Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour
5
Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour
By Alaskan Sights & Bites
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Walk the Spenard neighborhood of Anchorage learning the true crime history of the late 1960s & the early 1970s Anchorage underground. Brothels, bars, strip clubs, and gambling joints were on every corner. Mobsters, ladies of the night, bikers, and con artists all trying to make a buck. Oh, did we mention serial killers?
This Spenard True Crime Tour covers some of the history and people mentioned in Johnny’s Girl, a nationally acclaimed memoir by Kim M. Rich. This fascinating book tells the tale of an ordinary girl living an extraordinary childhood in Anchorage, AK during this time period.
Kim’s father, John F. “Johnny” Rich was a major player in the underworld of Anchorage, Alaska in the 1960’s. Her mother was Frances “Ginger” Rich, an exotic dancer and B-girl who suffered from mental illness.
Kim’s father was murdered when she was 15, a consequence of his lifestyle. This true story is the perfect companion piece for this tour.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 21-90, max of 10 per group
Duration: 3–4 hours
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
- Tours are all-inclusive. Food, alcoholic drinks, non-alcoholic drinks, & server gratuities.
What's not included- Guide gratuities, should you decide to provide one.
- Start:
- Blue Market AK, 1406 W 31st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA
End:- Chilkoot Charlie's, 2435 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA
- Wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 346351P5- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- Unfortunately, we are unable to cater to those with special dietary restrictions (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, etc.). The locations we visit and food we offer change frequently and sometimes with little notice. This makes it extremely difficult to make sure alternatives are available.
- Warning: We are not responsible for any food allergies or restrictions. If you have any, it is up to you to make sure that the food you eat on our tours doesn't trigger your allergies. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
- *This tour requires moving on your own or with assistance (wheelchair) for 15 - 20 minutes at a time. Though seating at establishments is often available, it is not guaranteed. This tour is not suitable for guests who cannot move or stand on their own or with assistance for a period of 3 - 4 hours. People with hip problems, knee issues or other mobility problems should not take the tour.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 346351P5
From
£122.62
per adult
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Itinerary
- 1406 W 31st Ave, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA
- 1Pass byAnchorage
- 2Pass bySpenard Farmers' Market
- 3
- 4
- 2435 Spenard Rd, Anchorage, AK 99503, USA
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- H1378LRcynthiar0 contributionsDon't walk, RUN to the booking link!! Amazing tours!!After my time in Fairbanks, I wanted to explore Anchorage and I'm so glad I stumbled on Alaskan Sights & Bites!!! What an incredible couple of days with sightseeing, glacier hike, wilderness tour and some great food and beer along the way. Chris was knowledgeable and friendly and stopped at so many points along the way so we could take in the beauty of Alaska. Cannot wait to go back for more!!Written 8 January 2025
- A2993KYpauls0 contributionsGreat food and informative tourThis was a wonderful tour and great way to explore Anchorage. Chris was our guide and was very informative with great stories about people and places. The local restaurants we visited were great and a good representation of local foods. We can't wait to come back in the summer and see what he shows us next.Written 29 December 2024
- U9203BQanthonya0 contributionsHad a great time and Chris was our tour guide. He and his Brother are the owners and really enjoy what they do. We didn’The restaurants and food were great, suggestions on places to go out for dinner and where to go for tours were helpful and honest, and the sightseeing was awesome!Written 25 November 2024
- angelicaw4330 contributionsGreat tour for anyone!Had an amazing tour with these guys - the van is comfy, the stories and history was both informative and entertaining. We even got a few pitstops to see moose and a bald eagle. I ask alot of questions and it was nearly impossible to stump my guide, they are clearly experts in Alaskan history. Would recommend!Written 6 November 2024
- lucymontgomery0 contributionsExcellent tour from beginning to end!We absolutely loved our tour with Chris! The food stops were excellent and we enjoyed the Alaskan history and lore that he shared along the way -- it was the perfect mix of food and information! The walk was easy (mostly flat and not too long) and we had a nice group of fellow tourists but Chris' knowledge, enthusiasm and friendliness really made it special!Written 25 September 2024
