First thing I would do is visit the museum in Anchorage. It was extremely informative and an excellent introduction to the culture in Alaska as well as its history. I was so excited and sold on the area that I was willing to move there the next day. I don't know anyone who hasn't fallen in love with the area; but then again, none have spent a long, dark winter there. Do you need sunshine and daylite to maintain your sanity? With all the people who migrate south from Sept to May, it might be a bit quiet there. Quilted Raven quilt shop very nice.