Archive for October, 2008

Had a great Green Chili Turkey Omelet this morning at Mixx Grill in the Inlet Tower Hotel in Anchorage, Alaska. They do a great job. In this picture, I’m just about to dive in–I asked Esther to take a shot before it got all messy!
Remember, Anchorage’s Inlet Tower Hotel also has some great $79 room rates available (or $89 rate includes hot breakfast for two!). The Inlet Tower Hotel is located at 12th and L St., close to downtown. Their courtesy van can pick you up at the airport, run you downtown to the Train Depot–and many places in between. Check ‘em out!

Great breakfast at the Hotel Viceroy after a drive in the Hollywood Hills.

Having a great time up and down the west coast!!

FIrst in a video series of Alaska Travelgram updates. B-i-g shout-out to my friends at AlaskaHDTV.com (Scott Slone and Kevin Kastner) for their inspiration and guidance on this project. These new video projects are sort of learn-as-you-go. Let me know what you think.

Oh, you now can follow Alaska Travelgram on Twitter. Or, check us out on Tumblr.

If you travel to or from Fairbanks, Alaska you know the story: not only is the fare through-the-roof. Typically, the restrictions also are onerous–particularly a 14- or 21-day advance purchase.

Our friends at USTravel are solving the problem of the advance purchase with new “contract” fares from Alaska Airlines. Here’s the scoop:

Take advantage of lower fares for last-minute travel when you purchase at least two nights’ hotel at the same time. Hey–the money you save typically will pay for the hotel. Let’s review:

Fairbanks-Denver $760rt (plus two nights hotel) 

Fairbanks-Dallas $642 (plus two nights hotel)

Fairbanks-Las Vegas $809 (plus two nights hotel)

Fairbanks-LAX $780 (plus two nights hotel)

Fairbanks-Orange County: $816 (plus two nights hotel)

Call Glory or Tesa at (800) 622-6449 to make all your Fairbanks travel arrangements. Remember, there is NO ADVANCE PURCHASE–truly “buy today, fly today” fares. But there’s no refund and no changes. So make sure you REALLY want to go before you buy.

Just FYI, it’s -8F in Fairbanks right now. The expected high temperature in San Diego, CA today? 78F (above!). Y’know, if you want to warm up in Fairbanks–I mean REALLY warm up, head out to Chena Hot Springs. It’s a local favorite: the hot springs, the restaurant, the Ice Museum and of course, the owner, Bernie Karl. Ask for Bernie. Have him tell you about the geothermal power he uses to heat the resort, power the generators and grow a bunch of fresh produce in his greenhouses. Incredible. Tell him Scott sent you. Here’s a shot of the interior of the Aurora Ice Museum: