Yes, stay in Anchorage the night before. Whittier consists of one huge condo building, formerly military/government housing, and a few other buildings.

The only alternate is Alyeska, which is between Anchorage and Portage. There is a train stop at Portage.

It's tourist season. Rates are higher in the summer. Even in late Sept, there are still tours and cruises there.

The Capt. Cook is the best/nicest hotel in Anchorage. It has a nice cafe and a fabulous restaurant. We honeymooned there, and when I worked for Korean Air, we would put our VIP's there.

The Hilton is nice, as well. I can't remember if the Top of the World restaurant is still open, or not. It has a nice coffee shop.

The Westmark is in an okay location, but it was built in 1971/72 as the Royal Inn, and many people are concerned about it's earthquake worthiness. It's right across the street from where I worked, and I watched it being built.

The Sheraton is nice, but gentrification hasn't quite hit the neighborhood.

There is a new Marriott, but I've never stayed there. It's in a good location.

The Glacier Brewpub is good, but my heart is at Simon and Seafort's, overlooking the inlet.

For local color, go to Gwennie's on Spenard Road for reindeer sausage omelets. Or Hogg Brothers at Fireweed and Spenard.

Our favorite burger joint is Lucky Wishbone, just on the outskirts of downtown. Opened about 1955, still owned by the same family. It's at 4th and Karluk.

Club Paris is a nice place to eat, as well. We've eaten many a good steak there.

We've heard good reviews on Humpie's, which I think is on 6th between about G and E.

Nordstrom is at 6th and D, one of the anchors of the 5th Avenue Mall. Penney's is on the opposite corner. Bob worked at Nordstrom for 11 years.

This is making me homesick! We're going for a fast weekend Aug 24-28, now I have my list of "must eat" places.

Enjoy!

Frances