Anchorage Blog

Alaska Homesteader Blog

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 19:21:26 +0000

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in the wilds of Alaska on a traditional homestead? A homesteading family is writing a blog about their experiences on their homestead near Haines, Alaska (North of Juneau on the Panhandle of Alaska). They are each taking turns the father "hunter," the mother "gardener" and the teenaged daughter "apprentice," each write from their own perspective. Try on a different lifestyle and visit them on their Alaskan Homesteader Blog.

Oktoberfest at Alyeska Resort

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:20:34 +0000

Oktoberfest is a long tradition at Alyeska Resort, made famous by it's founder Chris Von Imhof, Bavarian and former General Manager of Alyeska Resort. Alyeska Resort is located in Girdwood, just 45 minutes South of Anchorage. I hear that CVI (as Mr. Von Imhof is sometimes known) is to be the MC of the event this year, so break out your lederhosen and get ready to yodel!

The event will be in the Daylodge and will be held on Friday (Oct. 10) from 6:00 PM - midnight and on Saturday (4:00 PM - midnight). The cover charge is $10.00, but you would be wise to book a hotel package for $149 (includes hotel and admission to Oktoberfest for two adults) so that you can get into the spirit of the party without having to worry about the drive back to Anchorage. There will be lots of German food to eat (bring extra cash for that). Children under 18 are free and there are activities and games for them as well, provided by Blaines. There's even a costume contest... lederhosen anyone?

Anchorage Museum Free Event

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:10:02 +0000

I always try to squeeze in Anchorage Museum events when I can, especially when they make it so easy to attend by making it free! AT&T is sponsoring the new exhibit opening with an Alutiiq Arts Family day this Sunday, October 12 from 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM. It is a great opportunity to see, not only the new exhibits, but all of the great permanent exhibits as well.

The Children's Museum there recently changed themes (if you haven't been there in a while). And the Marx's Brothers Cafe is yummy, as usual, for a casual lunch. I'm sad that the Iditarod Exhibit has moved on, but in it's place are a photo exhibit of "Castner's Cutthroats" a group of soldiers who gathered information on the Aluetian Islands held by the Japanese during WWII and a contrasting exhibit called, "Putting on the Ritz," showcasing Anchorage fashion items from the Gold Rush through the 60's. A statement of how women of those era's tried to "civilize' the last frontier.

The Anchorage Museum of History and Art is a great place to spend a few hours. Take advantage of AT&T's kind sponsorship and slip in for free this Sunday.

Holiday Bazaars in Anchorage

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:55:59 +0000

I love going to local holiday bazaars. It puts me in the holiday mood for my own craft projects and inspires me with new ideas of my own. It also gives me the chance to discover local handmade treasures and treats for friends and family.

The season has begun in earnest. the Anchorage Daily News has a fairly comprehensive guide to what is happening around town and what the main focus of each event is. The link to this site is: http://www.adn.com/hometown/story/543314.html

Happy shopping!

Confused about the Season...

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:51:00 +0000

Last night I couldn't tell which was falling faster, the snow or the leaves. Some of the trees are still green, but the trees are trying to catch up. We hear there is plenty more snow on the way. I'm glad to say I was one of the lucky ones to get snow tires on my car yesterday. I hear today the lines are over 4 to 5 hours long... but you can't wait any longer this year! Yesterday it was icy and today slushy... there have been plenty of cars off the road already. Drive carefully Anchorage!

A Sign You're in Alaska

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 20:43:13 +0000

I love signs in Alaska. This one was on the back of a truck in front of me at a stop light last week. It was taped across the door with packaging tape. I felt... unsafe...

Yes, let's discuss this... it "may" contain explosive mixtures... "may?" Really? Either it does or doesn't and why put the sign up if it doesn't? This was made by someone unclear on the concept...

Irish Jig or Belly Dancing?

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 17:06:57 +0000

If you are looking to step outside of your culture, or just have an evening of fun and music, you have choices here in Anchorage tonight.

Irish Session: There will be music and dancing at this free event tonight (Tuesday, October 7). It starts at 7:00 PM at the Middle Way Cafe (1200 W Northern Lights Blvd.). The music will be live and the dancing will be lively. Everyone is welcome!

Belly Dancing Class: Also tonight, for just $15, is a class in the art of Belly Dancing. What fun! Grab a girlfriend and head over to the Underground Dance Studio

And the Snow Came Down...

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 16:58:40 +0000

We are having a beautiful fall up here in Anchorage, Alaska. Well, we were until yesterday... then we had about an hour of, what I hope will be, the beautiful winter to come. Despite temperatures of 36 - 40 degrees (F), it poured down snow, a white out. They were big white flakes that soaked you if you stood out in them. It was different from a mid-winter storm when you get the tiny dry crystal like flakes. Part of me was hoping it would stick, even though I haven't gotten the snow tires on the cars yet. I guess I'm lucky that it didn't... a second chance to make my car winter-road-worthy. The weather channels predict more cold weather, so it is time to prepare! Hurrah!
http://www.onthesnow.com/alaska/alyeska-resort/webcams.htmlhttp://www.onthesnow.com/alaska/alyeska-resort/webcams.html

Bazaar Season Begins

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:47:44 +0000

It is time to kick off the holiday bazaar season with the 20th annual "Make It Alaskan" festival. It runs 10:00AM - 7:00PM on Saturday and 11:00AM - 6:00PM on Sunday. Everything is certifiably made in Alaska with 240 booths of Made in Alaska crafts, Silver Hand native art and Alaska Grown products.

The event costs $5 to attend (free parking) and is at the Sullivan Arena. There is live music, munchies and lots of fun to be had!

42 Annual Oktoberfest & the Oktoberfest Train

Alaska Guide (thesunnycircle) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 16:41:31 +0000

If you don't have a ticket for the Great Alaska Beer Train, then you have already missed out on this super annual event. Remember that for next year! Keep an eye out for railroad events like these at www.alaskarailroad.com.

If you missed the train, there is not need to panic, my beer swilling friend...

Get your lederhosen on and go out for an evening of yodeling, polka, door prizes and beer. You can have it all at tonight's Oktoberfest celebration at the Egan Center on 5th Avenue. There is an admission fee of $15, but bring more for food and drinks. It all begins at 7:00 PM.