Planning a trip to Anchorage (Kenai, Homer: hotels, houses, find a job)

[IloveAlaska]

I plan to visit Anchorage for a couple of weeks some time in September, when there are not so many tourists there. Do hotels reduce their prices at that time? What is the weather like, does it rain often? Also, is it possible to find a temporary job not connected with tourist business/season?

I know, I can get the information on sites, but I prefer to hear it from those who live there. I will appreciate your help with it.

[rambrush]

We don't live there, but we did the same thing you are doing except a part time job.

Yes it rained quite a bit while we there, we discovered early on down in Juneau that Arizona rain gear would not cut the mustard. We located a outfitter store and purchased quality rain gear and continued our visit in comfort. So be prepared.

We jumped on the last Alaska Marine Ferry heading north from Washington state. The pilot gave us a real tour of the inside passage way as we had a minimal amount of people on board.

We ended up In Seward on the Kenai Penninsula rented a vehicle and drove into Soldotna where we had a bed and breakfast place as our base camp. We did drift boat fishing on the Kasilof river Halibut fishing out of Homer plus hiked into the russian river falls.

Our next stop was up to Eagle river just north of Anchorage stayed there and then brached out to see the muskox and reindeer farms. We also visited the big game alaska park.

The rates were much cheaper at that time of year. Some facilities were even shut down like the Marine park in Seward.
It was a very good experience with out the crowds!!!!

[IloveAlaska]

Thanks, rambrush.
I'd like to spend most of the time in Anchorage, and visit some places around. Not sure what is better, to buy a tour at home or travel on my own and buy local tours in Anchorage. I would prefer to have a guide rather than drive myself. Still hesitating.

[rambrush]

I would suggest purchasing the Milepost book and it will show you everything to see and where they are located.

We researched prior to heading North and did all of our own travel plans.

So as for a guided tour I will not be able to assist with that, but my own opinion if you want to really see the area do it on your own. Take your time and enjoy the day.

[IloveAlaska]

Does anybody know any sites or information about Russian community in Anchorage? I fail to find it at search engines. Thank you for your help.

[Rance]

I live on the Kenai Peninsula south of Anchorage. There are a few Russian Villages on the peninsula. I can't imagine there being any of them living in Anchorage. But anything is possible. If you do get out of Anchorage I'd suggest going south. All the way to Seward or Homer. In the fall the scenery will be awesome, and the traffic will be way down. You can always contact me if you need any help or suggestions. Hope you have a great trip.

[kivalinacity]

I don't actually live in Anchorage but in answer to your question, yes, the prices do get reduced but I don't know exactly when that happens. This is the rainy season but it's not as bad as Sitka. I live in the Rural area of Alaska but I do have a boyfriend that lives in Anchorage. I was reviewing our village information and correcting some information and found this forum. I saw your question. I just had to reply.

[mikus]

Originally Posted by IloveAlaska

Does anybody know any sites or information about Russian community in Anchorage? I fail to find it at search engines. Thank you for your help.

there is a place called eklutna village, where i stopped to see an old russian cemetary...it is on the way to denali national park from anchorage...maybe this will help..

[IloveAlaska]

Thanks to all who answered me!

I did not look into this site for a long time, that's why did not answer you earlier.

I changed my plans and went to Anchorage in mid October, came back in early November. As you know, the weather was just fine for this season, no rains, sunny, it started snowing only in end October. I was happy to see Anchorage both in fall and winter seasons

A very interesting and useful trip. I liked the city, the nature, the people. Was feeling absolutely at home, had a lot of interesting talks. BTW, about 10 thousand Russians live in Anchorage...It was very pleasant to see that the Russian part of the history of Alaska is kept in the memory, and even "matryoshka" dolls, a Russian national souvenir, is sold there as Alaskan souvenir A lot of houses look like houses near Moscow.

I liked it there so much, that would love to find a job and move there for some time! But it's almost next to impossible to get a work permit
But I am in search....

[Rance]

Are you coming from Russia?