What to See and Do in Fairbanks, Alaska

When visiting Alaska, many may instantly think of Anchorage or jet setting to the beautiful Denali Park, however there its really the second largest city that should be on your radar. Nicknamed "the Golden heart city ", Fairbanks has much to boast about. Its a boutique artsy innovative scene that is enriched with historical roots. 

Founded in 1902, Fairbanks has a gold mining legacy and grew as a mining camp. The wilderness of the area has continued to grow while highlighting its importance along the way. Major monumental advancements such as the 800-mile trans-Alaska pipeline which carries crude oil from Prudhoe Bay to Valdez to celebrating Christmas every day in the North Pole there is much to explore in this region. 

Besides being one of the best places in the world to see the Northern lights, the destination is full of Alaskan charm that nourishes your soul year-round. Here is how to spend 2-3 days off the Alaskan coastline.

Stay:

If you're on a time crunch, choosing to stay in downtown Fairbanks is a no-brainer. Grab a room at the Bridgewater Inn where you'll be greeted with friendly staff who are eager to assist with your Fairbanks itinerary. Nestled next to the Chena River, the hotel provides a small-town ambiance and a great centralized kick-off location for exploring the old and the new.

Eat:

When thinking of Fairbanks, you may not think of a culinary melting pot per se; however, there are plenty of restaurants to rave about. From breweries and coffee huts to Thai food and BBQ, Fairbanks has it all. The restaurants utilize local produce, meat, and seafood when possible, however, due to the drastic climate shifts, the menus tend to lean with what is in season. Here are a few restaurants that stood out above the rest. 

The Crepery:

Begin your day by checking out The Crepery which offers both sweet and savory crepes in mere minutes. The eatery also displayed seasonal crepes to tantalize your cravings and some of the best hot chocolate. Pro-tip: order your hot chocolate with the toasted marshmallow syrup for an extra tasty treat!

LaVelle's Bistro:

Located inside the Springhill Marriott, LaVelle's offers a fine dining feel at a reasonable price point. Offering nightly specials as well as 25% off on wine bottles on Monday, dinner at LaVelle's was spectacular. Highly recommend the crab and artichoke dip and the beef tips (sub the bread for rice to capture the delicious gravy.) Fun fact, this bistro even made it on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives!

The Noodle House:

On the corner of 2nd Street is The Noodle House, which delivers authentic Thai food. Grab the chicken skewer that is marinated in a curry sauce and paired with peanut sauce. Complete your meal with an iced Thai tea and you're golden.

El Dorado: 

El Dorado provides quick service and solid Mexican food. The full menu is fun and reliable. Pull up a chair at the bar and come in on Taco Tuesdays, where the tacos are BOGO (buy one get one free). This may just be the best 5.00 you'll spend today!

Do:

While two days may not appear to be a lot of time, it's enough to get to know the massive historical significance of Fairbanks while dining on small bites along the way. Test your luck and see if you strike gold by checking out one of the gold mining tours or take in the natural beauty by soaking in one of the many hot springs such as the popular Chena Hot Springs. Whatever is on the itinerary, there is plenty to be explored in the Alaskan backcountry!

Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center:

I highly recommend stopping at the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center. The central hub highlights the advancements and historical importance of Alaska. Including its rich history, facts about the 800-mile Alaskan pipeline, and information about the gold rush! Guests can soak up all of the information that awaits as the visitors center provides 9,000 square feet of exhibits, which provide a glimpse into the Alaskan way of life, wildlife, landscapes, and more. The Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center is a highlight for many and is pretty spectacular.

Visit the Ice Museum:

Undoubtedly Fairbanks is a winter wonderland so why not take it up a notch and visit some sculpted art along the way? Located downtown, the Ice Museum offers dazzling works of art that are crafted from massive blocks of ice on display. From an ice bar, a giant moose, to an interactive ice slide that guests can ride the ice museum is a nice view of just how talented the locals are. The masterpieces are larger than life and truly creative 

For those seeking an enchanting escape into the beauty of the natural world and a chance to witness the magic of the Northern Lights in unparalleled comfort, Borealis Basecamp in Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a truly unforgettable adventure. It’s an experience that I would wholeheartedly recommend to any traveler with a passion for exploring the wonders of our planet.

Chase the Northern Lights:

Of course, seeing the northern lights should be on the list as Fairbanks is an ideal location directly under the Aurora Oval. Aurora Season is from August 21 to April 21. It’s recommended to stay at least three nights or more to increase your chances of seeing this magical splendor in person. Each aurora session will differ as it depends on a few items such as how clear the sky is and geometric scale. The lights could be faint or increased with intensity and include additional hues such as pinks and greens. Although not necessary, consider driving out to Cremer's Field to view the lights as city lights tend to mute the light show a tad. Whichever occurs, you'll be in for a treat as the colors illuminate the sky and dance. 

If you're in Fairbanks for a few days, consider venturing to Borealis Basecamp to capture the moment in complete solitude. Surrounded by the Borealis Forest, Basecamp provides the perfect backdrop and even sends a courtesy call if/when the lights are visible so you won't miss the phenomenon.

For updates on the Northern lights and to check the likelihood of visibility, check out:

Visit the North Pole:

How many people can say they visited the north pole? Although the North Pole is technically not Fairbanks, it is abut 15 minutes away. At the North Pole, its Christmas year around and guests can enjoy candy cane lined streets and street names such as Santa Claus Lane and St. Nicholas Dr., and more. Visitors can really take it up a notch by checking out Santa Claus’ house where you can stock up on Christmas decorations and even get a letter for your loved ones from Santa Clause himself.

Check out Co-Op Plaza:

Co-op Plaza is a one stop shop that provides a taste of Alaska all under one roof! Located at 535 2nd Avenue. Shops now include: Beads & Things, Alaska Gold N’ Gems, Two Street Gallery, Custom Leather & Gifts & Alaska’s Far Northern Knives, Asian Treasures, Fairbanks Community Museum & Gift Shop, A Blooming Rose, World Eskimo Indian Olympics, River City Cafe, SOBA Restaurant, Cunningham Photography, Bart's Board Shop, Angel's Avon & Antiques. Floatadelic, & more. Definitely stop by 2st Gallery to check out art from local artists.

If you’re in the market for a bit of Alaskan wilderness, then Fairbanks is for you! You’re surrounded by wildlife, good food, and cultural events. Full of museums and galleries highlighting local talent, Fairbanks joyfully puts on a dazzling display that will have you scheduling your return trip prior to departure.