Anchorage Press Staff
The readers choose the BEST OF ANCHORAGE.
HEALTH
Best Chiropractor: Whole Family Chiropractic
600 E. 36th Ave.
562-3060
Established in 2011, Whole Family Chiropractic is a relatively new practice with shiny mid-town offices, young, active chiropractors, and an appreciative clientele. Clients appreciate Drs. Ryan and Jessica Dachowski’s personal touch as well as their expertise in dealing with things like prenatal care, migraines and allergies.
Props to second place winner, Todd Curzie, whose 19-year-old practice just moved downtown.
Second: Curzie Chiropractic, Third: Ireland Chiropractic
Best Yoga Studio: Anchorage Yoga
701 W. 36th Ave
562-9642
There are a lot of different types of Yoga and Anchorage Yoga seems to offer them all.
Since most of us at the Press can’t reach past our knees, it would probably be worth our staff taking one of their intro classes. But, Yoga practicioners are all so mellow and well adjusted we probably wouldn’t fit it. Begging the question, does yoga just attract mellow, well adjusted people, or does it create them? If it’s the latter, then perhaps there’s hope for our high-strung, neurotic staff.
Second: Dharam Yoga, Third: Spirit Path Yoga
Best Gym/Health Club: Alaska Club
5201 E. Tudor Rd.
337-9550
Numerous locations and great facilities make Alaska Club the dominant player in this industry. But the chain’s not resting on its laurels. Alaska Club keeps its locations clean and up-to-date and works hard to ensure that members of all levels are welcome.
Second: Planet Fitness, Third: Body Renew
Best Medical Clinic: Medical Park Family Care
2211 E. Northern Lights Blvd.
279-8486
A new arrival to Anchorage put up a Facebook request recently asking for a reference to a good local doctor. Echoing our Press Picks results, the vast majority of recommendations were for physicians at Medical Park Family Care. Their office is a squat two-story brick building rather than the new glass and steel wonders in the UMed district. Why so popular, then? The people of course. Medical Park Family Care feels like a throw-back to a time when you developed a personal relationship with your doctor that lasted for years, and generations. Special shout out to Dr. Lord!
Second: Primary Care Associates, Third: Avante Medical Center
Best Day Spa: Allure Day Spa
142 W. 5th Ave.
258-1122
The race in this category was for second and thirrd place, Allure took first by a mile. A clean, comfortable upscale setting, professional staff and great services make this downtown oasis a reader favorite. We remember when that corner held a pawn shop; Anchorage is moving up in the world.
Second: Ice Spa, Third: Intuition Day Spa
FOOD
Best Bakery: Fire Island Rustic Bakery
1343 G St.
569-0001
Press readers love Fire Island’s sweet potato/sage croissants, their heavenly ciabatta, and decadent macaroons, and voted accordingly with the five-year-old bakery handily winning this category. Owned by Alaska’s former Director of State Parks, Jerry Lewanski and his wife, Janis Fleischman, this South Addition hole in the wall is regularly packed with loyal customers.
Second: Great Harvest Bread Co., Third: Charlie’s Bakery
Best Burger: Tommy’s Burger Stop
1109 W. 29th Pl.
561-5696
Sure, you can tell yourself you’re going to Tommy’s for one of its fine salads, but unless you have tremendous willpower you’ll likely be tempted by one of Tommy’s 11 different burgers and walk out feeling so blissfully satiated it may be a few hours before the guilt digests. Located in the heart of Spenard, Tommy’s is a favorite of Press readers, earning more than twice as many votes as the nearest contender.
Second: Arctic Roadrunner, Third: Long Branch Saloon
Best Diner: Kriner’s Diner
2409 C St.
929-8257
Ah, Kriner’s. Can you get any more American? Good food, friendly staff, gigantic portions, and none of that French stuff. Think American fries, American toast, American dip. Take that, frogs.
Second: City Diner, Thursday: Leroy’s Family Restaurant
Best Sandwich: Brown Bag Sandwich Co.
400 D St.
277-0202
Our hipster readers dig this little shop on D Street where you can get a PBR with your sandwich. Well, unless you’re gluten free. Favorites include Wilbur’s Fate, which has Black Forest ham and bacon. Sometimes they will even deliver!
