Take in Alaska’s 100Stone Project On December 5th

Alaska has always been a locus of unique and poignant art. The locals have a tendency to create beautiful things that speak to both the state and land of Alaska itself, as well as deeply human experiences that we all have shared in. If you have driven through the state in your Alaska car rentals, you may already be familiar with the high expectations of local art in the area. Sarah Davies’ 100Stones project certainly does not stray from these expectations.

What is the 100Stones Project?

100Stones elegantly combines an appreciation of the land with the human experience on the beach of Point Woronzof. The project is a public installation, constructed for anyone to see. After working on her sculptures for two years, the project will officially be open for public viewings as a completed installation on December 5, 2015. The stone sculptures span the beach, each one telling their own story.

Why did Davies begin the project?

Davies collaborated with other locals to complete the project. Many of her sculptures are casts of people who wanted to take part in the project. The themes of her project revolve around trauma, illness, suffering, loneliness and isolation, and finally, of survival through resilience. She resists a “cult of happiness” and about her own ideas of healing, of living a unique and satisfactory life. She opens up conversation about these themes to bring back humanity to her casts and to show a collective space for stories to be told. She describes these stories as those of “wellness management” on a grassroots communal level and on a personal level. Hundreds of Alaskans participated.

Davies’s project is about truth and about the connectedness of individuals. What a beautiful goal – and certainly not one to miss. If you’re up for the drive, we highly recommend making the journey in your Alaska car rentals to take a look at this hauntingly gorgeous installation.

When is it?

The opening event of the installation will take place at Point Woronzof Overlook Park in Anchorage from 3 pm until 5 pm on Saturday, December 5. Following the opening, there will be the 100Stone Opening Reception at Anchorage Love Church from 6 pm until 10 pm. Here you’ll be able to hear the artists speak about the project starting at 7 pm. There will be drinks and food at the reception for your enjoyment as you learn more about the project.

Also at the opening reception will be a second art installation called “Hive Mind”, or an Artists Out of Order group show. You’ll find this located, hidden, throughout the Anchorage Love Church. The Church is located at 3502 Spenard Road in Anchorage.

How will this enhance your experience of Alaska?

Getting to know a state is more than just seeing the sites and landscapes. It’s about experiencing the local culture, enjoying its art and culinary tastes, meeting its people, finding out about what communal values are so critical to the foundation of the place. What better way to do that than at an art show? Here, you’ll have the opportunity to meet people and to see firsthand the artistic breath of the state.

Furthermore, Anchorage is a great location. If you’re not staying in Anchorage already, don’t worry – taking your Alaska car rentals here isn’t a waste of time. There are plenty of things to see and do that you’ll have easy access to with your Alaska car rentals. With sites, landmarks, ski slopes, and more you’ll be able to spend time here to fully revel in the Alaskan experience.

Start on the trip of a lifetime when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis Alaska today.

 

 

Despite a Delayed Start, Alaska’s Ice Fishing Has Begun

It’s no secret that Alaska is a haven for winter sport. Snowshoeing, dogsledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and – one of our personal favorites – ice fishing. Whether this is your tenth or first time in Alaska, you’ll quickly discover that ice fishing is no joke.

Unfortunately, the season has had a bit of a late start. With the weather as odd as it has been across the continent, this certainly didn’t come as a surprise. In fact, this hasn’t been the first year that the lakes have taken their sweet time to freeze solid. For several years the lakes’ freezing dates have been unpredictable. However, we couldn’t be happier that the season has finally started, no matter how late. The nets are out and catching their share of fish for the community.

If you want to take part in this classic Alaskan winter tradition, there are plenty of ways to get involved.

Park the Alaska Car Rentals, Take a River Tours

If you’re around Fairbanks, pack up your rental for the experience of a lifetime with an Ice Fishing River Tour. With the right tour, though, you won’t have to pack much more than your own winter gear and a lunch.

