Crystal's Guidebook

Crystal
Crystal's Guidebook

Sightseeing

A local favorite for various hikes and trails. You can visit all the old mine structures with a guided tour or just on your own. There are sometimes gold panning lessons. For those who don't feel up to a hike, the drive alone is gorgeous. You can now drive from the Wasilla side of Hatcher's Pass over to the Willow side. Link to the state's information on the Department of Natural Resources Website: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/indmine.htm eBrouchure: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/brochures/hatcherpassbrochure.pdf
146 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Hatcher Pass
146 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A local favorite for various hikes and trails. You can visit all the old mine structures with a guided tour or just on your own. There are sometimes gold panning lessons. For those who don't feel up to a hike, the drive alone is gorgeous. You can now drive from the Wasilla side of Hatcher's Pass over to the Willow side. Link to the state's information on the Department of Natural Resources Website: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/indmine.htm eBrouchure: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/brochures/hatcherpassbrochure.pdf
This place is breathtaking in natural beauty. In the summer months there is a ranger station to rent kayaks and possibly bikes. While the turnoff to the lake is only half-way between Anchorage and Wasilla, the drive up the mountain is about an hour more. There is no cell service in this area. There is a ranger station and plenty to do. I usually pack a lunch and plan to stay at least half the day. Link to state's Department of Natural Resources information on Eklutna Lake: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/chugach/eklutnalkcamp.htm eBrochure: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/brochures/eklutnalakebrochure.pdf Link to Kayak Rentals on the lake: http://www.lifetimeadventure.net/eklutna-trips-rentals/ Eklutna lake supplies all of Anchorage with water. It is about halfway between Anchorage and Wasilla, then about an hour up the mountain. When I go here I pack a lunch and plan on spending at least half a day there. On the way out, the Native Village of Eklunta is quite renowned for its cemetery. There are ornate, house-like structures built with Russian Orthodox flare above the graves. They are left untouched, to return to the earth.
75 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Eklutna Lake
75 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This place is breathtaking in natural beauty. In the summer months there is a ranger station to rent kayaks and possibly bikes. While the turnoff to the lake is only half-way between Anchorage and Wasilla, the drive up the mountain is about an hour more. There is no cell service in this area. There is a ranger station and plenty to do. I usually pack a lunch and plan to stay at least half the day. Link to state's Department of Natural Resources information on Eklutna Lake: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/aspunits/chugach/eklutnalkcamp.htm eBrochure: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/brochures/eklutnalakebrochure.pdf Link to Kayak Rentals on the lake: http://www.lifetimeadventure.net/eklutna-trips-rentals/ Eklutna lake supplies all of Anchorage with water. It is about halfway between Anchorage and Wasilla, then about an hour up the mountain. When I go here I pack a lunch and plan on spending at least half a day there. On the way out, the Native Village of Eklunta is quite renowned for its cemetery. There are ornate, house-like structures built with Russian Orthodox flare above the graves. They are left untouched, to return to the earth.
A nice spot to stretch your legs on the way to or from Anchorage. It is about halfway in between. Its a short hike, but a pretty view. If you are doing this with little ones, just keep them close by. There are a few spots that have a drop off and the trail is a bit narrow in spots.
80 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Mga Talon ng Thunderbird
25321 Old Glenn Highway
80 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
A nice spot to stretch your legs on the way to or from Anchorage. It is about halfway in between. Its a short hike, but a pretty view. If you are doing this with little ones, just keep them close by. There are a few spots that have a drop off and the trail is a bit narrow in spots.
This place will not take long to see. It is quite small and in between Anchorage and Wasilla. They are famous for their spirit houses which are above the graves. You can take a guided tour. http://www.eklutnahistoricalpark.org/
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Eklutna Village Historic Park
Eklutna Village Road
7 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This place will not take long to see. It is quite small and in between Anchorage and Wasilla. They are famous for their spirit houses which are above the graves. You can take a guided tour. http://www.eklutnahistoricalpark.org/

