Alaska Day 5 - Anchorage

Anchorage July 4th Parade

July 4th! Happy Independence day.. or Happy 4th of July. Almost 99% of the Americans said "Happy 4th of July" and this led both of us to wonder why. Is it cause the 'independence' has brought has nothing? Is it cause UK signed the agreement recognizing US independence on Nov 30th and July 4th was only the adoption of 'Declaration of Independence'? Is it because we rather celebrate the day off rather than squabble about independence?

Anyways, Anchorage has a July 4th downtown parade, fireworks, food & live music. The parade consisted of  Military (although nothing interesting was displayed), Guards, Vintage Cars, Harleys, Lotus (car), Native Alaskans, Student band, police & fire service, Japanese Drums, and much more.

Vintage Cars

Harleys

Lotus 1 & 2

Parade

Other points of interest in Anchorage

There are various locations in Anchorage that can all be covered in a single day - pick up the downtown activities map (free) from any shop. The most popular ones are:

- Tony Knowles Coastal trail. This is a nice trail for cycling, running, roller skating etc. Very popular among locals and tourists. Access was a block away from our hotel.

- Earthquake park

- Lake hood - busiest floatplane base

Lake Hood parking lot

- Point Woronzof

Downtown from Pt Woronzof

Downtown from Pt Woronzof

- Alaska Wild berry farm

Reindeer @ Berry farms

Chocolate fountain @ Berry farms

- Alaska zoo (vs Alaska Wildlife center.. I think both are good)

- Alaska native heritage center

Although we skipped the zoo & the native heritage center, we visited the other points. They all have some history and amazing views.