The day after our Denali adventure was cool, rainy and smoky. We decided to do some indoor activities around Fairbanks.

We started with lunch at a local falafel stand that Stacey often went to. It was packed and once we got our food, we knew why. Fresh and delicious.

After lunch we headed to the local farmer’s market and explored all the unique items like hand-carved furniture made from birch, indigenous tools, local produce and flowers, and artisan soaps and candles. It was a nice market and a great way to take in some of the local flavor.

Another great way to learn more about Fairbanks and Alaska was at the Museum of the North at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. While there were several exhibits, we spent the most time in the section on the history of the 49th state. It was very engaging, with artifacts, animals (this bear was one of many animals depicted throughout) and stories.

The art section had more artifacts and work done by Alaskan artists and of Alaska’s natural beauty. Of course, Stack and I couldn’t resist playing around in this totally kitschy outhouse. 😉

This massive totem pole on the university grounds was pretty awesome to see in person. The picture doesn’t really do it justice so take my word for it.

That night, we went to Hoodoo Brewing, a local brewery that we hadn’t heard many good things about. We were pleasantly surprised. Nothing fancy, but the beers they made were respectable for their styles. We then went to see Terminator: Genisys. Stacey and I are HUGE fans of the franchise but were incredibly disappointed by the major turn the series took. Oh well, it was still awesome to see the movie with her – it was so cool that the movie came out during my long-overdue visit to see her. Love it.

Thursday was also chilly and rainy but once again, Stack planned well. We went to Chena Hot Springs, a sustainable resort nestled in the hills about an hour outside of Fairbanks. We spent the entire day there – enjoying the hot springs and pools, having a picnic lunch, touring the grounds (which included a moose spotting and their reindeer farm), going in to the Ice Museum and having an Appletini in a glass made from ice, and visiting the gift shop. It was a very relaxing place and the resort is pretty sustainable. They get their power from the water in the hot springs (in their geothermal facility) and grow a vast amount of food in their gardens and greenhouse. 

It was a wonderful day.

Our wonderful day continued when we arrived back at the cabin. We were having Copper River King Salmon for dinner. I knew it would be good, but I didn’t realize at the time that this is the best salmon in the world as far as quality. Derek’s family caught the fish off the coast and his mom had brought it up with her. Sean made a citrusy marinade and Derek grilled it to perfection. It was light, juicy, flaky and oh-so-fresh. What an experience!

We played card games for a long time after dinner, losing track of time with the sun still shining outside at midnight and beyond. 

Friday was sunny and warm. Sean and I made a big breakfast for everyone, then he and Derek went to the hardware store while Stacey and I had girl time and sunned ourselves on the deck. Very relaxing and great quality time with one of the oldest friends.

Later in the day we checked out a new distillery called Ursa Major where we met up with a few of Stacey’s friends (who were awesome). The distillery is still pretty primitive in its methods, but the gin was absolutely fabulous. Smooth, with perfect notes of floral and juniper – my martini was delicious.

On our way out to Silver Gulch Brewing we made an unexpected stop to see something I hadn’t even thought we’d see – the Alaska Pipeline. I’ve heard about it and read about it – and always thought it was an incredible thing. Seeing it in person was more amazing than I anticipated. The distance it covers, the construction above and below ground and the fact that people don’t try to mess with it are impressive. Add to that the 124,000 heat pipes that transfer ground heat to the air to keep the soil in the permafrost zones stable and I was awestruck.

We had dinner at Silver Gulch Brewing and sampled some of their brews. The building was cool and my salmon salad was pretty tasty.

After Silver Gulch, we walked across the street to a dive bar that was like stepping back into my college days at the University of Akron. It was dark, covered in posters and memorabilia, and a rock band of old men was playing on a rickety platform. Stack and I had a great time here, drinking cheap wine and reminiscing.

Saturday was Fourth of July and Stack took me and Sean to a community parade that was the most random and creative assortment of floats and costumes I think I’ve ever seen. It was wacky and fun.

The community held a big potluck lunch afterward in this beautiful park. The sense of community and togetherness was lovely – everyone relaxing, enjoying each other’s food and company with the kids playing catch nearby. 

After lunch, we headed over the to the Tanana River recreation area where there was a nice beach, swimming area and plenty of sunshine. Sean and Stack got in the water, but it was far too cold for me. It was pretty neat to be at a beach in Alaska, though. 🙂

For our final meal in Alaska, we fittingly had moose that Derek had hunted. We’d had moose a couple of times before when Stack had brought it down to the lower 48, but it was awesome to have it with them in their Alaskan cabin. 

We played a few more card games and hung out until it was to time to go to the airport. Our flight departed Fairbanks at 11.30pm so we got another evening of the “midnight sun” before heading back to reality. I’m not sure I could handle the extreme cold and darkness of winter there, but I am so glad to have spent a lovely summer week in this special place with my dear friend.