Wow. I’ve been watching this hotel from the ground up–and the 169-room property now is open. Carol Chandler, the GM, gave me a tour this afternoon. Pretty fancy! The “standard” room is a two-room suite with leather-trimmed sofas and an oversized work area–plenty of space for your laptop, your notebook and your cell phone! Free wireless internet service is available for HHonors members. (You have to sign up before making reservations at www.hilton.com) . Here’s a snap (of course, you have to move the flowers!):
All the rooms have the big flat-screen tvs, a refrigerator, a microwave, a coffee maker, hair dryer–all the basics so you can move right in. In fact, you’re right across the street from Carrs at the Sears Mall, so you can stock up!
Everyone gets a complimentary, full cooked-to-order breakfast–and there’s free parking, too. There’s even a free airport shuttle!
Check out the Pi Kitchen + Bar. It’s just off the lobby–and features healthy “global fusion” cuisine. Dishes include “Hawaiian Sliders”, “Ponzu-Lemon Grass Scallop-and-Shrimp Brochette”, and “Crab Mac and Cheese”. Over at the bar, order one of the Pomgranate Patron Mojitos!
There’s an indoor pool, a big whirlpool and a fitness center. In fact, there are some suites which feature a Jacuzzi tub!
Check out the hotel, including the expansive lobby, complete with a stainless-steel whale water feature:
Located at 600 E. Benson Blvd., it’s close to BP, Alyeska, the Moose’s Tooth and the Sears Mall. Dial direct at (907)332-7000 or visit the website.
Okay, indulge me for a moment. We had a wonderful soiree yesterday evening at the house to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary. Christy and I had a few friends over, some relatives, some kids, some dogs and a few hangers-on. A great time was had by all.
This week, I’ve been playing tour guide–showing off some of Alaska’s best country to our visiting relatives. We flew to the Ruth Glacier on Mt. McKinley with Talkeetna Air Taxi. We sailed into Kenai Fjords National Park with Renown Tours. Today? We’re headed over the Alaska Native Heritage Center.
These all are “must-see, must-do” experiences. Continue Reading »
Just got a nice note from Sara Juday over at Alaska Northwest Books. There are some great titles available this year, including a new edition of Bob Armstrong’s guide to birds of Alaska (very cool!). Brandon Droeger took this k-e-w-l picture of a bald eagle fishing for lunch. Visit his site to see other great images. I’ve got a few books to give away! Here’s how to win: Send me an email here: zoom@gci.net . The subject line MUST include the name of the book you’d like to win. 
Choose one from the list below. Continue Reading »
Alaska Governor Sarah Palin and her husband Todd welcomed the arrival of their fifth child this morning. The Palins were thankful that the Governor’s labor began yesterday while she was in Texas at the Governor’s Energy Conference where she gave the keynote luncheon address, but let up enough for her to travel on Alaska Airlines back to Alaska in time to deliver her second son.
Trig Paxson Van Palin was born at 6:30 a.m. and weighs six pounds, two ounces. The Governor and Trig are both doing well and resting comfortably.
The family released the following statement:
”Trig is beautiful and already adored by us. We knew through early testing he would face special challenges, and we feel privileged that God would entrust us with this gift and allow us unspeakable joy as he entered our lives. We have faith that every baby is created for good purpose and has potential to make this world a better place. We are truly blessed.”
The Palins have four other children including Track, 18, Bristol, 17, Willow, 13 and Piper, 7.
