My son and I are bear hunting in August and we'd appreciate advice on where to stay and what to do in Anchorage.

Is there reliable taxi service? I hate to sound so ignorant but I've never been there before.

Car rental? We want to go to Homer for a day's fishing before the hunt.

We'll go to Talkeetna by bus or train, hunt 10 days, and return. Any recommendations? I've had a hard time finding schedules.

Any help you can give would be appreciated.

Grizzly

How many days before and or after your hunts do you have? Also what are you into, or want to see, theres sooo much here in Alaska to do, so more info is needed. There is an array of Hotels and motels here in Anchorage and lodges throughout this state, you'd might want to research online....

Taxis aren't a problem in Anchorage. Lots of rental cars at the airport. The Alaska Fur Exchange and the Antique Gallery are my two favorite "tourist" places to take people in Anchorage. Alaska Brewhouse and Simon & Seafords are my favorite places to eat. Plenty of fishing that time of year both on and off shore.

Brett

That would be three nights in Anchorage. One night when we arrive. One night after our fishing trip and one night befor we leave for home.

I'll look up the Antique Gallery, Fur Exchange, Alaska Brewhouse, and Simon and Seafords. Can't do everything but I'd like to see as much as I can.

Taxis, rental cars, anchorage hotels not a problem just make sure you book something a head of time.

getting to Talkeetna... http://www.talkeetnatravel.com...a_transportation.php

Keep in mind that Homer is a solid 4 hour drive from Anchorage 5 if you get caught behind the ever present stream of RV's. It will be a very long day if you are going to drive down for a fishing charter leaving the dock at 8am and driving back to Anchorage that same night.
You might want to consider some salmon fishing closer to town. You have lots of options in Aug. You could try for late run reds in the Russian River less than half way to Homer. You could chase some silvers in the Matsu Valley it's on the way to Talkeetna. Or Heck you could stay in downtown Anchorage and walk down to ship creek and partake in some urban combat fishing for silvers.

Not sure exactly when in August you are coming here is a link to some salmon run timing charts for rivers in the Kenai and the Matsu. http://www.alaskaoutdoorjourna.../Sonar/mvcharts.html

hope that helps

There's the Arctic Roadrunner (best big burgers in town & all kinds of picts of Ak on walls) on corner of International & Old Seward; also a sports bar across the street and football season.

I always eat pizza & calzone at Guidos in this strip mall along international.

They have sportsmans and a few other gun shops in anch too.

When we fly into anch, always rent a car at airport; pretty cheap.

Two of the best freebies in Anchorage are the museum at Well's Fargo Bank main branch on Northern Lights blvd. and the Native arts and craft collection at the Alaska Native Medical Center on Tudor road. At ANMC hospital take the elevator to the top floor and walk down the stairs. There are display cases all the way down and it is hands down the best collection in the State. They also have a Native Art store (weird hours) that is a good place to buy gifts for home to fit any budget.

If you want some really good pizza, make it to the MOOSE TOOTH. Some of the best I have ever ate anywhere.

Simon and Seafords is the best resturant in town IMHO. Not too pricey. Call for a rez prior to your trip. The drive down to Homer is All World if the weather is right. There are a couple of good sporting good stores- Barney's and Mountain Veiw Sports that are worth a stop. The Millenium(sp???) is close to the airport and really good at getting their guests around town. You will have a great time!

I'll second Barney's Sports Chalet and Mountain Veiw Sports. I'll add Great Northern Guns. Barney's is one of the premier wilderness hunting gear stores in the country. I'm good friends with the owner and can vouch it is TOP notch!!!

Brett

quote:

Simon and Seafords

Great place to eat.. We make it a point to go there either before or after we leave Anchorage....

Get names and phone numbers of chareter boat guys from Homer Chamber of Commerce.
You may be able to join a 4 or 6 person charter at very reasonable cost.
Consider having some of you fish prepared at a local restaurant. Its a common thing that's done there.

