Indian Valley Meats Indian Rd., follow signs
At this small meat processor, you can take your own fish or game (they do everything from caribou to goat) to be transformed into steaks, sausage or smoked strips. Or just shop for tasty local products in the extensive gift store. (They have ice cream too.) You might run into a strutting peacock, a pygmy goat or a very free-ranging chicken on the sprawling grounds.
Forget-Me-Not Nursery Indian Rd., follow signs
This little nursery, just down the road from Indian Valley Meats, is worth a visit – if just to wander among the hanging baskets bursting with flowers. The retail shop offers flowers, plant starts and more.
Pepe’s Turnagain House 27655 Seward Highway
This fine dining restaurant has a stunning view -- and prices to match. The simply-prepared food lets fresh seafood, their specialty, shine. Try the Basque-style halibut, lightly sautéed in olive oil, garlic, white wine and parsley, scallops provencal or rack of lamb with Pinot Noir glace, all house specialties.
Turnagain Arm Pit BBQ MP 103.5 Seward Highway
Look beyond the gross-but-clever name and try this Southern-style BBQ shack. The “Boar Tide” sandwich, pulled pork with a “plank of bacon” included, gets rave reviews. Their mottos – “Northern Exposure to Southern Smoke” and “Life Is Too Short for a ½ Rack” translate to big, hearty portions and authentic flavor. If you’re hungry, get a full rack of St. Louis-style ribs to share, crunchy coleslaw and hush puppies. Indoor and outdoor seating available. (Also: They have fried pickles.)
The Brown Bear Saloon MP 103 Seward Highway
You’re probably going to see a lot of Carhartt on display here. Known more for its live music and beer selection than its food, you can still get a satisfying bite to eat at this funky saloon. But the real draw is the people – you might meet some young adventurers bicycling the length of Alaska or the publisher of the Turnagain Times newspaper, sidled up side-by-side at the bar. A perfect stop after a hike up Bird Ridge, a challenging ascent that offers rewarding views, fields of wildflowers and sore calves.
Gird to Bird Bike Path Starts at Indian Creek
The paved 13-mile bike path from “Bird to Gird(wood)” is a popular route for bikers who can withstand the brutal headwinds winds that sometimes batter the arm. The 13-mile pathway follows the highway but veers closer to the water and through woods at some points.
Bird Creek and Bird Point
The Bird Creek Campground has 28 sites with picnic tables and fire pits. This popular fishing spot is also a nice mid-day stop for a walk down to the creek. It’s located at mile 101 of the Seward Highway. Bird Point is a developed stop that caters to people who want to stroll on the boardwalk, take pictures and hope for a Beluga sighting. Right now, the lupines are blooming.
