Archive for April 2nd, 2008

LIVE from Seattle, WA –Don’t forget the Alaska Airlines sale fares between Alaska and everywhere for travel through June 12. That means price cuts from almost all jet cities in Alaska to cities in the Western U.S., Chicago and Dallas. Big stuff.

You need to purchase at least two weeks in advance. All the fares are one-way, but I just list the total roundtrip fare, plus taxes and fees. That’s what most people buy. Remember, though: the one-way fares afford lots of flexibility. You can fly into one city and out of another. You can use an award ticket on one portion–and buy the other. Heck, you even can buy miles to top off your account to get an award ticket (sometimes that’s less expensive than buying a ticket!). Here are some of the prices for travel to/from Fairbanks:

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Fly on Continental Airlines this weekend for just $232 roundtrip, all-in. That’s a great deal. This fare is about half the cost of a normal supersaver. Fly outbound on Saturday or Sunday, Apr. 5 or 6, returning on Monday or Tuesday, Apr. 7 or 8 only.

Seattle is in full bloom, although it’s a little chilly.  The special works northbound as well.

Here’s a shot of the Elliot Bay water taxi. It leaves from the Argosy Cruises dock for West Seattle. You can take it across the way and have a wonderful bayside lunch at Salty’s. We dined on calamari, halibut and Dungeness crab. Delicious! To make the most of your Seattle weekend, get a copy of the Seattle TourSaver, chock full of 2-for-1 deals (including Argosy Cruises!). Pick it up for $79.95 at the Argosy Tours office on the Waterfront. Or, order online.

If you’re flying on United, it’s crucial that you reconfirm your plans. Expect delays and/or cancellations within the next 48 hours. 

When you’re visiting Seattle, stop in at 2nd and Vine St. in Belltown. It’s the site of The Local Vine. Enjoy wines by the glass, including many local Washington vintages. We had a wonderful time with Anchorage native Sarah Munson, who runs the place. Tasty bites, too. They have a great cheese platter, some yummy prawns sauteed in garlic oil, beef tenderloin carpaccio (with micro-greens, parmesan, capers, sea salt ant black currant vinegar!), plus all kinds of crispy bread to accompany the wine. “Oh, I’m glad you discovered a new wine this evening,” said Sarah. It was a Cabernet Franc. Wonderful. Don’t miss it.

Owner Sarah Munson of The Local Vine chats it up with Gary Blakely–Mr. California Cool who brings his laptop to the wine bar!!