Spenard Neighborhood FOOD & TRUE CRIME Walking Tour
4.8
13 Ratings
Anchorage
Explore Anchorage's dark past on a Spenard True Crime Walking Tour. Discover brothels, mobsters, and serial killers from the 1960s and 70s.
Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Chilkoot Charlie’s - Alaska’s most famous bar
  • Anchorage - Our waking tour is in the Spenard neighborhood.
  • Bear Tooth Theatre Pub - We stop to eat and drink.
  • Spenard Farmers’ Market - We pass by the famous Spenard Farmers Market and Windmill
  • Market Juice - We stop for a fresh health drink and a bite to eat.
  • Spenard Road - We walk along the infamous Spenard Rd in Anchorage, Alaska telling stories.
What's Included
  • All-inclusive tours
  • Food included
  • Alcoholic drinks included
  • Non-alcoholic drinks included
  • Server gratuities included
What's Not Included
  • Guide gratuities, should you decide to provide one.
Additional Information

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Walk the Spenard neighborhood of Anchorage and uncover the true crime history of the late 1960s and 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 delves into some of the history and people mentioned in Johnny’s Girl, a nationally acclaimed memoir by Kim M. Rich. This captivating book narrates the story of an ordinary girl experiencing an extraordinary childhood in Anchorage, AK during this era.

Kim’s father, John F. “Johnny” Rich, was a significant figure in the Anchorage underworld of the 1960s. Her mother, Frances “Ginger” Rich, was an exotic dancer and B-girl who struggled with 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.

  • 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.
Location
Blue Market AK
West 31st Avenue
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(13 Ratings)
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Turtletravelling
Aug 16, 2023
Great food with a fun guide. - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Barbkb8532yl
Jul 31, 2023
Great to do if your traveling alone - 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lisaalaskaadventures
Jul 30, 2023
Deliciously Intriguing: Fun Walking Tour in Anchorage - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
749ka
Jul 30, 2023
Didn't feel like just another tourist at all. Unique and personable guide and tour. - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
847carried
Jul 16, 2023
Good food! Good story! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Renee_n
Jul 15, 2023
The tour was fun! - Me and a friend did this tour while she was in town and we had a great time! All the food was good and the tour guide was very nice!
Review provided by Viator
Essp23
Jul 15, 2023
Great Food, Great Guide - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Q8776fycesarr
Jul 1, 2023
Great Tour With Great Food! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Colleend384
Jun 14, 2023
A Whim Choice that was Perfect - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lonnies613
Jul 5, 2023
Decent tour of downtown Anchorage - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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June 2024
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