Where are you flying out from?

Flying from CLT via PHX (but I dont know my exact routing yet)

US Flt# 140
Arrive at ANC at 12:07am on 3/16

US Flt# 194
Depart ANC at 1:30am on 3/20.

I'll try to meet you all in Fairbanks or Chena. I should be home by then and it'd be great to have some fellow FTers come see the Interior. I'll keep an eye on this thread for the final itinerary. Lots of good luncheon places for Thai food in Fairbanks, though I could recommend a couple of good places for dinner as well.

That would be great if you can make it, and we'd apprecaite any suggestions you might have!

IIRC, the Thai joint I ate at was on the corner of 2nd and Cushman. Food was great and reasonably priced. How does it compare to any others nearby?

All the locals I spoke with were fairly universal in singing the praises of the "Turtle Club". What are your thoughts on this as a potential dinner venue? I didn't get a chance to go there last year - I think perhaps they were only serving dinner...

Our Fairbanks-area itinerary is confirmed to be Saturday, March 17 to Monday, March 19, with the best shot at dinner being late Saturday or Sunday (we'll be arriving on the train on Saturday, and the last time I tried that little adventure it was 3 hours late leaving Anchorage ). You're welcome to join us for any of the other activities too!

Sean

ANC to Seward to Homer in a day wouldn't make for a very fun day especially if you actually try to do something in Seward. You also wouldn't have time for some enjoyable things along the way such as stopping for pie at Gwinn's Lodge.

Unfortunately, my MRs are clashing with these dates. Looks like I'm out.
However, next year's Desert DO seems pretty 'do'able.

It's fairly good. And fairly new. So new I can't even think of its name. My personal favorite is the Thai House, followed closely by Lemongrass.

The last time I ate at the Turtle Club was in 1986. I saw it primarily as a Prime Rib place. The food was very good, though the ambience was fairly basic. Most Fairbanksans I know would give the nod to either Lavelle's Bistro in the Marriott Springhill Suites downtown or Pike's Landing. Lavelle's isn't cheap, but the food is excellent! Pikes has bar none the best Sunday breakfast buffet I've ever been to.

The Vallata out on Goldstream serves excellent Italian food.

The Chena Pump House is also quite good and big on historical ambience. Very nice setting and the oldest pool table in Alaska.


That's great you're taking the train up from Anchorage. I've ridden the Alaska Railroad often, but never in the winter. You might want to call the railroad and verify that the advertised "dining service" means a dining car as opposed to a vending machine as was once (and still may be) the case.

If you'll have a rental car in Fairbanks, I'd definitely recommend a drive up to Chena Hot Springs. Also, the Museum of The North is worth a visit.

Perhaps best of all, you'll be in town for the World Ice Art Championship, a definite must see while you're in town. Check out some of the sculptures HERE.

Here's a LIVE VIEW of Fairbanks.

Thanks for all the great advice, Seat 2A! We'll look forward to meeting up with you in just under two weeks.

The dining service, assuming the same as last year, is full-service (in the dining car). Food is okay, not great, and fairly expensive for what you get. But it is convenient, and might be your first shot at reindeer sausage. I would think you would be better-served packing your own food or snacks and planning on a big dinner in Fairbanks upon arrival.

IIRC, the "Aurora train" consists of the locomotive, dining car, and two passenger cars (the single-level kind). I spent most of my time in the vestubule between cars taking pictures and freezing to death...

We're getting to "last call" on this trip for anyone else who was interested...

If you can't go this time, I highly recommend you consider a March trip to Alaska. If cold isn't your thing, September (early) is another wonderful time to visit. ^

Happy and safe travels to all!

Sean

I agree Sean if cold isn't your thing early September is beautiful here that time of the year. I hope you have a great time. I live in Eagle River right outside of Anchorage. It sounds like you have everything well planned. Have fun!!!

I'm expecting a new nephew any day now but if he decides to wait a few more days, I won't be in the lower 48 this weekend, and I should be able to fly up to FAI for the day...I'll keep an eye on this thread. If any other ANC based FT'ers want to buddy pass up to FAI, let me know by PM, and if I go, I'll be glad to take you...

Unfrtunately, a couple of things have come up down in Denali that will preclude my ability to join you all. It's possible that I may be able to attend any functions on Sunday evening. I'll look to this forum to see what the plan is on Sunday afternoon if that should become a reality. On a positive note, the weather is supposed to warm up to about 15 this weekend, so I wish you all a great time.

eastwest and Seat 2A, you've got PMs... =)

Hey Seat2A,

I love lemongrass but I always have trouble finding the entrance to the parking lot. Next time I'm in town I'll have to try Thai House, I think that's the one I've seen downtown.

I've been to Fairbanks before but this January was my first winter visit, and it was so beautiful, even prettier than I expected.

[QUOTE=Seat 2A;7228743]It's fairly good. And fairly new. So new I can't even think of its name. My personal favorite is the Thai House, followed closely by Lemongrass.

Now THAT is dedication!

Glen