Anchorage offers a one-stop Alaska adventure

Through unspoiled nature and a multitude of family-fun activities, Anchorage offers the backdrop for a perfect Alaskan summer vacation. Opportunities for exploration and adventure are never-ending. There are trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. There’s fishing, boating and camping. Just be mindful of wandering moose or the omnipresent brown bear.

Getting there: Ted Stevens International Airport is simple to navigate, not too large, and passengers are never far from their gate. The airport is a scant 4 miles from the city center and your downtown hotel; the short Route 7 bus ride ($7.50) is less expensive than a taxi ($25).

Staying there: The Copper Whale Inn (www.copperwhale.com ), in the heart of Anchorage, is only a stone’s throw from the Cook Inlet. The B&B’s rustic appeal combined with a fresh coastal breeze makes for a relaxing retreat. Elfin ponds and waterfalls add to the charm of the multi-colored gardens. Relive a simpler time as you sit on the patio sipping your morning coffee with your complimentary continental breakfast.

Out and about: Seeing a small glacier up close can be more advantageous than seeing a large glacier from a great distance. Get aboard the Ptarmigan for one-hour round-trip cruise with fantastic views of the face of Portage Glacier (www.portageglaciercruises.com). Note: The gangway to the vessel is wheelchair-accessible.

For an inexpensive and adventurous afternoon, venture by bike along the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail, which is perfect for hiking, mountain biking and even horseback riding. Bike-rental kiosks line the city streets and it’s quite easy to navigate the 10-mile trail that follows the coastline or one of the 140 miles of paved trails the city has to offer.

At the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (www.Alaskawildlife.org), you can work on your wildlife photography. Creating powerful wildlife images is a breeze in the stress-free confines of this 100-acre nature preserve. The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center also rescues and rehabilitates native wild animals that are orphaned or have been injured. Admission: $12.50; $9 for kids and seniors.

Dining: Locals were jawing about Snow City Cafe, a downtown brunch spot, before the airplane even landed. With menu items like Stuffed French Toast & Ship Creek Benedict (poached eggs over smoked salmon cakes), this hotspot (www.snowcitycafe.com) is not to be missed. It’s right around the corner from the Copper Whale Inn.

The Glacier BrewHouse (www.glacierbrewhouse.com) has a strong reputation for quality food and great value. You can’t go wrong stopping in for a night of fine dining and revelry. In a city known for fresh seafood, the BrewHouse tops the list of upscale restaurants. From moist and tender halibut fillet to salmon, you’ll find every imaginable Alaskan fish entree.

The Kobuk coffee and gift shop serves amazingly good homemade doughnuts that have a slightly crispy exterior while the cinnamon-sugar frosting keeps them light and moist inside. The Kobuk (www.kobukcoffee.com) is in the historic (1915) Kimball Building. Find your way to this little-known gem; it’s worth the effort.

In the mountain town of Girdwood, have lunch at the Bake Shop (www.thebakeshop.com), a home-style restaurant offering specialty cakes and homemade desserts, some even with healthy ingredients. The Bake Shop is renowned for its Famous Sweet Roll. It will melt in your mouth; one can feed a family of four.

This story was originally published May 15, 2015 at 12:55 PM with the headline "Anchorage offers a one-stop Alaska adventure."