The Experience Ice Fishing Tour is $135/person with fishing between 1 pm and 5 pm. The experience includes fishing gear and access to the heated mobile ice shelters so you don’t become a human ice block. Hot beverages and even a few more extra winter clothes are available as part of the fee. You’ll also have a local professional on board to teach you all the tips and tricks of proper ice fishing. The only thing you need to take care of is transportation, and when you have Alaska car rentals from Avis you won’t even need to take care of that!

Aurora Ice Fishing & Dinner Tour

One of our all time favorite tours is the 6 hour Aurora Ice Fishing and Dinner Tour. Running from 8 pm until 2 am, you get an absolutely comprehensive experience of Alaska in the winter, combining two of our most hailed activities: Viewing the Northern Lights, and ice fishing.

The tour requires a minimum of two people and costs $225 per person – a fee well worth it, you’ll soon come to understand. You’ll have the use of a heated ice cabin while learning from a local instructor about the proper ways to ice fish. Enjoy hot beverages and a fresh fish dinner before heading out to the open ice to catch a gorgeous glimpse of the Aurora Borealis.

Also included in the fee is fishing gear, tackle, and proper Arctic clothing to keep you from freezing to the ice. The fee even includes a pick up and drop off from your hotel, so you can park your Alaska car rentals for the night.

The “Big Three”

There are three main lakes where the ice fishing is premium: Harding, Birch, and Quartz. You will likely become familiar with these lakes if you ice fish even once while traveling the state in your Alaska car rentals. All three of these lakes are located along the Richardson Highway and offer absolutely supreme fishing opportunities. But be warned – they’re popular, and will likely be packed.

The lakes are between Fairbanks (where the tours we listed above are offered) and Delta Junction. You have a variety of species to fish for: Arctic char, rainbow trout, salmon, burbot, lake trout, and arctic grayling.

Get your ice fishing adventure started on the right track with Alaska car rentals from Avis.

Keep an Eye on Avalanche Warnings Around Alaska

Alaska is well known as a space of great local art and fantastic winter sport. Unfortunately alongside these incredible benefits of taking out Alaska car rentals to traverse the state, you also have to be warned of the few disadvantages of being in Alaska – namely, the avalanche warnings. If you stay up to date and aware, however, you won’t have to worry about your safety and can enjoy your trip to its fullest.

The Hatcher Pass warning

Most recently, there was an avalanche warning in Hatcher Pass. Anchorage has been getting a fresh dumping of snow and that comes with risks. Unfortunately, the warning came to fruition. On November 24, an avalanche struck the Hatcher Pass Road and the warning for the area is still in effect. If you’re visiting Anchorage in your Alaska car rentals, we highly recommend steering clear of the Hatcher Pass area for a few weeks until warnings pass.

The Talkeetna Mountains was the particular focus of the warnings in late November, but the warnings were issued to anyone in the backcountry in general. The other areas seen as “at risk” were Chugach National Forest, Palmer, Wasilla, Sutton, Anchorage, and Chickaloon.

Avalanche season is here

We would like to warn our Alaska car rentals customers about the dangers of careless backcountry travel and skiing. Sadly, human-caused avalanches occur more often than you may believe.

On Friday, November 20 the first human-triggered avalanche of the season took place. A skier triggered an avalanche on Tenderfoot Ridge in the Kenai Peninsula around Summit Lake.

That being said – don’t be scared to take your Alaska car rentals for a ski trip. You’ll be safe if you plan and choose the safe hills. Keep an eye on the forecast and avalanche warnings before heading off. Remember that avalanche is caused by loose, thick snow and heavy winds; choose hills with an older snow covering and little wind effect. This means keeping an eye on the hills that have gained the most recent snowfall. It may mean you have to drive a little further in your Alaska car rentals, but safety is always worth the extra travel time.

This is a good website to keep updated on avalanche warnings around the country – even outside of Alaska.

