What's a visit to Anchorage without uttering the word "mush?" Well, shouting the word is more like it at the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race held every March. World-class sled racers and their dog teams mush toward the Bering Sea coast through the area's rugged terrain in what has been termed the "Last Great Race on Earth." The route is a staggering 1,150 miles and it all starts in downtown Anchorage the first Saturday in March with a grand ceremony to begin the race.
The Alaska Railroad Corporation is a great starting point for your journey. Alaska Railroad is the most scenic way to enjoy the 500 miles that stretch from Seward to Fairbanks up north. Buy your tickets for pre-planned tours or maybe customize your trip through your travel agent. Either way, before you get on board, check out the historic photos and other attractions and artifacts that are on display in the Depot. And don't forget to get a look outside at an authentic totem pole and a locomotive built in 1907.
The Tony Knowles Coastal Trail was named for the Anchorage mayor and Alaska governor. This trail extends for ten miles from downtown Anchorage to Kincaid Park. The paved thoroughfare is popular with all kinds of outdoorsmen and athletic-types like in-line skaters, bikers, and walkers. The section of the trail that stretches through Westchester Lagoon is tagged as the "fitness trail" and features chin-up bars, steps and other items that encourage cross training among the trail's visitors. Also, the trail is not without its natural beauty, as moose, whales and birds can be seen from several vantage points.
The Aurora Fine Arts Gallery not only features an impressive selection of exhibits that showcase the work of some of the area's most talented artists, they also pride themselves on making your visit as informative, educational and entertaining as it possibly can. That is largely due to the highly helpful, knowledgeable and friendly staff that are always ready to welcome visitors with a smile and happily answer any and all questions you may have about the gallery's many exhibits.