Americas Best Inns Anchorage

Americas Best Inns Anchorage is located approximately half a mile from Lake Hood and two miles from Ted Stevens International Airport. This location is also six miles from 4th Avenue Theaters, historic City Hall, Alaska Railroad Depot, Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Resolution Park Captain Cook Monument, Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, and Town Square Municipal Park. Alaska Zoo is four miles away.

The property's amenities include the complimentary continental breakfast, laundry facilities and parking. A complimentary airport shuttle service runs from May to September.

All rooms feature cable TV, in-room movies, dataports, clock radios, and free local calls.

Americas Best Inns Anchorage Property Information:

Rooms: 37
Floors: 2

Americas Best Inns Anchorage Service

Shuttle
Hot tub
Family rooms
Nonsmoking
Data port
Pets allowed
Meals
Free parking

Americas Best Inns Anchorage Reservation Policies:

Check-In: 1400
Check-Out: 1100

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Anchorage Events & Entertainment

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Events

January

Sled Dog Races

Each weekend races are conducted by the Alaskan Sled Dog & Racing Association. January through February. Tozier Memorial Track. (907) 562-2235

Anchorage Folk Festival

Locals and celebrity artists entertain. University of Alaska Anchorage.

(907) 566-2334

Great Alaska Beer & Barley Wine Festival

(907) 562-9911

Annual Symphony of Seafood

Showcases new products made from wild Alaska salmon and white fish.

(907) 276-7315

February

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous

One of the largest winter carnivals in North America - a 10-day celebration that includes the World Championship Dog Sled Race, fireworks, outdoor games and more.

(907) 274-1177

March

Tour of Anchorage Cross-Country Ski Race

A premier marathon that is part of the American Ski Marathon Series.

(907) 561-0949

Iditarod Sled Dog Race

More than 1,000 dogs line up to start the world's best known dog race. Mushers trek by dog sled following old gold rush trails in what is called the "The Last Great Race on Earth" from Anchorage to Nome. The 1,049 miles to Nome begins in downtown Anchorage on 4th Avenue.

(907) 376-5155

April

Native Youth Olympics

More than 100 young people from across the state come together in Anchorage to demonstrate their favorite Native Games, keeping alivethe many traditional contests of their forefathers.

(907) 265-5981

Alyeska Resort Spring Carnival

2002 marks the 25th year for this Carnival which welcomes spring with great skiing, events such as the Slush Cup, prizes & activities, a beach party, food, drinks and fun. Girdwood.

(907) 754-2209.

May

Open Air Markets

Held Tuesdays in Eagle River, Wednesdays at Northway Mall, and Saturdays in downtown Anchorage. Displayed are a huge variety of goods including Alaska grown produce, fresh seafood from Alaska’s waters, spectacular and unique works of art, Alaska made crafts and gifts. Wednesday & Saturday Market: (907) 272-5634. Tuesday Market: (907)694-4702.May-September.

Music in the Park

Summer Concert Series held Wednesdays and Fridays from 12-1 p.m., 4th Ave & E Street Park (907)279-5650

May

Irish Music and Cultural Festival

A Celtic celebration of food, music and dance.

(907) 566-2028

June

Semi-pro Baseball

Anchorage's two semi-pro teams play under the midnight sun at Mulcahy Stadium, June through August. Anchorage Bucs (907) 561-2827; Anchorage Glacier Pilots (907) 274-3627.

Three Barons Renaissance Fair

Village peasants, merchants and nobles wear the dress of the period, speak "olde" English and entertain as they did for royalty.

(907) 868-8012

Blues on the Green

An all day outdoor blues celebration with live entertainment from national and local blues bands. Delicious foods, unique merchandise, and cultural/community booths

(907) 272-1341/1800-478-7328.

Ship Creek King Salmon Derby

Downtown annual event. Ship Creek.

(907) 276-647

Juneteenth

The third Saturday of every June is now recognized as a state holiday. "JUNETEENTH DAY" is the celebration of freedom and diversity. Everyone is welcome to participate & enjoy food, fun, and entertainment.

(907) 278-1778

Mayor's Midnight Sun Marathon

Celebrate the summer solstice with a marathon that attracts runners from around the world.

(907) 343-4474

AWAIC Summer Solstice Festival

Outdoors festival packed with food, Alaska-made items and free entertainment to benefit the Abused Women's Aid in Crisis shelter. Town Square.

(907) 279-9581

July

Mount Marathon Race

This annual race starts in downtown Seward, runs up a mountain and returns to downtown. July 4^th annually. (907) 224-8051

Bear Paw Festival

Annual celebration featuring the Teddy Bear Picnic & Family Fun Day, Classic Car Show, Miss Bear Paw Pageant, 5K fun run, Slippery Salmon Olympics, Quilt Show & Auction.