- Dream2860680 contributionsGreat Food TourChris Morris was a great guide, not only for the culinary experience but he provided a lot of history & interesting facts about Alaska. I thoroughly enjoyed the tour.Written 18 September 2024
- george250560 contributionsFood tourChris did a great job He is good story teller! We had four unique food stops We even had a sunny day ! It gave us a great overview of anchorage areaWritten 14 September 2024
- merny890 contributionsGo early and go hungry.The tour and food were great! The mix of history and food was awesome. We returned to one of the restaurants for dinner and drinks. I wish we did the tour earlier as there were other places we visited that we would have liked to eat at.Written 13 September 2024
- almamV1145WC0 contributionsCity of Anchorage walkThe city walk tour was fun and very informative. Our guide, Chris kept it fun and interesting. He seemed very interested that we all had a good time and get all our questions answered.Written 13 September 2024
- E2277VSdeboraha0 contributionsA 10hr layover in Alaska made fabulous by this company!Chris planned an amazing 10hr private tour for us to bridge a long layover. He was on time, joyful, full of creativity planning, fascinating stories and historical facts. He took us to outstanding local attractions and food experiences all while being flexible and willing to change plans to other things we had heard about. He magically took a 10hr layover from a filler to an outstanding addition to our 18 day tour of Alaska and his friendly and interesting demeanor became the icing on the cake for a fabulous trip. I would happy encourage all to include this company while in Anchorage into your plans!Written 6 September 2024
- Explore325537826920 contributionsFriends adventureThere were 10 of us and Chris did a great job. We learned so many interesting facts that no one knew. The stops were perfectly spaced with amazing food and drink. Thank you Chris!!Written 2 September 2024
- tomwhitejr770 contributionsHighly recommend touring downtown Anchorage with Chris!Chris was very knowledgeable of Anchorage, past and present. He was very informative and entertaining as we walked the city and stopped to taste great local favorites. Chris offered numerous suggestions for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during our stay and noted Alaskan favorite dishes not to be missed. Chris was easy going and made the whole experience very fun!Written 1 September 2024
- 193wendyl0 contributionsKnowledgeable history & good foodChris did a great job relating the history of several of the buildings, sled dogs & personal history/ stories related to Alaska. All spots were great places to walk to in downtown Anchorage and tasty. The small group size was a definite plus. The number of food stops (5) and quantity/ quality of food received was a bit pricey as compared to similar tours elsewhere. A fun way to spend 3 hours.Written 31 August 2024
- X2403DRjanetw0 contributionsWOW!!Chris was unbelievable!! Best food so much information and history! Amazing tour!! Highly recommend!! Just listening to him, was well worth the tour!Written 27 August 2024
- Marcie K0 contributionsGreat 1/2 day foodie and sightseeing tourChris was prompt and very informative with Alaska's history and local stories. The foodie portion of the tour was delicious and plentiful. The drive to various sites was well planned. We highly recommend this tour.Written 26 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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5.0
12 reviews
Excellent
11
Very good
0
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
K A
Jacksonville, Florida20 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
If you want a tour that's off the beaten path and different from the crowded corporate owned city tours, this one is for you. We walked around in our small group of 5 including our guide, and his bright spirits and friendly, calm demeanor made even walking in the rain an adventure. This business is family owned and operated and it shows in their dedication to really delivering a unique experience. The slightly added cost is because this all inclusive tour includes the food and alcohol. I'd recommend you book this as soon as you get to Anchorage b/c it will give you ideas on other things to do in the area also.
The day was rainy but the tour was fun anyway. It was neat cutting through places to get to the next location and having company to eat with. Great for solo travelers!
The day was rainy but the tour was fun anyway. It was neat cutting through places to get to the next location and having company to eat with. Great for solo travelers!
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What a fantastic review, thank you! We're absolutely thrilled that you appreciated the personal, unique experience we strive to deliver. Our aim is to make our tours feel like a friendly exploration, rather than a crowded corporate event, and it seems like we hit the mark with you.