Watch for rough roads in your Alaska car rentals

Alongside the avalanche warnings that have been striking up all around the state, particularly Anchorage, there have been concerns about road conditions. Rain has been intermittent with snow for the past week or so and has created concerns around black ice on the roads. This means that no matter where you are driving your Alaska car rentals, you need to be aware of the conditions and take the appropriate precautions.

One of the most important things you can do is also one of the simplest – leave space. Always think about road conditions when you’re driving and when you’re deciding how much space to leave the car in front of you. With icy roads, stop times are drastically increased. Collisions are effectively reduced when drivers respect the road and other drivers by giving lots of space in poor weather.

Another important tactic is to plan your travel in advance. Always know the routes you need to take and make sure to educate yourself on alternative routes. Be prepared to be flexible with your plans. If there is dangerous weather on one of your stops, make sure you’re comfortable changing your trip a little avoid risky situations. Bring both a GPS and a paper map – when heavy weather hits, you never know when signal could cut out.

Keep these hints in mind, and your trip to Alaska will go off without a hitch. Get started on a seamless journey when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis.

 

Tips for Learning to Ski with the Kids in Alaska

Winter is back in Alaska in all its glories. This is the most fun time of year for Alaskans and visitors, when all of our favorite pastimes begin again. Skiing is just one of a number of winter activities that will let you enjoy that state to its fullest as you travel around in your Alaska car rentals. Many visitors are new to this winter sport, especially those from warmer states. If you and your kids have never skied before, fear not – you can quickly learn.

Many cities and resorts have ski schools where you can learn the tricks of the trade for a small price, and ski hills often have skis for rent so all you have to worry about packing in your Alaska car rentals are your warm clothes and a lunch! To help you get on the slopes with ease, Avis Alaska has a few tricks and tips for learning how to master the slopes.

Picking the right hill

When you’re learning to ski, you want to pick a hill or resort that has good instructors. But how would you know this just by finding them online?

There are a few spots that Avis recommends. If you’re visiting Anchorage, you won’t need to drive your Alaska car rentals far to find a top quality hill. The Hilltop Ski Area offers lessons for kids ages 6-16 and 4-5 on weekdays, and 6-12 on weekends. If you have an older child who wants to learn to snowboard, you can quickly add on a few lessons in that as well. This hill is quiet, being mainly a neighborhood skiing hot spot rather than a tourist resort.

If you’re looking for larger resort with high-quality, professionally trained ski instructors, try the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, Alaska. With both private and group lessons available for every level from beginning to pro, the Mountain Learning Center is the largest of its kind in the entire state. As an added bonus, you are sure to find only great instructors here – every one is a Professional Ski Instructor of America.

Unfortunately, Southeast Alaska doesn’t have many hills to offer skiers, but the one it does have is high quality and won’t be too long of a drive in your Alaska car rentals. Located in Juneau, the Eaglecrest Ski Area again offers both private and group lessons but it also provides child-care in the Porcupine Day Lodge for kids too small to ski.

Pizza is your friend

No, we don’t mean a real pizza pie (though that is a good addition to any day too!). The “pizza” position in skiing, otherwise known as the “snow plough” is one that you’ll want to remember if you’re a beginner. This is when you form a triangle with your skis by pushing the backs out and the fronts in toward one another. To prevent damage, avoid putting the tips of your skis over each other.

The pizza position will help you stop when you’re still learning the basics. The position also helps to slow down, so that any near collisions can quickly be deterred. The further apart the backs of your skis are, the slower you’ll go.

Always look to your destination

Similar to driving your Alaska car rentals, you want to look in the direction in which you want to travel. For instance, if you want to turn right down a path, look down the path and to the final destination. While this won’t be the only trick you need to use to turn, it will help get you on the right track. Your body will automatically shift in your desired direction.

