My Essential Alaska Travel Resources :
There are plenty of travel companies out there, but these are my favorite websites and resources for planning an unforgettable trip to Alaska. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For flights, I recommend using Hopper to compare the cheapest dates to travel to Alaska. Car rentals, arguably the best way to see Alaska, are best through Discover Cars! I always use Expedia's easy-to-use platform to compare the best rates. To keep cell service if you're traveling internationally, I use Airalo’s easy to purchase eSIM’s (no installation required), and NordVPN to stay safe while connecting to different wifi. For fun things to do, I recommend Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours in the area. Just in case, Safetywing is the insurance I always use for travel insurance. Lastly, my Alaska packing list for your travels to the Last Frontier.
Getting to the Matsu Valley & Where to Stay
Getting to the Matsu Valley is pretty straightforward, just drive north from Anchorage and you'll be there in about 45 minutes. Technically Palmer and Wasilla both make up the Matsu Valley, but each city is about 15 minutes apart from the other, and they're very similar in size. This area of Alaska is vast, and there's so many fun things to do in the Matsu - think glaciers, unique reindeer and musk ox farms, and of course the beautiful Hatcher Pass.
If you're looking for a place to stay, my husband Tyler and I just got done with a stay at the brand new & recently completed Stillwater Cottages. They're a set of cozy cabins right on Lake Lucille, and each cabin has it's own private sauna. With an electric fireplace and views of the lake (plus a bonfire pit out front) it's hands down the coziest stay in the Matsu.
My Favorite Tours in the Matsu Valley :
- Matanuska Glacier Tour - Knik Glacier Helicopter Tour - Knik Glacier River ATV Tour - Local Palmer Farm Tour
Best Places to Eat in the Matsu Valley
1. Basil Ginger, Wasilla
One of my newest finds in the Valley is Basil Ginger, an upscale Asian restaurant serving everything from Japanese to Chinese to Thai Cuisine. Lately they've been very busy for dinners, so I recommend making a reservation to ensure they have a table for you. My husband and I ordered their Mongolian Beef, which was rich in flavor and good slices of meat, their Thai Tea that was delicious, and two rolls of their sushi - the "Crunchy Roll" was my personal favorite.
2. Tacos Cancun, Wasilla
Tacos Cancun is one of our all time favorites in the Valley, and every time we're in the area we make it a point to stop by. On Tuesdays they have a $2 taco night, which is a fantastic but busy time to stop. We also love their giant nachos with shredded beef, and chimichanga plates. Plus, their unlimited chips and salsa bar is one of our favorites.
3. Duke's Sweets & Treats, Wasilla
Duke's is one of my newest finds, and I only stopped by because it kept getting mentioned in my Alaska Foodie Group on Facebook. I'll be honest, the outside looks a bit questionable, but the inside is colorful and put together. We ordered their Reuben and Patti Melt Sandwiches with their fries, and both were delicious. Their portions are large though, and you could easily split one sandwich for two people. They also had seasoned fries - my favorite! - and are known for their Milkshakes, Floats, and other fun ice cream desserts.
4. Revive & Repeat, Wasilla
If you're looking for a healthy but tasty treat, then Revive & Repeat is a great place to go. We stopped by in the morning for breakfast, and tried their Avocado Hummus on Toast (we got it on bagels instead) and one of their chocolate protein shakes. It was tasty and left us feeling full and energized and ready for the day.
5. The Alaska Cat Cafe, Wasilla
This is one of the most unique spots on our list, and even though we weren't impressed with the food, the experience itself was so fun. We arrived a bit earlier than our reserved time, and tried a few things from their cafe (their lemon bar and chicken salad croissant) and I honestly could have skipped it, but the coffee was ok. Once we were told all the rules of entering the cat area (which is separate from the cafe & eating area), we could go in and play with all the kittens. It was such a fun time, and some of the cats are even up for adoption.
6. Alaskana Social Club, Hatcher Pass
This summer we stayed at Meier Lake, and we able to visit their onsite restaurant - the Alaskana Social Club. They're right on the lake and have great views, with a focus on locally sourced Alaskan ingredients in the kitchen. In addition to having a more upscale feel to their dishes, they have some really fun & delicious cocktails (my favorite is their Dilly Dally and Devil's Club drinks).
7. Hatcher Pass Lodge, Hatcher Pass
Another restaurant with incredible views is the Hatcher Pass Lodge Restaurant. They have incredible wall length windows overlooking the valley, and it's the perfect place to enjoy a meal with amazing views. My personal favorite is their Strawberry Salad, which is huge, and my husband Tyler loves to warm up with a bowl of their chili.
8. Joe Bagel, Palmer
This is the newest addition to my list, and I'm so sad I didn't find out about it sooner. Since it's a Food Stand/Hut and there's no seating, you'll have to take your food and drinks to go. My husband and I have only been once so far, but it instantly became our favorite. We tried the Maple Bacon and the California Dreamin' sandwiches and they were SO GOOD. They're stuffed so one bagel is definitely enough for one person.
9. Turkey Red, Palmer
If you've ever wondered if Alaska has a Panera Bread, we don't, but Turkey Red is the closest thing to it. Everything is made in house with fresh ingredients, and their menu focuses on various sandwiches, soups, baked goods, and coffees. Everything my husband and I have had here has been delicious.
10. The Fern AK, Palmer
I had to add one more "health" spot to my list, and that's The Fern AK. I actually first found out about them through their food truck at a local event, then found out later they had a permanent cafe in downtown Palmer. If you're looking for delicious smoothies, smoothie bowls, or coffees, it's the best place to go - plus they have an adorable indoor seating area.
11. Purple Moose Espresso, Palmer
This cute little coffee hut is my favorite place in the Valley to grab a coffee. There's no seating, so you'll have to take it to go. I always get an ice vanilla latte, and it's one of my favorite coffee shops throughout the state. Plus, how cute is the moose.
Watch my Wasilla Adventures here!
Other Alaska blog posts you might be interested in :
-> 15 Easiest Alaska Glaciers to Visit -> Where to Rent Bear Spray in Alaska -> 11 Best Things to Do in the Matsu Valley
Pin this Matsu Valley Food Guide for Later!
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I'm Deborah👋🏼
In 2021 my husband Tyler convinced me to move to Alaska. After living here for a year (then leaving to take a year long world trip) we realized there was no place we loved more. So now we're back - and I'm here to share all my best tips and hidden gems to make
Your Alaskan Adventures the best they can be. 
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