What’s New in Anchorage
In a city known for beautiful glaciers, abundant wildlife, rich Alaska Native culture and access to vast national parks, there’s always something exciting on the horizon.
Cross-Gulf Boom.
There is a 20 percent more cruise capacity increase into the Anchorage area this summer. The addition of an extra ship by Princess, the substitution of a larger ship by Holland America Line, and a longer season by Celebrity combine to make up most of the increase in berths for Seward and Whittier.
Anchorage Museum Expands
Alaska’s largest museum is even larger after completion of a $24 million expansion. The project added 25,000 square feet of gallery space to display more of the permanent collection publicly. The expansion coincides with a new, permanent Alaska exhibition, chronicling the state’s history from the first Alaskans to contemporary times. anchoragemuseum.org/about-us/museum-spaces/expansion/
Salmon Berry Add New Tours
Salmon Berry Tours adds a new, local eco tour to their roster. The half day trip explores Anchorage’s natural side, with visits to a salmon stream and Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge alongside taste of salmon and chaga tea, brewed with a birch fungus. salmonberrytours.com/tours/anchorage-eco-tour
Salmon Berry and family travel experts at AKontheGO also team up in 2018 for a new Ultimate Family Field Trip. The 10-day winter trip includes time chasing both the Iditarod and the northern lights. salmonberrytours.com/tours/2018-iditarod-ultimate-family-field-trip
Hotel News
Sheraton Hotel Anchorage puts the finishing touches on a major remodel. Work finished in spring 2018 on a top-to-bottom renovation.
La Quinta Inn and Suites opens its doors in Anchorage. The 84-room property on Minnesota Drive is just a few minutes from downtown, and includes shuttle service, parking, free breakfast and high-speed internet. http://www.laquintaa
Restaurant News
Anchorage favorite Crush takes over the space on G Street once occupied by Sacks Café. The move gives Crush a bigger kitchen, more tables, and space to grow their bottle shop. Long known for enticing wines by the glass, Crush’s new liquor license allows them to add new cocktails and drink specials.crushak.com