Interior Alaska Arctic Arch
This impressive collection of 100 moose and caribou antlers came from hunters and collectors from Interior Alaska.
“The gift of the arch is to let us imagine the personal stories and respect the intertwined lives represented here.” Sandy Jamieson, Fairbanks artist who crafted the antler arch
Gould Cabin
This century old two-room log cabin stands on its original location. It’s the only survivor among the miners’ cottages that were in this area.
While visiting the historic log cabin at the Visitor Center, I received a flyer with the recipe for salmon chowder. Here it is:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter
1 small-medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 teaspoon garlic powder2 cups diced potatoes
2 carrots, diced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
2 pounds salmon (fresh, thawed or canned)
1 can nonfat evaporated milk
1 can creamed corn
1/2 pound (2 cups) cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Melt butter, sauté onion, celery and garlic powder until onions are tender
2. Stir in salmon, potatoes, carrots, broth, salt, pepper, dill
3. Bring to a boil in a large pot, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes
4. Stir in milk, corn and cheese. Cook until well heated.
Bon appetit!
Alaska Siberia WWII Lend-Lease Memorial
Once upon a time in Alaska, Americans and Russians cooperated to defeat Germany during WWII. The Lend-Lease Act which was passed by Congress in 1941 provided assistance to American allies to the tune of $50 billion. Russian pilots picked up the combat planes in Fairbanks where they were also trained to fly them, refueled in Nome then crossed the Bering Strait to Russia. They received around 8,000 planes over the course of the war.
The Memorial is at Griffin Park.
A cornucopia of things Alaskan. There’s much to learn at the Visitor Center and the staff are there to answer questions about the exhibits or about things to do in Fairbanks and neighboring towns. The exhibits include life-size dioramas of the seasons, native art, educational displays of the people and their customs and traditions and a full size log cabin. Entry is free. 101 Dunkel Street in downtown Fairbanks.
Painted vent pipe with the golden heart of Fairbanks
For more information about these ventilation pipes scattered throughout downtown Fairbanks, check my post about all 13 pipes. https://www.travelswithcharie.com/2021/09/the-painted-pipes-of-fairbanks.html
Fairbanks has its fair share of street art. This is on Noble Street and 2nd Avenue.
The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church
Originally built in 1904, the church was transferred in 1911-12 from Dunkel Street across the Chena River (there was no bridge at the time) to its current location on Cushman St. The Immaculate Conception is listed in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)in the United States.
Chena River from Flag Bridge
The 100-mile Chena River (seen here from downtown Fairbanks) is a tributary of the Tanana River, the third longest river in Alaska. One of the most popular activities along the Chena is the sternwheeler cruise from Fairbanks to the confluence of the Chena and Tanana rivers.
Dawn seen from my hotel window. This was the only part of the sky that was lit up. It was pitch black in every other direction. Sunrise was at 6:27 a.m. on this day and this photo was taken around 5:18 a.m. It stayed like that for a few minutes.
Where to stay:
Westmark Hotel and Conference Center is well located on Noble Street within walking distance of downtown, the Bus Transit Center, the Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitor’s Center. It has two restaurants including The Red Lantern Steak and Spirits. I was impressed with the attentive service at the restaurant and enjoyed my meal. There’s also an in-house tour desk. www.westmarkhotels.com
Where to eat:
Lavelle’s Bistro
575 First Avenue
Place is popular. It was full house at lunch. Loved the halibut!
Bahn Thai Restaurant
541 Third Avenue
Good food. Large portions. Best to order several dishes and share. Pleasing Thai decor.
How to get around:
By bus: The Bus Transit Center is on Cushman between 5th and 6th Ave. Bus schedules are available online and hotels also have it available for guests. Senior citizens ride for free. To go to North Pole, take the Green Line which stops in front of Santa’s House.
We had the best bus driver ever. She was helpful in explaining where we should get off and where to wait for the bus for our return ride to Fairbanks.
Airlink Shuttle: for transfer services at a flat rate within Fairbanks. Airlink also has city tours, transfers outside Fairbanks like the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Call them to reserve in advance. Phone: 907-452-3337.
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Images by TravelswithCharie