I have heard incredible things about the Turtle Club, too. There are a few good restaurants in FAI--I lived there for five months and looked really hard for them (you have to, since FAI keeps them nicely hidden).

The one on the ground floor of the Springhill Suites, Lavelle's Bistro, downtown is, as you mentioned, one of them.

Some other top picks, as best I can remember:
Cookie Jar--good traditional Americana food
Chatanika Lodge--it may not be as good since Chef Alejandro's departure, but the international food he cooked up was some of the most diverse and delicious in Interior Alaska
College Town Pizzeria--Fairbanks's answer to Moose's Tooth. I prefer the latter, but this place whips up a unique batch of gourmet pizzas
Gambardella's Pasta Bella--derided by some as inauthentic, and maybe it was just because it was all I could get for the five months I lived there, but I still crave their chicken fettucine alfredo
Geraldo's--arguably the better Italian option in the city
Lavelle's Bistro--mentioned above, and probably the nicest restaurant in the city. The wine list compares with those from top restaurants in New York
Lemon Grass Thai Cuisine--I don't know what brochures for Fairbanks got mailed to Thailand, but for whatever reason, if you want good Thai, come to Fairbanks. Lemon Grass was my favorite of the many Thai restaurants there
Los Amigos--the halibut fajita I had here has not been matched by any other fajita I've had anywhere else in the U.S.
Pizza 4 Less--not sure about the pizza, but the Indian food the Indian owners cook up is spectacular (I've been craving their saffron rice with chicken for the last three years). Take-out/delivery only
Pump House--a historic building with great atmosphere. I can't recall much about the food itself, but the restaurant is always busy

I hope so too. Just make sure that you do in-depth research into the restaurants and bars so that we know exactly where to go during DO II!

*sigh*

I may have to change my "maybe" to a "no". It'll all depend on whether or not I find a job and if I have vacation time...and can take it at that point.

Just completed some hard research tonight at the Mooses Tooth ^

Really appreciate you guys going through such hardship to provide all of us with in-depth research :D

How come you're not signed up yet?

Oh Wait, neither am I until now. Can't believe I spaced this one out.

Any plans for the ANC portion yet? I need to make my case with Monitor & Franny for a short stop in ANC.

My bad :eek:

I'm in and the pile o' wine is growing again, but Christmas is coming ;)

I'll see what I can come up with for pre Do festivities. Perhaps that can be added to the info posts to see who will be around. It's probably to early for BBQ, but we never stop that just cuz it's cold.

Just reread some posts and want to clarify I am in ANC and not FAI... thusly I am more then likely to attend events in the ANC area (when work & school allow - no clue of schedule for either yet... but later evenings should be good) was speculating on visiting FAI late Sun night... but am flying back from MIA that day...

I need to sign up for classes soon so I can figure out what exactly I am doing... I was contemplating taking several online courses, and then would have more 'free time' but TBA I guess...

Why not a post Do BBQ :D? The weather would be marginally warmer then... and I'd be back in the state... (ill timing for MIA... unless a great deal crops up that forces me to return for the pre-do-bbq... along the lines of $200 AI MIA-SEA-ANC-SEA-MIA that thurs & fri :D- I can dream can't I:p)

That might be possible. The pre-do BBQ is for Franny & Bob.

Newbie to this thread hear:

I and my brother will be in ANC March 7-11th. Will unfortunately miss the DO (bummer), but if anyone else is in town early (or locals) and want to meet up somehow I would be interested.

We're probably doing the Iditarod restart on the 8th, but otherwise don't have much plans (thinking about museums in ANC, Girdwood, maybe Homer/Seward). At one point we were thinking about driving to Denali and up to FAI (I have a friend there) but that's a lot of driving for a short trip. So if anyone else has any great tips (thanks for those that have responded to my PM's) or wants to meet up let me know.

Sorry we are going to miss the DO!

- ok so here's a stupid question, I've been on FT for a few years and understand the concept and glossary definition of "DO", but does it really stand for anything or how did the term come about???

Not a stupid question--it's a unique-to-Flyertalkism. I think all you need to know can be found here and here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=480017

http://www.flyertalk.com/forums/show...773&highlight= (especially look at posts #10 and #14)

Have fun! Look forward to meeting you!

Depending on your arrival in ANC... we might cross in the airport or probably the air... Leave ANC around 8 AM... have a layover in JNU... arrive in SEA past 5:30 PM... next day head to MIA...

