Anchorage is not one of Alaska’s most picturesque destinations. For the most part, the architecture is lacking and the skyline remains unimpressive. There are, however, a few gems out and about, and then there are those wonderful flowers which we saw on Wednesday.
One of the more interesting buildings is the 4th Avenue Theater. Built in the Streamline Moderne style, construction began in 1941 and was finished after the war in 1947. Unfortunately, Anchorage doesn’t seem to understand what they have here, as it has fallen into disuse. For ideas, Anchorage should look to the exquisite renovation of El Paso’s incredible Plaza Theatre, but such projects are not cheap. To see what can be done, take a look at the Plaza photo gallery here, and take a look inside the main theater in this photograph.
But, whereas the architecture may be lacking, there are other things to do and see, such as the highly entertaining and educational Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center.
Other sights along the streets include giant halibut, a mural painted by Robert Wyland, a local hangout called Humpy’s Alehouse, and another known as Rumrunner’s Old Towne Bar and Grill. I’m going to save our favorite Anchorage hangout for the last in this series. Watch for this very special review on Monday.
Meanwhile, here’s Anchorage as seen through my cameras:
Decisions — Murder in Paradise
The Globe — Murder in Luxury
