The Last Frontier, a state foreign to most Americans. More popularly known as the state in the box at the bottom of the map, but to 683,879 people, it is home. Alaska was acquired by the United states in 1867 but it wasn't until 1959 that it was admitted to the union as the 49th state. All that being said, before traveling to this miraculous state, knowledge lacked.
After 12 hours of binging movies and sleeping in uncanny ways, we made it to Fairbanks, AK. In the Golden Heart City, dry snow stacked high, and sunlight felt near eternal. The Morris Thompson Cultural Center was the perfect place to begin our stay, with helpful staff recommending the best things to do, and an abundance of information on Alaskan culture and history. Being in Alaska, Way Up North, it's only right to cross off every winter activity. Snowshoeing was first on our list. With Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC, we hiked around and across frozen Chena Lake. A beautiful way to see the land of Fairbanks not far from downtown. As we walked, others iced fish, to them… our condolences.
Snowshoeing on Chena Lake
The North pole is a town not far from downtown Fairbanks which consists of a small reindeer ranch and shop called “Santa's house”. A tourist trap to say the least, and coming from a Catholic and Jew, we have two perspectives... both which settled on the idea of it being overrated.
Inside "Santa’s House"
Reindeer in the North Pole
Continuing our experience with Alaska Wildlife Guide LLC, we left Fairbanks and headed 200 miles north in a van. At first you may call us crazy, but can you say you've crossed the Arctic Circle? A beautiful and informative tour alongside the infamous Alaskan Pipeline and up the Dalton Highway (call us Ice Road Truckers). We took a pitstop at Yukon River Camp for snacks and sledding. Arriving at 66’33’ we posed for a photo opp at the famous Arctic Circle sign and even used the humble facilities. Oh, but that's not all! Driving home to Fairbanks, or shall we say fighting eyelids in the back of the van, the Aurora Borealis greeted us and put on a show. The most magical sight to see… Disney is false advertising. Though quiet, still spectacular. Patience is key, and to reward our shuttering in subzero temperatures, we were lucky enough to see the lights dance. A secret for those who have read this far… the lights are brighter in pictures. Although the green may not be as vibrant, a photo will never encompass the feeling of intimacy and pure wonder that overflows you when witnessing the Aurora. So I guess you'll have to come see them yourself. Folklore says the Northern Lights are our ancestors looking down on us in celebration.
The Arctic Circle
Aurora Borealis
Before departing our stay at Pike’s Landing and leaving the downtown area we went to Bahn Thai, one of almost 40 Thai restaurants in Fairbanks - a town of around 32,000 residents. A famous quirk to Alaska; they are lovers of Thai food with booming restaurants… and we can't argue with it. Some of the best food we’ve ever had.
About 1.5 hours from FAI we checked into our new destination, Chena Hot Springs, where we spent more than our fair share of time in the world's natural bathtub. Definitely a must see! The day and night crowds, though very different, equally as fun. The beauty of the Chena layout and wilderness is seen clearly from the hot spring in daylight. The night scene brings a more glorified version of 16 Candles vibe. We also made sure to play with the 75 dogs at the kennel, cross country ski around the resort, and of course check out the unique Aurora Ice Museum. A year round museum made of ice. Mostly known for its bar and the famous appletini's served in handmade ice glasses with a lot of “tini”. A new activity has been added to this must do excursion, I'm sure begun by all too hopeful millennials far too similar to ourselves. Smashing the glass to make a wish. An activity way more enjoyable than it should be… to which the appletini is to blame.
Chena Hot Spring
Aurora Ice Museum
Spending 5 nights in Fairbanks was more than enough. One night at Chena Hot Springs will be plenty to experience all there is to offer. Two nights in Fairbanks provides ample opportunity to cross the Arctic Circle, check out downtown, the Morris Thompson Cultural Center and of course eat lots of Thai food.
Fairbanks, a beautiful area, unlike anywhere else. Off the beaten path yet populated by the friendliest people. To whom we say “FAIR”well.
Chicks Astray
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