Hey guys,
After putzing around with the idea of going to Alaska I have finally decided to go. I always wanted to go but never had time...sooooo this summer (End of Aug) I'm headed from Maine over to ANC. I figured I'd engulf myself with aviation while I was there so I got a hotel room over at Aces Hanger...other than that I'm not sure what else I'm doing...sooo if anyone has any ideas of what I should do feel free to let me know! Thanks! -Josh

Are you flying an airplane there or going on a smoker?

Lots of things to see up there. Get a copy of the Milepost (available on line, here: http://www.themilepost.com/), whether you are flying or driving, it's a great resource of what to do and see along the road system.

If I were staying in Anchorage, I'd consider staying at the Long House Hotel, near Lake Hood, rather than at MRL. Merrill Field is pretty much an ugly downtown area with an airport. The Long House, on the other hand, is a block from Lake Hood, the biggest seaplane base on earth, and the center of a LOT of activity. Also a good aviation museum on Lake Hood, and a couple good restaurants/bars as well--try the Millenium Hotel's bar of an evening, with a great view of the action on LHD.

Seward is south of ANC, and will give you a glimpse of Prince William Sound. Silver salmon will be running in August if that's of interest, and it should be.....

Talkeetna, for an aerial tour of Mt. McKinley. K-2 Aviation or Hudson Air would be my first two choices, if not self flying. If self flying, stop and talk to Jay Hudson at Hudson's and get some advice on flying around the mtn.

Fairbanks is also a great place. An air camper park right on FAI International A/P if you fly in. A good riverboat tour--touristy, but I lived there for 20 years and rode the boat with friends any time we had visitors--enjoyed every trip.

Many, many other places to see and visit.

One of my favorite parts of the state is the Wrangells. You can drive to McCarthy, but it's a rough road (rental cars prohibited, but....) good airport, and fantastic country. VERY interesting history of the big copper mine there. Copper River will be Silver Salmon running then, probably, depending on how early/late you're there.

Give us more specifics--self flying, or commercial? How long? Interests?

MTV

pitts,
sounds like good advise from mtv. i have lived her for 38 years and live about 2 miles from lake hood. i would also stay at the millinium hotel which is on the lake. for sure let us know how you are traveling, if flying yourself what kind of plane, how long you want to stay in alaska. do you want to fish and any other general interests. i would be happy to help out in any way i can. lots to see. we love it here
roger pfeifer

Thanks guys for the replies, much appreciated.....well I would fly myself but thats a bit of a trek from Maine...especially on the wallet ha....so I'll be taking the airlines...I think I'll try a day of fishing or at least a few hours just to say I did...I guess I really just have 7 days to kill and am up for anything. I have some info from you guys already and will do some research on that. I'm thinking about taking some float plane lessons out of LHD with Artic Flyers (I think thats the name) Anyway thanks for the suggestions I'll get back to you all with questions I'm sure! Thanks! -Josh

Ditto what MTV advised. The Long House is easy walking distance to most of the good stuff in ANC, and is relatively cheap (that's a big relative, as summer prices in ANC will make you cringe). Hook up with the locals at Lake Hood, and they'll steer you to where to eat and drink. Merrill is not where you want to be.

http://www.longhousehotel.com/

Gump

pittspilot28 wrote: I'm thinking about taking some float plane lessons out of LHD with Artic Flyers (I think thats the name) Anyway thanks for the suggestions I'll get back to you all with questions I'm sure! Thanks! -Josh

I also agree with what MTV had to say. As for Artic Flyers, Heidi will put you through your paces for sure.....she is an excellent CFI. As for the lodging at MRI, I know that the rooms there are clean, but as for the area, it's not that great an area and is a rather dingy and dusty part of town right off the highway.....lots more doins around Hood and lots more photogenic. However keep us posted closer to August and maybe we can help point you toward what is happening at the time.

End of August- isn't that around when the big Anchorage military airshow happens? I've never seen it- always too tied up in the Interior, but it sounds like a good time. Does anyone have better info on this?

Have a great trip!

Hi Pitts, I flew a Pacer from BGR to ANC last july , nice trip but it took 7 days.
MTV hit it right on. You might also look at going to Whittier and take a day cruise. Another thing might be take the train to Fairbanks and back, a two day trip. The millintem(?) hotel is 250.00 a night in Aug., nice place to visit and see the mounts and sea plane ops at lake hood water. You can rent a car and drive south to Homer and fish silvers in the hole on the spit also. Lots to do in Aug. Have fun! Tom

BGR-ANC? phew thats a heck of a trip...yeah I would have some issues with that hah....Anyway thanks for all of the replies...I have some investigating to do now! thanks again! -Josh

I don't know if they are still around or not, but there used to be a company call Alaskan RVs or something like that. Back in 2002 my wife and I rented a F150 from them. For $65 a day, unlimited miles, sleeping bags, Gott, large ice chest, Coleman camping stove, and pillows. The truck had a shell on it and the bed was split so that you slept on top and the gear was stored below. We had a blast! We put some 1700 miles on it in the 10 days we were there. The last I checked a few years ago, the price was up to $75 or so a day. Of course I would have rather been flying a plane, but it was a great way (and cheaper) to see AK. It was one of the best vacations we have ever done. Enjoy your trip!