Every city suffers from its share of misconceptions harbored by outsiders. Many visitors to Texas, for example, are shocked to find a shortage of spurs and tumbleweeds there. Natives from New Jersey quickly grew tired of a picante sauce commercial that equated the manufacturing of picante sauce in their state as a fate worse than death. Anchorage is no exception to this list of cities plagued by stereotypes. Alaska has grown in popularity in recent years, as more and more tourists travel there to witness its spectacular scenery. Alaskan cruises, in particular, have become extremely popular. Increased tourism has gone a long way toward shattering stereotypes about our nation's largest state. But say the name "Anchorage," and many of us still think igloos, sled dogs, odd hours of sunlight or perpetual darkness, depending on the time of year, snowshoes, Eskimos, and, of course, snow -- and lots of it. Although a large Eskimo population still resides in and around Anchorage, civilization has evolved slightly since the days of ice-block homes. Today, Anchorage is an ethnically diverse, vibrant city. Part of its mystique comes from the fact that so many of us have yet to venture here. Ask anyone who has traveled to Anchorage, and you'll hear tales of its breathtaking mountains and cool, crisp air. It's ironic, but one of our country's most beautiful territories is one of its least visited.

Russian fur trappers were among the earliest settlers here, trading copper and iron with the native Indians, who offered the Russians fur and fish in return. Today, Anchorage is home to more than 40 percent of Alaska's population. That growth was fostered by the construction of the Alaska Highway and the opening of a major airport here, located southwest of downtown Anchorage. The city has been dubbed "the crossroads of the world" because of its location equidistant between New York and Tokyo. Alaska's statehood, achieved in 1959, brought yet more growth to Anchorage.

Downtown Anchorage lies to the north of the metropolitan area. Two U.S. military complexes, Fort Richardson and Elmendorf Air Force Base, sit adjacent to downtown. To the south are several modern suburbs. According to MLS Inc. Alaska, the current (1998) average price for a single-family home in metropolitan Anchorage is $164,868. The lowest available price is $10,000; maximum price is $1.25 million. The current average price for a parcel of land is $70,040, with minimum and maximum extremes of $1,000 and $22,825,440, respectively.

Most people don't think of Alaska for its skiing, but greater Anchorage does indeed have plenty of opportunities for skiing enthusiasts. Hillside Park, for example, offers 7.5 miles of cross-country skiing trails, as well as the Hilltop Ski Area for downhill skiers. And the truly adventurous can check out the Karl Eid Ski Jump complex. The park sits on 420 acres of wooded land, and those who don't ski will still enjoy its spectacular mountain views, wildlife, and a wealth of photo opportunities.

It may surprise you to learn that the strongest earthquake ever experienced in North America was not in California, as many of us would expect, but in Anchorage. In 1964, Anchorage was hit on Good Friday with a quake registering 9.2 on the Richter scale, making it the most powerful tremor ever to hit the continent. The city's Earthquake Park brings back that fateful day with an interactive exhibit that also illustrates the region's geology. Along the lower area of the park runs the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail. Take your camera -- the trail overlooks beautiful Cook Inlet.

To learn about Alaska's fascinating heritage, head to the Alaska Heritage Library and Museum, filled with relics of native Alaskan culture -- paintings, baskets, photos, rare books, and other items. And in this "Year of the Titanic," many of us are fascinated with icebergs. The Begich/Bogg Visitor Center gives visitors an up-close introduction to icebergs. A 200-seat theater allows visitors to look through picture windows at a glacier and learn about the earth's geological history, including the formation and movement of glaciers. Guided and self-guided hikes are offered here, as well.

Once you're a certified expert on the subject of Alaska's topography, head to the Chugach National Forest, the second-largest national forest in the United States and one of its oldest parks, too, having been established in 1907. Chugach is a hiker's paradise -- it's a mind-boggling 5.6 million acres and includes 200 miles of regularly maintained hiking trails stretching all the way from the southern portion of Anchorage all the way into the Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound. As you make your way along these trails, you'll spot not only mountains and glaciers, but plenty of rolling natural streams and wetlands -- undoubtedly some of the most beautiful scenery in Alaska.

For something a bit more commercialized, head to 4th Avenue Theatre in Anchorage. The art deco-style theater remained standing after the quake of '64 and was completely refurbished in 1992. In addition to a theater -- which contains the original floor-to-ceiling bronze murals that trace aspects of Alaska's history -- the building contains shops. When you visit the theater, look up. The ceiling has been wired with a series of twinkling lights that mimic the Big Dipper constellation.

Other points of interest in Anchorage include the Alaskan Botanical Gardens; Imaginarium, an interactive science center; the Anchorage Museum of History and Art; and Alaska Zoo, a prime opportunity to view native Alaskan wildlife. To collect some Alaskan artifacts, head to The Downtown Co-Op, a cooperative of 14 Alaskan artists who sell their creations in the lower level of Anchorage's 5th Avenue Mall. Or try Alaska Native Arts and Crafts on West 4th Avenue, a collection of native Alaskan artwork -- all created from natural materials.

Opportunities for dining in Anchorage are diverse, with plenty of fresh Alaskan seafood. For true cultural immersion, you might be inclined to try Alaskan reindeer -- spotted on some menus around Anchorage.

There's no time like the present to visit Anchorage. Although the secret's out of the bag about its natural splendor, the region -- when compared to other metropolitan areas of the United States -- still remains relatively untouched by hordes of tourists. Anchorage has something for everybody: a lower cost of living, plenty of scenery, and a mix of urban progress and rural lifestyle.

Published: October 26, 1998

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Editor's Note: This article reflects the opinions of Courtney Ronan only and not necessarily the views of this or any other publication, organization or Website owner.