Alpine Cafe & Bakery

...and that's where girdwood gets interesting. you're driving the seward highway, maybe headed to the slopes, when alpine cafe & bakery appears at mile 36. this isn't just a pit stop. the pastries here actually matter. flaky croissants that survived the morning rush. danish that doesn't taste like it came from a box. girdwood might feel remote, tucked between mountains and highway, but alpine proves good coffee doesn't need a downtown address. locals know this. visitors figure it out quick. the espresso holds its own against anything you'll find back in anchorage proper. but it's those pastries that make the difference. fresh baked goods in a place where convenience stores usually rule the food scene. you can grab coffee anywhere along this stretch of road, but you come here for the almond croissant.