Second: Sarah’s Sandwich Shop, Third: Middle Way Café
Best BBQ: Turnagain Arm Pit BBQ
3637 Old Seward Hwy/ Mile103.5 Seward Hwy
562-MEAT
Have a hankering for fried okra or deep fried pickles? This is the place you need to hit up, and while you’re there you can clog your arteries with Southern goodness like brisket, ribs and smoked chicken. But pork is really the way to go, like the 1/3 pound Boar Tide, a pulled pork and bacon creation that is to die for.
Second: Smokehouse BBQ, Third: AJ’s BBQ
Best Cheap Eats (Less than $15): Taco King
tacokingak.com
771-6000
After a night of excess nothing quite soothes the soul better than their pozole, a pork and hominy soup you can spice up to suit your hangover. This local chain thrives on late hours and quick delivery, as well as keeping the menu simple and prices accessible. They also have the best tongue in Anchorage.
Second: Bear Tooth, Third: (Tie) Brown Bag Sandwich Co., Middle Way Café
Best Restaurant for a First Date: Simon and Seafort’s
420 L Street
274-3502
Simon’s beat Bear Tooth by the slimmest of margins. Apparently nothin’ says lovin’ like bacon-wrapped meatloaf, unless it’s the seafood étouffée. Order your date a series of mojitos and marvel at the mudflats outside your window. Ah, romance.
Second: Bear Tooth Grill, Third: Spenard Roadhouse
Best Fine Dining: Simon and Seafort’s
420 L Street
274-3502
How do Press readers love thee, Simon’s? Let us count the ways: Thine pan-seared halibut cheeks. Thine Norton Sound Alaskan King Crab Legs. Thine Grilled Teriyaki Tenderloins. And the best damn crab and artichoke dip in the world.
Second: Crow’s Nest, Third: Orso
Best New Restaurant: Rustic Goat
12800 Turnagain St.
334-8100
Now that the parking issues are resolved, complaints about the trendy new Rustic Goat in Turnagain are hard to find. Foodies love their eclectic menu and the ambiance feels more like Seattle than Anchorage. Using repurposed wood from a Kenai cannery was a genius move.
Second: Fat Ptarmigan, Third: Texas Roadhouse
Best Food Wagon/Street Vendor: M.A.’s Gourmet Dogs
605 W. 4th Ave.
With seven types of big, juicy wieners, M.A.’s is the dominant force among downtown Anchorage’s street vendors. Every year, the savory smell of sizzling sausage officially means spring has returned. M.A. has been dealing dogs for two decades. If you haven’t sampled his work, put it on your calendar for April.
Second: Kastle’s Creations, Third: Benny’s Food Wagon
Best Deli: Sara’s Sandwich Shop
5841 Arctic Blvd./ 2709 Boniface Pkwy.
562-1344/ 337-0153
Sara’s has been putting meat and bread together since the mid-‘80s. Choose from 30 specialty sandwiches or build your own, Subway-style, except unlike fast-food chains, Sara’s uses fresh sub rolls baked right here in Anchorage.
Second: Peppercini’s Deli, Third: Brown Bag Sandwich Co.
Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Organic Oasis
2610 Spenard Rd.
277-7882
The modest Spenard restaurant has been the center of Anchorage’s organic universe since it first opened its doors on Earth Day in 1999. Half their menu is organic—right down to the beer and wine—which is no small feat in Alaska.
Second: Yak and Yeti, Third: Middle Way Café
Best Brew Pub: Moose’s Tooth
3300 Old Seward Hwy.
258-2537
This place is always packed, but Press readers know that signature, brewed-on-premises pints of Beer Tooth Ale, Fairweather IPA and/or Pipeline Stout paired with fantastic gourmet pizzas like Spicy Thai Chicken, Santa’s Little Helper and the Avalanche are well worth enduring the long lines.
Second: Midnight Sun Brewing Company, Third: Glacier Brewhouse
Best Pizza Joint: Moose’s Tooth
3300 Old Seward Hwy.
258-2537
No surprise here. See above.
