Alaska, 7 day trip...Where to begin???

Please help me! I have been over-saturated with things to do/see in Alaska. I am looking to travel with my husband for the first time in mid/late September to Alaska. Since we are coming from FL, what will the weather be like? We want drive a rental for most of this trip and see as much as we can, without feeling like a ';go-go-go military camp'; I know we can%26#39;t see everything, but I would like suggestions! We are moderately active, and while one night in a rustic hut is great for nostalgic purposes, we do want comfy rooms and good food! (So no to camping...maybe once we become more seasoned!) So think: See nature by day, relax with beautiful scenery at night. Also, please note, we are NOT trying to break the bank!!!

Alaska, 7 day trip...Where to begin???

You already got a good start by posting your questions and now you should read posts here on this forum. Here is a very recent post by besu who came up with great itinerary. Not long ago numbereight posted wonderful itinerary which is a little different than besu. Try to review them and maybe you can get some ideas from their posts? How many days are you going to be in Alaska?

Many of us love all outdoor activities that Alaska offers but that doesn%26#39;t mean we all stay in huts or camp without out electricity and with only outhouses. It is always nice to come back after all day long hike a be able to take a hot shower. Don%26#39;t feel bad about it and there is no need to explain why. The most important you know what accommodations do not appeal to you. Would you be interested in staying in B%26amp;Bs, small cabins/chalets or larger lodges? Are you willing to spend for accommodations , $100 per night , $150 or more than that? If you can come only in September then two first weeks would be more ideal as many businesses catering to summer visitors stop operating mid-September

Alaska, 7 day trip...Where to begin???

I just noticed you wrote you are coming for 7 days. In this case review these itineraries I mentioned, then decide what activities and places appeal to you, finally post your ideas and we will try to help you with logistics. With only 7 days I think I would focus on Denali, Seward and Anchorage. Too bad you have only seven days. Is that seven or six nights?

Let me clarify...8 days, 7 nites. I would love to try B%26amp;B%26#39;s and lodges, and we are looking to spend 100-150 nightly. I plan on flying into Anchorage and seeing Denali, but my friend just came back from 10 days and handed me a full sized tote-bag filled with info from Alaska and her trip! Thanks for the tip on the itineraries :-)

With only seven nights I would stay in Anchorage (1), Denali (3), Girdwood(1) and Seward (2).

Keep in mind that Denali National Park%26#39;s road usually closes around 10-15th September so I suggest going there first after your first initial night in Anchorage. Many B%26amp;Bs available in Healy which is only a few miles north from the entrance to Denali NP.

Coalminer may suggest B%26amp;Bs there. If you want to stay in any specific accommodations then make reservations in advance, well in advance.

Yes, I agree with Places - do come in that first week of September - our colors go very fast, and many of the businesses close up quick - this year, many places were shut by the 12th - here in the Denali area. We usually have the colors first, due to the elevations, whereas the rest of the state goes much slower. For in Healy, I would choose the Motel Nordhaven if you want a hotel experience, and there are several nice B%26amp;B%26#39;s as well as cabins - more of a personal preference - if you want recommendations, I would be happy to help. Good luck! :)

Thanks for the tip...maybe we%26#39;ll be switching our travel dates! :-) I love the idea of b%26amp;b or lodges. Coalminer, could you suggest some in the areas mentioned that have the following criteria (or at least pretty close)

-Clean/comfy

-Scenic views from property

-Good food

-Offers privacy for ';alone time'; with hubby

-Offers that ';Alaska experience';

Also, what are the top ';must do'; things, so I can narrow them down and decide with research on my own. We would love to include some type of cruise trip to see the glaciers and wildlife is a must! (If we are lucky enough to see them) Would also like info on cultural sites and places that you HAVE to eat at.

Hi there - sorry it has taken me a day to respond. Well, there are several places that might meet your requirements . . . most of the accommodations for our area are on this site: www.denalichamber.com

Usually, I only recommend ones that I have been in and/or know the owners, but I will list several - you%26#39;ll have to pick and if you need specifics, I may be able to help. For such a small area, we actually have quite a lot of B%26amp;B type lodgings. I don%26#39;t think there is any one that meets all your requirements - some of my favorites don%26#39;t have views, so . . .

for views: www.denalilakeview.com and www.denalilakesidelodging.com. Both of these are located by Otto lake, so you have great views of the lake and mtns as well.

These places have nice mtn views: www.touchofwildernessbb.com and www.earthsonglodge.com/lodging

Now, many places only offer continental breakfast, but here are the two places with the best cooks: www.touchofwildernessbb.com and www.aspenhaus.com :)

All of these are nice places (no dives) - it%26#39;s more a personal preference than anything else . . . like if you prefer to have access to a kitchen, etc. Holler if you need more recommendations! :)

Oh, man, was typing along, and zap - it all disappeared. Anyhow, will try again . . . you mentioned food choices, forgot to list that on the other post.

For Healy area: the Lunch Box - excellent rice bowls and very affordable prices. Black Diamond near Otto Lake/golf course - good food.

For Denali Park area: lots of the hotel/lodges have their own restaurants . . .most are good. I like the Princess%26#39;s Bistro -great seafood nachos, enough for 3 or more! Bub%26#39;s subs are excellent - try a Mediterrean Pita or their soups. I like Mile 229, though it%26#39;s spendy . . . one of my favorites is McKinley Creekside cafe - very good food and very reasonable prices. Both those are located south of Denali Park entrance.

For some real local color, head to Clear sky lodge for steaks. Also try Alaskan roadhouses - that will be an experience.

Anchorage - much to choose from, but one I particularly love is the Snow City Cafe - downtown, just breakfast and lunch . . . . excellent food.

Know several good ones in Fairbanks, but I don%26#39;t think you are heading that direction. If you are heading up the Glenn hwy near the Matanuska glacier, do stop in Sheep Mtn. Lodge for a meal - great food.

Hope this helps some! :)

Coalminer, these are two great lists of accommodations and places to eat. I am printing them out right now for my personal file. They should be very useful for our next trip. Thanks

We ate at McKinley Creekside cafe in August and I would definitely agree - very good food and very reasonable prices.

Between Denali and Anchorage we had dinner at Pioneer Lodge in Willow. We didn%26#39;t expect much and the place looks like a cafeteria inside, but we were amazed by their food - the flavors, the sauces, unbelievable.

coalminer - When did you eat at Sheep Mtn. Lodge? Not that there were a lot of choices around that area, but after seeing you and several others recommending food there we stopped for dinner. The view was amazing. The food was just ok. It was not great. It was simply plain. Both the salmon and the chicken were well cooked, but with no flavor whatsoever.