If you're looking for seriously good food, this tiny restaurant in Alaska offers the best comfort food around. Located in downtown Anchorage, Snow City Cafe is so good that it almost always has a line, especially on the weekends. But that's okay— because this is food worth waiting for!
If you're looking for breakfast or lunch and you're close to downtown, head straight to Snow City Cafe.
Snow City Cafe isn't just home to the best breakfast in Anchorage (voted Best Breakfast by locals since 2003!) It has a great menu featuring plenty of fantastic dishes.
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While there is frequently a wait, (and who wouldn't wait for dishes like these?) the wait tends to be pretty quick. The average wait is only around 15 minutes.
The staff is fast, friendly, and fun, and the kitchen can whip up your dishes in a flash. They may have a slight wait, but you won't be hungry for long!
And while they do make all of the classics really well, they also offer a great selection of healthy dishes that taste delicious.
They have an excellent Alaskan beer list, but even better mimosa offerings. We love the Mimosa Royale: prosecco served with pomegranate juice and raspberries! Make your brunch a party.
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And if you need something quick before you head out the door?
Their pastry case at the front is filled with incredible takeaway options, including their gooey pecan buns. It's easy to grab a coffee from the barista and a goodie to go and skip the wait entirely!
The best part? This amazing restaurant is open seven days a week.
That's right, that means you can get your comfort food fix Monday through Sunday, from 7:00 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. each day. Enjoy it in-house or take it to go!
Crafted with locally grown ingredients whenever possible, and packed with plenty of flavor, Snow City Cafe should be your first stop for breakfast.
Their relaxed, uplifting vibe inside is fun to enjoy, and their outdoor seating in the summertime is even better. Make Snow City Cafe a priority, and you won't be disappointed!
Have you ever eaten at this tiny restaurant in Alaska? What did you think? Is it your favorite restaurant? Let us know in the comments below!
Ahh ... fall. The most magical and fleeting of seasons! When summer has long-faded into the rearview mirror and the snow-dusted days of winter are just around the corner, we dare you to name a better cold weather duo than apples and cinnamon. Fresh-pressed apple juice, warm apple cider donuts, and fresh apple pie are exactly what the doctor ordered when autumn is at its peak!
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Unfortunately, here in Alaska, fall is an early-arriving, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it season — if we're lucky, a few weeks of crisp air and fiery leaves before the temperatures plummet and the wind chill kicks in.
For hardy Alaskans, however, there's one local hotspot where the flavors of autumn can be savored year-round — not only well into the icy doldrums of winter but the verdant throes of spring and summer as well. With flavors that bring the tastes of fall and the Alaskan landscape to life, Double Shovel Cider Co. is the perfect spot to toast to the fleeting days of autumn and soak in those last days of sunshine before winter takes over.
Known for rugged mountains, jaw-dropping landscapes, and moose sightings (just to name a few highlights), Alaska might not seem like an obvious spot for growing apples and fermenting hard cider — but Double Shovel Cider Co. is here to prove otherwise, and honestly, it's a match made in heaven. Equal parts down-to-earth and cutting-edge, this AK-grown hard cidery has quickly captured the hearts (and tastebuds) of Anchorage’s apple-loving crowd, and it’s worth every second of a visit.
As the oldest and largest (i.e. the original) micro-cidery in Alaska, Double Shovel Cider Co. has been quietly redefining Alaskan brewery culture, one glass of hard cider at a time. It even has two locations (Anchorage and Kodiak) to make tapping into those sweet local flavors even more convenient. Their apple-packed beverages span the board when it comes to dryness, sweetness, and flavor profiles, which means there's a little something for everyone here, even those who aren't certified apple aficionados.
The idea for Double Shovel started with three friends — Galen, Jack, and Jerry — who wanted to bring something fresh to Alaska’s craft scene: a fun, refreshing, gluten-free microbrew alternative to beer that would highlight local flavors. They named the cidery after the caribou, whose “double shovel” antlers are prized in local hunting circles, a nod to their mission to keep it real and stay connected to Alaska's roots.
