Palmer Alaska

Humdingers Pizza October 9th, 2013

Categories: Businesses, Restaurants and Cafes

This year, I discovered Humdingers Pizza on the corner of E Blueberry and S Valley Way in downtown Palmer. My family has eaten here 5 times in the last few months and has always walked away satisfied. The atmosphere is quiet (we’re usually the loudest ones there) and artsy.

The eating area is decorated in a modern warehouse style, with cement slab tables and rust colored walls.

Local artists’ work is displayed around the open room.

Humdingers Pizza offers a wide selection of gourmet pizzas for both meat lovers and vegetarians… and everyone in between. The staff is very friendly and accommodating. One of my favorite pizzas is the ‘Hang Ten’, which is topped with coconut and pineapple. Hang Ten is rather “spicy”.

Check out their wood fired Pizza Oven. That huge oven can get up to 1,200 degrees according to Gordon Fletcher, the owner. Just call 745-PIZZA or go to Humdingerspizza for some of the best food in town.

Written by

Colony Inn: A Piece of Historic Palmer Alaska February 16th, 2012

Categories: Businesses, History, Restaurants and Cafes

 

Colony Inn

325 East Elmwood Ave

Palmer, Ak 99645
907-746-6118

In 1935, this building was used as a dorm to house single teachers and nurses. In 1970, the Salvation Army purchased the property to use for housing for the elderly. Later, a fire on the third floor closed the building and it was left empty. In 1993, Janet Kincaid purchased the building with a vision for restoration. Many layers of dirt and varnish later, this historic building is now known as the Colony Inn. The Colony Inn is proud to have been the recipient of the First Palmer Historical Award for preservation by the National Historic Register.

The Inn offers 12 rooms, each with a private bath, television, and wifi. The building was restored with an effort to preserve the history, but make practical renovations like new plumbing and windows. The Inn is furnished with antiques and many were purchased right here in Palmer at Cover Ups! Janet describes the atmosphere she has created as “olden days with modern amenities.”

The Inn Cafe is leased by Chef Pete Scott and offers lunch Monday through Friday and brunch on Sunday. I had the french dip for lunch with a side salad and it was delicious! The small menu offers a well-rounded, basic selection of food for everyone. The service was impressively quick and the staff was wonderful!

The Inn’s great room offers a nice place for gatherings such as weddings, meet and greets, and family or business events. The most recent event was a book signing for local author Eowyn Ivey. Some of the Inn’s most memorable events have been 50th wedding anniversary celebrations with couples who originally wed at the Inn and returned to celebrate again 50 years later!
Written in collaboration by Janet Kincaid and Amber Lanphier.
Colony Inn ~ 325 East Elmwood Ave ~ Palmer, Ak 99645 ~
907-746-6118

 

Written by

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

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

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.

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

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.

Written by

Rusty’s At Dahlia Street May 19th, 2011

Categories: Businesses, Restaurants and Cafes

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.

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.

Stop by Rusty’s Facebook Page for updates about events coming up! They have some great things in store for the future.

Written by

La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant May 4th, 2011

Categories: Businesses, Restaurants and Cafes

132 W Evergreen Ave
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-3335
By Amber Grissom

I recently dined at La Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in downtown Palmer. It was a pleasant experience and the food satisfied my need for authentic Mexican cuisine. Good lighting, hand painted walls, Mexican art and decor create a marvelous atmosphere. The staff was accommodating and very pleasant. While I was there, all the other diners that arrived were nice little families or couples. It made me thankful to be in a small town with great people!
I ordered Carne Asada and the meat was tender and just spicy enough. I was tempted to eat so much more because their extensive menu has everything from nachos to flan! You can choose from breakfast selections, enchiladas, tostadas, quesadillas, fajitas, chili verde, chimmichangas, camarones, imported and domestic beers. The dessert menu includes authentic Mexican flan, fried ice cream, sopapillas, and cheesecake burritos. There is also a sizable kids menu with burgers and other more familiar choices.

One thing I really appreciated was how fast the food was served! There was, at most, a 15 minute wait for delicious food! They also do catering for larger groups! Just order ahead and pick up your fresh Mexican cuisine for your event! I hope you visit this restaurant soon and enjoy their food with family or friends!

132 W Evergreen Ave
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-3335

Written by