Checklist for our visitors

This is an essential list—you need—if you have visitors. And this is the time you need it—because this is the classic visitor timeframe in Palmer, Alaska!

Hikes—There are easy hikes in the Palmer Area and there are really ragged hikes. For normal visitors, the Butte hike is extraordinary. The view is wonderful. Hiking the Rail Trail or the Matanuska River Park trails are perfect. Hiking along the river bank is another favorite plus you will be guaranteed to end up with rocks in your pockets! Kepler Bradley and Crevasse Moraine hikes are longer more isolated trail-like. Of course the very best is up at Hatcher Pass and the Government Peak Recreation Area. The Morgan Horse Trail and Lazy Mountain are also terrific although be alert because there are several bear sightings on Lazy Mountain. You can also indulge in the huge mountain peak trails, which are hard and somewhat technical. Information about these trails are available at Aktive Soles and the Backcountry Bike Shop.

Shops—It’s pretty easy shopping in Palmer and there are so many fun little places available. Go to all of them tucked along the main drag (also known as Alaska Street.) And there are some fun shops on the side roads and just slightly out of town. I am not providing a comprehensive list here because half the adventure is personal discovery of these special shops on your own. If you have to pick just two, I recommend NonEssentials and Fireside Book Store, directly across from the train engine and the Train depot.

Animals—The Williams Reindeer Farm and the Musk Ox Farm are great destinations. There are a number of horse stables and dog activities in and around Palmer. If your visitor absolutely needs to see a moose, during their visit, check with the Matanuska Extension Farm.

Snow—Snow!!!! may be on your visitor’s list and it is not difficult to find, after our extreme winter this past year. It hasn’t all melted. Just simply head up to Hatcher’s pass. There is plenty.

Mountains—It is hard to find a place without mountains in this little mountain town. They are our compass and our landmarks. Take a drive in any direction and head up into the hills. Take some water and bug spray and good footgear.

Fun Events—The Palmer Summer events just keep popping until September and they change every single week. Last week was the wonderful Palmer Wine Walk. This week is the Fiber Festival over at the Fairgrounds. This year there will be over a dozen classes in weaving, felting, embroidery, fiber and macrame. There will be a sheep to shawl event this year. Many vendors and exhibits will be available along with animals, samples, gifts and lessons. It’s all at the fairgrounds in the big barn and definitely a fun place to be.

Gardens and Flowers—The flower baskets which line the streets downtown are striking this year. And the beautiful garden beside the museum. There are lots of neighborhood gardens too. Food gardens and community gardens are all over town.

Walks—Palmer is a walker’s paradise, except when there is wind. But for a pedestrian, Palmer is just kinda perfect. Visit the Arboretum and the graveyard and the parks. Walk to the breweries or the baseball fields. Check out the community garden and the Museum garden. Walk to the trailheads and stop by the still blooming lilacs. There are more and more park benches in Palmer which just adds to the charm. Your dogs would enjoy the walk too but make sure to keep them leashed and polite. Employ good dog etiquette and use the doggie bags and trash receptacles.

Bike—Palmer is just a sweet place to ride your bike. There is nothing like flat, smooth surfaces with amazing views surrounding you. You can rent bikes at the Museum or at the Bike Store. Give yourself and your guests a taste of youthful joy and hop on a bike!

Eat and Drink—This is not a comprehensive list of places to go because there are so many great eateries in Palmer now. You won’t go hungry. Plan on checking out different places and coming back often to check out more. There’s lots of live music in Palmer at the bars and breweries and really fun events on the weekends.

Barbara Hunt is both Palmer writer and artist. She works hard to keep the robust pulse of Palmer, Alaska. She shares the good stuff on the weekly Palmer Alaska Buzz in the Mat Su Valley Frontiersman and daily on the Palmer Alaska Buzz Facebook Group. Contact at bhunt@mtaonline.net or text 907.315.3222