Sometimes a party girl just wants to get away from it all. But not too far away. And that's where one of my favorite places in Alaska comes in - the ever-enchanting, Subaru-chic idyll of Girdwood.

Yes, it's a popular ski spot. Yes, it's a great arts community with galleries, art nights and the lively Forest Fair. But it's also a place where a nightlife-lover, can go and find almost every spectrum of fizzy, frosty and fermented fun. Girdwood has everyone covered.

For those who want to wear their fancy pants, the Hotel Alyeska has a set of swanky choices in the Sakura & Sushi Bar (open every night through Sept. 7 from 5:30- 9:30) and Seven Glaciers Restaurant (open every night through Sept. 30 from 5- 10 p.m.). Away from the hotel you can find high-class eats at the Double Musky Inn, where you should go just to try the jalapeno bread if nothing else; and Jack Sprat Restaurant, a quaint, foodie-lover option and perfect for a day-at-the-ski-resort meal.

If you're the type who feels like dressing down for dinner (or just leaving your hiking or skiing duds on because you are just that cool), you're in luck. G-town has some awesome spots for beer, conversation, sports and general kick-back-and-enjoy-it-ness all over the mountain. My favorite is Maxine's Glacier City Bistro. I know some purists would say that technically it's a fancy place, but Maxine's throws a wrench in conventional classification. Last time I was there I had a five-star meal while watching men dressed in drag do disco moves beneath a spinning ball. You can wear Carharrts, hang with Hells Angels, have a great meal and sip an expensive glass of wine all at the same time. Other fun options are Chair 5 (as long as there isn't a big game on and you're prepared to wait for a table), and Casa Del Sol, G-wood's funky Mexican spot. The Casa also has the best mimosas this side of Turnagain Arm.

Inevitably when going out in Girdwood, you're bound to stop off (or finish off) at the Sitzmark Bar & Grill to groove the night away and hobnob with other after-hours aficionados. Another option for some funktastic fun is the Silvertip Grill, where local DJs spin the tunes and patrons enjoy a large deck and a down-home menu.

If you're traveling to Girdwood for some nightlife naughtiness, you definitely don't want to head back to Anchorage -- it's not safe if you've been drinking and really not that fun if you're the designated driver. Luckily the G-spot has some awesome overnight options.

Camping is a free, easy and scenic idea. My favorite spot to set a tent is at the campgrounds by Crow Creek Mine (about three miles up Crow Creek Road behind the Double Musky).

For indoor choices I suggest Alyeska Accommodations (alyeskaaccommodations.com). You can rent personal lodges, cabins or chalets and pretend like you live the high life for a night. One bedroom prices run around $125-$205 a night, and some even have hot tubs. Many a time have I returned from a hopping spot in Girdwood to be greeted by the lovely image of steam rising from a wood-lined tub on a cold winter's eve. Add a glass of wine or a sweating pint of icy beer and you've got a nearly perfect night.

If you're in the mood for the Hotel Alyeska, standard doubles start at $209 a night.

Wherever you travel this summer, have fun, be safe and remember the most important Alaska drinking rule of all -- never forget the bug dope.

• Visit Jessica Bowman's Lush Life blog at play.adn.com/lushlife.

Girdwood hot spots

Alyeska Accommodations

Web: alyeskaaccommodations.com

Location: 203 Olympic

Mountain Loop

Phone: 1-907-783-2000 Casa Del Sol

Location: 158 Holmgren Place

Phone: 1-907-783-0088

Chair 5 Restaurant

Web: chairfive.com

Location: 5 Linblad Street

Phone: 1-907-783-2500

Double Musky Inn

Web: doublemuskyinn.com

Location: Crow Creek Highway

Phone: 1-907-783-2822

Hotel Alyeska

Web: alyeskaresort.com

Location: 1000 Arlberg Ave.

Phone: 1-907-754-1111

Jack Sprat Restaurant

Web: jacksprat.net

Location: 165 Olympic Mountain Loop

Phone: 1-907-783-5225

Maxine's Glacier City Bistro

Web: maxinesbistro.com

Location: 301 Crow Creek Highway

Phone: 1-907-783-1234

Sakura & Sushi Bar Seven Glaciers Restaurant

Web: alyeskaresort.com

Location: 1000 Arlberg Ave.

Phone: 1-907-754-1111

Silvertip Grill

Web: silvertipgrill.com

Location: 165 Hightower Road

Phone: 1-907-783-2594

Sitzmark Bar & Grill

Location: 100 Olympic Circle