Alaskan Sights and Bites

08/16/2024

Discover the best of Anchorage with our Downtown Walking Tour by Alaskan Sights and Bites! This guided tour takes you through the heart of the city, revealing its rich history, cultural highlights, and iconic landmarks. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, this tour offers a unique perspective on Anchorage, blending fascinating stories with stunning sights. Don’t miss out on this top-rated experience—book your Anchorage walking tour today at www.alaskansightsandbites.com.

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08/09/2024

Our thoughts go out to our "neighbors" in Juneau, we hope a everyone is safe and for them to have a swift recovery.

In the early morning hours of August 6, the Mendenhall River crested at 15.99 feet, causing unprecedented flooding in the Mendenhall Valley. Although fortunately there were no injuries or fatalities, damage was widespread. Over 100 homes have been damaged or impacted by floodwaters.

The community is now facing a long recovery. Read on for more information about first steps to take as you begin the recovery process. (Too long for Facebook? You can also read it on our website at bit.ly/4dz30N6.)

For all the latest information and resources, visit CBJ's dedicated flood response webpage at juneau.org/manager/flood-response.

SHELTER

CBJ opened an emergency shelter at Floyd Dryden Middle School on August 5 and was able to offer shelter to several dozen residents who evacuated their homes.

As of Tuesday, August 6, all residents who sought emergency shelter have departed for other accommodation. However, staff are on standby should sheltering needs arise. If you need emergency sheltering due to the flood event, please reach out to [email protected].

Residents who need assistance with long-term sheltering should also contact [email protected]. We will do our best to connect you with available resources.

BUILDING SAFETY AND DAMAGE ASSESSMENT

Impacted homeowners who would like to talk to a CBJ building inspector and ask questions about their individual situation are welcome to reach out to [email protected].

The Red Cross will provide assistance in the coming weeks to help with formal damage assessment documentation—stay tuned for more information.

In the interim, FEMA has provided several practical recommendations and safety precautions for residents returning home after a flood. Download the PDF at bit.ly/4cetxOz.

STATE DISASTER ASSISTANCE

Thanks to the Governor's declaration of disaster emergency, additional resources and funding are available to help residents and homeowners recover from the flood. The State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) is sending staff to Juneau on August 6. They will be able to coordinate both individual assistance and public assistance applications. Stay tuned for more information.

Forms and guidelines will be available shortly. In the meantime, take a look at the guidelines from the 2023 flood to get an idea of how the process works:
• 2023 Individual Assistance fact sheet at bit.ly/47pFzDz
• 2023 Infographic: 5 step process at https://bit.ly/3YwGEY7
• 2023 Infographic: State of Alaska Individual Assistance process at bit.ly/4chRvZa

DEBRIS AND WASTE REMOVAL

CBJ staff are working to arrange disaster debris collection and will notify residents as soon as we have more information and dates.

In the meantime, please follow the guidelines below for materials that will be part of CBJ’s flood debris collection. Your help will make an invaluable difference as we clean up the community.

• Bag all waste (where possible)
• Reduce the size of larger items (where possible)
• Keep all waste within your property boundaries until notified by CBJ to move it to the right-of-way (ROW) for collection.
• Keep waste separated into the following three categories (see handout at bit.ly/3WWcEmn):
- Residential Waste
- Household Hazardous Waste (HHW)
- Construction & Demolition (C&D) Waste

Some private haul options are also available—see CBJ's recent waste PSA at bit.ly/46EoO7x for more information.

OIL/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE SPILLS

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation spill responders are on the ground in Juneau responding to reports of spills and odors in the impacted neighborhoods. Residents who have loose or spilling fuel tanks and/or other hazardous spill situations should contact the ADEC Spill Prevention and Response hotline at 1-800-478-9300, or report a spill via their website at ReportSpills.alaska.gov.

FOOD SAFETY

If you are returning to a home that was impacted by floodwaters, you may need to exercise extra caution cooking, eating, and drinking in your home. ADEC has shared several safety tips at bit.ly/4coCt4c —including what to do if your freezer was covered by floodwaters.

FLOOD INSURANCE

The CBJ Community Development has prepared a flood insurance FAQ at bit.ly/4dtH3Pk answering questions like how to start a flood insurance claim and how FEMA flood insurance works. If you're not sure whether your home insurance covers flood damage or where to find more information, start with this FAQ.