Second: Uncle Joe’s, Third: Bear Tooth
Best Local Chef: Rob Kinneen
Fork Catering on Facebook
227-5974
Rob Kinneen’s last meal as chef at Crush was served to celebrity French chef Jacques Pepin, not a bad send off for Kinneen, who is a wizard with charcuterie and indigenous ingredients. Look for him and partner Delicious Dave catering events large and small around town this winter.
Second: Al Levinsohn/ Kincaid Grill, Third: Guy Conley/ Fat Ptarmigan
Best Steak House: Club Paris
417 W. 5th Ave.
277-6332
Proudly housed in a former funeral parlor, Club Paris has been serving fork-tender steaks in the same spot since the late ‘50s. The dark, cavernous dining area is the perfect spot to sip a stiff martini and contemplate the bloody goodness of dead cow.
Second: Sullivan’s Steakhouse, Third: Double Musky Inn
Best Breakfast: Snow City Café
1034 W. 4th Ave.
272-CITY
Next year we’re renaming this category “Best Breakfast that’s not Snow City,” because it’s never close. Long lines can be avoided by making a reservation. Try the Kodiak benedict: poached eggs, Alaska king crab cakes, and homemade hollandaise.
Second: Gwennie’s Old Alaska Restaurant, Third: Jackie’s Place
Best Chinese: Panda Chinese Restaurant
605 E. Northern Lights Blvd.
272-3308
Panda’s affordable and consistent American Chinese food hit our reader’s sweet and sour spot for a narrow wing over Charlie’s Bakery, which features authentic Chinese and fabulous birthday cakes.
Second: Charlie’s Bakery, Third: Sweet Pink Pepper
Best Italian: Sorrento’s Restaurant
10 E. Fireweed Ln.
278-3439
For 40 years Sorrento’s has been serving up Italian classics including pasta, steak, seafood, veal and pizzas. The service is friendly and they recently added gluten free pasta as an option. Don’t let the tired exterior keep you away.
Second: Romano’s, Third: Little Italy
Best Thai: Thai Kitchen
3405 E. Tudor Rd.
561-0082
The quality of Thai Kitchen’s dishes has earned it an army of loyal customers who love the casual atmosphere and excellent cuisine at this family-run business. The spicy duck is unrivaled and the lunch specials are very affordable.
Second: Thai Orchid, Third: Lahn Pad Thai
Best Seafood: Simon and Seafort’s
420 L Street
274-3502
Serving up fresh fish whenever possible, and with a view of from whence your meal came, Simon’s is a reader favorite for seafood as well as romance. Look for specials like a chilled crab cocktail and fresh oysters. Open for lunch and Sunday brunch if you’re craving fish in the mid-day hours.
Second: Glacier Brewhouse, Third: Sea Galley (Et tu, Press readers?)
Best Vietnamese: Ray’s Place
2412 Spenard Rd.
279-2932
The extremely personable owners make Ray’s feel like you’re always dining with friends. Readers especially love their giant bowls of pho, not to mention their salads and inventive dishes like halibut with tamarind. But would it kill them to open on Saturdays?
Second: Pho Vietnam, Third: Pho Lena
Best Japanese: Dish Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurant
639 W. International Airport Rd.
562-1275
“Everybody come to the Dish, there never was a spot that was quite like this. The Dish, the Dish, the Dish, the Dish. The place where women want to be taken…” Judging by Dish’s advertising, sashimi isn’t the only fresh meat at the home of Alaska’s first fusion sake bar.
Second: Sushi & Sushi, Third: Ronnie 2
Best Mexican: Taco King
tacokingak.com
771-6000
See “Best Cheap Eats” And remember, “Taco King delieeeeevers.”
Second: Gallo’s, Third: Serrano’s
Best “Other” Ethnic: Yak & Yeti Himalayan Restaurant
3301 Spenard Rd.
743-8078
Although this popular Spenard eatery features neither yak nor yeti on its extensive menu of dishes from Nepal, India and Tibet, Press readers celebrated their favorite ethnic spot, which offers ample options for vegetarians as well as carnivores.
