Girdwood: A Must-visit City

Girdwood: A Must-visit City

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If you're a ski enthusiast, then going to Girdwood will surely be a trip that you would enjoy. Girdwood is a year-round ski resort community that is located in Alaska. This community lies in a valley with a view of the spectacular Chugach Mountains. Girdwood is located within the Municipality of Anchorage, just 38 miles southeast of Anchorage proper. The beauty of Girdwood attracts thousands of tourists every year, and this community has even served as the setting for several films such as The Chechahcos and Snowriders II.

History of Girdwood

Originally, this community was referred to as "Glacier City," because the area is enveloped by seven permanent glaciers. Girdwood was established as a supply camp for gold miners. The name of the community was changed to "Girdwood" to honor Colonel James Girdwood, a linen merchant and entrepreneur who managed to discover gold along Crow Creek during 1896. In 1964, a devastating earthquake occurred, which caused the land under the original townsite to subside into Turnagain Arm, placing many areas of the town below high tide. The town was then displaced 2.5 miles up the valley. In 1970, Girdwood was proclaimed a city. It was also deemed as part of the Municipality of Anchorage when the City of Anchorage and the Greater Anchorage Area Borough became unified in 1975.

Notable people and events in Girdwood

Girdwood has its fair share of notable people. This city remains to be the home of Ted Stevens, a former senior senator of the United States. Tommy Moe, a remarkable skier who has won gold and silver medals in the Olympics, is also from Girdwood.

As for events, considered as the most special one is the Girdwood Forest Fair, which is held annually every summer. The Forest Fair features hand-crafted items, Alaskan artists, entertainers, and exotic foods from all over Alaska. The event is usually started by the Forest Fair Parade. During this time of the year, many people will also be busy fishing, rafting, and hiking.

Hotels and restaurants in Girdwood

If you plan to stay in Girdwood, there are many hotels that you can consider booking a stay in, the most popular of them being The Hotel Alyeska. If you're looking for inexpensive accommodations, then perhaps you might want to book a stay in one of the bed and breakfasts located in the area. The various hotels located in Girdwood can also offer you with amazing sights and even provide you with tours of the city.

As for restaurants, Girdwood certainly offers you with a variety of dining establishments. You can even choose from a wide range of different cuisines. Whether you're in the mood for Italian, French, Mediterranean, or Asian dishes, you can surely find something that will satisfy your palate. You can even enjoy fine dining if you want to spend the night in style, or just opt for casual dining if you want something more laid back. Girdwood even has a historical resto-bar and an inn that offers New Orleans delicacies.

Activities that you can do in Girdwood

In Girdwood, you won't run out of beautiful sights to see and wonderful things to do. Going to Girdwood during the winter season is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, while visiting the city during summer is a great opportunity for you to go fishing, hiking, and rafting. If you're interested in hiking, the Crow Creek Trail can offer you with spectacular scenery. You can even take a detour while you're on your way to the trailhead so that you can try gold panning at the Crow Creek Mine. It would certainly be a delightful experience, and who knows, you might even be able to score some gold nuggets while you're at it.


About the Author:
Francesca Stevens is a proud resident of Girdwood. She has been working as a tour guide in this lovely city for several years now.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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