Enjoy the snow & the dogs!

Ha, funny. The whole time I was pronouncing "Do" like "dough" or "duh". Duh! :D Thanks for this info, I guess I could have searched it.

Sounds like you'll be around in March when I'm up there with my brother. I'll PM you as the time gets closer.

It seems our hosts are being a little slow....
How about an update on the festivities

1. Alaska Railroad times & route #

2. Hotel central in FAI

3. Hotel at the hot springs ( any special group rate?) Clothing optional is not an option for the dip....

4. Return times for group going back to ANC

I'm sure there is more but I would hate for part of the group to be at Sophie's, part at Westmark, part at Pike's, part at Princess, etc. Just trying to put some structure to the PARTY!!!!

And how are we planning to get to Chena Hot Springs from FAI? :rolleyes:

I am now a Florida driver altho I will admit that I never bothered to figure out how to drive an automatic shift in the snow. ;)

Ditto on what Bob said.
I'm very interested, but due to scant info am a bit hesitant to pull the trigger on airfare.

#2 From the schedule, departure 8:30 am ANC, arrive 8pm FAI
"Fur Rendezvous 2009 Special Fare
Alaska Railroad is offering a special fare on the Aurora Winter train during the Fur Rendezvous being held in Anchorage this winter during the months of February and March.

Call reservations at 800-544-0552 and mention "Fur Rondy" to get this special rate.

Pay just $99.00 per Adult and $75 per child ages 2-11 for one-way rail travel between Feb 22 and Mar 14, 2009 on the Aurora Winter Train from Anchorage to Fairbanks, either way.

This offer is valid on new bookings only, with payment due at time of booking and no other discounts apply. The rail change/cancellation policy applies. "
http://alaskarailroad.com/arrc18.html

#3 Seems to be just the one hotel, Chena Hot Springs resort
http://www.chenahotsprings.com/index.php?id=83

ERA Helicopter rental/charter :D

At least its soft and cushiony when you go in the ditch :p ...right :rolleyes::D

Guys. I will not be able to make this. My work schedule this year is very tight and will not be able to get away in march. Hope all of u have fun. One of these days I will make to Alaska.

Would someone PM vysean and remind him he's planning this? ;)

If he's too busy to pull it off, maybe some combination of locals could start to pull it together...I'm not ready to volunteer to run the whole thing myself (not even sure I'd be able to get the time off yet), but I'm willing to do what I can...

I signed up for the FAI portion but am not listed yet. I've done the Kenai Peninsula so I won't be doing the second half.

An "update"... ;)

The itinerary as posted is still accurate, the only addition would be Tuesday/Wednesday in ANC - I'm not going to do a longer trip than that. I can give suggestions for those wishing to stay longer to visit Seward or Homer (both of which are awesome and well worth the visit).

The Tuesday addition would be either:
1. Tour of Anchorage-area sights and drive to Girdwood for snowmachine trip (or skip the snowmachine trip but drive to Girdwood to enjoy the amazing views if the weather is decent).
- or -
2. Drive to Seward for one hour Resurrection Bay cruise and visit to Alaska SeaLife Center (cruise contingent on weather).

As for everything else:

Friday night hotel in Anchorage - your choice, you just need to get a taxi to the train terminal Saturday morning (about $12 from downtown, and chances are we can carpool).

I've stayed at each of the Hilton properties, and all are okay to good - haven't tried the Sheraton (and it seems to get mixed reviews). Hotel Captain Cook is nice but expensive, and I've also stayed at the hotel next to the Benihana - it's got large rooms that can easily sleep six (can dig up the name if anyone cares). So you pick the hotel that you need the stay credit with... ;)

Saturday:
Train/Flight Package - waiting on response from Alaska Railroad - will call again in the morning. Price last year was $239 (am attempting to negotiate a group rate).

Hotel - am working on groups rates at the following:
$84 Princess Lodge
$80 Springhill Suites by Mariott
$89 Holiday Inn Express
$56 Westmark (Holland America)

Right now the Westmark is the cheapest at $56 per night w/ free shuttle, parking, and Internet. Not sure if we'll be able to do better than that. The Westmark and the Princess Lodge are located next to each other and very close to the airport (as I think the HIX is), while the Springhill Suites is in a great location at the heart of downtown.