Second: Bombay Deluxe, Third: Hula Hands
Best Late Night Dining: Leroy’s Family Restaurant
2420 C St.
279-6162
Leroy’s is what it is, and servers and cooks maintain that scrappy attitude. The booths and tables are, well, nostalgic, and the food is quick and perfect for sobering up at 4 a.m. Nothing is fancy, unpredictable or remarkable, and you gotta love that continuity.
Second: Village Inn, Third: Taco Bell
Best Korean: V.I.P. Korean
555 West Northern Lights Blvd.
279-8514
V.I.P. offers traditional Korean fare along with a few Chinese options. The dishes are large, reasonably priced and served with a half dozen or more banchan (traditional Korean sides). It's a great place for newbies to give Korean dining a try.
Second: Tofu House Restaurant, Third: Korean Gardens
Best Coffee Shop: Kaladi Brothers Coffee
kaladi.com
644-7400
Press readers didn’t specify which of the dozen Anchorage-area Kaladi locations they most prefer for caffeinated conversation, fair trade lattes and free wireless. But they once again drove the red goat to the top of certified-organic, air-roasted bean mountain.
Second: Steam Dot, Third: Side Street
Best Deck/Patio: Snow Goose
717 W. 3rd Ave.
277-7727
True or false: The name of Mount Susitna, a.k.a. Sleeping Lady is derived from a Dena’ina legend. Answer: False. True or false: A pitcher of beer and the view of Mount Susitna from the Snow Goose deck on a blue-sky day is as good as it gets. Answer: True.
Second: Peanut Farm, Third: Bernie’s
ARTS AND CULTURE
Best Art Gallery: Katie Sevigny Studio
608 W. 4th Ave. #101
258-2787
Sevigny Studio is a narrow little place crammed with all kinds of strange and wonderful art and art objects. First Fridays in the gallery are crowded, but it's often worth the struggle. Owner Kate Sevingy has not only an excellent eye, but also books high-quality local musicians to provide her event soundtracks. Check the schedule at katiesevignystudio.com.
Second: Artique Limited , Third: International Gallery of Contemporary Art
Best Public Art: "Habitat" by Antony Gormley, Anchorage Museum
625 C St.
First of all, we’re sorry, but that “whaling wall” on the side of J.C. Penny’s needs to go. It’s been 20 years. Enough already. Bansky, can you help us out here? But yes, Press readers, the ice fountain at the library is totally cool, and we respect your choice of “Habitat” as this year’s winner for public art. Some of our other favorites: The red fish on C Street, the bronze bear sculpture at the Boney Courthouse, the raven wall on Tudor Rd., and the “52 Faces of Mt. View,” just for starters.
Second: "Alaska's Marine Life" by Wyland, J.C. Penny’s, Third: Carl Nesjar’s ice fountain at the Z.J. Loussac Public Library
Best First Friday Venue: Sub Zero Bistro & Micro Lounge
612 F St.
375-3600
Here’s what Press writers and editors are looking for in a First Friday venue: Crowded but not too crowded, kickass DJ, a curator willing to take risks, tasty (and free) food, and the best damn Moscow Mule in Anchorage, served in a proper mug. Our readers agree with us that Sub Zero delivers on all counts.
Second: Sevigny Studio, Third: Tie: Crush Wine Bistro/International Galley of Contemporary Art
Best Local Theater Company: Cyrano’s Theater Company
413 D St.
274-2599
For nearly 20 years Cyrano’s Theatre Company has been producing plays in downtown Anchorage. And although talented actors, directors and crew have a lot to do with the Theatre’s success and longevity, the driving force between this scrappy little playhouse is
Sandy Harper, who carries on Jerry Harper’s legacy with grace and aplomb. (“Beer Tooth” was voted second, but has been disqualified.)
Second: TBA Theatre, Inc.., Third: Anchorage Community Theater
Best Local Actor: Shane Mitchell
As a performer, Shane is the veteran of over 200 productions. He received Best Actor Awards at both The University of Alaska Anchorage and Wichita State University, where he got his masters in theater communication. He is the recipient of two Patricia Neal Acting Awards, and is director of our readers’ second favorite theater company, TBA Theatre, Inc.