Wow...thats not much time before and after your hunt, Like Brett says go to Barneys !!!!....but go before your hunt....I'll tell you also, you will easily spend Half a day in that little hole in the wall place with great gear....Heck don't even bring gear....just bring your VISA card !!!!! I'm serious.....

Barney's really is that good.

Brett

Thanks:
Great idea about having some of my catch cooked for me.

Thanks for tip on a place for guilt gifts for wives.

We've reserved places aboad MV Tomahawk II, wife's boss fished w/ them a few years back and caught a huge halibut. I've got two nights booked at the Bayview.

I've got two nights booked at Talkeetna Cabins before and after the hunt but still need a place in Anchorage.

Great Alaskan Bush Company.

I'm banned from the Great Alaskan Bush Co. ......all my ex girlfriends work there...LOL

What is Great Alaskan Bush Co.? Sporting goods?

It is a strip club.

The Captain Cook hotel downtown in Anchorage is nice, but spendy. B&Bs are a unique and typically very "Alaskan experiencish" way to stay. Much cheaper $100ish.

Brett

The lobby in the Milenium hotel has some excellent taxidermy, same with Sportsman's warehouse.

Count me as one who rates Simon and Seaforts view's as topnotch, service as some of the worst (and Anchorage is famous for slow and poor service) and you can do better in the food department for what you're paying. I've eaten there several times, and likely won't go back.

If you're looking for good food downtown, Brewhouse or Orso's, Humpy's isn't bad but the place is so noisy it's almost impossible to hold a conversation. You can't go wrong with the Moose's tooth, but expect to wait 1/2 hour for a table most any time of the day.

There is an antique store downtown, kitty corner to the NW coner of the Hotel Captain Cook that has an interesting selection of double rifles and other antque guns. Great Northern Guns in midtown is worth swinging by as well.

Thanks a bunch, guys. I'll print this sting out and take w/ me. I got reservations on train and bus to and from Talkeetna and I'm looking foreward to those trips too. No driving, just sightseeing and I relly like train rides.

Jeez, I wish these things had spell check. That's "string" and "really".

About the fishing, I'd go to Whittier or Seward. Much shorter drive and better scenery. My wife and I just got back from and we went fishing out of Anchor Point on the Kenai. When we drove on down to Homer (thinking to stay the night), we turned around and headed back to Anchorage. Homer's a little..., industrialized so to speak, even compared with Whittier.

Club Paris in downtown Anchorage for dining, but you may need a reservation.

quote:

Originally posted by Grizzly Albert:
What is Great Alaskan Bush Co.? Sporting goods?

Sporting women.

I really like the bar at the Milenium. Decent food, but sitting on the deck and watching the float planes come in and out is nice. Then sitting in the real bar in the evening is nice too. They have a good selection of bourbon and tequila.

quote:

Great Alaskan Bush Company

Plenty good trophies on display here!!!

The Millenium is a great place. Decent bar with decent food, great view of Lake Hood and the float planes, some great taxidermy on display, though not all from Alaska...

If you get a chance, a drive down to Girdwood, about 40 miles south of Anchorage, to the Alyeska Resort is worth the trip. Beautiful drive. Good chance to see sheep on the cliff sides (especially early in the mornings) or maybe Beluga whales on the incoming tide. At the resort, recommend taking the tram to the top of the mountain and having a drink or dinner at Seven Glaciers. It's spendy, but views are great.

Everyone has there favorites. Halibut fishing in Homer is the best in the state. But beware it is a 5 hour drive in each direction.
But on the flip side Girdwood is along the way and harbors my favorite place to eat, Double Musky Inn. If you like meat, best Pepper steak ever made.
http://www.doublemuskyinn.com/framed.html

It was once named at the best steak in the USA. Dress is Alaskan casual. Tee shirt and jeans

If there is any way to add a couple of days to your trip I would and drive north for a visit to Denali National Park. Take the 8 hour bus shuttle to Eielson and view scenery and animals others will only dream about.