Anchorage is a nice size, big enough to find what you need, small enough to be familiar with what's available. For those who may find yourself in Anchorage someday (we get our share of tourists each summer) here is a list of some great goods and services I'd recommend:1. Need a sandwich shop? I'd recommend The Perfect Cup at the Dimond Center, I dream about their avocado/bacon sandwich--if ethnic food is your thing you should consider Milano's on Arctic and 36th, they have terrific gyros and steak and cheese sandwiches.
2. Need a photographer? Stanton Photography, definitely the best. All of his pictures are beautiful.
3. Need a restaurant? South Side Bistro on Huffman. I'd recommend the cream of sundried tomato soup with the chevre salad and the raspberry creme brulee for dessert and you could always order more and take it home . . .
4. Need a dentist? James Nichols, D.D.S or Russell Morrell, D.D.S. I know over a dozen good dentists, but these two I'd highly recommend.
5. Need an optometrist? Dr. Bill Faulkner is good, Andrew and I have gone to him but I've also really liked Dr. Fox, she's great with the kids.
6. Need a carpet cleaner? J&S Steamway is the best. Not necessarily the cheapest but the best. I can get my family room, hallway, and two half-flights of stairs done for a little over $100, which isn't too bad given the quality.
7. Need an appliance repairman? Anchor Appliances has given good results. They've taken care of my dishwasher and refrigerator and even gave me advice with an electrical issue. I used Harold's once and didn't care for it as much though that was five years ago.
8. Need a cheap date? Oh Bear Tooth for sure. You always hear me talking about The Moose's Tooth and the Amazing Cheesebread, well The Bear Tooth Theater is owned by the same geniuses only there they throw in a movie with your dinner. Tickets are $3 per show. Order the same great food as at Moose's Tooth before you sit down and they bring you your dinner to eat during the movie. Warning: do not order something that requires light to eat i.e. salads, messy stuff, nachos, etc. You can get dinner and a movie for two for under $15 if you're smart.
9. Need your furniture restored? Windmill Furniture Restoration. My mother had her dining room table refinished and they picked it up, refinished and delivered for a fabulous price. But call early, the waiting list is long--I called this month for a spot after Thanksgiving.
10. Need a pediatrician? Dr. Jeff Brand. Highly recommended. If your child is sick he's easily available and he also has an office in Eagle River for patients out there. He's practical and down to earth and doesn't treat you like a silly worrier. Also I'd recommend Dr. Jeff Penman who is the pediatrician for many of my friends' children.
11. Need a plumber? I've used Chaz Mechanical and H&M Plumbing and both were fine but I was impressed with Best Plumbing that hooked up our sink, garbage disposal and dishwasher for the remodel. He was quick and painless and can also took care of heating issues and I thought his bill for the whole thing was pretty reasonable too.
12. Need a mechanic? The Alignment Center knows us on a first-name basis--my grandfather recommended them to me years ago and I've been so happy I never mess with anyone else. They can fit you in immediately and get the work done quickly but the best part is that they seem very honest. I've had several times when I've taken one of the cars in for repairs and they've told me that it's a minor problem, easily fixed at little cost (how often does that happen?) Twice they've installed bad parts that broke and they quickly identified what had happened, accepted responsibility and fixed it at no charge when I wouldn't have known the difference. Being so ignorant when it comes to cars, this is a comforting thing.
13. Need an oil and gas attorney? I have a really hunky one I would recommend . . .
And if you're looking for some other goodies to help you through the summer check back here on Saturday for the unveiling of a new weekly feature at Scribbit. You'll love it, I promise . . .
***
And Pinks and Blues is giving away a Dooney and Bourke handbag. Go! Go! Go! You have until Friday to get your name in the pot.
Technorati tags: Thursday Thirteen, Anchorage, Alaska, mechanics
34 comments:
I'll make it to Alaska one day. It's always sounded like a pretty place to me.
Those are very helpful tips. I'm sure many would benefit from it. Thanks for the visit.
My T13 is up too.
That's quite a list for Anchorage! You should be writing for the Chamber of Commerce.
Wow! Thanks. We spend time in Anchorage each summer.
Any tips for a good casual restaurant for a group (18)--downtown? We love the Glacier Brew House, but a bit upscale and $$ for our needs.
Thanks!
Uh-huh. Admit it. You did this post only because you're trying to convince me to come to Bouchercon!!!
