyrano’s is a versatile, quirky outlet for Anchorage’s local theater scene. The playhouse runs a different show every month, ranging from the classic works of Shakespeare to comedies and dramas written and produced by local Anchorage talent. Located just a block from the Anchorage Museum, Cyrano’s is a fun, affordable way to enjoy live entertainment infused with the city’s unique sensibilities.
5. Mt. Alyeska
Of all the reasons to visit Anchorage, the gorgeous, year-round vistas are some of the most popular. Mt. Alyeska is a good introduction to the natural beauty of Alaska, allowing visitors to enjoy the mountain experience without having to be seasoned hikers. A leisurely aerial tram ride begins at The Hotel Alyeska and lets passengers see for miles in every direction. The tram lands at an elevation of 2,300 feet with an observation deck and the option to explore the mountainside in the summer months for berry picking, wildlife gazing, and glacier hiking.
Anchorage is the gateway to everything that makes Alaska a special place. It offers visitors a taste of the natural splendor of the state’s incredible amount of untouched wilderness, while also bringing plenty of small-town charm, delicious local food, and fascinating history to the travel experience. Plus these Anchorage hotels will make you feel at home away from home.
Author Bio:
Michael Sarko is a writer and editor in Seattle, WA.
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