Drive up the Glenn Hwy July 6th, 2011

Categories: Around Palmer, Businesses, Restaurants and Cafes

I LOVE driving up the Glenn Hwy. I love it! Today I had to take a trip up near the Matanuska Glacier to put up some signs for Valley Market Real Estate. Both lots have glacier views and have quite a bit of acreage. Click above for more info about them.

Artsy iPhone snapshot

Artsy iPhone snapshot

As I stopped to put up sign number one, a camper van pulled over on the other side of the highway. I chatted with the couple from California. They were overwhelmed by the sight of the glacier and snapped several photos.

I stopped in at the Matanuska Glacier Recreation site to use the facilities and was hit on by an overly friendly tourist. I smiled anyway and took advantage of the perfect view of the glacier.

Nother artsy iPhone shot

Nother artsy iPhone shot

I’ve been driving, or riding, on this stretch of the Glenn Hwy for as long as I can remember. My dad would take my family camping almost every summer up in a cabin in the tiny community of Victory, around mile 95. Sometimes if we forgot breakfast supplies, we would stop by Long Rifle Lodge for some filling food in the morning.

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Home for Sale in Victory

Home for Sale in Victory

Today I stopped in at Victory Bible Camp and said hello to a friend from Palmer who is working up there for the summer. I dipped my feet in one of the lakes on camp property and my mind filled with memories of friends’ and family members’ baptisms as well as fishing/canoeing trips in the same water. Everyone waves at everyone else in Victory, whether they recognize them or not. I checked on a beautiful, newer home we currently have for sale and made sure the sign was still visible.

Long Lake

Long Lake

I stopped by Long Lake and greeted some fishermen and their dog. As I came into Sutton, I dropped in to the Sutton General Store and purchased a cold drink. I was wished a “Wonderful Day!” by the cashier.

The Glenn Highway is a memorable drive in any weather, but today was perfect. If you are interested in property or a home up this way, give my dad, Marty Van Diest, a call at (907) 232-7900.

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Palmer’s Colony Days 2011! June 9th, 2011

Categories: Around Palmer, Events, Palmer People

After much anticipation… Colony Days is here again!
Click for a Schedule of events.

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Highlights include the Colony Days Parade, Saturday at 11 AM.

Quilt Walkabout – all weekend during open hours in various shops.

Valley BBQ Bash Contest – starting Friday at 10AM near the Palmer Library.

CELEBRITY DUNK TANK – Saturday from 10 – 5.

Petting Zoo, Live Music, Face Painting, Expanded Friday Fling/Market, Bed Races, Smoked Salmon Contest, Bill Mitchell Fun Run, Blood Drive, Car Rally and MORE!

Here are some quick links for Colony Days events provided by the Palmer Chamber of Commerce.

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Moose Bites Personal Chefs May 25th, 2011

Categories: Businesses

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Moose-Bites.com
(907) 355-6549

Do you need an escape from the kitchen? What if there was a way you could entertain guests or throw a dinner party without stressing out over the food? Moose Bites Personal Chefs is a personal chef service which offers in-home cooking.

Use your imagination and follow the process below…

moose bites A Chicken CacciatoreYou contact Moose Bites Personal Chefs through their website form or call and set up an in-home consultation. At the consultation, you are asked questions about your food preferences and about any dietary concerns or goals. Once that is completed, they hand you a menu to get your mouth watering and ideas flowing about what you would like your personal chef to cook for you. It’s hard for you to decide on only five entrĂ©es because the descriptions of the entrĂ©es and sides sound so delicious. But you finally choose ones that excite you the most. Then you set a day when your personal chef will come to your home and cook all the savory meals.

On the agreed upon date, your chef shops for groceries in the morning to get the freshest meats, seafood, vegetables and other ingredients. Upon arriving at your home, your chef works diligently to prepare everything as you desire. Once finished cooking, your chef packages the meals for the refrigerator and freezer. All of the containers are labeled with heating instructions, making it easy to heat and eat home cooked meals. On the day your personal chef is to come, you’re busy at work but are excited all day, knowing you are going home to a house filled with wonderful aromas from a day’s worth of cooking.
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Owners Paul and Janice Villnerve didn’t do a lot of dining out with their large family of nine children aged 12 to 1. So as a pleasurable hobby they spent a lot of time cooking and experimenting in the kitchen. After 13 years as a professional engineer, Paul decided to spin his culinary hobby into a family business. He is now making it possible for busy professionals and anyone short on time to enjoy home cooked meals. And for those having dinner parties, he gives you back the time to be a part of the party and not stuck in the kitchen while the party goes on without you.

Moose Bites Personal Chefs began operating in November of 2010. They have steadily added clients by cooking in-home meals and dinner party menus. They also have a booth at Friday Fling, selling dishes from their southern roots, Shrimp Creole and Chicken and Sausage Gumbo. Be sure to, “like” their Facebook page for a chance to win free personal chef services. One winner is chosen each month.

Look for their booth at the Friday Fling!

Look for their booth at the Friday Fling!


They can be reached through their website at www.moose-bites.com or phone 355-6549.

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Valley BBQ Bash May 24th, 2011

Categories: Around Palmer, Businesses, Events

1st Annual BBQ Bash
June 11-12 2011

Palmer, AK

So you think you can cook? How about proving it!

Alaska BBQ Supply is putting on this yummy event and even if you aren’t a cook, you can enjoy the food! With $10,000 in cash prizes and 8 cooking categories, this is the contest to enter! This contest is not just for professionals; all you everyday backyard BBQer’s are encouraged to cook away!

Categories:
Steak
Salmon
Sauce
Brisket
Pork Butts
Ribs
Chicken
Desserts

Entry cost is $200 for all eight categories or $35 per category.
For more information go to AlaskaBBQSupply.com or call 907-841-0789.

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Rusty’s At Dahlia Street May 19th, 2011

Categories: Businesses, Restaurants and Cafes

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320 East Dahlia Ave
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-3883
www.RustysAtDahliaStreet.com

Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 am-9:00 pm

I had the pleasure of finally eating at Rusty’s in Palmer right off Dahlia Street. I had a sample of the jalapeno cheese appetizer and for lunch I had fish and chips made with wonderful halibut! They have a great menu ranging from pizza to prime rib. Obviously, the desserts are incredible, and I ate more peanut butter pie than anyone should be allowed to eat!

There are separate menus for lunch and dinner times so you should definitely try both. Lunch is served from 11 to 5pm and dinner from 5-9pm Tuesday through Saturday.
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There is an option for outdoor dining on the charming back patio. The summer months will make this a great place to hold parties, large dinners and events. In addition to the wonderful food and atmosphere, they host local artists’ work on the walls. Come view the beautiful paintings currently hanging.
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Stop by Rusty’s Facebook Page for updates about events coming up! They have some great things in store for the future.
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