Second: Anthony Loundes, Third: Regina Catherine MacDonald
Best Local Artist: Katie Sevigny
katiesevignystudio.com
Katie’s work is about bold color and whimsy, from octopi to otters. She credits her three children with inspiration for fun and cheerful Alaskan art, and actually owns two galleries, one in Anchorage and the other in Skagway.
Second: Smudge Monkey, Third: Ted Kim
Best Book Store: Title Wave
1360 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
278-9283
Title Wave dominated this category by a two-to-one margin in this, sadly, two horse race. With a great selection of used books, their trade-in program and easy access to Kaladi Brothers, Yak and Yeti and REI, it’s no wonder Press readers love spending their time browsing at Title Wave. It is one of the biggest used bookstores in the country and it has grown up right along with Anchorage since its 1991 birth.
Second: Barnes & Noble
Best Musical Instrument Store: Mammoth Music
500 E. 5th Ave.
272-9944
Good to see Press neighbor and long time Anchorage business Mammoth Music win this category. And this isn’t just a sentimental win. With a great selection of higher range instruments, knowledgeable staff and reasonable prices, Mammoth deserves to win. Looking for a high end Gibson and want to try it out before you commit? Stop by Mammoth and actually handle what you are purchasing. Their selection rivals some of the better music stores in the Lower 48 and it feels good to support locals.
Second: Music Man, Third: Horn Doctor
CITY LIFE
Best Thrift Store: Value Village
5437 E. Northern Lights/501 East Dimond Blvd.
337-2184/522-9090
When Press readers are looking to pop some tags, with only 20 dollars in their pocket, their favorite thrift store in which to avoid getting swindled and pimped is either of Value Village’s two well-stocked Anchorage locations.
Second: Bishop’s Attic, Third: Salvation Army
Best Tattoo Parlor: Rebirth Tattoo
1441 West Northern Lights Blvd.
222-4653
Online reviews of Rebirth, most of which give five stars, tell a consistent story: Fair prices, polite staff, and talented artists. One Google + reviewer praised owner Vinnie Almanza: "Gave Vinnie a rough sketch of what I wanted, and turned it into my perfect first tattoo."
Second: Body Piercing Unlimited, Third: The Hole Look
Best Piercing Salon: The Hole Look
570 East Benson Blvd. #17
563-4653
The Hole Look is a small operation (just three piercers on staff, Blake Thomas, Atom Thomas, and Taryl Cordova) that gives beautiful, modern results. Piercings generally run $45- $90, although it really depends on what you want, and where you want it. Wink.
Second: Body Piercing Unlimited, Third: Natural Canvas
Best Independent Boutique: Flawless Boutique (aka Flawless Gemstone Apparel)
337 West 5th Ave #107
351-8444
Flawless Boutique specializes in "custom Swarovski® rhinestone embellished," club wear, "sexy casual dresses" and some couture gowns and cocktail dresses from "exclusive lines such as MacDuggal, Jovani and Igigi," according to the Anchorage store's Facebook page. And they have hot pink wallpaper, which is pretty damn banging.
Second: Bottom’s Boutique, Third: Blush Boutique
Best Vintage Clothing: Tie for first: Second Run & Bailiwick
Second Run: 720 D St./277-6119
Bailiwick: 245 West 5th Ave./727-9015
It's a tie, folks! Old school, been around the block-ers Second Run share the title this year with newcomer, youth/hipster specialists Bailiwick. This vote caught us by surprise. It's no easy feat to challenge Second Run, so Bailiwick must be doing something right.
Second: Value Village, Third: The Pack Rat Antiques
Best People Watching: Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
5000 West International Airport Rd.
266-2526
Tearful partings. Joyful reunions. Before 9/11, all the fantastic human theater at airports was at the departure and arrival gates. Now it’s concentrated on the ticket counter side of security, making it all the easier to pay homage to Uncle Ted by playing voyeur.
Second: Downtown Anchorage, Third: The Alaska State Fair
Best Coffee Shop: Kaladi Brothers Coffee
kaladi.com
644-7400
Press readers didn’t specify which of the dozen Anchorage-area Kaladi locations they most prefer for caffeinated conversation, fair trade lattes and free wireless. But they once again drove the red goat to the top of certified-organic, air-roasted bean mountain.
