I enjoyed spending a few days in Fairbanks. It's nice to walk along the river. There's a historic church on the other side, a small museum in a log cabin along the river right across from the Springhill Suites, and a cultural center. I also walked to some historic bar in the part of downtown that's farther from the river.

Even if you stay at the HP, it would be worth coming to LaVelle's Bistro for a good dinner (with decent wine by the glass too). Their bar seems lively and popular with locals for special evenings, although within a few blocks there are several more modest bars that focus on local beers and are also popular with locals.