If you had to sum up Anchorage in a single word, what would it be? The city is vast, and the people are varied. Everyone has a different perspective on the community, but some things rise to the top. 

Hear these local stories, told in their own words. The “Anchorage is” video series spans the length and breadth of this incredible place to find themes that power Anchorage, and the nuanced stories of the people who call it home.

On trails, in kitchens, at studios, and across the vast landscape of Anchorage, the series explores the individuality and energy that powers Anchorage, revealing the moments and motivations that keep them rooted here. They all choose Anchorage, often for surprising reasons. Discover why:

local perspectives

Anchorage's many facets

A mountain biker takes a jump on the Hillside in Anchorage.
Outside

Anchorage Is Trailblazing

From hand-built singletrack trails to thousand-mile winter rides, Anchorage Is Trailblazing follows mountain biker Janice Tower and Speedway...

A symphony musician plays the violin at the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts.
Art & Culture

Anchorage Is Musical

Play along with Ludek Wojtkowski, a first-generation Polish American violinist whose career led him to Alaska as a traveling musician on a cruise...

An artists paints an Alaska scene in Anchorage.
Art & Culture

Anchorage Is Inspirational

Riana Sather is an artist who turned to commission work when the pandemic took three jobs in a single week. She fell in love with Alaska’s...

Chef Carlos Walker in South Restaurant in Anchorage
City Scene

Anchorage Is Flavorful

Hometown entrepreneur Laile Fairbairn bought a struggling pizza shop and transformed it into iconinc Snow City Cafe. Chef Carlos Walker imparts...

Artist Bisco works on a mural in downtown Anchorage.
City Scene

Anchorage Is Expressive

Arielo Taylor, known as Bisco, picked up a pencil at 14 and never put it down. After an arrest for illegal graffiti and the news that he was...

Director Sarah Howard feeds a rescued young bear at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
Wildlife

Anchorage is Wild

Just a short drive down the Seward Highway, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center Executive Director Sarah “Howie” Howard has a...

Chef Nancy Alip behind the bar at Jens Restaurant
Food & Drink

Anchorage is Appetizing

At Jens’ Restaurant, executive chef and owner Nancy Alip has worked her way to the top in a historically male-dominated profession. Her...

Guidebook author Lisa Maloney hikes the Chugach Mountains
Outside

Anchorage Is Adventurous

For guidebook writer Lisa Maloney and mountain runner Matias Saari, the easy access to Anchorage’s expansive outdoor spaces inspires more...

NVE President Aaron Leggett stands next to the Indigenous Place Names marker for Chanshtnu, at Westchester Lagoon.
City Scene

Anchorage Is Dena'ina

Anchorage Museum senior curator and President of the Native Village of Eklutna President Aaron Leggett is leading the effort to ensure that the...

Artist Drew Michael looks at his mural on the side of the Kobuk.
Art & Culture

Anchorage Is Colorful

Drew Michael became a mask carver to connect more deeply with his Yup’ik and Iñupiat heritage. In doing so, he revealed a deeper...