Second: Steam Dot, Third: Side Street
Best Teacher: TIE: Chuck Strauss/ David Block/ Mr. Brown at Dimond/ Scott Campbell
A four-way tie of awesome educators, but the best online teacher profile goes to Dimond science teacher Scott Campbell: “He seriously believes that he can single handedly ward off winter by wearing flip-flops to school everyday.”
Hippest Neighborhood: Spenard
What was once the raunchiest part of town has seen many changes since the pipeline days, when hookers roamed the streets and gunfire punctuated the night. Take a look at some of the businesses Press readers have selected as their favorites and you’ll find many Spenard addresses. Organic Oasis, Ray’s Place, Bear Tooth, Title Wave, and Chilkoot Charlie’s are all found in Spenard.
Second: Downtown, Third: Fairview
Best Bank/Credit Union: Alaska USA
alaskausa.org
Thank you, readers, for picking a friendly local credit union as your favorite place to bank. Founded in 1948, Alaska USA has more than 500,000 members and over $5.6 billion in assets. Plus, most of its 68 branches are open seven days a week.
Second: Credit Union 1, Third: Denali Federal Credit Union
Best Doggie Day Care: Dog Tired
310 E. Fireweed Ln.
334-6962
Dogs can become angry and anxious when left home alone, and take their loneliness out on furniture, walls and carpet. Better to keep them occupied at one of several canine day care centers around town, Dog Tired being our readers’ top choice. With six different classrooms, pool time in the summer, and a daily report card on your pet’s behavior, it’s no wonder Dog Tired is top dog.
Second: Hound Lounge, Third: Arctic Tails
Best Florist: Bagoy’s
8250 Homer Dr./ 341 E. Benson Blvd.
522-1922/ 278-1922
Ninety-two years after Bagoy’s created their first bouquet, Press readers still trust their most important life occasions to the folks at Bagoy’s. This winning, local florist donates two dollars of each arrangement purchased online to the non-profit of the buyer’s choice through their Helping Hands program. Does Costco do that for you?
Second: Mylord’s Floral, Third: Uptown Blossoms
Best Dog Park: University Lake Park
Although it can be muddy after a rain, and the lake is full of ferocious beavers eager to munch on doggie flesh, University Lake is a pooch paradise with plenty of sticks to be gnawed, responsible pet owners armed with plastic bags, and abundant opportunities for inter-breed butt sniffing.
Second: Conner’s Bog, Third: Arctic and Benson Park
Best Republican: Lisa Murkowski
Many who initially cried nepotism when Sen. Frank Murkowski, appointed his daughter to take his seat when he became governor now have reason to celebrate our Senator’s dozen years in Washington. And thankfully, Lisa gave us a very important spelling lesson in 2010.
Second: Dan Sullivan (no, the other one), Third: Bill Walker
Best Democrat: Mark Begich
Three fun facts about Mark Begich: 1) When voters elected him in 2003, he became first mayor of Anchorage born in Anchorage. 2) He went to kindergarten in a log cabin. 3) George Sullivan gave him his start in politics circa 1980 by appointing him to the city’s Youth Advisory Commission.
Second: Les Gara, Third: Hollis French
Best Grocery Store: Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer, Press readers? Seriously? Fred Meyer didn’t even begin as locally owned then sell out, like our second place finisher. Sure, soon enough we’ll all be required by law to buy groceries from Amazon delivered to our doorstep by armored drones but still—Freddy’s?
Second: Carrs, Third: New Sagaya’s
OUTDOOR ALASKAN STUFF
Best Flying Service: Rust’s Flying Service
4525 Enstrom Circle
544-2299
A battered sign above the Talkeetna Roadhouse bar once warned “Fly for an Hour or Hike for a Week.” That maxim holds true today. Founded in 1963, using a single plane to take hunters and fisherman out to remote spots, Rust’s Flying Service is now the dominant player in the industry, offering flight seeing, hunting and fishing flights from their base on Lake Hood.
Second: Alaska Airlines, Third: K2 Aviation
Best Wildlife Cruise: Kenai Fjords Tours
877-777-4051
Sending Outside guests on a wildlife cruise is de rigueur for Anchorage tourist season hosts. The majority of Press readers entrust their friends and family to Kenai Fjords Tours for their knowledgeable captains, wide range of itineraries, and on-board National Park Service Rangers and interpretive guides.