Beginners beware of poles

Though you may want to look the part of knowledgeable skier, poles are actually a bit of a hindrance for beginners – especially for children. When you’re still learning the basics, like stopping, turning, standing up straight, and so on, you do not want to worry about a couple of poles as well. For the first few lessons, or until you feel ready, skip the poles and stick to just your skis.

Discover the thrill of winters in Alaska with a high quality, snow-ready Alaska car rental from Avis.

There’s Nothing Bizarre About These Bazaars

Now that Halloween is almost behind us, excitement is brewing for the winter holidays. Maybe it’s because of the winter weather that has hit Alaska, or that bazaars have already begun, but the upcoming winter bazaars have got us charged for holiday shopping. With your Alaska car rentals you’ll be able to enjoy these holiday bazaars to their fullest, without having to miss out on purchasing all the goods you desire.

But don’t take just our word for it. Let us show you some of the bazaars that are available in Alaska this season.

The Holiday Food and Gift Festival

Taking place from November 7 to 8, the Holiday Food and Gift Festival is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free, so the only expenses you need to worry about are what you buy and the reasonably priced $1/hour parking in the garage for your Alaska car rentals.

This is the 28th year that the festival has been held, and offers both locally crafted goods and international imports. There are 120 vendors to peruse. Finish off the bazaar with a picture with Santa in Santa Land. Make sure to bring your own camera for this, though! You can find the bazaar at West Seventh Avenue and F Street in Anchorage, Alaska.

Bad Girls of the North’s Unique Boutique

Located at The Lakefront Anchorage in Anchorage and running from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 6 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, the Bad Girls of the North’s Unique Boutique offers a wide variety of locally made goods. There are great gift options including handmade jewelry, scarves and clothing, pottery, art and silk paintings, leather bags, and fleece hats to keep your loved ones warm. If you’re a culinary fiend, you’ll be thrilled to find handcrafted wooden cutting boards and gourmet food. Make sure to keep plenty of space free in your Alaska car rentals to load up on these delightful local artisanal gifts! This event has free admission.

Stop through Chugiak in your Alaska car rentals

If you’re driving through Chugiak on Saturday, November 7, why not make a stop at the Chugiak Elementary School Holiday Bazaar. Running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 19932 Old Glenn Highway, you’ll get a good start on holiday gift shopping here. With upwards of 40 vendors from around Chugiak and nearby towns, you’ll be able to buy art, baked goods, wool gloves, hand-knitted products, and woodworking.

Also in Chugiak is the River of Life’s Fall Craft Fair and Bazaar at 21301 Voyles Blvd. The Bazaar is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, November 7. Available at the bazaar are baked goods, handcrafted products, and crafts.

The Christmas Towne Bazaar

If you’re headed back to Anchorage in your Alaska car rentals, make the time to stop by the Christmas Towne Bazaar. This incredible event is host to over 125 booths run by Alaska’s local artists and artisans. Shop around the bazaar for Alaskan fashions in clothing, jewelry, pet gifts, and quilted and hand sewn products. If you’re looking for gifts on the artsy side, there’s certainly no shortage of those! Discover the photography, décor, paper crafts, art, pottery, glass blown designs, and woodworking of Alaskan locals. All this shopping may make you hungry, so make sure to grab a few of the delicious foodstuffs available in the market.

Feeling charitable while you’re shopping? Stop by the Cookie Caper fundraiser to show your support and check out local music.

The Christmas Towne Bazaar is located at 13400 Elmore Road in Anchorage, and runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m on Saturday, November 7.

Alaska is a place of holiday cheer and beautiful handcrafted delights, as you’re soon to discover. Begin your holiday shopping in style when you book your Alaska car rentals with Avis.

Watch for Increased Fines in Your Alaska Car Rentals

Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz plans to put down a heavy foot to reduce traffic violations and balance Anchorage’s budget. The new budget proposal would set heftier fines to particular traffic violations, often by as much as double the old fine. Berkowitz has chosen violations that are dangerous for drivers and pedestrians, hoping to discourage drivers from breaking laws that could harm themselves and others. Though the proposal has yet to be passed, you’ll need to remain aware of traffic laws before taking out your Alaska car rentals.

