A Local’s Guide to Anchorage: Wildlife, Museums, and Scenic Day Trips
Friday, October 18th:
An Alaskan Adventure Begins
When I told my former colleague, Kristian Finn, that I was heading to Anchorage, he quickly connected me with his brother Kjell and his wife, who live nearby. They welcomed me warmly and took me on an unforgettable day trip beyond Anchorage, one I wouldn’t have managed without a car.
Our first stop was a wildlife refuge south of Anchorage, where we got up close to some of Alaska’s iconic animals in their natural habitats. Afterward, we drove to Alyeska for a brief but beautiful hike. The crisp Alaskan air, the towering mountains, and the quiet trails were a perfect escape, offering a taste of Alaska’s rugged beauty.
Driving to the refuge, watching bears, Moskox, balld eagle and wolfs.
For dinner, Kjell and his wife prepared a delicious meal with salmon cakes, rice, and a fresh salad, followed by cheesecake topped with homemade blueberry sauce. The day wrapped up with a cozy evening at their home, and they graciously drove me back to Anchorage by 8 PM.
Back at my Workaway stay, Rocky the dog was turning one and celebrating all day. Lucky for me, one of the guests was leaving just as I was, so I caught a ride to the karaoke bar, The Blue Fox, where I spent a lively evening. After being carded at the door, I learned that IDs here are often checked for any markers showing restricted access to alcohol—given out for instances like DUIs.
At The Blue Fox, I met Brad, a friendly local from the Caribbean who offered to give me a ride back. When he heard I wanted to visit the Anchorage Museum the next day, he volunteered to join me and even took me to one of his favorite spots to eat: The Writer’s Block.
Saturday, October 19th:
Museums, Local Eats, and Stunning Scenery
Pictures from the writers block.
Starting the day at The Writer’s Block with Brad was a treat—it's one of those hidden gems that you only hear about from locals. The ambiance and food were top-notch, a great spot to experience Anchorage’s community vibe.
After breakfast, we made our way to the Anchorage Museum. Along the way, Brad stopped to hold the door for an older couple. His kindness paid off as the woman kindly offered to sponsor one of our tickets through her membership. The museum’s exhibitions did not disappoint, with stunning displays of Alaska’s culture, history, and art.
From there, Brad took me on a scenic drive to some of his favorite lookouts and glacier views. Seeing these incredible places with a local’s perspective was an unforgettable experience.
Some of the nice places we saw and a close up off the glacier.
To top it all off, we finished with a meal at Re Haru, a cozy Japanese restaurant that left me ready to pack and prep for my next destination.
Sometimes, spontaneous connections lead to lasting memories, hidden local spots, and new adventures. Anchorage has proven to be more than just a destination—it’s a place filled with warm-hearted people and incredible stories waiting to be told.