Off the Beaten Track: Wasilla, Alaska

Rent a car!

Wasilla is a 45-minute drive north of Anchorage. You can actually get there by train. However, your only choice of transportation after that would be taxis or Uber, and the things to see are spread over a vast area.

My favorite destination - Hatcher Pass/Independence Mine:

Have you ever wanted to climb a mountain without doing the work? Well, let me help you out! Twenty minutes out of town, a paved road curves up the mountain to the top of Hatcher Pass, taking you above the tree line to a stunning vista and the historic Independence Mine State Historical Park. Here, you can take off on your own on one of the many hiking trails leading to alpine lakes and higher peaks, or you can take a more leisurely walk through the restored remains of the large mine operation that was active in the 1930s and '40s. The park charges a small entrance fee per vehicle. A restaurant is open outside the mine, and a small gift shop is in one of the old bunkhouses.

Take on an amazing glacier adventure or two!

There are two incredible glaciers within driving distance of Wasilla: Matanuska Glacier and Knik Glacier (don't forget to pronounce the K!). Both are stunning!

Matanuska Glacier lies in the valley right along the Glenn Hwighway, approximately an hour and a half east of town. It is the largest glacier in the United States, accessible by road, measuring 27 miles long by four miles wide. It makes for an amazing but dangerous hike, and a hired guide is required. Several tour companies are available. Knik Glacier is a bit more difficult to get to, but worth the effort. You can go by jet boat or helicopter, and several companies offer tours. An iceberg-filled lake lies in front of the glacier face and makes for a surreal experience!

Get some puppy time at The Iditarod headquarters and museum

The Iditarod is a yearly, long-distance sleddog race that traverses just under 1,000 miles from Anchorage to Nome, commemorating the 1925 serum run that saved the citizens of Nome. The museum, located in Wasilla, is free. There are often future sled-dog puppies on site, and the gift shop is full of fun things. To get your blood pumping, you can take a ride behind a dog team. If you would like to know more about dog mushing, there are several mushers who offer immersive experiences in the area.

Visit Wasilla's neighbor, Palmer

Ten minutes from downtown Wasilla, Palmer is the heart of Alaska's farming community with a long agrarian history. Home of the Alaska State Fair in August and a thriving downtown community of artisans, shops and restaurants, it is worth a visit! The Friday Fling is a fun event every Friday in the summer, with food trucks, pony rides and local vendors selling everything from local honey to cupcakes!

Go Kiss a Moose and more at the Reindeer Farm

This is a must if you have little ones, but there is something for everybody at the Reindeer Farm in Palmer. Home to 100 reindeer, Rocky Mountain elk, Bison, Tibetan Yaks, Alpacas and Lucy the moose. You get the opportunity to feed the reindeer and even get a little smooch!

The Musk Ox Farm

Also, in Palmer, you can find a little bit of the Ice Age! The musk ox is an ancient mammal species that once roamed the earth with saber-tooth tigers and wooly mammoths. Learn about their history, see a cute baby muskox and visit their gift shop, which features some of the world's only hand-combed qiviut fiber, qiviut yarn and qiviut garments.

And more

You can drive an hour and fifteen minutes north to Talkeetna to take a flight-seeing trip around Denali. There are several popular climbs, including The Butte, Pioneer Peak or Lazy Mountain (which is anything but lazy!) Heading back toward Anchorage, you can visit the heritage site at Eklutna or hike into Thunderbird Falls. If you want a horseback expedition, a river fishing trip on the Big Su or a 4X4 adventure, they are all waiting for you!

• Last Frontier Brewing Company: One of Alaska's most popular breweries, known for its halibut and fries!

• Basil Ginger: A local favorite offering a Thai fusion and excellent service.

• The Grape Tap: Cozy and sophisticated! Housed in an early-century home, their food and wine pairings can't be beat.

• Everett's Fine Dining & Grill: Relaxing Setting overlooking Wasilla Lake with sweeping views of the Chugach Mountain Range.

• Garcia's Cantina and Cafe: An old favorite in a new location. Garcia's has fed generations of Wasilla folks, and now they do it with a new flair!

• Vagabond Blues: In downtown Palmer, this famous coffee shop and bakery won't disappoint. Lots of special dietary options as well.

• Turkey Red: Also in Palmer, this friendly restaurant serves Mediterranean fare and yummy bakery treats.

• Matanuska Brewery and Tap Room: Another great Palmer option and my son-in-law's favorite! Home to a tasty burger and beer!