Anchorage Alaska
The people of Alaska are proud of their state's natural beauty and their cultural heritage. The city of Anchorage Alaska is the largest city in the state and receives hundreds of tourists in the summer season. Many people are attracted to the friendly people; clean air and small town feel of the area. There are mudflats rather than beaches but there are many interesting attractions and events. The city has thrived as the major port in the state and also as a center for the petroleum industry and the site for military bases.
Entertainment, business and sport are catered for at several venues. The Alaska Center for the Performing Arts contains a concert hall and two theatres. The center houses the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra and the Anchorage Opera Company. There are two large convention centers and the Sullivan Arena hosts ice hockey and basketball matches, in addition to rock and country music shows. There are several museums in the city, including the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum, the Anchorage Museum of History and Art and Imaginarium: Science Discovery Center.
The city really buzzes in February when the annual Fur Rendezvous Festival takes place. It's a celebration of the winter lifestyle in Anchorage Alaska and events include a sled dog race, snow sculpture contest, carnival, ice skating show and dog weight pull competition. The Sitka Summer music Festival in September is a more sedate affair, when a series of chamber music concerts take place on campus at Alaska Pacific University.
Families with young children have great fun at the H2Oasis Indoor Waterpark, a lively park with wave pools, water coaster, splash pool and children's lagoon. All the water is kept at a lovely warm temperature. The park runs swimming lessons, including parent and toddler classes, and kayaking lessons. People who want to get fit can book water aerobic sessions. After a great time in the pool, visitors can relax in the hot tub or grab a snack in the food court.
Skiing is a favorite activity here. The Alyeska Ski Resort is located at Girdwood, around 50 miles from Anchorage Alaska. It's part of the Chugach mountain range and is on the biggest ski mountain in the state. The resort is popular with experienced skiers who like a challenge. Local people from Anchorage Alaska like to go to the Hilltop Ski Area in Anchorage, situated on Anchorage Hillside. Ski and snowboard equipment can be hired and it's a children friendly resort.
