What's new in 2003?

Are you looking for something new to do in the valley, but don't know your options? Here are a few tourism products, facilities and services new this year -- services that can be taken advantage of by both tourists, and Valley residents.

Of course, this is just a snapshot of the overall picture of new tourism offerings for 2003.

For a more complete listing of tourism businesses and services or to request a free 2003 visitor guide for even more ideas, contact the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau at (907) 746-5000 or visit www.alaskavisit.com.

On your next trip to Big Lake, stop at the new Visitor Information Center (Big Lake Chamber of Commerce, 892-6109) that will be open in early 2003.

The two-story cabin, located in the East Lake Mall parking lot, will have brochures and area information, as well as material and videos on many safety issues, such as cold weather and ice safety, snowmachining and fire hazards.

When it comes to bed and breakfast operations, the Mat-Su Valley is home to many.

In fact, this year Mat-Su will host the Bed and Breakfast Association of Alaska's annual convention and trade show in March. Some of the bed and breakfasts in the area that are offering new services include Alaska's Harvest Bed & Breakfast off the Palmer-Wasilla Highway, which is offering a 15-percent discount to all guests who stay now through Feb. 15.

A unique outing is a quilting retreat, and the Valley is home to an operator with that specialty.

Harrington Gardens Bed & Breakfast offers quilt retreat Packages from September through May. These packages are offered as three-day, two-night packages on the weekends, and include a gourmet breakfast and hot beverages. Packages are also available midweek on request.

Staying with the bed and breakfast theme, Alaska Garden Gate Bed & Breakfast, located off Trunk Road, is the Valley's newest addition to area bed and breakfasts.

People can take advantage of several upcoming specials like the "Get Cozy!" Valentine's weekend special that includes a room, a roaring fire and a bubbling hot tub, and a choice of special Valentine amenities like a personal chocolate fondue pot, fruit and champagne trays for your room or hot cocoa and treats after a day outdoors.

There's even a doggy daycare.

In Willow, High Country Alaska has always specialized in guided hunting and fishing, and now they offer bed and breakfast accommodations and snowmachine rentals. They have three snowmachines for rent and provide guided service upon request. A stay at their bed and breakfast includes a full breakfast, or if you'd rather stay in a cabin, they have a guest cabin that can comfortably accommodate four people.

If you're interested in stylish modes of transportation, Alaskan Splendor Bed & Breakfast, Travel and Tours provides limousine service to the Ted Stevens International Airport from Palmer or Wasilla.

Rates for this first-class service is $25 per person with a two-person minimum, one way. Alaskan Splendor also offers other limousine services.

The Lucky Husky Limo, Alaska's only dog-powered limousine service, is a unique way to celebrate events such as weddings and parades. This limo service includes a beautiful 14-foot basket sled on wheels, pulled by a well-trained team of Alaska huskies driven by an experienced musher. Theme decorations are available and the program is customized for each event.

There are a few new summer tours available in the Mat-Su as well. The first is a guided helihiking tour through the Talkeetna Mountains with Talkeetna Outdoor Center.

Era Helicopters takes hikers above the treeline to rolling tundra terrain with outstanding views of Mount McKinley and the Alaska Range.

Accompanied by a local guide, hikers move along intermittent game trails through the lichens, mosses and wildflowers of classic high country tundra. Snack and beverage are included with this three and a half hour tour.

Next, Alaska Travel Adventures is offering a new Jeep tour along Petersville Road.

The Denali Backcountry Jeep Safari allows guests to drive a four-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler and explore areas off-the-beaten-path during a five and a half hour guided exploration into Denali's backcountry, an area rich in gold-mining history, wildlife and scenic wonders. The tour includes the vehicle, lunch, gold panning instruction and equipment and roundtrip transfers from the Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge.

Also, Susitna Expeditions is offering a full-day tour of kayaking and hiking in Denali State Park.

The tour is suitable for novices as well as the more experienced outdoors person.

The tour includes snacks, beverages, lunch, and transportation from the Mount McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Lastly, Lifetime Adventures provides not only several recreational opportunities at Eklutna Lake yearround, but new for 2003, they are offering folding kayak and folding mountain bike rentals.

This is a convenient way to enjoy Alaska's outdoor adventure for a day, week or even a month.