Christmas in Anchorage

I titled this quickie blog a bit illegally, because I won’t see Christmas in Anchorage. I’m one of those snowbirds that leaves town, preferably at the first drop of snow. A little late this year, I can report on what’s happening in Anchorage this month. As in other cities across USA, the parties are at every corner and every day. Last night was one of the best, as a local civil engineering company, PND, sponsored a great feast at the Petroleum Club. Dennis always tries to outdo the other sponsors, and succeed, he does. They served ‘bottomless’ wine, wild boar, elk, shrimp and King Crab legs. Of course, all the usual sides, like brie, fruits, desserts and such. Even better than the food and drink selection was the friends and conversation. So this writer will be on holiday leaving good memories behind.

Alaska Welcomes Winter

As my friend wrote, we can now look at 2008 in the rear-view mirror. Anchorage was covered by a huge snowfall this weekend, and we’re still digging out. It is just beautiful looking out, and this one is here to stay. It’s always a nice time to visit Anchorage, and December is no exception, as the stores are packed with holiday shoppers, and Town Square has beautiful Christmas tree plus outdoor programs continuing. Santa and his reindeer (real reindeer, that is) arrived a few days ago, and the many families that were there enjoyed the pageantry, as I did. The Pioneers of Alaska own the building across the street from this park, and the new Dena’ina Convention center is on the south side of ‘our’ building. The city, or maybe it was the State of Alaska, also built a large, much needed parking garage on this short block/strip. Altho’ it sounds great, the state workers use it during the day and there are only 20 spaces opened for the public until 5:30 p.m. when it does open to the public. The State and Federal Office have the best real estate in town, which is not uncommon. However, the downtown businesses are making it okay in this downturn of the economy. It’s not being felt here as it is outside (this means the lower 48). Maybe it’s just me, but things are going great in Anchorage, and there’s still a lot of opportunity here for new business. In fact, a Target store opened recently, which makes our franchise list almost complete! So come on up and see what a wild winter is like!