If you're ready to start a federal flood insurance claim, visit FEMA's webpage at fema.gov/fact-sheet/starting-your-recovery-after-flood.

RECOVERY CHECKLIST

As you navigate through the recovery phase, there are several things to keep in mind—like insurance, mortgage, and damage documentation—that can help make your next steps much easier. CBJ has prepared a checklist at bit.ly/46EdRCV that may be useful for your recovery. Although it may seem arduous now, the sooner you are able to take any of these steps the more help they will be.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATION

A whole-hearted thank you to all community members who have generously offered to assist with recovery. CBJ is partnering with United Way for volunteer coordination. If you have time or resources and are wishing to volunteer to help your neighbors in the community, please fill out the form at bit.ly/juneau-flood.

If you are in need of support, please fill out the same form with information about your needs.

QUESTIONS AND MORE INFORMATION

For all questions about the flood, including information about response efforts and resources for impacted residents, please contact [email protected]. Contacting this email delivers your question directly to the CBJ flood response team and allows them to quickly get you the right information.

For those without access to email, please call the City Manager's Office at (907) 586-5240.

08/09/2024

Explore Anchorage’s vibrant culture and delicious food scene with Alaskan Sights and Bites! Our City Sightseeing and Food Tour takes you on a journey through the heart of Anchorage, where you’ll visit iconic landmarks and taste some of the best local bites. Perfect for visitors and locals alike, this tour offers a true taste of Anchorage’s unique flavors and history. Don’t miss out—book your tour today at www.alaskansightsandbites.com.

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08/09/2024

Discover the best of Anchorage with Alaskan Sights and Bites! Our tours offer an unforgettable journey through the city’s top attractions, from delicious food tours to thrilling wildlife experiences. Whether you’re here to taste local flavors, explore the wild, or uncover the city’s rich history, we have a tour for you. Join us to experience Anchorage like never before! Visit www.alaskansightsandbites.com to book your adventure today.

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08/07/2024

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Missie Batzel, Clifford Gault

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

08/07/2024

Customer testimonial!

Join Alaskan Sights and Bites for an unforgettable experience in Anchorage. Our tours include wildlife adventures, city sightseeing, and culinary delights. Perfect for tourists and locals alike, our guided tours showcase the best of Anchorage’s food, culture, and natural beauty. Book now at www.alaskansightsandbites.com and discover why we’re the top choice for Anchorage tours. Don’t miss out on our special winter tours, including the Wildlife Tour with Lunch, Chocolate and Wine Tour, and City Food Tour. Follow us on social media for updates and special offers!

08/03/2024

Exciting News from Alaskan Sights and Bites! 🌨️❄️

We are thrilled to announce that we will be open this winter, offering our incredible tours despite the chilly weather! Embrace the magic of winter in Alaska and join us for one (or all!) of our unique and unforgettable experiences:

🐻 Wildlife Tour with Lunch
Explore the Alaskan Wildlife Conservation Center and get up close with Alaska’s majestic animals. Enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the stunning winter landscapes. This is the perfect tour for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

🍫🍷 Chocolate and Wine Tour
Indulge in a delightful journey through Anchorage’s best chocolate and wine spots. Our guided van tour will take you to local favorites, where you can taste exquisite chocolates paired perfectly with fine wines. A cozy and sweet way to warm up this winter!

🏙️🍽️ Anchorage City Sightseeing and Food Tour
Discover the charm of Anchorage in winter on our city sightseeing and food tour. Travel by van to iconic city landmarks and enjoy mouthwatering bites from local eateries. Experience the rich culture and flavors of Anchorage, even in the snow!

❄️ Don’t let the cold keep you inside! Bundle up and join us for these exciting winter tours. Book your adventure now and create unforgettable winter memories with Alaskan Sights and Bites!

📞 For more information and to make a reservation, visit www.alaskansightsandbites.com or call us at (833) 807-2300.

Stay warm and see you soon on one of our tours! 🌨️

At Alaskan Sights & Bites, we excel at guided walking and van tours in Anchorage and the surrounding areas that immerse you in our city’s culture and history. We also offer customizable private tours that can last anywhere between three and eight hours. Due to the high demand for these tours, book...