The proposal awaits another public hearing on November 10, 2015. Though some of the terms in the budget are controversial at this time, it’s possible that many of the revised traffic violation fees will be passed. If they do, you’ll want to be aware of them so you can avoid an expensive ticket in your Alaska car rentals.

For the safety of others

While it’s true that many of these changes are being made in order to balance the revenue gap in 2016, many are also reasonable reaches towards a safer Anchorage. For instance, drivers who fail to yield to a pedestrian currently only pay a $60 fine. If this proposal is passed, those same drivers will now be charged $100.

Other examples include an increased fine if you are driving your Alaska car rentals in the wrong direction in a roundabout from $75 to $150, and passing in a no-pass zone from $90 to $150. Speeding tickets are also boosted, with particular focus on speeding in school or construction zones, where the risk of danger to pedestrians is greatest.

Speeding tickets

Speeding tickets now have a much different range of fines than they did before. Rather than fining for every mile over, the fines will be set in place and escalate based on category.

For instance, for speeding between 3 mph and 9 mph over the limit you can be fined $8/mile. With Berkowitz’s new proposal, speeding between 1 and 10 mph over the limit will incur a $90 flat fee. For speeding between 11 and 20 mph will bring about a $180 fine, and $360 for 21 to 30 mph over. Beyond that, charges will gradually increase to as much as $1,200 for 40 mph over the speed limit. That’s a $400 increase from the current $800 fine of driving 40 mph over. Finally, drag racing will incur a $300 fee. Even though our Alaska car rentals are a thrill to drive, resist the urge to see just how fast they can go!

Other fines to be aware of

Though you have your Alaska car rentals, and it isn’t exactly the season for biking, you should also know that riding a bike on the sidewalk in downtown Anchorage would cause weightier fines under the new proposal. This law applies to skateboards, roller skates, and bicycles on a sidewalk or pedestrian path and will incur a $100 fine if the Berkowitz proposal passes. Currently the fine is only $60.

If you are caught operating a vehicle in violation of a provisional license, currently the fine is only $50. Under the new regulations, the fine will be doubled to $100. Again, this isn’t something you’ll need to worry about in your Alaska car rentals, as long as only those who are in the rental contract are driving your vehicle.

The point of the proposal

The Berkowitz administration is estimating that the revenue just from the speeding fines under the new proposal will generate approximately $1.1 million. This will allow the administration to hire 20 more staff members in the police department as well as 10 more staff in the city’s fire departments, which means an increase in funding for police and fire academies. The budget as a whole is supposed to increase the budget by $5 million in 2016.

The budget is mainly aimed at increasing the overall security for residents and visitors of Anchorage. This means, however, that the Anchorage library system will lose some of its services, as will the Parks and Recreation Department.

Parts of the budget are certainly contentious but others could help out the city drastically. Keep to the rules of the road when taking your Alaska car rentals around town and you’ll be able to avoid trouble. To get your vacation started off on the right foot, reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis today.

 

Winter Activities Worth Parking the Alaska Car Rentals For

Winter is just around the corner in Alaska and it’s time to be prepared! In fact, for some cities, winter seems to have come early. In Fairbanks on September 25, record snowfalls introduced the beginning of the cold season with flair. And while driving in Alaska in the winter doesn’t have to be dangerous if you know the proper tips, sometimes it’s best just to park the Alaska car rentals and get out into the great outdoors.

It’s clear that there’s no end to activities in Alaska. Winter activities are boundless in the state that is well known for its snow and ice. It’s not all physical activities either. Sometimes the most enjoyable part of winter in Alaska is sitting down with a cup of cocoa to enjoy the Northern lights. But we’ll let you decide for yourself.

