Chieko Charters

Portage Glacier Cruises makes it possible for you to get up close and see a glacier from a vantage point that would otherwise be nearly impossible. Get ready to visit the sheer, crystalline surface of an Alaskan glacier. This one-hour cruise has many highlights, including the opportunity to stand just 300 yards from a relic of the Ice Age. The water is quite calm even though you may see pieces of the glacier break off and drift away. The guides are well-informed and friendly and they also allow you time between their descriptions for you to just take in the natural beauty of these majestic, icy works of art. Tours must be booked at least 7 days in advance.

The Alaska Botanical Garden is a great way to get your family familiarized with the state's natural beauty in many different ways. The garden attraction is spread out over 110 beautiful acres and features over 900 species of perennials and 150 native plants that are as inviting as they are beautiful. Take the kids on a mile-long nature walk to the banks of Campbell Creek to see even more natural beauty. Don't miss the alpine rock garden, herb garden and wildflower walk, too. It's a big day of fun, so don't forget to pack a picnic lunch so you can relax and enjoy a meal together among the garden's relaxing environment.

It doesn't matter if you want to watch the show or be in it, the Anchorage Classical Ballet Academy gives you the opportunity to see or be the entertainment. If you have always aspired to learn to dance classical ballet but never knew where to start, the Academy can point you in the right direction. Whether you're a child or an adult, the company will work hard to find a place for you in one of their productions or you can just learn to dance for your own sense of accomplishment. Once the season gets underway, there are several productions that will be taking stage for you to enjoy, whether you are sitting in the audience or waiting in the wings for your cue.

The Anchorage Museum gathers together some of Alaska's most dramatic traditions and transforms them into exhibits and attractions that allow them to come alive in various multi-dimensional presentations. One of the museum's galleries features 600 Alaska Native artifacts that are on loan from the Smithsonian Institution. Some of these items include ceremonial masks, battle armor and waterproof clothing made from the intestines of a seal. The museum features 80 exhibits that include an aurora machine, a marine animal touch tank and the very popular earthquake shake table. New additions include a planetarium and an Alaska Native contemporary art gallery.