GCI is proudly sponsoring the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Show Up for Alaska campaign because it’s focused on lifting up Alaska-owned, travel and tourism businesses and rallying Alaskans to help other Alaskans. That is our mission at the core.
Each Wander AK Wednesday, you’ve seen us highlight tourism businesses across the state on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. But more than just words on a screen, we want to inspire you to explore this summer — safely and socially distanced of course — and use those Alaska resident deals!
This week, we’re taking a closer look at Anchorage, our headquarters and a city that needs no introduction to many of you. But when’s the last time you took advantage of the “touristy” things in Anchorage? This is your summer to do it all — just be sure to wear your face mask. They’re required here now.
Take the Alaska Zoo, for example. “When you’re out in the wild, you don’t always get to see animals the way you want to,” said Alaska Zoo Executive Director Patrick Lampi. “This is an opportunity to really get up close.”
All 95 of the zoo’s animals — from bears to tigers — were orphaned or injured. “We’re providing a home for these animals and educating people about their wild counterparts,” Lampi said. That’s why at GCI, we have a special partnership with the Alaska Zoo through GCI Gives, including our nearly 15-year sponsorship of the popular Polar Bear Camera. GCI was “instrumental” in helping with the distance education programs while the zoo was closed due to COVID-19 as well, Lampi said. “During the stay-at-home period, we were offering live interactive programs and virtual tours, plus we were doing a number of programs for school groups for free. We had over 7,000 people attend our virtual classes.”
Explore Alaska With Us
With the zoo re-opened, in-person programs are back in focus. Daily interactive Critter Chats are being held and private, small group animal encounters started on June 23 with online registration 48 hours in advance. Zoo Day camps are in session through the summer for kids ages 6-12. And in July, the zoo is holding a very important 38th birthday celebration for Jake, a Kodiak brown bear that was one of the first animals Lampi took care of when he started working at the zoo 34 years ago. Lampi lovingly calls him a “nice, mellow fellow.”
Plan ahead if you want to participate in the Virtual Walk on the Wild Side Annual Zoo Fundraiser on Aug. 27. But whenever you go, keep an eye out for the zoo’s newest resident, Honey, an adult female bear who arrived from Haines in early May. Buy your admission tickets online to minimize interactions (resident, military, children and senior citizen discounts apply) and then spread out across the zoo’s 23-acre wooded, park-like campus to stay socially distanced during your visit.
But wait, there’s plenty more to do in Anchorage and special offers to be found!
Fun places to explore:
- Don’t miss the Anchorage Museum’s current exhibit “Nkenaghch’: Good Words to Never Forget,” a collection of illustrations by Anchorage-based artist Ted Kim from the museum’s Dena’ina language book. Timed reservations are required for Planetarium Shows and for limited-entry experiences in the Discovery Center.
- Alaskans save more than 50 percent on admission to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, where you can explore our Indigenous cultures firsthand. Interactive experiences include storytelling, artist demonstrations, Native dance performances and more.
- If you’ve been working on your photography skills, head out on a tour with local guides at Alaska Photo Treks to practice shooting nightscapes, wildlife and more.
- Ready to spice up your bike rides? Alaska Trail Guides can take you into the Chugach Mountains or hit paved paths. Go with a small group or request a custom tour.
- If you’d rather cool off, check out Matanuska or Portage glaciers with 907 Tours and spend the day with a knowledgeable guide.
- Locally owned Lifetime Adventures is renting kayaks and bikes at Eklutna Lake, in addition to offering limited small group tours that combine biking and kayaking.
Great places to eat:
- The Maroudas family has been serving homemade Greek and Italian cuisine at Pizza Olympia since 1984. Go for the pizza, but you’ll find other favorites on this menu.
- Sushi and Sushi is Anchorage’s go-to sushi and sake bar. Book a table if you’ve missed fine dining and delicious sushi rolls.
- Firetap Alehouse serves more than local craft beers, order an artisan pizza (gluten-free crust optional) or a pretzel sandwich.
- Bread and Brew may specialize in grilled cheese and craft beer, but don’t miss the chili, salads or other sandwiches. There’s a reason this laid-back restaurant has been on so many “Best” lists.
- Set in a cozy log-cabin style hut, Kindred Spirits Café serves a consistently good cup of coffee, that’s why it’s been serving Southside residents for more than 24 years.
- The Anchorage classic Lucky Wishbone has been serving pan-friend chicken, burgers and shakes since before Alaska even became a state.
- Originale claims the best lunch in Anchorage. If you’re dreaming of Italy, order a sandwich and coffee and let yourself be transported.
Where to stay:
- With standard rooms as low as $89 per night and complimentary breakfast, the Historic Anchorage Hotel spoils guests. Don’t miss the chance to check out old photos of Anchorage in the public spaces and maybe spot a ghost.
- Susitna Place B&B is perfect for those who want to be around fewer people. It offers just five rooms overlooking the Cook Inlet.
- Just a block up from the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, Copper Whale Inn’s rooms also delivers Cook Inlet views in a historic house that survived the ’64 earthquake. In-room iPads can be used to request housekeeping, contact the front desk and more.
This is just a taste of the opportunities in Anchorage and we know you’ll get out and explore further. Just keep the local businesses in mind and lend your support, while prioritizing your health and safety. GCI is committed to being a good neighbor and empowering our local communities, because at the end of the day, we are more than just Alaska’s technology leader. We are a company founded and operated by Alaskans.