Palmer Alaska

North of Palmer are the Talkeetna Mountains, home to Hatcher Pass. A popular skiing area in the winter, Hatcher Pass also affords many opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and camping in the summer.

The Chugach Mountains are to the south and east of Palmer. Directly to the east one can see Lazy Mountain and Matanuska Peak. Both these mountains can be hiked and are accessible from just a few miles out of town. It is even possible to sled down parts of the McRobert’s Creek Trail at the base of Matanuska Peak.

Also part of the Chugach range is Pioneer Peak, just south of Palmer. Named after the pioneers of the mid-1930’s, it is also a popular hiking destination.

Next time you’re in Palmer, check out the mountains! You can’t miss them.

The first thing that strikes you at Turkey Red is the atmosphere. The lighting is very soft and subtle, mostly coming through wide windows encircling the dining area. This creates a relaxing mood and makes Turkey Red feel very open. On the windowsills and scattered throughout the café are a diverse selection of potted plants and herbs. These combined with the light brown tone of the walls adds an earthy comfort to the place. Decorating the walls are pictures and paintings.

Turkey Red offers a selection of 16 different kinds of teas, including varieties of green and black. This delicious tea is only two dollars for a half-pot, which I found equals about a cup and a half. The tea was the undoubtedly the highlight of my dining experience at Turkey Red. I also had their Mediterranean Salad, which was also quite delicious. All of this was supplemented by very friendly service that left me smiling as I walked out the door.

The owner of Turkey Red is Alex Papasavas, who is one-half Greek and one-half French. I talked with the owner’s partner, Franco Magrini, who is one-half Italian and one-half South American. Franco told me that he and Alex wanted the café’s cuisine to represent their various cultural experiences. This idea has certainly come to fruition in the form of a unique and diverse selection offering everything from Spinach Crespelle to Chicken Pizzaiolo.

At Turkey Red, all of the bread is risen naturally, so little yeast is used. The food is prepared entirely at the café. You’re not getting pre-frozen, reheated food. They also try to incorporate as many organic ingredients as possible. In the summer, Turkey Red purchases most of it’s produce from Arctic Organics, a family operated farm near Palmer. This is a great example of businesses in our community supporting each other. Turkey Red’s organic, natural menu is a fantastic alternative to fast food, if you have the time. It’s well worth it. Excellent tea, great food, and a warm atmosphere makes Turkey Red the perfect place for a multi-cultural experience in the town you love.

The Noisy Goose Cafe, also known as the Colony Kitchen, has some of the best food in town. It’s located just before the fairgrounds on the right side of the Glenn Hwy as you head out of town. Customers range in age from Palmer old timers to young couples with children. The prices are similar to the Valley Hotel’s cafe: $8-$13 per person.

There are senior and children menus, seafood and steaks, soups and baked potatoes with all the

toppings, and of course, burgers and breakfast. Yum! The atmosphere is really great; country music plays in the background, the waitresses are cheery and the decor is entertaining.

Overall, this cafe is a great place to take your family, meet your friends or just enjoy a cup of coffee! Come check it out! or call them at 746-4600

Today was a marvelous day. Clear skies, above zero temperatures, and (oh, yeah) Colony Christmas!
Below are just a few of the awesome events today, documented in photos. I also threw in a few scenic ones taken today as well. Enjoy!