The Northern Lights

The auroral oval, or more commonly known as the Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis offer a spectacular natural display of lights in the night sky. Flickering with green, this majestic, breathtaking natural wonder will leave you wondering if you’ll ever be able to look at other lights the same.

If you’re staying in a hotel, find out if it offers Northern Lights wake up calls. Many hotels in Alaska do, knowing that their guests may never have seen the wondrous midnight miracle before. If your hotel does offer this, we highly recommend asking for a call.

Park the Alaska car rentals, try dog meshing

One of the best ways to experience the natural landscape of Alaska and especially the Northern Lights is through a dog mushing tour. Dog mushing is an iconic Northern activity. The image of a dog sled in the snow is often linked to Alaska, so why not park the Alaska car rentals for a few hours and try your hand at this classic mode of travel.

Dog mushing trips can last as long as a few days, or be as short as a single hour. Any trip longer than a few hours is not recommended for those who are not comfortable with the outdoors or who are not prepared for cold weather.

To really experience dog mushing, you definitely don’t want to miss out on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race which runs for more 1049 miles across the state of Alaska. Dog mush teams from all across Alaska race through the freezing cold. However, if you’re visiting this year, then you’ve already missed the race. Unfortunately it doesn’t begin until March 5, 2016.

Exploring Alaska on a snowmobile

If you’re interested in more motorized sports than the classic dog mushing, then snowmobiling is going to be the option you want. There are plenty of snowmobile rentals around Alaska, so the vehicles aren’t tough to come by.

If you’ve never driven a snowmobile before, fear not. It isn’t like driving your Alaska car rentals – you don’t need a license and it’s much easier to learn quickly. Before you know it you’ll be in love with these powerful winter vehicles. 

Nordic and Alpine skiing

In Alaska, skiing is a big deal. There’s both Nordic and Alpine in Alaska, which are cross-country and downhill respectively. Alaska is a great place to learn to ski if you never have tried before. With your Alaska car rentals at your disposal, you have the ability to travel around to different areas in the state to find your favorite ski spot. Of course, you can always combine lodging with skiing by finding a nice ski resort.

Alaska is the ideal winter escape. There are endless options for winter activities in the state, and when you have your Alaska car rentals from Avis you really do have unlimited opportunities.

Drive Safe in Alaska Car Rentals Despite Record Snow

Winter has arrived in Alaska and it’s hitting heavy this year. On Friday, September 25 record snowfall hit Fairbanks, Alaska and it doesn’t look like it’s going to get any lighter as the season progresses. This snowfall is abnormal for this time of year, even for Alaska. If you’re taking your Alaska car rentals around the state, there are some weather tips and driving hints you need to be aware of in order to maintain your safety.

Driving in Alaska isn’t quite like driving in the main states. You need to remain vigilant, check the weather, and know your route. But there’s much more than that. Read on to find out how you can protect yourself and your family in your Alaska car rentals.

Record snowfall in Fairbanks

As mentioned above, record snowfalls hit on September 25 which reached 6.7 inches of snow. This substantially beat the previous daily record for September, being 0.8 inches in 1996.

Though it isn’t looking like this will continue throughout October, it is important to be warned and stay vigilant. Always expect the unexpected when it comes to Alaska weather.

It’s likely that the wet season will continue before snow hits full swing.

Winter preparation in Alaska

The first thing you need to do is to make sure your car is fully prepared for winter driving. As you’ll have Alaska car rentals, the preparation work will be done for you. However, if you’re keeping your Alaska car rentals for an extended period of time, it’s important that you area aware of the basic upkeep to stay safe on the road.

First, make sure your battery is always in good repair. Regularly check to make sure your battery and terminals are clean, with good connections, and free of any debris. Also make sure that the battery has a proper fluid level and has a good charge.

Throughout your journey, frequently check that the intake vents are clear of rubbish. If they’re blocked, this could cause issues with your heating and ventilation systems.

