GCI is proudly sponsoring the Alaska Travel Industry Association’s Show Up for Alaska campaign because it’s focused on lifting up Alaska-owned, travel and tourism businesses and rallying Alaskans to help other Alaskans. That is our mission at the core.
Each Wander AK Wednesday, you’ve seen us highlight tourism businesses across the state on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn. But more than just words on a screen, we want to inspire you to explore this summer — safely and socially distanced of course — and use those Alaska resident deals!
Have you considered exploring Fairbanks yet this summer? Alaska’s Golden Heart City has so much to offer from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, it makes a great weekend getaway or road trip destination. Plus as A Taste of Alaska Lodge Owner Kory Eberhardt notes, “Fairbanks has some of the nicest summer weather”.
Eberhardt should know — he was born and raised in Fairbanks, the grandson of homesteaders Walter and Dorothy Eberhardt, who moved to Fairbanks in 1947. His parents, Dave and Debbie, founded A Taste of Alaska Lodge in 1992 on the family’s land — 280 acres outside of Fairbanks drenched in natural beauty and family history. Eberhardt didn’t just grow up on this land, he’s helped build guest cabins and other facilities on the property.
“Alaskans love hearing our family story as homesteaders,” he said. “And I love meeting new people and sharing Fairbanks with guests.” While that may look a little different this year (face masks are required in common spaces and food service has been suspended until the fall), the lodge’s four private guest cabins offer a great way to stay socially distanced, while remaining digitally connected. “GCI’s network is so reliable. It always works,” Eberhardt says.
Explore Alaska With Us
But you’ll have to put your phone down to go hiking and wildlife viewing on property and dog mushing at the nearby Paws for Adventures kennel. The lodge is also a perfect location for aurora viewing, which ramps up in late August. The best part? Alaska residents receive 25% off normal rates this summer.
Ready to do more in Fairbanks? Find more special offers and local favorites here:
What to do:
- The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor’s Center is a must-visit for anyone who wants to understand the Alaska Native culture of the Interior and Arctic regions. Visitors must wear a face covering and are encouraged to pick up Explore Fairbanks’ brand new Scavenger Hunt and Photo Contest handout.
- For those trying to spend as much time outdoors as possible, the University of Alaska Museum of the North’s grounds are an outdoor cultural exhibit with large sculptures, totems and historical artifacts on view.
- Head north on the Dalton Highway with Northern Alaska Tour Company’s Arctic Circle Drive tour for a true adventure into the rugged tundra. This full-day experience includes stops along the Yukon River and the Arctic Circle.
- It’s hard to beat a day on the river. Alaska Fishing and Raft Adventures has you covered whether you’re looking to catch Arctic grayling or just float along the Chena.
- Gold Daughters is challenging the notion that gold panning is just for tourists this summer. Learn about this artform from locals with a 10% discount on admission in July.
- Visit the Running Reindeer Ranch (by appointment only) and your kids will never forget the day they walked through the forest with their reindeer friends.
- Always been curious to learn more about dog mushing? Trail Breaker Kennel is offering a special walking tour — and 20% off — to locals this summer.
Where to eat:
- Everything you need to know is in the name: Miguel’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine. Order a margarita and any of these family recipes to go.
- Whether you’re ordering delivery or takeout, breakfast or dinner, don’t forget to actually order a cookie from the Cookie Jar. Maybe add in a cinnamon roll or the daily quiche or the Savannah Cream Cake too.
- Bei Jing Hot Pot & Asian Cuisine is our go-to for Chinese takeout or delivery. This restaurant has all your favorites, in addition to the hot pot specialties.
- HooDoo Brewing Company’s taproom is the only place where you can get its beer to go. Owner Bobby Wilken was born and raised in Fairbanks.
- Yes, even Lavelle’s Bistro is offering curbside pick-up, whether you’re craving a fried chicken sandwich or filet mignon. The full menu is available.
- While we love the history and the outdoor deck at the Pump House, to-go orders are just as tasty. The full menu prominently features local seafood and game, and the restaurant partners with Alaska farmers and producers to make sure ingredients are fresh.
- With more than 20 Thai restaurants in Fairbanks, it’s hard to choose the best. Lemongrass Thai Cuisine has been dishing out favorites in Fairbanks since 1996, but has a sister restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Tip: beer and wine are available on the takeaway menu.
Where to stay:
- Set on the banks of the Chena River, River’s Edge Resort & RV Park is offering residents a $99 special at the resort and 25% off its RV sites with full or basic hook-ups.
- Also located on the Chena River, Pike’s Waterfront Lodge is discounting room rates this summer and including a homemade pie! Deeper discounts are available for military as well.
- Looking for the ultimate relaxation, head to Chena Hot Springs Resort outside of town. COVID-19 can’t survive in the resort’s hot springs.
- Find the Bridgewater Hotel in downtown Fairbanks with a $99 special for Alaska residents all summer long.
This is just a taste of the opportunities in Fairbanks and we know you’ll get out and explore further. Just keep the local businesses in mind and lend your support, while prioritizing your health and safety. GCI is committed to being a good neighbor and empowering our local communities, because at the end of the day, we are more than just Alaska’s technology leader. We are a company founded and operated by Alaskans.