(907) 694-4702

Girdwood Forest Faire

Arts and crafts, music and food all weave through a forest. There are games and fun for all ages, as well as the Midnight Sun Paragliding Fly-In and 5K Fun Run. Girdwood.

(907) 783-2931

August

Talkeetna Bluegrass Festival

A four day camp-out music festival, under the never-dark summer skies of Alaska. Bands play 20 out of 24 hours! Talkeetna.

(907) 696-1668

Alaska State Fair

The state's largest fair with craft booths, live entertainment and farm exhibits, including 90 pound cabbages and other giant vegetables. Palmer Fairgrounds (907) 754-4827

September

Alyeska Blueberry & Mountain Arts Festival Weekend of great food and wine, creative arts and crafts, and rousing folk music. (907) 754-1111

Alaska Airlines annual "Autumn Classics" Bringing together an international cast of musicians to perform a great variety of music. (907) 747-6774

October

Quyana Alaska

Native dance celebration held in conjunction with the annual Alaska Federation of Natives convention. (907) 274-3611

Johnson/Nissan Hockey Classic See four top-ranked college teams compete in this fast-paced hockey tournament. (907) 786-1230

November

The Dickens Holiday Food and Gift Festival Old fashioned holiday bazaar.

(907) 277-7469

Annual Crafts Emporium at the Egan Center Holiday crafts fair with fun and holiday opportunities for the whole family.

(907) 263-2800

CARRS/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout

Top-ranked men's basketball teams compete in this nationally-recognized college tournament.

(907) 786-1230

Ballet West's "The Nutcracker Ballet" The magic of the Nutcracker returns annually. Music by the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra. (800) 478-7328

Late November

Annual Crafts Weekend At the Museum A big winter crafts event-just in time for Holiday Shopping! There are many artists, authors, and craftspeople who will display and sell their work. Includes holiday music and the opening of the Annual Dolls & Toys Exhibition.

(907) 343-4326

December

Swedish Christmas Celebration

Enjoy traditional Swedish decorations and customs at the Oscar Anderson House Museum. (907) 274-2336

Anchorage International Film Festival

The highly successful annual Anchorage International Film Festival is held during winter solstice, the darkest and coldest part of the year. Local movie buffs have a chance to catch some of the hottest offerings in independent films and to meet film makers and shakers from around the globe. The main venue, Bear Tooth Theater Pub, is popular with locals and visitors alike.

Enchanted World Robotic performers in authentic costumes depict customs from around the world. (907) 276-2087

New Years Eve

“Just Desserts” Cross-country run on lighted trails. Entry fee: Your favorite dessert! (907) 343-4474

Annual Gala & Dinner Party Alyeska Resort with Torchlight Parade & Fireworks Display.

(907) 754-1111

Annual New Years Eve Ball with the Anchorage Opera at the Hotel Captain Cook

(907) 279-2557

Arts and Entertainment

Alaska Center for the Performing Arts

One of only 22 multi-theatre performing arts centers in the country.

170,000-square-foot facility

Three theaters seating 2,000, 700 and 340 people.

Lobby carpeting & seat upholstery designed by Alaskan artists 23 Native masks on display

Hosts everything from Broadway shows and performing artists of world renown to local professional productions

Tours available in summer; call 263-2900.

4th Avenue Theatre

630 W. 4th Ave.

This Art Deco-style landmark first opened in 1947, survived the 1964 earthquake, and was completely refurbished in 1992. Contains shops and the original floor-to-ceiling bronze murals.

George M. Sullivan Arena

Recorded event & ticket information, (907) 566-1596

8,000-seat facility Olympic-sized ice rink with insulated floor covering

Hosts large-scale sporting events, concerts and trade shows.

Home rink of the University of Alaska Anchorage Seawolf and semi-pro Anchorage Aces hockey teams.

William A. Egan Center

For more information, call 263-2800.

Alaska's largest meeting and convention center.

Named for the state of Alaska's first governor

Completed in 1984.

UAA's Wendy Williamson Auditorium

3211 Providence Dr. (907) 274-5522.

Nearby Alaska Pacific University hosts productions, as well, in its Grant Hall.

University of Alaska Anchorage plays host to many musicians, theatrical productions, and events in its Wendy Williamson Auditorium, built in 1975.

Anchorage Concert Association

430 W. 7th Ave, Suite 200;

Anchorage, AK 99501

272-1471

The Anchorage Concert Association (ACA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing the world's best performing artists to Alaska .

