North Pole AK & Chena Hot Springs -Fairbanks
So with travel Covid19 restrictions our airbnb experience with an ATV dog mushing tour took us out at last minute. Although we were disappointed, we decided to get an additional night at our next Airbnb which was available.
The drive from Denali was 2 hours 46 min/ 163 miles. if you haven’t ate lunch on this route Roses Cafe outside of Denali is my suggestion
.
On our way from Denali to the North Pole we stopped at pagoda Chinese Restaurant. It was some of the best Chinese I’ve ate- the outside is a bit sketch but don’t be fooled.
Friday| Fairbanks - Chena Hot Springs
We took our drive further north to spend the day relaxing at Chena Hot Springs. We ate breakfast in at the Cookie Jar before we hit the road. The biscuits literally melts in your mouth! this was my second visit to eat here. its location & food are just that good! They have a great selection offering many vegan friendly choices also. I highly suggest having everything but if it’s nothing for the biscuit & side of gravy it’s well worth it.
the cookie jar
Story time with the Cookie Jar!
It all started with a chocolate chip cookie in June of 1986 by a mom and her kids. The Cookie Jar’s humble beginnings were as a micro-bakery featuring fresh baked cookies, cinnamon rolls and muffins with a homemade touch. In 34 years, the Cookie Jar has evolved into a restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner in our home on Danby Street. You can eat at a chain, or you can eat with the family.
Chena Hot Springs
About an hour a a half drive outside of Fairbanks is the Chena Hot Springs Resort. Located here is a large walk in spring that sits around 106 degrees Fahrenheit year round. Imagine it’s below freezing outside, you’re in beautiful warm bubbling water, and because they’re open late, you can stare up at the sky and watch the northern lights dance overhead. How amazing does that sound!
The high sulfa in the hot springs either gave us the giggles or our souls checked into vacation mode... because we laughed until it hurt. Most of these pictures are us mimicking the Instagram model/couple that were also in the springs. It was the perfect day of good eats & relaxation. Admission to the springs is $17 per person.
When visiting Chena I don’t recommend eating at their restaurant but if time allows go do the Igloo Ice Tour. Be sure to take quarters with you to get your locker. We brought towels but you can rent there.
This was our favorite airbnb host- communication & cleanliness were amazing We enjoyed getting our laundry done there before flying home & if I’m going back I will find Heath & Katy’s places to stay each time. 5 stars all the way. cost here was $211.42/night -$425 total
lodging for 2 nights was in the north pole check it out here North Pole Aurora Cabin
The North Pole:
In traveling the area of Fairbanks, there are many tourist attraction- one being the North Pole to go see Santa and the reindeer. You can get amazing gifts and take home ornaments at The North Pole Shop too. My favorite is To send a letter from Santa to my nephew with the Santa/North Pole address Around Christmas, You fill it out & they mail in December.
The Trans-Alaskan Pipeline:
This might be a conflict of interest for some of my readers regarding its impact on the environment, but I thought this engineering marvel was impressive! This massive pipeline runs from Prudhoe Bay on the north shore of Alaska, 800 miles south to Valdez, AK. The pipeline has both above and underground spots, depending on permafrost locations, and can be seen from many of the main roads that run alongside it.
Just north of Fairbanks on the Steese Highway, there is a pipeline viewing point with tons of informative signs. You can get out of your car and walk right up to the pipeline for photos.
The Aurora Borealis:
One of the great things about the Fairbanks area is that when traveling there you’re pretty much guaranteed sunlight (6 months of 24 hours sun) or the northern lights. I love to fly home on the red eye from this airport!
Strange AK Fact:
In Fairbanks, Alaska it is illegal for a moose to enter a saloon (via the sidewalk). This law was created to try to stop a local tavern keeper from getting his pet moose drunk and prevent the moose's frequent drunken rampages
weather: 56 day & 38 night KP index 4
Comments