I have to say, I absolutely adore Fairbanks! It strikes the perfect balance between offering plenty to do without the overwhelming hustle and bustle of a big city, which suits me just fine. Our three days in Fairbanks and its surroundings were an absolute delight, despite the bone-chilling cold – and trust me, we were well aware of and prepared for the sub-zero temperatures before arriving. The people we encountered, primarily in the service industry, were truly charming. They readily shared recommendations and, in some cases, even became friends during our stay. Tiff even garnered multiple phone numbers. Initially, it was just Tiff and me on our first day and night. Then, my friend Krystal joined us on the second night, having come from her assignment on Ketchikan, where we would spend the final 2 ½ days of our trip.
In Fairbanks, our adventures included visiting the Antler Arch and the Morris Thomson Cultural and Visitors Center (MTCVC), exploring the downtown area, taking Tiff snowmobiling for the first time, witnessing the northern lights, venturing to North Pole and its Santa Claus House, attending the mesmerizing Ice Festival, trying our hand at dog sledding, trekking through snowy landscapes with snowshoes, unwinding at Chena Hot Springs, and savoring some truly delectable cuisine. While every experience was enjoyable, my personal favorites were the charming Santa Clause House, the exhilarating dog sled ride, Chena Hot Springs, and the mouthwatering offerings of the Habanero food truck. Tiff, on the other hand, couldn’t get enough of the Hoodoo Brewery – a true highlight for her, among all of the activities.
One of the coolest things about this trip was that Tiff, my bestie and a born and raised Hawaii girl, had only seen about an inch of
snow prior to this trip, and she welcomed all the snow things. We picked up our rental car that was outfitted with a plug to prevent it from freezing in the brutally cold temps, and it came with an ice scraper that Tiff immediately picked up and said, “Nicole…what the hell is this?” She quickly became our official snow/ice scraper. She threw snow, made her first snow angel, shoveled snow, made her first snowman (in Anchorage), went sledding, snowmobiling, dogsledding, snowshoeing, and even got to experience storing frozen food outside because our Airbnb freezer was broken – something that she thoroughly got a kick out of.
On our first night in Fairbanks, we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. We were referred to Aurora Pointe by someone at the MTCVC, and it was everything they said it would be and more. Aurora Pointe is a relatively large building set up far from the city lights, decorated in a cute and simple fashion that provided a place to warm yourself while you excitedly await the potential aurora, warm, clean restrooms, and cookies and wine and/or hot chocolate. The owner himself was there to ensure we had a good experience along with another man who regularly goes there, season after season, to help him. If you don’t want to look for the aurora yourself, they will notify you when it’s a good time to go outside. We did a combination of things, partly because we were so excited, but in part because guided tours would come and we could then eavesdrop and hear all the cool info the guides were providing. When the aurora first came out, I was quite surprised at the sight of it, and not because it was spectacular. It was white/gray in color and wispy, and if it hadn’t been pointed out to me that it was the aurora, I would have thought it was just clouds. An interesting thing happens, though, when you hold your phone up to the sky when the aurora is out. You don’t see the same colors as you do with your naked eye; you see the aurora that’s in photographs – that bright, vibrant green that dances across the night sky with such grace and beauty. You see the mesmerizing movements of the aurora as it grows and sways. But then, if the energy gets stronger, you start to see some of the green with your naked eye. This is truly a spectacular experience. We were lucky this night – Lady A had not made an appearance in quite some time, we were told. While we did not get to see the pinks and reds and purples that are seen with strong auroras, we felt blessed and were beyond excited to have witnessed the night sky the way we did, and we got some phenomenal photographs to prove it!
After a thrilling first day that lasted into the night, our second day did not disappoint either. It started in North Pole. North Pole, Alaska, is a super cute little Christmas town. Its streets are holiday themed, such as Snowman Lane and St. Nicholas Drive. The streetlights are wrapped with candy cane stripes, and even the McDonald’s features a candy cane pole. The Santa Claus House is the main attraction in North Pole. It is a whimsical and festive attraction that embodies the holiday spirit year-round. The Santa Clause House is an absolutely must-visit destination for anyone seeking a dose of Christmas cheer. At the Santa Clause House, you’ll find a delightful assortment of Christmas-themed gifts, decorations, and souvenirs. It’s a place where the holiday season never ends, and you can revel in the magic of Christmas no matter the time of year.
One of the main highlights at the Santa Clause House is the chance to meet and take photos with Santa himself. Whether you’re a child or simply young at heart, sitting on Santa’s lap and sharing your Christmas wishes is a heartwarming experience. Unfortunately, Santa was on vacation when we visited, but we were able to see his workshop, and the look of shock and disbelief on my niece’s face to see Santa’s workshop live on FaceTime was even more touching than I had anticipated. The store is also famous for its unique and personalized letters from Santa Clause, which you can order for your loved ones. These letters are a special touch that can make Christmas even more magical for children, as it did for my nieces, nephew, and godson.
Outside the Santa Claus House, you’ll find festive decorations, including a giant Santa Claus statue, reindeer, and a North Pole marker that makes for a perfect holiday photo backdrop. Overall, the Santa Claus House in North Pole, Alaska, is a delightful destination that captures the enchantment of Christmas throughout the year, and if you know me, you know how much I love Christmas.
Our North Pole experience was made even better with the thrilling snowmobile tour we did with Alaska Wildlife Guide. It was truly a spectacular outing, especially for Tiff, who was trying snowmobiling for the first time. She geared up with enthusiasm, and despite some initial hesitation, revved her snowmobile to an impressive 53 mph – full throttle! What made it even more special was that Tiff and I were the only ones on the tour, allowing our guide to personalize the experience just for us. We explored wooded trails in search of wildlife and raced across snowy fields, providing us with the perfect mix of leisurely exploration and adrenaline-pumping speed. Alaska Wildlife Guide struck the perfect balance between guided touring and, moments of “Here you are, go wild.” Tiff’s successful first time snowmobiling left her exhilarated, and despite her post-ride safety concerns, I have a feeling she’d be up for it again.
Another memorable highlight of our trip was stumbling upon the Ice Festival, a delightful surprise we discovered through a local recommendation. While grabbing a bite to eat at the Arctic Habanero outside of the Hoodoo Brewery, the owner mentioned the ongoing Ice Festival and his plans sell hot chocolate and other winter treats there. We wasted no time; after picking up Krystal from the airport, we headed straight to the Ice Festival, serendipitously catching the last day of this fantastic event. The Ice Festival in Fairbanks is an annual winter extravaganza that showcases the mesmerizing world of ice sculpting. This event draws ice artists from across the globe to transform massive blocks of ice into intricate masterpieces. Visitors can witness the sculptor’s talent up close as they carve magnificent sculptures, ranging from animals to abstract designs. The festival also offers entertainment, including live performances and an enchanting Ice Art Park, where sculptures are beautifully illuminated after dark. What’s more, some of the ice is even interactive, with cornhole boards, ping pong tables, and slides all made of ice, inviting visitors to join the frosty fun! Visitors can also indulge in hot drinks and delicious food from various vendors while enjoying the magical ambience created by the play of light on ice. This festival was truly an unexpected, captivating, impressive, and memorable experience, celebrating the artistry and allure of winter.
We participated in two other snowy activities in Fairbanks that both left us with unforgettable memories: dogsledding and
snowshoeing, each offering a unique experience. Out first adventure was with Black Spruce Dogsledding, a remote retreat in the wilderness. We had rented an SUV with 4-wheel drive, a wise choice considering the challenging roads leading to this hidden gem. It’s worth noting that in these parts around Fairbanks, indoor plumbing can be a luxury, and we got acquainted with the outdoor latrine, which was quite the experience in the bone-chilling cold.
The excitement of the dogs was contagious as they eagerly awaited their run. Our guides, Steve and Emily, were exceptional, providing us with valuable insights into dogsledding and teaching us how to help harness the dogs. With two sleds and two teams, we set off on a thrilling journey, taking turns in various roles among the five of us – Steve, Emily, Tiff, Krystal, and me.
These enthusiastic dogs took us on the most thrilling ride over a pristine, snow-covered landscape. As the sleds glided smoothly over the snow, we could feel the crisp, chilly air against our faces and hear the rhythmic panting of the dogs. The silence of the wilderness was broken only by the swishing of the sled, the occasional barking of dogs, and our voices, creating a sense of both serenity and adventure. The scenery was awe-inspiring, with towering snow-draped trees and a vast expanse of white stretching to the horizon. Throughout the journey, we were able to interact with the dogs, learn about their training, and even try our hand at mushing! At the end of the ride, we had time to love on the dogs, which they thoroughly enjoyed. This dogsledding experience was one-of-a-kind, allowing us to connect with the wilderness in a profound way and develop a deep appreciation for the incredible bond between mushers and their dogs. We left dog sledding with lasting memories of the unspoiled beauty of the Alaskan winter landscape and the incredible spirit of the sled dogs.
Our time in Fairbanks drew to a close with two final, distinct experiences: snowshoeing and a trip to Chena Hot Springs. I found Leaf Out Nature Guides on Airbnb, which I had never used for activities before. Shannon, the operator of Leaf Out Nature Guides, operated her business from a home without running water, exemplifying the preference for living harmoniously with nature in this frigid climate. We began at Shannon’s house, where she fitted us all for snowshoes and provided us with walking sticks, ensuring that we were well-prepared for our trek into the forests that lay behind her home. We swiftly discovered that snowshoeing is o walk in the park – it demands effort, but the rewards are plentiful. Shannon’s wealth of knowledge about the local trees and the practical applications of nature added a fascinating dimension to this experience. She introduced us to spruce pitch, a versatile substance with historical uses ranging from being used as a chewing gum to serving as a topical medicine for wounds, cuts, or skin irritations to promote healing. Amidst the occasional bouts of getting stuck in the snow, we shared hearty laughter, adding to the camaraderie of the experience. Shannon thoughtfully packed homemade tea, organic and delicious, which provided a welcome respite during our hike through the snowy terrain.
After a morning of exertion, we set out on our drive to Chena Hot Springs, an adventure deserving of its own blog post for the detailed experience it offered. And just like that, our time in Fairbanks was over, and we headed off for our next adventure: Anchorage.
