Weekend Getaway to Fairbanks and Chena Hot Springs

Fairbanks- Our first morning

A few years back, Melvin and I decided we wanted to take a trip. We were still living in Alaska and wanted to stay in state. We decided we would head up to Fairbanks. Fairbanks is about a 6-hour drive from Anchorage, however, in the winter that could become more! We chose to catch a flight and rent a car since we were only going for the weekend.

Our flight got to Fairbanks late on Friday night, so we just headed for the hotel and got settled in. Saturday morning, we had an early start. We woke up early to check out the world ice art sculpture event, but it ended up not being open. So, we headed to the Museum of the North, an Alaskan natural and cultural history museum. It started snowing when we got to the museum and the views were beautiful! The museum was small, but it was very interesting. My favorite was learning about the lynx. After we finished looking around the museum, I picked up a pencil to add to my classroom treasure box, we then headed to Chena Hot Springs.

Chena Hot Springs- Aurora Ice Museum

Chena Hot Springs is located about 1.5 hours from Fairbanks. Chena Hot Springs is a Resort that you can stay at, and in hindsight, we should have stayed there. If we ever go back, we will definitely spend the extra money to stay at the Springs. There are a few activities you can do while visiting the Springs. One being the Aurora Ice Museum tour. At the end of the tour, you can get apple martinis made in ice glasses. The tour is $15 or $30 each if you get the appletini. I was not a fan of the martini, but Melvin was! If you opt to get the martinis, after you finish your drink, you smash the glass cup outside the igloo and make a wish!

Dinner, Drinks and the Springs

After our tour of the igloo, we ate at the restaurant they have on site. I cannot remember what I ate, but Melvin had the Smoked Salmon Pasta, I do remember it being delicious! We also got some more drinks and they were yummy. I had the Mama Bear and Melvin had the Baby Moose. After enjoying our meals and letting them settle a bit we went over to the Springs. We really enjoyed the springs. The natural springs are hot and steamy and are known for having healing properties. We spent awhile soaking in the springs, just swimming and relaxing. If you are lucky, you can see the northern lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis, while there. It was snowing while we were there, so we had snow clouds and unfortunately did not get to see the northern lights. But the snow was beautiful! There are lots of other activities you can do at Chena Hot Springs to include dog sledding, snow mobile tours, horse back riding, and so much more!

The North Pole

Sunday, we had a late-night flight, so we headed to the North pole and to explore the Air Force Base. The North Pole was really cool. All the street poles are decorated to look like candy canes. There was a field of ice sculptures that we explored since we didn’t get to see any the day prior. We stopped in Santa’s House to find souvenirs for ourselves and our friends and family. However, after this there wasn’t much to do. We went for lunch back in Fairbanks at The Cookie Jar. This place has been featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” with Guy Fieri. After lunch we enjoyed some Starbucks until it was time for our flight.
If you enjoyed this blog on exploring Alaska be sure to comment down below! Also, be sure to check out my other blogs about areas in Alaska, like, Beluga Point and Newsflash: I moved to Alaska!