The National Association of State Budget OfficersHours of Daylight
Enjoy the long days of summer as Anchorage will have about 21 hours of daylight during our meeting. The further north you go the more daylight you can enjoy.
Weather
The key to comfort in Alaska is wearing layers of clothing, then peel on or off as needed. Temperatures in late July vary from a high in the mid-60’s to lows in the 50’s with minimal rainfall. A light jacket is recommended for the evenings. NASBO also recommends comfortable shoes, jackets and sunglasses for the excursions on Sunday, July 21, and Wednesday, July 24, as tours will be outside.
Book Pre and Post Conference Activities
NASBO is pleased to offer meeting participants an option of booking pre or post conference excursions with Logistics. This local destination management company helps visitors plan multi-day trips or single activities. View options or contact a Logistics staff member at 907-276-6060 to discuss individual reservations. NASBO is not coordinating any specific activities before or after those listed on the agenda. All costs for these trips are the sole responsibility of the attendee.
Some options include: flightseeing trips, overnight in Denali National Park, fishing trips, glacier hikes, dogsledding excursions, Alaska Railroad trips, and more.
Anchorage Attractions
Alaska Native Heritage Center (meeting excursion on July 21)
The center shares the heritage of Alaska's 11 major cultures. Visitors experience Alaska Native cultures first-hand through stories, dance and more.
Anchorage Museum (meeting reception on July 21)
The state's largest museum includes the Alaska History Gallery, Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center, and Imaginarium Discovery Center for children.
Alaska Museum of Natural History
Alaska dinosaurs, ice age, rocks and hands on exhibits.
Alaska Wild Berry Theater & Park
A huge souvenir shop with a park that includes a 20 foot tall Inukshuk Rock Man, the resident reindeer, Wild Berry Park Grill, beer and wine garden and Alaska-made ice cream shop. Theater features a movie called "Alaska, the Land Beyond".
Alaska Experience Theater
The Theatre’s Earthquake Exhibit and Safe-Quake Theatre experience take you back in time to 1964 on the fateful Good Friday when North America recorded it largest earthquake ever at a magnitude of 9.2. Additional films about Alaska are also shown daily in the summer time.
Alaska Attractions
Cruise Ships
Options are endless for cruising the waterways surrounding Alaska as well as enjoying land-based excursions.
Historic Alaska Railroad
One of the best ways to see Alaska and access different regions of the state.
Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine
Family gold mining adventure in beautiful setting located just outside of Anchorage.
Happy Trail Kennels – Iditarod Champions
Visit four-time Iditarod Champion Martin Buser’s kennel to see a mushing demonstration, pet some of the puppies and hear stories from the trail.
Dorothy Page Museum & Historic Town Site
The Museum collects, preserves, interprets and educates the public about the history of Wasilla, Knik and Willow Creek Mining Areas. Experience interactive dog mushing and gold mining exhibits.
National Parks
Alaska hosts 15 national parks, preserves, monuments and national historical parks. Below are some Alaska Governor’s Office staff favorites.
Denali National Park & Mt. McKinley
Forest gives way to high alpine tundra and snowy mountains, culminating in North America's tallest peak, 20,320' Mount McKinley while wild animals large and small roam unfenced lands.
Gates of the Arctic National Park
A remote wilderness area located above the Arctic Circle and far from any roads, careful planning is required.
Glacier Bay National Park
A highlight of Alaska's Inside Passage and part of a 25-million acre World Heritage Site this is one of the world’s largest international protected areas.
Katmai National Park
Spans nearly five million acres of remote, spectacular country and host an incredible density of brown bears during the summer do to the salmon runs.
Kenai Fjords National Park
Nearly 40 glaciers flow from the Harding Icefield where wildlife thrives in icy waters and lush forests around this vast expanse of ice.
Restaurants
The following restaurants are located near the Hotel Captain Cook or are a short cab/drive from the hotel.
Crow’s Nest – New American/French (Hotel Captain Cook, top floor)
Fletcher’s – English-style pub (Hotel Captain Cook, lobby level)
The Whale’s Tail – American/Wine Bar; Alaska’s first self dispensing wine system (Hotel Captain Cook)
Simon & Seaforts Saloon & Grill – Seafood/Steak (420 "L" Street; 907-274-3502)
ORSO – Mediterranean (737 W. 5th Avenue; 907-222-3232)
Marx Brothers Café – Contemporary American (627 West 3rd; 907-278-2133)
Ginger – Pacific Rim cuisine (425 W. 5th Avenue; 907-929-3680)
Crush Wine Bistro and Cellar – American Bistro (343 W. 6th Avenue; 907-865-9198)
Sack’s Café – American (328 G Street; 907-276-3546)
Bridge Seafood – Seafood Buffet (221 W. Ship Creek Avenue; 907-644-8300)
Club Paris – Steakhouse (417 W. 5th Avenue; 907-277-6332)
Hot Stixx – International with local ingredients (1921 W. Dimond Boulevard #106; 907-563-8888)
Glacier Brewhouse – Brewery (737 W. 5th Avenue, Suite 110; 907-274- 2739)
Snow Goose Restaurant – Brewery (717 West 3rd Avenue; 907-277-7727)
Snow City Café – Breakfast/Lunch (1034 W. 4th Avenue; 907-272-CITY)