Since opening in 2016, Double Shovel has carved out a spot as Anchorage’s hard cider go-to, offering crisp, refreshing cider blends that somehow capture the wild Alaskan vibe in every sip. Local Almata apples, crabapples, and other hardy fruit varieties find their way into the fermenting room, where they are carefully aged, pressed, and juiced.
And, as it turns out, Alaskan apples make for some pretty great cider!
Of course, The Last Frontier has a short growing season, so while Double Shovel sources apples from Washington as well to supplement those grown here at home, they also add other local ingredients like spruce tips, wild berries, and even birch syrup to make their ciders truly Alaskan. These unique flavors have helped take Double Shovel's cider from a niche drink to a fall-rooted, all-seasons beverage that has grown immensely in popularity over the years. There's always something new and delicious on tap in addition to their flagship ciders!
Whatever you do, do NOT skip over the Cidermosas. *swoon*
Making cider in Alaska means facing some pretty unique challenges, from getting ingredients up north to managing distribution across a vast state. But these obstacles have only fueled Double Shovel’s creativity. Each cider is crafted with a commitment to flavor and quality — this isn't grocery-store apple juice, after all! The cidery's process is all about letting the natural apple flavor and yeasts shine, avoiding unnecessary additives, and making sure every creation has its own character. The seasonal varieties are always a hit, with small-batch releases featuring Alaskan-grown rhubarb, blueberries, and even local flowers.
In fall, cider flavor options are warm, iconic, and perfectly spiced to reflect the season — even if the season seemed to come and go a little too quickly. You might find blends like the Snow White Graf, a caramel apple beer-cider hybrid, or the semi-sweet Spiced Apple, which is like a slice of boozy apple pie in a can. (Liquid gold, in our opinion!)
Come summer, you can try the Botanical Cyser on for size, which beautifully marries cider and mead for the perfect blend of apples and honey. Or, sip your way through the aromatic Grapefruit Lavender Cider for a fruit and floral flavor phantasmagoria.
Can't decide? Try a whole flight (or just keep coming back). You'll typically find over a dozen on tap on any given day.
Ciders tap in at around 6.5 percent, giving them just the right amount of kick — a little more than a standard beer, but nothing too wild. They often boast a subtle, piney, citrusy vibe that instantly transports you to Alaska’s wild outskirts.
Part of the Double Shovel experience isn't just the standout drinks — it's the whole vibe. Walk into Double Shovel’s taproom, and you’re stepping into a slice of Alaska’s laid-back, welcoming spirit. Warm wood accents, local art, and a wall of growlers are just a few of the details that give off a true down-to-earth, Alaskan brewery charm. It’s the kind of spot where you’ll find locals unwinding after a long day, chatting over foaming glasses, and sharing stories. They even have live music on the regular, cider release parties, and special events and markets to keep things lively.
Plus, both locations boast fantastic outdoor spaces.
A huge plus? You can bring in your own food — whether it’s from one of the on-site food trucks or something you packed for the day. Double Shovel keeps it simple and social, and there’s something about this unpretentious, come-as-you-are vibe that makes it easy to settle in for a few hours. It's even family-friendly — so long as under-21 guests stick with non-alcoholic cider options.
As Double Shovel grows, they’re staying true to their roots: innovating, experimenting, and keeping their cider authentically Alaskan — most recently with their bottled Orange Peel Pommeau. In addition to their taprooms in Anchorage and Kodiak, you can now find their cider sold or on pour all around Alaska, and their plan to expand is only picking up steam. In fact, they've even made their way into the Lower 48!
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Whether you're passing through Anchorage or settling in for a long winter in Kodiak, grab a glass, order some tacos, and let Double Shovel show you a new side of Alaska. Cheers to good vibes, epic merch, and fantastic cider!
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