*grin*
I'm still thinking about it... Still no answers that I need before I can plan my fall... :(
The Snow Goose is a casual, not as expensive place downtown. They're
more of a burger grill though. I've liked them well enough. There
are a few places in midtown that might be better, like Cattle Company, Sea Galley or Applebees (midtown tends to have the franchise restaurants). Moose's Tooth is the best food for the money and is in midtown too and they could handle a group that size possibly. They don't typically take reservations though maybe they would for a group.
There are a few restaurants in the hotels downtown that might be
cheaper than the Brewhouse, The Captain Cook has Fletchers and The
Sheraton and The Hilton both have bistro-style restaurants that might
work but I forget their names. Anchorage has great restaurants but
they do tend to be a bit expensive. Simon and Seaford's, Orso's, The
Crow's Nest, Sak's Cafe are all good but at least as expensive as the Brewhouse.
Alaska is TOP of our list, though we'll probably head out into Denali's backcountry. But we have to fly in somewhere, right?! :-)
Thanks again! We've done the Snow Goose the last few years. Moose's Tooth is another fav but too far (we stay at the Comfort Inn at Ship's Creek). I'll check out the others you mentioned.
We're doing Homer (just our family) for a few days this year before heading to the bush. I'll look at your archives for Homer tips. You're wonderful :)
Gratefully!
Cathy
Looks like both of us adore our cities this week. Great list and have a Happy Thursday.
It looks so beautiful there! Alaska is one of those places that has always piqued my interest! Thanks for the fabulous tips.
I would love to someday be there and need some of that info!!! Dolls house is so fabulous!
Terrific Thursday Thirteen!
My TT is posted.
Have a wonderful day!
Happy TT'ing!
*^_^
(=':'=)
(")_ (")Š
Raggedy
Thanks for all the tips as you know I can use all I can get!
I love the idea of a place where you can have dinner and a movie!
Michelle -- this is a great, informative post, that I wish I had while visiting your lovely state. I'm submitting this to stumbled upon under travel.
Wow, you're a great resource for all things Anchorage!
And thanks for spreading the word about our contest!!
Jane, Pinks & Blues Girls
What a helpful list. :)
My mom lives in Juneau, so maybe, perhaps, I'll make it Anchorage...I've been to the airport, but that doesn't count.
Oh, I love it! What a great idea for a TT!
*goes off to make a quick note*
Saturday, huh? I'll try to remember. Maybe send myself an email. I thought of jotting it down on the calendar that's hanging right here next to my desk, and discovered two things, clearly marked, that I forgot anyway.
At least I remembered Towel Day, and the kid's band concert.
If I ever get to Alaska - I'll have to check out that sandwich, it sounds absolutely delicious.
Do you have more pictures of the city skyline?
Did you say holiday? I don't know [can't bear to even think] about what kind of holidays you go on, but if my holiday includes carpet cleaning and appliance repair, then I really don't want to go.
Cheers
Great list!
We want to go to Alaska one day! It'll have to be when the kids are grown, but we'll be there one day.
I want the gyros! I have a hard time finding a good one in Minnesota, and there are NONE in my town at all. But in Germany, there is an awesome little shop that sells them and their fries are to die for!
I have always been fascinated by Alaska! Anchorage sounds like a nice town.
Good information! I would love to visit Anchorage - I will make it someday.
Fun list. I visited Anchorage back in 1986. Beautiful place. :)
Wonderful list! Almost makes me want to visit Anchorage someday. Almost. I'm not into coldness. It would have to be summer.
One of these days maybe I will make it to Alaska. It's quite a ways from Illinois though!!
I'll have to keep this is mind just in case!
i could use a good mechanic down here right about now!! and perhaps, a raspberry creme brulee, sounds yummy! that bears tooth place sounds fun too! great list, happy tt!
So, ummmm... what do you think of AGIA?
Sounds like you have all the necessities of life mapped out up there. I certainly don't know my own town that well.
Hi-- I came across your blog through the comment you recently left on Lisa's blog (midwestern mommy-- mylifeasacliche.blogspot.com).
I've read through your posts, and I really enjoy it! I've put up a link to your blog on mine. Hope that's ok and that you have a great upcoming weekend!
You forgot to leave your address so we can all visit you!!!
Anchorage was my layover stop when I flew from Philippines to Toronto, so I could say that I've been there ;-). The most I saw of the place was part of the airport where the big white stuffed bear was displayed. My fondest memory of the place: the snow capped mountain I saw in the distance while I was at the airport. Why memorable? It was my first sighting of snow!
My grandparents just returned from Alaska. They said it was absolutely goregious. I would love to go visit. They said it was very expensive to live there though. But a visit would be wonderful.
Post a Comment