If you see at any point that you’re low on windshield washer fluid, make sure to refill with washer antifreeze solution. Check with your Alaska car rentals expert before filling any fluids, however, as they may prefer to do maintenance in shop.

Beginning your journey

Carbon monoxide kills. And worse yet, carbon monoxide is a silent killer. This toxic gas can quickly work its magic if you aren’t careful. When warming up your vehicle, make sure never to do so in a closed area, regardless of how large. Furthermore, it’s a smart idea to keep a window cracked a bit while you’re driving to let in oxygen and let out any carbon monoxide that may have crept in.

Before setting off, also make sure to completely clear your car of snow and ice. This means scraping the snow off all the windows, mirrors, and even the roof and hoods of the vehicle. Any snow on the hoods or roof of your Alaska car rentals could blow onto your windshields and blind you from the road. Break up and knock out the ice that has formed in your tires and on the under carriage of your car, as well. Ice in your tires could cause issues with stopping or maneuvering.

Finally, drive cautiously. The most important thing you can do is check the hourly forecast before you head off, and find check points where you can rest until the storm ends in case adverse weather hits. This means knowing your route in advance, rather than learning it while you’re driving. Make sure your fuel tank is always full. And last but not least, leave space. You’ll need almost double the amount of space as necessary in order to make sure you’re able to fully and completely stop in case of emergency.

Don’t wait until winter really hits to reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis Alaska.

Stay Entertained in Alaska During the Flurries

Winter has started to hit a little earlier than normal in Alaska. The record snowfall on September 25th made many Alaskans and Alaska car rentals customers worry that it’s going to be a harsh winter. However, though it seems like there’s going to be a bit more of a wet season before the snow really begins again, it’s always good to be prepared.

If you and your Alaska car rentals are snowed in, then you’ll need some indoor activities to escape the cold. Even if you’re not snowed in, there’s only so much time you can spend outside before your nose starts to feel like it will be stuck in perma-freeze.

The Anchorage Symphony Orchestra

Anchorage has been lucky to have the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra for the past 70 years and opened their new season on September 23. The opening concert took place at the Atwood Concert Hall in the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts. The Orchestra is a favorite in Alaska, with original and lively takes on classic works.

Van Gogh Alive – The Experience

This exhibit opens on October 9 in the Anchorage Museum and will offer a new view of Van Gogh’s paintings. The show produces a more interactive experience with over 3,000 of the master’s works, with multimedia technology to project the paintings.

The Anchorage Community Theatre

This year, Anchorage is the place to be. Fortunately if you’re not staying in Anchorage you have your Alaska car rentals, so you can get to any event you want. The Anchorage Community Theatre is just one of the venues that has a lineup of theatrical performances and talent this year. From October 9 to November 1, catch “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward – a deeply hilarious comedy that will have you clutching your sides.

The Anchorage Concert Association

Who doesn’t love a good musical? “My Fair Lady” has always been a particular public favorite. Originally the play “Pygmalion” by George Bernard Shaw, this musical has become a classic through the ages. Opening on October 20 and running until October 25 by the Anchorage Concert Association, you definitely won’t want to miss this one. The costumes are gorgeous, and the music will keep your emotions high.

The Perseverance Theatre

For more theatrical performances, you’ll have to get your Alaska car rentals back to Anchorage to check out the Perseverance Theatre. From September 25 to October 3 catch the performance of Fairbanks local actress Rebecca George and Kevin T. Bennett in the spectacular “Annapurna.”

The Rarefied Light Juried Show

If you love photography, then Alaska’s Rarefied Light Juried Show at the International Gallery of Contemporary Art may be perfect. The show opens on October 2. The Rarefied Light Juried Show is used to showcase all of the best photographers in Alaska. Alaska has particularly beautiful and unique landscapes and scenes that local photographers do a beautiful job of capturing.