Anchorage Destination Overview

The atmosphere of Anchorage is relaxed. There is less of a feeling of urgency than in many other metropolitan centers. Perhaps it is the majestic beauty of the mountains, or the profusion of flowers throughout the city or the pink and lavender light that reflects on the winter snow that consistently draw the attention of resident and visitor alike away from the press of business at just the right moment and toward the true heart of Anchorage. Anchorage sits on a high bluff at the base of the Chugach Mountains along the coast of Cook Inlet in south central Alaska. It is as far north as Helsinki, Finland, and as far west as Honolulu, Hawaii.

Protected by the mountains and warmed by Japanese currents of the Pacific Ocean, Anchorage has a temperate, maritime climate. Spring through fall, Anchorage's climate is similar to San Francisco's spring weather, with temperatures that can reach into the 70's with an average of 65 degrees. Winters bring snow with high temperatures dipping into the 20s, creating a climate very much like ski resorts in the Rocky Mountains, Canada, or Europe. Low humidity also contributes to Anchorage's comfortable climate. The Chugach, Kenai, and Alaska ranges can be seen from Anchorage.

Mount McKinley, 130 miles north of downtown, can also be seen on clear days. This 20,320-foot peak is the tallest mountain in North America. There are approximately 100,000 glaciers in Alaska. Portage Glacier, just 45 miles south of downtown Anchorage, is one of the most visited attractions in Alaska. Anchorage is Alaska's largest city and is home to over half of the state's residents.

Traffic from the city's busy international airport, served by more than 15 international and domestic airlines, lends a cosmopolitan air, yet Anchorage retains the spirit of a frontier town. Sled dog races are still major events, and moose and bear sightings in downtown Anchorage or on the Coastal Trail that rims the water are not uncommon. The rugged countryside is just a short drive away. In Anchorage you can enjoy a casual lunch of reindeer sausage and dine in the evening at an elegant restaurant. The fresh fish is extraordinary.

One could spend two weeks in Anchorage eating only salmon and halibut and not tire of it as there are so many delicious variations employed in the preparation of each seafood dish. There is a wide range of choice in cuisine. Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Thai, Indian, Korean, German, Cajun, Nouvelle cuisine, and vegetarian offerings are among the possibilities. In addition, many coffee shops and brew pubs (featuring locally brewed beers) are scattered throughout the city. Chose a clear day for travel, try for a land-side seat, and "flightsee" a glacier.

This is the mode of travel offering the best views both during flight and when landing on the glacier. Take time for a side trip to Denali Park via the Alaska Railroad and stay a day there for a park tour. It is wise to start the tour early in the day as clouds roll in during the afternoons and block even the view of Mount McKinley. Every season of the year offers never to be forgotten experiences for the whole family. Be sure to pack a pair of binoculars for each of the children, and a camera with a telephoto lens for the family photographer.

In May the salmon run upstream, and it is said that they are so numerous that it would be possible to cross the river on a solid bridge of salmon. Each summer, Anchorage comes alive with big, bright flowers. The extended summer daylight makes possible impressive floral displays and an abundance of fresh vegetables. The city plants 311 flowerbeds with 54,000 plants at 52 sites. Businesses and residents add their own hanging baskets and flower beds.

In all, there are an estimated 100,000 hanging baskets! Visitors can ride around downtown in a horse-drawn carriage. Summer also brings long hours of daylight. After dinner it is not unusual to decide to go out for a hike. Darkness does not occur until 3:00 or 4:00 AM!

During the day there are opportunities to visit wildlife preserves, shop for Native Alaskan handicrafts, or take a hike in the surrounding Chugach Mountains or along the paved Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Winter days are very short, but are filled with activity. Winter is the time for skiing, sledding, ice-skating, dog mushing, and ice fishing. It also is the time for the display of the Northern Lights. They appear late at night, when it is darkest, during fall and winter, and are best seen north of Anchorage in Fairbanks.

Anchorage's downtown is ideal for walking. The grid plan was laid out with military precision by the Army Corps of Engineers, with streets and avenues running exactly east-west and north-south. The municipal People Mover bus system covers Anchorage, costs nothing within the central city, and only a dollar one-way outside the downtown area. Anchorage has its own symphony orchestra, opera company and concert association, as well as numerous independent performance groups. The larger venues include the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts, George M.

Sullivan Area, the Egan Convention Center, and University of Alaska Anchorage's Wendy Williamson Auditorium. In the last decade, Anchorage has become an increasingly important focus of travelers to Alaska. The central location, relatively mild climate, and excellent transportation system make it a natural place to begin or end a trip. When planning a vacation in Alaska, be sure to allow enough time. Distances are vast, and there is so much to see and enjoy.

Try to schedule a minimum of two weeks in Anchorage and the immediate area for the vacation of a lifetime.