Sunday:
Waiting on a return call from Chena Hot Springs Resort regarding group rates. If that doesn't prove much of a discount, would one of the Alaskans who may join us be willing to assist in booking as an AK state resident (you get a pretty decent discount from what we "foreigners" get...)

Activities - also waiting on group price quotes. Please take a look at this page for details on what's available and published prices: http://www.chenahotsprings.com/index.php?id=winter

Monday -
Waiting on Alaska Railroad for train/flight pricing. It does look like AS has cut one of their evening flights, so our only options to return on Monday are AS190 at 5pm or AS192 at 8:45pm - both would return to Anchorage with enough time to catch most connecting red-eye flights back to the lower-48 (and probably even enough time to catch a beer and a burger or pizza at one of the local watering holes).

Hotel for those staying over - again, probably your choice as there will be very few people sticking around for the non-FAI portion. I'll either be in the Hilton or the Sheraton depending on where I need a stay credit more... :)

Activity costs for the ANC-portion are as follows:
5 hour snowmachine trip - $240. They're hesitant to offer any group discount, but my guess is some flexibility exists - I know I didn't pay anything close to that the last time I used this company for the same tour. If the weather cooperates, it's both amazingly beautiful scenery and a lot of fun. If the weather is bad, they've still run the tour (unless it's really bad), but you don't see nearly as much and it can be a little less fun (you're going along at 30-40mph and can't see dips and holes in front of you that really help to define the term "bone-jarring"). The first time we made it to the glacier but couldn't get to the ice caves, the second time we did both and the ice caves were amazing!

Details - http://www.snowtours.net/winter.html

The Seward cruise is $69 and includes free admission to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center which is just down the street from the snowmachine place (timing may prevent us from visiting the AWCC however). Details at http://www.kenaifjords.com/638.cfm

Note - the cruise operates on Wednesdays, so we'd either have to do this Wednesday (I'm happy to stay an extra day), or see if they'll run one Tuesday for our quite small group (if they did run it on Tuesday it would likely be on a smaller boat - keep this in mind if you suffer from motion sickness).

Alaska SeaLife Center - I'll call on group discounts if there is any interest in going here, though we are likely too small to qualify. More details can be found at http://www.alaskasealife.org/. It's a neat place, but at $20 a bit overpriced in my opinion. It used to be included for free with the Resurrection Bay cruise on Kenai Fjords, but it looks like they've subbed the AWCC for the ASLC.

Finally, if there is enough interest, I'd be happy to take those few remaining in ANC after the FAI portion to Homer on Tuesday (returning Wednesday). In Homer, we'd stay at the Land's End hotel and while there go to the Pratt Museum ($6 - http://www.prattmuseum.org/) and bum around the spit a bit. In 2006 this was the premier place for seeing and photographing bald eagles. In 2007 they changed the laws on feeding and it was still a good place to see bald eagles but not as good for photography. I have no idea what this year will be like, but Homer is an interesting place to visit with some incredible scenery both surrounding the town and along the way. It may (stressing the may part) be possible to stop in Seward on the way back Wednesday in time to catch the Resurrection Bay tour, and then get back to Anchorage with enough time leftover to visit some of the sights and/or a museum (the Anchorage Art museum is a nice stop and reasonably priced).

Were it summer, I'd suggest parking at the DOT building and watching the seaplanes takeoff and land, but unfortunately the water will be frozen solid... :p

I hope this helps a little bit and I hope to have the final rate quotes for hotels tomorrow (Wednesday) so that those who wish to reserve and pay right now can do so.

Frankly, the only imperative (other than a flight to ANC) is the train+flight package that I hope to confirm in a few hours time and a confirmed booking for the Aurora snowcoach tour for those interested (it'll be a very cold and very late night - I think we started at 10pm and didn't get back until 2am - but it was definitely worth it).

Any questions or concerns on the above, please feel free to PM me or post here, and I do apologize for the delay in my response and the lack of group rate details - hopefully this will all be resolved tomorrow!

BTW, for photos from the same trip from 2006, you can visit my website at http://www.biatphotography.com/photo...p?g2_itemId=13. If okay with another FTer, I'll post a link to his photos from the 2007 Fairbanks-only portion.

Bob - Sorry I missed you're "I'm in" post - I've updated the attendee list.