Second: Major Marine Tours, Third: Phillips Cruises & Tours
Best Fishing Service: Saltwater Safari Company
1210 4th Ave, Seward
907-224-5232
When they opened in 1991, Saltwater Safari Company brought a new energy to the fishing charter business. With their gleaming, fast, well-equipped boats and enthusiastic crews, the company pushed the range of day trips out of Seward to the great fishing grounds around Montague and Middleton Islands. Twenty years later, they’re the preeminent charter operator in Seward and have added a dockside lodge to their operation.
Second: Heavenly Sights, Third: Mahay’s Jet Boat Adventures
Best Bike Shop: The Bicycle Shop
1035 W. Northern Lights Blvd
272-5219
An institution on Northern Lights since 1974 (where they moved in their tenth year of business), what makes The Bicycle Shop stand out, and got them to their 50th anniversary, is fantastic service. Their repair department takes on lost causes as a challenge, and their retail department stocks everything from BMX to recumbents to the trendy, new fatbikes in beginner to expert.
Second: Paramount Cycles, Third: The Trek Shop
Best Outdoor Shop: REI
1200 W Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK 99503
(907) 272-4565
While hard-core local climbers and backcountry skiers patronize AMH, REI is the biggest and best-known playground for Anchorage’s outdoor enthusiasts and urban wannabees. Nice showing this year by new-kid-on-the-block, Cabela’s.
Second: Cabela’s, Third: AMH and Mt. View Sports (tie)
Best Place to See a Moose: Kincaid Park
9401 Raspberry Rd.
343-6397
“My freezer” voters get points for being clever, but Kincaid topped the list for viewing Alaska’s favorite gangly ungulate. “Any time of the year you may find moose among the thick foliage [in Kincaid],” a Fish and Game website states. “Scan the vertical and lighter landscape of trees for the darker and rounded shapes of moose.” Early morning and evening are prime times.
Second: Coastal Trail, Third: Hillside
Best Ice Fishing: Jewel Lake
When urbanites are ready to dust off their augers and hit the ice, Jewel Lake is Anchorage’s top choice for frozen fishing. The lake even hosts the Jewel Lake Ice Fishing Jamboree with pre-drilled holes in February, shortly after Fish and Game stocks it with thousands of salmon.
Second: Cheney Lake, Third: Big Lake
Best Place to Process Your Meat: Indian Valley Meats
200 Huot Cir., Indian
653-7511
The coppery odor of blood and cooling flesh is indicative of how popular Indian Valley is for those who care about having their meat handled properly. There’s also a bed and breakfast on the grounds, which guests share with (live) reindeer, pygmy goats and exotic birds.
Second: Alaska Sausage, Third: Mike’s
Best Day Hike That is not Flattop: Bird Ridge
With 3,400 feet of elevation gain in just 2.5 miles uphill, Bird Ridge is no hike for the weak. This classic quad-buster is one of the first trails to melt off in spring. It starts off as a steep ascent through evergreens to timberline, and then follows a ridgeline with spectacular views to Bird Ridge Point at 3,505 feet.
Second: McHugh Creek, Third: Hatchers Pass
Best Place for a Bear Scare: McHugh Creek Day Use Area
To Press readers who voted for The Raven in this category: hah, good one. But seriously, the McHugh Creek day use area and the trails that extend from it are widely known for close encounters of the Ursus arctos kind. Remember: it’s better to have bear spray and not need it, than to need it and not have it. Ditto for a shotgun.
Second: Russian River, Third: Hillside
Best Gun Store: Cabela’s
155 W. 104th Ave.
341-3400
Though it just opened in April, Cabela’s usurped this throne from local stalwart Great Northern Guns, owing in large part to the Anchorage installation of this national mega-retailer’s signature green-carpeted Gun Library, “the premier destination for discriminating sportsman and firearm enthusiasts in search of the finest new and used firearms, including classic, antique and collectible firearms.”
Second: Great Northern Guns, Third: Sportsman Warehouse
Explore related topics:
2014 press picks
press pics
best of anchorage
Press Pix