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Ultimate Guide to Fairbanks, Alaska (Food, Activities & What to Pack)

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After visiting recently at the end of February, I put together this guide to share the best restaurants, must-do activities, and essential things to pack for your trip. During our visit, Fairbanks, Alaska was experiencing one of its coldest and snowi...
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Must-Do Activities in Fairbanks

 
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Visiting the Running Reindeer Ranch was one of the most unique experiences we had in Fairbanks. After a short introduction about the reindeer and life at the ranch, we headed out on a peaceful walk through the snowy forest alongside the reindeer them...
Running Reindeer Ranch
 
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If you’re visiting Fairbanks in winter, the World Championship Ice Sculptures are a must-see. Massive, incredibly detailed sculptures are carved entirely from ice by artists from around the world. So stunning! It’s best to go at night when the scul...
World Ice Art Championships - Ice Alaska
 
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If seeing the northern lights is on your Alaska bucket list, Aurora Pointe is such a cozy and stress-free place to do it. Just outside Fairbanks, this dedicated aurora viewing spot gives you wide open skies and a warm space to retreat to while you wa...
Aurora Pointe
 
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Chena Hot Springs Resort is a must if you want a relaxing, unforgettable Alaskan experience. About an hour outside Fairbanks, this natural hot spring lets you soak in warm, mineral-rich water while surrounded by snowy trees and fresh northern air. Th...
Chena Hot Springs Resort
 
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Stopping at Santa Claus House is one of those places that makes you smile the second you see it. Inside, it feels like Christmas all over again. So fun and with lots of ornaments, Alaska-themed gifts, and so many cute holiday decorations. It’s such a...
Santa Claus House
 
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If you’re visiting Aurora Ice Museum, you have to stop by the Aurora Ice Bar while you’re there. Everything inside is made of ice...the bar, the seats, the sculptures, even the glasses. The glowing ice carvings and colorful lights made it feel like s...
Aurora Ice Museum
 
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Dog sledding in Fairbanks, Alaska was truly a dream come true. We went with 1st Alaska Outdoor School and had an incredible experience riding through the snowy Alaskan wilderness. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable, and you could tell how mu...
1st Alaska Outdoor School

Where to Eat in Fairbanks

 
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This spot was super close to our hotel. Easy to walk to so we had dinner there one night. I liked that cozy, family vibe and the mix of Mediterranean/Greek-style options. The food was great! Only thing I would change is how long we waited for our foo...
Bobby's Downtown
 
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This place was such a random find and ended up being a memorable one. It was my first time trying Moldovan food, and I’m so glad we went there for dinner. The inside is super Moldovan too. Very traditional decor that makes you feel like you’re actual...
Soba
 
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I was SO excited when I spotted the Bulgarian flag outside. I immediately knew I had to go in. As a Bulgarian, that little detail made me feel right at home. We ended up going there twice. Once for lunch and once for breakfast. I would’ve gone back a...
The Crepery
 
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If you’re craving something casual and satisfying, this place really hits the spot. It has that classic, laid-back pizza vibe. Nothing fancy, just good, comforting food. The pizza was so delicious and honestly warmed me up so well after being out in...
Sicily's Pizza

What to Pack for Fairbanks

 
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If you’re heading to Fairbanks in the winter, I highly recommend renting cold-weather gear from Alaska Element. We visited at the end of February coming from a much warmer place, and their rentals made the entire trip so much more enjoyable. We got s...
Alaska Element
 
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One of my best purchases for Alaska was this jacket. I got it in red and absolutely love it. It kept me super warm, and I still had plenty of room to layer underneath. I also love all the zippers, which made it really practical and comfortable to wea...
Orolay Women's Thickened Down Jacket
 
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These pants were such a smart buy. I recommend sizing up so you can comfortably layer underneath. That made a huge difference in staying warm. What I loved most is how waterproof they were, especially when we were out walking and exploring in the sno...
Arctix Women's Insulated Snow Pants
 
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These goggles were a lifesaver on our Fairbanks trip. The sun reflecting off the snow can be intense, so having proper eye protection is key. They were so useful for our dog sledding adventure, keeping glare and UV light out while letting me see clea...
OTG Snow Goggles - Perfect Fit Over Prescription Glasses
 
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These gloves treated me so well in the Alaskan cold! They’re super soft and warm with the cozy fleece lining, totally waterproof, and I loved that I could still use my phone without taking them off. Perfect for snapping photos, checking maps, or just...
rivmount Lightweight Winter Running Gloves
 
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This was one of the best pieces I packed for layering under my jacket and so comfy the whole time. Because it’s a cozy fleece hoodie it added extra warmth without bulk, and I’d totally suggest sizing up so you can easily layer it without feeling snug...
Under Armour womens Armour Fleece Half Zip