“Bill's Picks”

General Chairman Bill Wilson offers some tips on what to see or do in your spare time in Anchorage :

Morning Coffee

My “haunt” is George and Debra's Side Street Espresso just a couple blocks from the Hilton on G Street between 4th and 5th Avenues. Funky, down to earth, but warm and inviting and some of the best coffee in Anchorage.

Log Cabin Visitors Center

On the corner of 4th and F Street is perhaps the most photographed sight in Anchorage – a quaint log cabin which houses the Anchorage visitor's center. Stop by to enjoy the atmosphere, pick up some tourist information, and check out the 5,114-pound solid jade nugget at the front door. And be like one of millions who have had their picture taken in front of the cabin.

Anchorage Market & Festival

Every weekend, Alaskans bring locally-grown vegetables to this festive open air market in downtown Anchorage . Spread across a large parking lot area immediately across the street from the Hilton Hotel, the “Saturday Market” is a favorite outing for Anchorage residents and visitors alike. The “Market” has grown to become a Saturday and Sunday event, and features not only produce but a variety of art, pottery, jewelry, local crafts, Native handiwork, and an eclectic variety of other treasures. Arrive in Anchorage on the weekend before the AFS meeting, and check out the Anchorage Market & Festival – it's open 10 AM to 6 PM.

Wild Salmon on Parade

Every summer, local artists compete to create specially designed and decorated salmon sculptures which are then displayed throughout the summer and then auctioned off to benefit local charities. Wacky, whimsical, and definitely wild, these artistic creations grace downtown parks, street corners, and in front of local businesses. This year the salmon parade will be displayed especially for those attending the AFS meeting. They are a distinctly unique fishy art that celebrates one of Alaska 's most abundant natural resources – the salmon. Be sure to see as many as you can!

Street Vendors

Many vendors crowd the downtown Anchorage streets, particularly on 4 th Avenue , selling t-shirts, Native arts and crafts, various ethnic foods, ice cream, and a variety of other valuables. My favorite is Mike's sausage stand on the corner of 4th and F Street . It also happens to be in front of my office building, but I think Mike serves some of the best brats, dogs, and reindeer sausages in downtown Anchorage . For me, Mike's is one of the best features of downtown Anchorage every summer!

The Kobuk

The Kobuk, located in Anchorage 's historic Kimball Building (1915), is the place to go for a special gift, coffee beans and tea blends, Russian tea pots and tea cups, pastries, or unique candies. Featuring an old-time atmosphere, this shop reminds you of a 19 th century apothecary store. Try a sample of their famous and delicious Samovar Tea – and take home a package as a reminder of your visit. The shop is located on the corner of 5 th and E about 2 blocks from the Hilton.

Alaska Public Lands Information Center

Located in the Old Federal Building on 4 th Avenue between F and G streets, the APL IC is home to a mountain of information on State and Federal lands in Alaska . It is a one stop shopping center to find information about wildlife refuges, Federal and State parks, and other opportunities for recreation, hunting, and fishing across Alaska . The APLIC also features exhibits of Alaskan wildlife, topographic maps and guide books, short movies about Alaska 's wilderness and wildlife resources, information on the Alaska Marine Highway System (ferries), and naturalists who can help you plan a wilderness trip. By the way, Mike's is right outside the front door.

Tony Knowles Coastal Trail

Named for one of Anchorage's past mayors, the Coastal Trail is the place to go for an evening walk or to start a bicycle ride on Anchorage 's hundreds of miles of scenic bike trails. The AFS Spawning Run will be held on the Coastal Trail Wednesday morning, September 14, at 7:00 AM. The trail begins just a couple blocks from the meeting venues, and if you're a railroad buff, as I am, the southbound Alaska Railroad mainline begins downtown and parallels the Coastal Trail for several miles. The views from the trail across the tidal flats of Cook Inlet toward the Alaska Range and Sleeping Lady (Mt. Susitna) are spectacular. There are bicycle rentals downtown.

Oscar Anderson House

If you try out the Coastal Trail, you'll likely go past the Oscar Anderson House in Elderberry Park near 4th and M Streets. This historic building was built by Oscar Anderson, a Swedish immigrant, in 1915 (Anchorage was first settled in 1914). It provides a glimpse into the days when our city was first settled, and the home features a museum with volunteer tour guides and the original furnishings and artifacts from the Anderson family.

Ship Creek

Ship Creek provides an urban salmon fishing experience just a few minutes' walk from the Hilton! Silver (coho) salmon will still be running when you arrive in Anchorage, and you might want to stroll down and wet a line. Sport fishing information will be available at Registration! The silver run will be trailing off, but fish will still be in the river; local anglers prefer fishing on a rising or falling tide.

Can You See Mt. McKinley?

Yes you can – and it can be spectacular on clear days, particularly at sunset. Get to a high place and look north! Mt. McKinley , the tallest mountain in North America at 20,314 feet, is about 250 miles (by road) from Anchorage . It and two adjacent mountains, Foraker and Hunter, are located in Denali National Park.

So much to do, so much to see. These are a few of my favorites. But also check out the Town Square in front of the Performing Arts Center, one of our meeting venues. Or walk down to the Alaska Railroad Depot and enjoy its displays and gift store just a few blocks from the Hilton (and see the antique locomotive on display in front – it was used during construction of the Panama Canal). Or take in the Anchorage Museum of History and Art which will feature a cultural exhibit on shamans from Siberia and a special selection of American impressionist paintings. Or maybe shop at Pia's for a beautiful Scandinavian sweater. Downtown Anchorage is the place to be! I hope that you will enjoy one of America 's friendliest cities - and check out some of my favorite places.