Alaska Travel Blog by Princess Lodges » Uncategorized

Ringing in the New Year Around Fairbanks

thompson — Tue, 28 Dec 2010 00:28:15 +0000

Forbes recently named Alaska’s biggest Interior city the fasted growing small town in the United States. Despite the recession, the population of Fairbanks increased by 13.7 percent between 2006 and 2009. Many attribute Fort Wainwright and Eielson military bases for contributing to the low, 6.5 percent unemployment rate, well below the national average.

It has been quite a year, and this budding city is bringing in the New Year with a bang. Everyone is invited to the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus on New Year’s Eve for the annual Sparktacular Celebration. Get there a little early to find a spot to watch fireworks launched from UAF’s West Ridge, Friday, Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. The University of Alaska Museum of the North welcomes all the firework spectators to come in before, during and after the show to enjoy free hot cocoa and cookies. The museum galleries will be open to the public at no charge from 7-9 p.m.

If you can’t make the first round of fireworks, then head to the Ken Kunkel Community Center next to Ivory Jacks in Goldstream Valley. The Goldstream Valley Lions Club is sponsoring the 10 p.m. fireworks show. Starting at 8pm there will be a bonfire and other fun activities.

Video: Goldstream Valley puts on a great fireworks display

Make sure you bundle up and wear layers when heading out to watch the fireworks. This time of year, Fairbanks’ average temperature is 4 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 15 below zero.

If you enjoyed making buttons last year with your kids at the Noel Wien Library, don’t miss this year’s, “Got Trucks?” Children ages three and up can bring their favorite Big Rig (or other transportation item) for a program “geared” to your fabulous big wheeled machines. No registration is required, but the event is a day earlier than last year, Thursday, Dec. 30, at 2 p.m. in the auditorium of the Noel Wien Library.

For the 21-and-over crowd, there are plenty of bars hosting their own New Year’s Eve celebrations. As always, plan to have a designated driver or take a cab home. Keep Fairbanks safe and don’t drink and drive.

For those who feel like staying in this year, catch “Dick Clark’s New Years Rockin Eve” on Dec. 31 starting at 10 p.m. ET on ABC with American Idol host Ryan Seacrest from New York City’s Times Square.

Happy New Year!

And the Winner Is…..

admin — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 21:53:32 +0000

Congratulations to our 2010 Photo contest winner – Katie Fallin of Anchorage! Katie’s photo of a whale near Whittier, taken in June, 2010, won her a $100 Princess Lodges certificate! Thank you to everyone who submitted their 2010 Alaska photos and to those who voted for their favorite entry!

Climbers on The Great One

admin — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:59:12 +0000

Today's white board update at the Ranger Desk at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge

You can’t quite see the mountain climbers from the great room at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, but the view of the mountain is pretty spectacular.

Activity of the Week: A covered wagon ride north of the border

thompson — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:44:12 +0000

The Oregon Trail may be the quintessential covered wagon experience, but you don’t have to travel to the Pacific Northwest — or buy a computer game — to take a ride back to pioneer days. Alaska has a rich history in breaking new ground, and with about 365-million acres of land it’s no wonder. In 1905 after gold was discovered in the Kantishna Hills near Denali, several thousand prospectors flocked to the area in hopes of striking it rich and the rush was on. Not too long after, the original national park, Mount McKinley National Park, was established and construction of the park road began.

While buses, RVs and rental cars populate the roads and trail around Denali nowadays, you can take a journey back to simpler times during your stay at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. The Covered Wagon Adventure takes off right from the Denali lodge in a rustic but comfortable covered wagon led by an impressive pair of draft horses. Along the way, the guide shares some fun facts and local folklore you may not have heard before and it’s a nice alternative for viewing wildlife if you’ve already done the traditional bus tour. After the leisurely ride, arrive at a small, covered camp to enjoy the view, exchange a few stories and partake in one tradition that has definitely withstood the test of time: lunch.

If you go:

You can book this adventure from the Tour Desk at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge. The Covered Wagon Adventure at Denali is a family friendly 2.5-hour tour that requires a moderate level of activity. Blankets and binoculars are provided for use while on the tour. The Denali lodge will be open from May 19 – Sept. 15, 2010. ($89/adult and $49/child)

“Activity of the Week” is a weekly blog series that profiles adventures, destinations and tour operators from across Alaska.”

Fairbanks New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner – Planning & Inspiration

admin — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:47:41 +0000

As New Years Eve hit the radar, we decided we wanted to do something at Fairbanks Princess Lodge to celebrate. We thought about various concepts, but kept returning to a multi course dinner with great wine and food. We knew this would appeal to a segment of people who might like to enjoy the evening out, but not participate in the traditional hoopla that goes along with ringing in the new year. We carefully selected menu items and paired them with delicious wines to appease the most discriminating palate. We felt this could be fun for a group or could remain intimate for couples celebrating together and of course, there would have to be a champagne toast at midnight to start of 2010 just right.

New Year’s 2010 at Fairbanks Princess Lodge

admin — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:50:45 +0000

Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge is gearing up for the New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner on Thursday. The menu looks pretty fantastic, with a wine pairing for each course. Plus a champagne toast at midnight – all included in the dinner price.

Any blog readers attending the Wine Dinner –we’d love to post a couple photos from the evening. Leave a comment letting us know you have some photos you’d like to share and we’ll arrange to get the file from you.

Click here to take a look at the menu and package options.

We are all looking forward to a fun and indulgent New Year’s Eve in Fairbanks!