Our flight arrived at 1:00 AM, and it was still daylight. Kids were outside riding bicycles. I asked our bus driver about this, and he said, “In Alaska, we play when we can.” The weather was comfortable and the skies were clear, so why not? We chose to go to bed. Traveling all day through multiple time zones has a way of tiring me out.
Day One: Fairbanks, Alaska
Princess has several lodges in Fairbanks. They put us in the Bear Lodge which is only open during tourist season. The staff was courteous and helpful. They serve a large buffet breakfast from 7AM-9AM, and diners can choose the cold bar or the full buffet which includes hot items. After 9AM, menu service is offered. This hotel also offers a complimentary shuttle to and from the airport and around town during the day, and there is a separate help desk for those who wish to book optional area tours.
We took the free shuttle into downtown and did a little shopping.
The co-op on 2nd street had several craft vendors and a small museum. I found some handmade porcupine quill/moose hide earrings and a unique Christmas ornament. (It’s a mosquito made from a moose dropping and porcupine quill.)
There were several interesting restaurants, but we opted to stop in a coffee shop for, “the best coffee in Fairbanks,” and a cookie. We also took advantage of some free wifi here.
Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center
A great FREE place to watch documentaries, view exhibits, use the restroom, and receive area info.
There is also a National Parks Information Center here and the opportunity to stamp your Passport to National Parks if you have one. (Not to be confused with a real passport – which I saw someone actually stamping.)
To the rear of the Cultural Center, is the Moose Antler Arch.
Walk through the arch and it leads to a nice walking path along the banks of the Chena River. Turn left and walk a bit to discover a bridge that crosses the river.
Alaska Salmon Bake
We were picked up at our lodge by the Alaska Salmon Bake bus. What a throwback to riding the bus to school.
Pay for tickets at the welcome center, or if you are booked on a ship’s excursion your name will be on a list.
There are multiple food stations:
- Main Courses: Salmon, Cod, Prime Rib
- Beverages: soft drinks, tea and coffee were included in the price. Other drinks could be purchased.
- Garden salad/sides: baked beans, potato salad, pasta salad, roasted garlic potatoes
- Desserts & Coffee: chocolate cake w/chocolate icing, white cake w/ white icing, plain cake, blueberry compote or strawberry-rhubarb topping)
Indoor and outdoor seating is available.
What can I say, “YUM!”
Entertainment: The Palace Theater Revue
The Palace theater is a short walk from the Salmon Bake.
The musical review is funny, worthwhile entertainment. It covers the history of Fairbanks in musical fashion.
Next time:
When I go back to Fairbanks, I want to tour the University of Alaska Museum of the North. The free shuttle from our hotel stopped there, but we just didn’t have time to see it.
Next Stop: Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge