Adventure

Nobody can dismiss the Rondy frivolity of the Running of the Reindeer here in Anchorage. But up north in Fairbanks, ice carvers from around the world are chipping away at the famous “Black Diamond” ice. It’s renowned for its clarity–and the finished products are a wonder to behold. It’s a Fairbanks tradition at the Ice Alaska park each March. Make plans to attend.

Stay at the Princess Lodge on the banks of the now-frozen Chena River, just about a mile from the airport. They’ve got a free shuttle to the hotel, but you may want to rent a car to cruise around town.

Special rates now are available for as little as $69 per night. Or, spend $89 per night and get up to two $15 breakfast vouchers per day at “Trackers”, in the lobby. That’s a great deal. There’s free high-speed internet, a great restaurant in the lobby–and a big fireplace, too!  Stay at least two nights and you’ll get DOUBLE Alaska Airlines miles. Use this special discount code when you’re booking online: AKADMF.

More info: CLICK HERE.

Look, I would be remiss if I did not recommend a couple of other KILLER attractions in Fairbanks–open year-round. First, the antique car museum at Wedgewood Resort. The “Fountainhead Antique Car Museum” is the brainchild of Tim Cerny. And it’s fantastic. Go see it.

The second is the Museum of the North on the campus of the University of Alaska. It’s got a fantastic permanent collection of Alaskan artifacts and art. But the rotating exhibits are incredible, including lots of modern art from around the state. Don’t miss “The Place Where You Go To Listen.” Think “Multimedia”. It can be overwhelming. Calming. Dreamlike. GO!

After the jump–summer specials. (more…)

Make plans to attend the BP World Ice Carving championships in Fairbanks. The Ice Alaska park opens on Feb 20 and the competition runs through Mar. 28. Pictured above, Santa Claus on ice! !

If you have not seen this incredible display–don’t miss it. To the right, I’m getting an “icy reception” on the phone! There are carvers from around the world, a kids park with slides and mazes and all varieties of ice sculptures.

Stay at the Fairbanks Princess right on the (frozen) Chena River. It’s located between the airport and the Ice Alaska park. They’ve got two specials. First, you can opt to stay there for just $79 per night, including DOUBLE Alaska Airlines miles. Free wireless, too!  Or, for $89 per night, you get a $15 PER PERSON breakfast voucher (up to two vouchers per room, per night). “Trappers” is a good spot for breakfast. Even when I’m staying somewhere else, I often drive over to the Princess for breakfast. So this is a GREAT deal. EXTRA: If you’re REALLY a bargain hunter, drop me a note and I’ll clue you in on a  SUPER-HOT Princess special that’s too hot to type!!

While you’re in Fairbanks, be SURE and go to the Museum of the North on the UAF campus. If you have a copy of the Great Alaskan TourSaver, there is a 2-for-1 coupon in there (page 109). Go to the multi-media exhibit called “The Place Where You Go To Listen”. It’s fabulous. Don’t miss it.

Flying to Fairbanks? From Anchorage, it’s easy with Era Alaska. There’s no TSA to fool with. Print your boarding pass at home and head to the counter, then on to the plane!