While this is an old topic thread, I'll add some comments in case someone else searches for info on Barrow ...
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Eastbay1K:
You will have to stay at the Top of the World hotel, which is "acceptable" (about old Motel 6 standard, but for Barrow, fine).
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You are not limited to the Top of the World in Barrow. I much prefer the King Eider Inn, a fairly new and nice place.
http://www.kingeider.net
But if you smoke, be warned that the King Eider prohibits smoking everywhere.
The King Eider site also has links to other info about Barrow as well. If you're wondering about the name of the hotel, it was named after the bird. It seems Barrow (during summer) is a "hot" spot for birders.
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You will not be able to be outside for more than a minute or 2 at a time.
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That's true only if you fail to dress properly. Winter temperature in Barrow are typically "milder" than in Fairbanks.
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Food is marginal and expensive.
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Both true. However the adventurous might enjoy visiting "Pepe's North of the Border", the world's most northern Mexican restaurant. Fran, the woman who owns and runs the place is both a legend and a delight. A fairly amusing book about Fran's life, her restaurant and Barrow is
Tacos on the Tundra: The Story of Pepe's North of the Border :
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/AS...961582-8422431
Another tip for Barrow: Don't plan on renting a car to get around. First, it would be hideously expensive and secondly there's really nowhere much to drive. If you want to head out to Point Barrow, the northern most point of land of the US, I'd suggest heading there via one of the van or humvee tours that goes out polar bear and wildlife watching.
Other notes: Barrow is a "dry" town. There are no bars or alcohol sales allowed so don't expect to find that type of nightlife. In fact don't expect to find much of any nightlife unless your tastes run towards Bingo or watching basketball at the town's high school.
So if you're adventurous, curious, have Alaska airlines miles to use for a free ticket and always wanted to see what's at the end of Alaska, ... and most importantly have the right attitude ... you might enjoy a trip to Barrow. I'd suggest not making your first visit for longer than a night and 2 days though
[This message has been edited by Quokka (edited 08-01-2002).]