We're especially delighted that you enjoyed the companionship on the tour – we love to think we're making connections as well as offering insight into Anchorage's culture and cuisine.
Thanks for highlighting our dedication and the value of our all-inclusive offerings. Your enthusiastic recommendation is deeply appreciated. We hope to have you join us again, rain or shine!
All the best,
Chris Morris
Written 30 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Cesar R
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Family
Dan took us around Anchorage. The food, his stories, and his personality were fantastic! He gave us a history of the city, a look into the background of its people's, as well as personal stories of his upbringing. These insights, along with great food and a perfect-weather day, resulted in a memorable experience.
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This is the type of experience we love to give our guests. The fact that we were able to deliver something that you enjoyed is something we cherish. Thank you for joining us!
Written 5 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Natalie P
1 contribution
May 2023 • Friends
We had a great time on our tour today! Dan is an excellent storyteller and very knowledgeable of the history of Anchorage. We learned about real criminals who once terrorized the city while sampling local treats and sharing lots of laughs. I loved the variety of food we tried, everything was delicious! I thought it was great that they incorporated lesser known spots on the tour. Definitely would recommend this tour to both visitors and locals!
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natalie,
Thank you so much! We work hard on these tours and it pleases us when our guests have a good time.
Written 23 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ess P
1 contribution
Jul 2023
Having done a number of food tours across various different cities, I found this one to be better than most. Even though the Spenard tour has fewer stops than the downtown tour I appreciated the abundance of food provided and the quality was top notch. Dan was a great guide with a good sense of humor and shared the unsavory past with respect as well as intrigue. Highly recomend to folks who have an afternoon free in Anchorage.
Written 15 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It's a delight to hear such high praise from a seasoned food tour enthusiast! We're thrilled that our Spenard tour stood out in terms of the quality and abundance of food.
Dan is indeed a wonderful guide, and we're glad that his storytelling style and humor resonated with you. Sharing the history, including its darker aspects, in a respectful yet engaging way is something we aim for.
Your recommendation is truly appreciated and will inspire us to keep improving our tours. We'd love to welcome you back should you find yourself with another free afternoon in Anchorage.
Thank you for your support!
Best regards,
Chris Morris
Written 25 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
turtletravelling
Monteverde, Costa Rica14 contributions
This was a fun experience as a solo traveler. Dan is a lively and enthusiastic guide. We made some
great food stops. I was full by the end. The host restaurants are wonderful and welcoming. My favorite stop is the last one. Extremely cool.
great food stops. I was full by the end. The host restaurants are wonderful and welcoming. My favorite stop is the last one. Extremely cool.
Written 16 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the glowing review! Thrilled you enjoyed your experience with Dan and our food stops. Safe travels!
Written 17 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Colleen D
Jefferson, NC30 contributions
Dan is a great tour guide with wonderful stories. The variety of food and drinks were great! We chose the tour on a whim for something totally different to do and we had an amazing time! We would highly recommend this tour.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, it means a lot to us that you enjoyed the tour. It's always nerve racking when we start a new tour, so we are happy customers are enjoying it!
Written 16 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barb K
1 contribution
Jul 2023
This was fun. Interesting to learn about the Spenard area and the stories Dan had to tell. The food and drinks were spectacular. Thanks Dan
Written 31 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Barb,
We're thrilled that you found our tour both fun and educational! Dan certainly knows how to bring Spenard's history to life, doesn't he? Your compliment on the food and drinks is much appreciated; we take pride in showcasing the best of local cuisine. We'll be sure to pass your thanks along to Dan. We hope to welcome you back on another tour soon!
All the best,
Chris Morris
Written 31 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa N.
Anchorage, AK20 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
Despite the less-than-ideal weather, I had the pleasure of joining the Spenard Food & True Crime Walking Tour with Dan.
He introduced our group to a selection of local restaurants that each had their own fascinating history and unique atmosphere. From acai bowls and green tea to tacos and margaritas to charcuterie and ginger soda, the food was very delicious. Definitely save some cash to buy some locally made items at the Blue Market AK shop. I'm a sucker for locally crafted soaps and jams.
