Amid a variety of grizzly bear sculptures and hot dog stands, downtown Anchorage did not display any overt signs of the upcoming summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin scheduled for Friday.

Groups of tourists awaiting their cruise ship departure congregated at souvenir shops in the city center.

John Cheray, of Minnessota, said he was optimistic ahead of the summit.

"Enough is enough. It's been over two years, and we've got bloodshed. And it's time for everybody to get peace and come to an agreement," he said.

Shopkeeper Brenda Bowman echoed her hopes for a peace settlement at the summit.

"I just want to have peace, you know. Let humanity get along with each other."

Meanwhile, others expressed skepticism due to Ukraine's absence at the talks.

"Because the Ukraine isn't involved, I think it's just a little media event between Russia and Trump, or Putin and Trump. Not really anything will come of it, I don't expect much," said Mark Martinson, a local.