Lodging

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…)

It’s the great Alaskan pastime: whether you’re fishing deep for halibut, trolling for salmon or working the river system for the big lunkers, FISHING=ALASKA. Pictured here, young Drew McMurren with a fat Kenai River king salmon (we ate it THAT DAY!).

The fishing is oh-so-much sweeter when it’s TWO-FOR-ONE with the Great Alaskan TourSaver. Check out these deals:

a. Homer halibut fishing. Cruise with Ninilchik Charters and get a FREE full-day halibut charter with purchase of an accompanying charter with TourSaver coupon. Plus, there’s a coupon for 2-for-1 accommodations at the Driftwood Inn in Homer (second night free).

b. Seward halibut fishing. Ninilchik Charters also offers a 2-for-1 full-day halibut charter out of Seward! There’s lots going on in Seward. With your TourSaver book, you can get 2-for-1 accommodations at the Van Gilder Hotel and 2-for-1 admission to the Alaska SeaLife Center, in addition to a 2-for-1 Kenai Fjords cruise!!

c. Seward salmon fishing. Our friends at Miller’s Landing offer a 2-for-1 coupon for saltwater salmon fishing. They also offer 2-for-1 kayak tours!

d. Upper Kenai River. The Drifters’ Lodge in Cooper Landing offers a 2-for-1 trout fishing coupon on the Upper Kenai River. Just around the corner, the Sunrise Inn offers 2-for-1 accommodations.

e. Lower Kenai River. Fish with RW. 2-for-1! He has the boats and the expertise to land the big King Salmon or Silver Salmon on the mighty Kenai River. Plus, you can trim 50 percent off your accommodations at his lodge.

f. Lower Kenai River. Larry and Mary Mills offer 2-for-1 salmon fishing and 2-for-1 accommodations at their hand-crafted log cabins right along the Kenai River!

Don’t miss out on fishing Alaska this summer–especially when it’s 2-for-1 with the Great Alaskan TourSaver. Go to the website today and order your TourSaver book. It costs $99.95 and has $26,000+ in travel savings.