Guidebook for Palmer
Food Scene
This is my number 1 hands down. Turkey Red is a meat (or vegetable) and potatoes restaurant that often features local foods. I really love their sandwiches around lunch time.
63 locals recommend
Turkey Red
550 S Alaska StThis is my number 1 hands down. Turkey Red is a meat (or vegetable) and potatoes restaurant that often features local foods. I really love their sandwiches around lunch time.
The food is really good here—typical American style. Portions are VERY big, so if you are real hungry, go here. Also, it's literally right next door.
79 locals recommend
Palmer City Alehouse
320 E Dahlia AveThe food is really good here—typical American style. Portions are VERY big, so if you are real hungry, go here. Also, it's literally right next door.
I love this pizza place because it's pretty swanky (for Alaska) and the pizzas are really good. Do not go here if you are in a hurry, but if you have some time and want a good meal, this is a great option.
10 locals recommend
Humdinger's Gourmet Pizza Co.
173 S Valley WayI love this pizza place because it's pretty swanky (for Alaska) and the pizzas are really good. Do not go here if you are in a hurry, but if you have some time and want a good meal, this is a great option.
Go here for a relaxing place to read a book or check your Facebook. It's a little pricey, but the food is really good and the atmosphere is great.
47 locals recommend
Vagabond Blues
642 S Alaska StGo here for a relaxing place to read a book or check your Facebook. It's a little pricey, but the food is really good and the atmosphere is great.
This is a stereotypical diner. The only reason I am putting it on this list is because it's the only 24 hour place to eat. Don't expect gourmet food, this is white bread and french fries.
16 locals recommend
Valley Hotel Open Café
606 S Alaska StThis is a stereotypical diner. The only reason I am putting it on this list is because it's the only 24 hour place to eat. Don't expect gourmet food, this is white bread and french fries.
Across from the Fair Grounds, this place is the quintessential diner experience and it's super cozy. They always have pie and the food is really hearty and good.
37 locals recommend
The Noisy Goose
1890 Glenn HwyAcross from the Fair Grounds, this place is the quintessential diner experience and it's super cozy. They always have pie and the food is really hearty and good.
If you want sushi, this is the best place in the Valley. Trust me, I have been to all of them. In particular, I think their spicy tuna is top notch.
Sakura Sushi
991 S Hermon RdIf you want sushi, this is the best place in the Valley. Trust me, I have been to all of them. In particular, I think their spicy tuna is top notch.
Parks & Nature
Hatcher Pass is where the locals go to get away. We have a lot of pretty places in Alaska, but almost everyone in the Valley agrees that this place is their favorite spot, and so that's saying something. Independence Mine is located up there, a turn of the century mining operation ghost town. My very favorite place on the planet is Summit Lake, which is open in the mid summer.
146 locals recommend
Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass is where the locals go to get away. We have a lot of pretty places in Alaska, but almost everyone in the Valley agrees that this place is their favorite spot, and so that's saying something. Independence Mine is located up there, a turn of the century mining operation ghost town. My very favorite place on the planet is Summit Lake, which is open in the mid summer.
This small berg in the middle of the Valley is a phenomenal place to hike because it offers a 360 degree view. There are two trails that are pretty easy to find if you just try driving around the Butte. The North West trail is, in my opinion, far easier, featuring stairs and a meandering trail. The South East trail is pretty aggressive and you will get covered in dirt. Both end up at the top. Take water, the hike is pretty easy going if you pace yourself—it probably will take an hour or less to get up.
14 locals recommend
Bodenburg Butte
This small berg in the middle of the Valley is a phenomenal place to hike because it offers a 360 degree view. There are two trails that are pretty easy to find if you just try driving around the Butte. The North West trail is, in my opinion, far easier, featuring stairs and a meandering trail. The South East trail is pretty aggressive and you will get covered in dirt. Both end up at the top. Take water, the hike is pretty easy going if you pace yourself—it probably will take an hour or less to get up.
This is a brand new recreation area that is situated on the side of Government Peak. Phenomenal views of the valley and really beautiful hiking. This area is great during the summer or winter.
23 locals recommend
Government Peak Recreation Area
North Mountain Trails DriveThis is a brand new recreation area that is situated on the side of Government Peak. Phenomenal views of the valley and really beautiful hiking. This area is great during the summer or winter.
Every time I suggest people go here they usually text me to say it was a highlight of their trip. Basically, you can walk on a glacier. You'll get phenomenal photos at the very least. That being said, the entrance is privately owned and I think it costs something like $20 per person to get to the glacier. I think it's worth it. If you go here, pair it with Sheep Mountain Lodge (see below).
105 locals recommend
Matanuska Glacier
30820 West Glenn HighwayEvery time I suggest people go here they usually text me to say it was a highlight of their trip. Basically, you can walk on a glacier. You'll get phenomenal photos at the very least. That being said, the entrance is privately owned and I think it costs something like $20 per person to get to the glacier. I think it's worth it. If you go here, pair it with Sheep Mountain Lodge (see below).
This is a stunning place to visit. If you are heading back towards Anchorage and have a couple of hours, this is a phenomenal, turquoise lake. For particularly cool photos, follow the lake counter clockwise to the dams where you can take some pretty cool photos.
75 locals recommend
Eklutna Lake
This is a stunning place to visit. If you are heading back towards Anchorage and have a couple of hours, this is a phenomenal, turquoise lake. For particularly cool photos, follow the lake counter clockwise to the dams where you can take some pretty cool photos.
If you are headed in this direction, go here. Especially on a sunny day, it provides views that are unique in Alaska, overlooking a stunning lake. If you drive up some of the off roads there are some amazing little hiking trails.
Victory Bible Camp
64741 Victory RdIf you are headed in this direction, go here. Especially on a sunny day, it provides views that are unique in Alaska, overlooking a stunning lake. If you drive up some of the off roads there are some amazing little hiking trails.
If you have not seen a moose, this is your best bet to see one. There are lagoons along the road where moose regularly pose for phenomenal photo ops. I regularly drive up this road, which goes right along the base of Pioneer Peak.
East Knik River Road
East Knik River RoadIf you have not seen a moose, this is your best bet to see one. There are lagoons along the road where moose regularly pose for phenomenal photo ops. I regularly drive up this road, which goes right along the base of Pioneer Peak.
Essentials
Carrs
664 W Evergreen AveYou can get just about everything here. Also, there's a Starbucks inside.
This is the closest grocery store with just about anything you could need. This map isn't quite accurate. It is across from Carrs. Carrs has better produce, but Fred Meyer has a little market place for lunch and dinner that is pretty good.
42 locals recommend
Fred Meyer
13401 Old Glenn HwyThis is the closest grocery store with just about anything you could need. This map isn't quite accurate. It is across from Carrs. Carrs has better produce, but Fred Meyer has a little market place for lunch and dinner that is pretty good.
Sightseeing
Sheep Mountain Lodge is perched on a mountainside overlooking Matanuska Glacier. The food is really good and you won't be sorry for the drive, especially in late Summer to early Fall. If you feel like an extra adventure you can take a side road and get access to literally walk on the glacier. It costs a little bit for the access but it's worth it.
Sheep Mountain Lodge
17701 W Glenn HwySheep Mountain Lodge is perched on a mountainside overlooking Matanuska Glacier. The food is really good and you won't be sorry for the drive, especially in late Summer to early Fall. If you feel like an extra adventure you can take a side road and get access to literally walk on the glacier. It costs a little bit for the access but it's worth it.
Entertainment & Activities
Reindeer and Moose hang out here and you can feed them. Pretty cool!
101 locals recommend
Reindeer Farm
5561 Bodenburg LoopReindeer and Moose hang out here and you can feed them. Pretty cool!
The Musk Ox Farm
12850 E Archie RdGuess what animals live here.
This happens in the Fall and it is small town, Alaska fun. That being said it attracts over a hundred thousand people a year. If you are lucky enough to be in Alaska during the Fair—go.
40 locals recommend
Alaska State Fair Inc
2075 Glenn HwyThis happens in the Fall and it is small town, Alaska fun. That being said it attracts over a hundred thousand people a year. If you are lucky enough to be in Alaska during the Fair—go.
If you are lucky enough to be here between June and August, then there is Friday Fling in downtown Palmer from mid morning until late afternoon! It's right down the street, so no need to drive, just wander over!
Palmer Community Center (Depot)
610 S Valley WayIf you are lucky enough to be here between June and August, then there is Friday Fling in downtown Palmer from mid morning until late afternoon! It's right down the street, so no need to drive, just wander over!
This place just opened in 2015 and it was a lifesaver for us because it provides some entertainment! In particular, the laser tag is super fun (even for adults). There's a big arcade in there as well as go-karts.
21 locals recommend
Extreme Fun Center - Wasilla
3501 E Old Matanuska RdThis place just opened in 2015 and it was a lifesaver for us because it provides some entertainment! In particular, the laser tag is super fun (even for adults). There's a big arcade in there as well as go-karts.
If you happen to be here between June and August, you are in luck! Every Friday there is the Friday Fling—a market with local goods and food trucks.
16 locals recommend
Palmer Museum of History & Art
723 S Valley WayIf you happen to be here between June and August, you are in luck! Every Friday there is the Friday Fling—a market with local goods and food trucks.
Getting Around
The Valley Mover is a bus service that goes between Anchorage and the Valley on weekdays. It's super affordable and it's how I used to get to work every day (I also read the whole Game of Thrones series while riding to and fro!). Definitely give that a shot if you want to avoid driving—it's great during the winter.
http://valleymover.org
Trunk Road Park & Ride
The Valley Mover is a bus service that goes between Anchorage and the Valley on weekdays. It's super affordable and it's how I used to get to work every day (I also read the whole Game of Thrones series while riding to and fro!). Definitely give that a shot if you want to avoid driving—it's great during the winter.
http://valleymover.org
Shopping
Non Essentials
728 S Alaska StIt's a unique little store with some authentic Alaska items.
I worked here when I was younger and it's a pretty adorable little book store. They have a great Alaska section with plenty of local authors. If anyone there tries to send you to Alaskana Books, just know that that store used to be in the building you're staying in!
11 locals recommend
Fireside Books
720 S Alaska StI worked here when I was younger and it's a pretty adorable little book store. They have a great Alaska section with plenty of local authors. If anyone there tries to send you to Alaskana Books, just know that that store used to be in the building you're staying in!