Anchorage Daily News

It's safe to say that summer's over.

Oh, I still deny that winter holds us in her grip. The snow tires still are in the trunk -- and I rode my bike a couple of times last week. But those big, fat flakes are making their way down the hill.

So what's on tap for fall?

Well, it's a great time to head Outside. Typically, the hotel rates are less than in the summertime. The crowds are gone and there's still some great weather. Last month in Victoria, for example, the daytime temperatures were delightful. It gets dark a little earlier, though.

Next month, Seattle kicks off its annual "Seattle Supersaver" hotel program. Choose from downtown hotels or some select properties out by the airport. For shopping, shows, restaurants and live music, you can't beat the Emerald City!

Both Portland, Ore., and Vancouver, British Columbia, offer special hotel packages during the fall and winter. Some are better than others. But if you're looking to visit either city, it's worthwhile to explore their Web sites to see if there are some hotel/activity specials. For Portland, go to: www.travelportland.com. For Vancouver, it's www.tourism vancouver.com.

Honestly, for deep discounts on hotels and rental cars, you're better off to shop Priceline. The Web sites sponsored by the convention and visitors bureau love high prices -- it means more tax revenue. So they load up "value added" specials like free breakfasts, free upgrades, free parking and so forth. Still, the sites are valuable resources for what's going on in the area!

To get an idea what bids are being accepted at Priceline, my favorite travel guru, Johnny Jet, turned me on to this site: www.biddingfortravel.com. There, you've got bulletin boards that document how much hotels are getting for a particular area. It's very helpful. Use the extra money you save to buy your own breakfast!

If you're sticking around Alaska, there are plenty of special events this fall.

Up in Talkeetna, go to a special "house concert" presented by Whole Wheat Radio. These folks have a special theater for live music -- which they broadcast over the Internet. On Nov. 15, they're hosting Antje Duvekot, an acoustic musician. She's got a lilting voice and a nice style on the guitar. Suggested donation is $10. Learn more here: www.wholewheatradio.org

While you're up there, you might as well stick around for Thanksgiving on Nov. 22. At the Talkeetna Roadhouse, they've got a family-style Thanksgiving supper starting around 2 p.m. Plan to spend the night. There's a Late-night Turkey Sandwich Spread and a big breakfast the next morning. Nobody goes away hungry. Call 1-907-733-1351 for more information.

Headed south? On Nov. 2, Land's End Resort is hosting a big food and wine event called "Uncorked!" During the winter months, the resort holds these events on the first Friday of each month. This month's theme, created by executive chef Maggie Burns, is "Madagascar -- the Best of Vanilla."

Oh, there are plenty of Alaska dishes, including king crab bread pudding, champagne scallops and white chocolate vanilla creme brulee. Whew. Plan on spending the night -- the folks at the restaurant have a special wine to go with each course. Oh, I almost forgot: pork loin marinated in fresh vanilla and spices. Whoa! Cost is $70 per person, which includes taxes and gratuity. Call the Chart Room at Land's End for information: 907-235-0406.

Down in Seward, they're already planning for their first holiday event, the Holiday Train on Dec. 1. Each year, the Alaska Railroad takes a trainload of folks to Seward for the day. It's great fun -- the whole town gets dressed up. Santa Claus is on the train -- and there's plenty of caroling and fun activities. The cost for the train ride is $99 for adults. Go to the railroad's Web site for more information. The kids' fare is $49, www.alaskarailroad.com.

Seward also is hosting a big New Year's Eve bash this year. John Tracy's band, "Chill Factor," is providing the live music. There's a raffle for the Seward Library. Plan on attending at the Alaska Railroad cruise ship terminal. There's something for everyone: dancing, food booths and a beer garden. Oh, there are kids' activities too. It's a great way to ring in the new year! Admission is $10. Special rates are available at the Hotel Seward. Call 1-907- 224-2056 for details.

Still stumped for fall activities? Why not check out your legislators during the special session, which started last week? Chances are good they'll be there for a while. Why not let your voice be heard? There are great winter rates for hotels -- and Alaska Airlines offers discounted airfare for travelers going to Juneau for the Legislature. But if it's really boring, head over to Douglas to see "Yeast Nation: The Triumph of Life." It's a new show presented by Perseverance Theatre through Nov. 4. This is "the strangest story ever to be musicalized." It's about the earth's first life forms: yeast. Really, you can't make this stuff up.

Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant. E-mail him at zoom@toursaver.com.

Scott's tips:

• PERSEVERANCE THEATRE IN JUNEAU: These folks consistently produce great shows. Eat at the Island Pub in Douglas after the show. www.perseverancetheatre.org.

• UNCORKED: Check out all the events at Land's End in Homer: www.endofthespit.com

• TALKEETNA ROADHOUSE: Authentic is the keyword here. Have a great time in folksy Talkeetna. www.talkeetna roadhouse.com