Park your Alaska car rentals for a day in

Of course, when you travel to a new place, the last thing you want to do is stay in the hotel room. However, when the weather is truly harsh, you may want to take a day away from the cold. Prepare for a day in by booking cozy lodgings that you won’t mind spending time in. Bed and breakfasts are always good options, as you’re guaranteed a meal without having to start up the Alaska car rentals.

Ski resorts are also nice, as you’re right at the bottom of the hill and restaurants are often right in the lodgings. Ski resorts also often have other activities you can take part in so that you’re not bored throughout the day.

If you want a truly relaxing day in, book at a cabin or cottage. These are the epitome of comfortable, cozy winter escapes that will transport you right out of civilization and into a zone of utter relaxation.

Your perfect winter vacation doesn’t have to be costly. Experience great service at great prices with Alaska car rentals from Avis.

 

Venturing Down the Wood-Tikchik

It’s no secret that Alaska is an endless expanse of breathtaking vistas and gorgeous natural wonders. When you’re driving through the state in your Alaska car rentals, you’ll get an idea of the beauty of the countryside, but there’s nothing better than experiencing the land on a more personal basis.

The Wood-Tikchik state park is a perfect example of Alaska’s landscape. If you’re looking at getting a one-on-one relationship with Alaska, it’s time to park the Alaska car rentals and take a trip through the Wood-Tikchik.

Picking your trip

Depending on the sort of traveler you are, there are a variety of ways to see the Wood-Tikchik. The Wood-Tikchik Park is 1.6 million acres, making it the largest state park in all of the United States. If you aren’t much of a wilderness camper, then your best bet will be to park the Alaska car rentals in a nearby lot and take a day trip.

A daylong canoe trip down the river will give you a wonderful opportunity to see the sights of the Wood-Tikchik Park. Pack the canoe with a lunch for your day, including a few bottles of water. You’ll see wildlife in its natural settings, and be able to fish along the river in peace. Plan your route in advance so that you don’t end up stuck in the middle of a river after sundown. Make sure you can always find your way back to your Alaska car rentals, regardless of where you are on the river. Bringing along a map of the area is a smart idea.

If you are more willing to go on an extended camping trip, be certain to pack bear mace just in case. You’ll see bears, waterfowls, moose, caribou, and beavers along the route, as well as many other creatures you’d never see otherwise. There are plenty of camping spots along the river that you can camp on, including a lodge.

Make sure to be aware of the rapids! You’re likely to get wet while you travel through these. Be ready to walk your canoe through them if the water is shallow enough.

Park the Alaska car rentals and take a float trip

Float trips in the river are rather common. Participants float down the river on rafts to their campsites. However, if you’re going to float for a camping trip, you’ll need a permit for $100. Lakes that require permits include Nisklik, Upnuk, Slate, and Chikuminuk. Also be aware that certain campsites on the Upper Tikchik Lakes require camping permits.

Remember you can only camp on a single site for a maximum of 10 days. However, that doesn’t mean that you must end your camping trip. If you want to continue your camping trip after 10 days, all you need to do is float an extra mile up the river.

If you want to have a fire on your trip, make sure to keep it only to gravel bars, state park provided fire pits, or beaches along the way.

Make sure to pack the screen and spray

Two of the most important things you can pack are the bug spray and sunscreen. The bugs are certainly not forgiving – nor is the sun. Unless you want to come back to civilization covered in bug bites and coated in peeling sunburn, reapply both screen and spray every two or three hours. When you’re hiking the trails or canoeing down the river, you’re going to be exposed to more sun than you’re likely used to.

Keep equipment protected

Keep your rafts and kayaks safe. Bears and porcupines damage these easily, so make sure to cover them up with a sturdy tarp.

Food is also important to keep away from the rest of your campsite. Coolers will give off enough scents to attract bears, so your best bet is a scent-proof food barrel. To be safe, keep this barrel a small distance away from your tent.

Begin exploring the Alaska wilderness today when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis today.