Parks

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!

Photo: Tight shot of the giant Stikine River Delta on final approach to Wrangell, Alaska (Alaska #65 from Ketchikan). Explore Tours can arrange an adventure all the way up this river to Telegraph Creek, BC. Incredible. Do it! Heard over coffee: “Can I tell Henry you’ll make all of his Alaska arrangements?” Mm-hmm, here we are mid-winter and my wife is booking our guest room for July. And guess who gets to make the plans? That would be me. It’s an awesome responsibility. Luckily, my friends at Explore Tours have the answer.

Think about it: Isabelle, Crystal and the gang spend their days custom-designing adventures for travelers from around the world: tours, cruises, sightseeing, adventures. The works.

So, when I have friends who need a helping hand with their Alaska arrangements, I call Explore Tours. They have the buying power to get exclusive, low rates on Alaska Airlines and all the best lodges and activities around the state.

For example:

a. Check out the very best of Denali National Park with a visit to Kantishna, near the shores of Wonder Lake. V-e-r-y few visitors every go ALL the way to the end of the road. Fishing, flightseeing, gold-panning, exploring. It’s an incredible experience–without the crowds. Stay at Camp Denali from 4-8 days.

b. Knik River Lodge is close-up against the Knik Glacier in the Matanuska Valley. It’s a wild place–that you can drive to from Anchorage. Jet-boat rides, horseback tours, hiking. It’s WILD out there (but there’s free wi-fi).

c. Tutka Bay Lodge. Nestled along the shores of Kachemak Bay, you can count on some great meals featuring Alaska seafood, as well as some incredible adventures in the surrounding parklands.

Remember: Alaska is a big place. So let the professionals at Explore Tours take care of everything from Ketchikan to Nome–and everywhere in between! They have the knowledge, the expertise and the inspiration to put together the right trip for you–or your visiting friends and relatives!

Call them: (800)523-7405 or check the website for more details. www.exploretours.com