08/02/2024

Explore the vibrant culinary scene and rich history of Anchorage with Alaskan Sights and Bites. Our Anchorage food tours are a delightful journey through the city's best eateries, offering a taste of local flavors. Join our walking food tour in Anchorage for an immersive experience of the city’s culture and cuisine. For those seeking a thrill, our ghost tours in Anchorage uncover the city's haunted past. Alaskan Sights and Bites provides a variety of tours, from Anchorage city tours to Alaska food tours, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Discover why we’re one of the top tours by locals in Anchorage, and let us show you the best of what Anchorage has to offer.

08/02/2024

This week’s ATIA Member Spotlight is Alaskan Sights and Bites. Dan and Chris Morris own and operate this food-based sightseeing company based in Anchorage. From Dan: "Our food tour company, Alaskan Sights and Bites, significantly contributes to the local economy by reinvesting 30% of our revenue back into local restaurants and eateries. We offer tourists a unique way to experience Alaska by highlighting the vibrant food scene in Anchorage and beyond, showcasing our culture and supporting local businesses.

Tourism not only supports our families through our small business but also plays a crucial role in the economic health of our community. One way we can diversify the Alaskan economy is by making Anchorage and Alaska a year-round destination by continuing to market Alaska as a winter destination.

This year, we expanded our operations by purchasing two new passenger vans, allowing us to extend our tours beyond downtown Anchorage. Our goal is to offer larger, multi-day group tours that showcase Alaska's culinary delights and authentic experiences.

Being a member of the Alaska Travel Industry Association (ATIA) provides small businesses like ours with a powerful advocacy voice, networking, and learning opportunities that are invaluable. We gain immense value from connecting with other businesses, which fosters growth and development in ways we couldn't achieve alone."

07/30/2024

Check out the new photos on our website!

At Alaskan Sights & Bites, we excel at guided walking and van tours in Anchorage and the surrounding areas that immerse you in our city’s culture and history. We also offer customizable private tours that can last anywhere between three and eight hours. Due to the high demand for these tours, book...

07/26/2024

We've been MIA for a month! 😱 Time to get back on track with our posts on Anchorage, Alaska travel and food tours.

07/01/2024

Riley Creek Campground in Denali National Park Ordered to Evacuate due to Riley Fire, Park Operations Suspended

News Release Update

Evacuation orders have been issued for Denali National Park visitors staying in the Riley Creek Campground near the park entrance. All visitor facilities and park operations in Denali’s entrance area will be closed tomorrow, July 1.

The park will also continue to remain closed to personal vehicles and day use visitors until further notice. Employees evacuated from park housing are being sheltered in various facilities in the nearby town of Healy. Park officials continue to work closely with the Denali Borough and other partners to ensure everyone is taken care of.

Jumpers and crews on the ground will work through the night and are making progress. Four interagency hotshot crews are enroute to assist. Firefighter and public safety remain the top priority.

Stay informed about Alaska’s current wildfires, red flag warnings, and more by visiting
https://akfireinfo.com and https://go.nps.gov/RileyFire

Alt Text:
A mountain gradient with smoke in between. People walking in the foreground.

NPS Photo

06/30/2024

06/20/2024

Alaska Uncovered interviewed me about the best restaurants and food in Anchorage.

Sourdough Dan Morris of Alaskan Sites and Bites joins Jennie to talk about his favorite food and restaurants in the Anchorage area.Support us on Patreon as a free or paid subscriber Shop all Jennie’s Alaska Travel planners and premade itinera...

06/16/2024

🎉 What a fantastic day at Girdwood Brewery & Wildlife Conservation Center! 🎉

Our guests had an amazing time enjoying delicious local brews and mouth-watering Alaskan cuisine. There’s nothing quite like savoring the best of Alaska with great company and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Join us on our next adventure and experience the unique flavors and stories that make Alaska so special. Cheers to unforgettable memories with Alaskan Sights & Bites! 🍻🍔

06/04/2024

One of our best reviews yet! Too good not to share. Thank you Kristin!

Happy Belly AND Happy Brain

My husband and I are frequent travelers, and look for a food tour in every city we visit. I think we have become a bit of connoisseurs in this area. We both agree that a good food tour needs to have good food. A GREAT food tour needs to have good food, a good guide, and good history/culture. This tour was a GREAT tour.

Here’s why:

I will start with food, it’s why you’re here after all. I didn’t know what to expect, and I was leery that I would be fed a bunch of reindeer stew and salmon and the sorts of things the average Alaskan doesn’t eat on a daily basis. I was wrong!

Our first stop was to a restaurant older than the state of Alaska. We had some delicious fried chicken (better than most I have had in the south), corn fritters and a delicious milkshake. All this in our first stop! In fact, this stop impressed us so much we went back today for lunch. I loved that we were eating at a true Anchorage staple.

I don’t want to give away everything and spoil any surprises for anyone else, but our next stops included some amazing baked goods, ice cream, and fish tacos. Everything was a full portion, and we left the tour FULL. So full, in fact, that we skipped dinner. One thing that makes this tour stand out is that at several of the stops we were able to pick out what we wanted to try. That’s a level of personalization I have not experienced before and I loved it.

Chris was born and raised in Alaska and it shows. He has so much knowledge and a clear pride in being raised in Alaska. He happily regaled us with tales of Alaskan heroes, his own experiences growing up in Alaska, being chased by a bear, and of course the food and restaurants we were visiting.

We saw SO MUCH. Chris went out of his way to try and find wildlife for us AND even had binoculars at the ready for when he found it. He took us to see seaplanes, mountain ranges and other local attractions.

This felt like a city tour that also left you fat and happy. I wish we had enough time to do the other tours offered by this tour company.

05/31/2024

Announcing Our New Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour with Lunch!

We’re proud to announce our new and exciting Half-Day Anchorage Wildlife Tour with Lunch! Read this Alaskan Sights & Bites blog to find out more...

05/28/2024

05/25/2024

Thank you for the amazing review!

05/20/2024

As we continue to grow, we're thrilled to collaborate with locally owned and operated eateries. We're excited to announce the inclusion of Motley Moo Creamery in our Anchorage Van Sightseeing & Food Tour! 🚐🍦

Motley Moo Creamery is dedicated to making high-quality, natural ice cream with a focus on local ingredients. Their mission is to support the Alaskan community through strategic partnerships, ingredient sourcing, and socially responsible initiatives, especially aiding those experiencing food insecurity.

Founded on a strong set of values, Motley Moo Creamery consistently gives back to the community, partners with like-minded businesses, and delivers delicious ice cream. Join us on a tour to experience this premier Alaskan creamery and taste their incredible creations!

Let's support our local businesses and enjoy some amazing ice cream together. 🐮🍨

Visit Motley Moo Creamery at 11900 Industry Way, Unit M-8 Anchorage, AK 99515

05/18/2024

🚨 Shout out to Blue Market, a customer favorite stop during our Spenard True Crime Tour! 🚨

Check out Blue Market and their mission: Anchorage’s first “unpackaged” mom-and-mom old-world refillery market. They provide convenient eco-friendly grocery, household, and personal care choices for conscious consumers who wish to minimize waste, shop locally, give back, and eliminate single-use plastics. As a community-centered social enterprise, they give 1% back every day and feature locally made products. 🌱

Visit their website at Blue Market AK or stop by at 1406 W 31st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503. 💚

05/14/2024

Summer is here! Enjoy some amazing views with Alaskan Sights and Bites!

05/13/2024

Introducing our AMAZING tour guides for the 2024 season!!!

While Shannon currently lives in a city in the lower 48, she is originally from rural Alaska. She grew up in an area with a population of 30, within a 400 square mile range. Being a third-generation Alaskan, she has always been enamored by stories passed down through her family members.

She is currently working towards solo hiking the Appalachian Trail. Any given weekend, you can find her backpacking in a variety of locations from the Ozarks to Alaska’s own Chugach Range. "Our history shapes what we become. This is evident in the formation of Anchorage, and I’d love to share with you the people, events, and stories that influenced the greatest city in the Last Frontier."

Tom is new to tour guiding. He is a family man who spent 34 years as a Alaskan park ranger, with experience in search and rescue, emergency response, campground and trail management, invasive plant control, and wildlife management. Tom reads extensively, tends indoor and outdoor gardens, hunts and fishes occasionally, and always has home DIY projects.

05/11/2024

Discover the flavors and sights of Anchorage with Alaskan Sights & Bites! Our Anchorage tours offer a mouth-watering journey through local cuisine, featuring Alaskan halibut, salmon, reindeer sausages, and king crab patties. Experience more than just food with our comprehensive Anchorage sightseeing adventures that highlight the city’s beautiful landscapes and rich history. Join our Anchorage food tours to savor the tastes and tales of Alaska like a true local. Book your unforgettable experience today!

05/09/2024

Have we talked about our food tours yet?

05/08/2024

Halibut tacos!