The group dynamics were fantastic, with everyone being fun and inquisitive. We all shared a sense of curiosity and asked Dan numerous questions about the history and life in Alaska. It was entertaining to see how our inquiries sometimes threw Dan off-track, but he handled it with humor and grace, and we appreciated his willingness to share his knowledge.
One piece of advice I'd give to anyone considering this tour is to come with an empty stomach. The tour provided more eating than walking, and you won't want to miss out on any of the delicious offerings. I had to save my cookie to eat later as I was stuffed.
Thanks Dan for some great storytelling mixed with a bit of local knowledge.
He introduced our group to a selection of local restaurants that each had their own fascinating history and unique atmosphere. From acai bowls and green tea to tacos and margaritas to charcuterie and ginger soda, the food was very delicious. Definitely save some cash to buy some locally made items at the Blue Market AK shop. I'm a sucker for locally crafted soaps and jams.
The group dynamics were fantastic, with everyone being fun and inquisitive. We all shared a sense of curiosity and asked Dan numerous questions about the history and life in Alaska. It was entertaining to see how our inquiries sometimes threw Dan off-track, but he handled it with humor and grace, and we appreciated his willingness to share his knowledge.
One piece of advice I'd give to anyone considering this tour is to come with an empty stomach. The tour provided more eating than walking, and you won't want to miss out on any of the delicious offerings. I had to save my cookie to eat later as I was stuffed.
Thanks Dan for some great storytelling mixed with a bit of local knowledge.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Lisa,
Firstly, thank you for taking the time to share such detailed feedback. To ensure it's correctly categorized, could you kindly move this review to the "Spenard True Crime Tour Review" listing on Viator? Once that’s done, please read on:
It sounds like you truly soaked up every part of the Spenard Food & True Crime Walking Tour, even when faced with Mother Nature’s quirks! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the eclectic mix of local flavors and the tales that come with them. Dan takes immense pride in introducing guests to the hidden gems of Anchorage and the vibrant stories they hold.
Your note about the group dynamics and Dan's ability to handle spontaneous questions with humor and grace is much appreciated. We believe that these interactions enrich the overall experience, and it's heartening to know you felt the same.
Thank you for the sage advice to future participants. Ensuring our guests are satiated in both hunger and curiosity is a top priority for us. We’ll be sure to relay your kind words to Dan – I'm sure they'll brighten his day.
Warmly,
Chris Morris
Written 13 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carrie D
15 contributions
Jul 2023 • Friends
The tour was great! Our group of 7 took in the true crime and food tour. Our guide told the story of the main crime circle in Anchorage as we walked to our food destinations. Each stop he added to the story while giving some other history facts about the area. Food was awesome! Full, regular sized portions and full sized drinks. Our guide made sure that we were full by the end of the tour. Our guide was very positive and was able to answer all of our questions.
Written 16 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Your feedback is greatly appreciated! We're elated to hear that you and your group enjoyed the unique blend of local history and gastronomy that our true crime and food tour offers.
Our aim is to weave the stories of Anchorage's past into a culinary journey, and it sounds like our guide succeeded in delivering this experience for you. We're also pleased to hear that you found the food portions satisfying - we certainly don't want anyone leaving our tour hungry!
Your kind words are a testament to the experiences we strive to create. Thank you for choosing us for your Anchorage adventure, and we hope to welcome you back for more food and stories in the future.
All the best,
Chris Morris
Written 25 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lonnie S
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Tour was fine. Food was fine. A bit spendy for what it was. Guide is a very nice guy. Good way to find out about downtown. Food and information was ok.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your feedback! We're glad you found the tour and food satisfactory. We appreciate your comment about the pricing, and we understand that everyone has different expectations. We're grateful for your kind words about our guide and for choosing our tour as a good way to explore downtown. Your feedback is valuable, and we'll use it to enhance our offerings
Written 6 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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