Food scene

I'm a classically trained chef and a foodie. You will not hear me truly recommend many restaurants in the state. This is one. They make some pretty good dishes for the American palette. Nothing is overdone in fish sauce and when you ask for spicy, they will give it to you Thai style. I would not say this is knock-your-socks-off amazing, but pretty good. I only wish I had tried it sooner since there is not much good Asian food in the Valley. They are hidden behind a simple facade, which is where most of the good food is in Thailand. I was scared to try the sushi, but glad I did. Their rolls are simple, yet very fresh and top notch ingredients that are very difficult to find in this state. Especially in the winter. Bonus: they deliver. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
Pattaya Sushi and Thai Restaurant
701 East Parks Highway
I'm a classically trained chef and a foodie. You will not hear me truly recommend many restaurants in the state. This is one. They make some pretty good dishes for the American palette. Nothing is overdone in fish sauce and when you ask for spicy, they will give it to you Thai style. I would not say this is knock-your-socks-off amazing, but pretty good. I only wish I had tried it sooner since there is not much good Asian food in the Valley. They are hidden behind a simple facade, which is where most of the good food is in Thailand. I was scared to try the sushi, but glad I did. Their rolls are simple, yet very fresh and top notch ingredients that are very difficult to find in this state. Especially in the winter. Bonus: they deliver. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
This is one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. I don't think there is anything mind-blowing, but it is good. You do pay a premium for what you get though. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
185 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Simon & Seafort's Saloon & Grill
420 L Street
185 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is one of the best seafood restaurants in the area. I don't think there is anything mind-blowing, but it is good. You do pay a premium for what you get though. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
This is one of few places I will highly recommend in the state. Their menu is small, but they make a great quality food. If you ask them about the lady that comes from out of town and orders 1/2 the menu, that is me, lol! Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Thai Orchid Restaurant, INC
5905 Lake Otis Pkwy
10 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is one of few places I will highly recommend in the state. Their menu is small, but they make a great quality food. If you ask them about the lady that comes from out of town and orders 1/2 the menu, that is me, lol! Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
This is a nice little diner. They have a large selection so everyone will have something they like. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
Mat-Su Family Restaurant LLC
401 West Parks Highway
This is a nice little diner. They have a large selection so everyone will have something they like. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
This place is pretty much considered the "elite" dining in Wasilla. I really like their pizza. They do a mix of cheese that adds a depth of flavor. They also do a good halibut and chips, steak with lavender sauce. They are a bit on the spendy side. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Evangelo's Restaurant
2530 E Parks Hwy
30 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This place is pretty much considered the "elite" dining in Wasilla. I really like their pizza. They do a mix of cheese that adds a depth of flavor. They also do a good halibut and chips, steak with lavender sauce. They are a bit on the spendy side. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
This is one of two "elite dining" places in the Valley. They do good tempura, calamari, and egg rolls. Some people love the steak, others say the cut is low quality. I don't think I've ever tried it myself. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.
32 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Settlers Bay Lodge
5801 S Knik Goose Bay Rd
32 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
This is one of two "elite dining" places in the Valley. They do good tempura, calamari, and egg rolls. Some people love the steak, others say the cut is low quality. I don't think I've ever tried it myself. Local Tip: If anyone tells you someplace is "the best food in Alaska," don't listen. Most of our food is mediocre at best. There is one mind-blowing one in Sitka if you ever get there; Ludwig's. Seward and Homer have a few that are quite good.

Beach Scene

The local favorite. We don't have any beaches in the area, so this is it. There is a lodge that keeps switching owners, but sometimes they have pedal boat rentals. It just kind of depends on what the new owner is doing.
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
Wasilla Lake
11 lokal ang nagrerekomenda
The local favorite. We don't have any beaches in the area, so this is it. There is a lodge that keeps switching owners, but sometimes they have pedal boat rentals. It just kind of depends on what the new owner is doing.