If you're still up for a pre/post-DO in ANC, I can PM everyone who has expressed interest to see if they'll be around for either and notate that on the attendee list. It's a very generous offer. ^

Regarding the train schedule - here's the schedule from the AKRR site (it's an image, not a webpage) - http://www.akrr.com/contentimages/2009-AWT-Schedule.gif

In my experience, there's a lot of padding on that schedule, as even with a 2-3 hour delay leaving ANC we still made it to FAI within 20 minutes of schedule. The other trip arrived almost an hour early without significant delay. Note that the train stops at scenic points along the way for pictures, and you're welcome to stand between cars to take pictures at any time during the trip (though it's quite an experience - it can literally take your breath away as cold as it is).

Angel - your attendance is compulsory... tell your boss... :) Especially as you can now do it with only one day off of work.

The bold texts are my thoughts cuz' I've never been able to make multi-quote work for me.

The offer is open on both sides of the DO. Just let me know how many if they want some basic home cooking. OK, I can open some good wines to get us through the night.

Angel, don't make me come and kidnap you!!! (Like I'm planning on doing with Missydarlin)!!! ;) :D

By sled dog... :p


Seriously, by car, though I'm not sure of the exact arrangements until I have an exact headcount. It's looking like we'll just rent two cars and split the cost amongst the attendees (2 2-day rentals). I'll be happy to drive one car, and we'll need someone to volunteer to drive the other. I've found the roads to be decent to good in and between FAI and Chena, though I wouldn't give such a generous assessment to the stretch between Girdwood and Seward (talk about a :eek::o:rolleyes: experience).

I am (now) an Arizona driver, so snow isn't exactly commonplace where I live... ;)

Concerning the FAI overnight: We have stayed at the Princess and it is very nice but somewhat remotely located. We did not like either Westmark that we stayed at (one in Juneau and the other in Valdez) and IIRC, being downtown in Fairbanks is really the place to be. Therefore, our vote is for the Springhill.

I'm fine with the Springhill too - I'm just not sure how price sensitive everyone else is and whether the $30 will really make or break it for some (hope not given the other costs... :p).

BOB W - Thanks for correcting my error on the Westmark's location - I've stayed at the Princess and thought the hotel next door was the Westmark - guess I should have paid better attention.

The Springhill is the best location for the Sunday morning stuff, but the Princess is in a decent location for our arrival and the late-night Ice Art Championships. Additionally, it's fun to watch big SUVs driving across the frozen river next to the Princess lodge - I don't know if they do that closer to the Springhill or not. I am told that every year someone gets wet when the ice breaks and their car becomes a submarine.

Its possible that I'll be in ANC on that Wednesday (18th?) and available in the late afternoon/evening

Jackal & I know where you live ;)

Come up early. The MVPG lunch can wait........

Well then I do believe I'll stick around and fly out that night.

For those that will be in ANC Monday/Wednesday night, does anyone have any particular thoughts on:

Moose's Tooth
Sleeping Lady
Bear Tooth Grill
Glacier Brewing
Benihanas

or another favorite restaurant???

Suite 100 is a great place by the Dimond Center. Great food & a VERY liberal corkage program for wines brought in for dinner. Just another suggestion... It is a little bit away from downtown.

I will try guys. Let me see if I can get a better routing. Right now no awards are available with Skyteam to ANC.

Quick status update:

Springhill Suites in Fairbanks - was told to expect $10 to $15 discount from list, so $74-$79 per night. Will have confirmation of this tomorrow, but is contingent on booking a minimum of ten rooms. Otherwise, we can book the AAA rate at $80 per night (haven't checked to see what the government rate might be in case anyone qualifies for that).

Alaska Railroad Train+Flight - It is priced separately, and is actually cheaper if we each book under the Fur Rondy one-way promotion ($99) and simply book a one-way flight on AS ($139).

Chena Hot Springs Resort - 20% discount off rack rate for 10 or more room nights. Not sure if we'll have enough people to qualify. They're getting full so we'll need to decide on this one fairly soon. No discount offered on activities, but I can keep trying.

I think those were the big outstanding questions, so once I've confirmed with the Marriott folks the rate, I'll post a final list of all costs.

Does anyone have any thoughts/concerns on any of the hotels?

What about activities while in Chena?

I am booked, arriving Thurs night shortly before 10pm, and leaving Mon night/Tues morning at 12:30 am (ouch).

Monitor +1 are arriving late Wednesday, Seeya is arriving late Thursday. I'm not sure when I will accomplish the kidnapping of Missydarlin & Angel (I may need some help with that one;) ) I'll host dinner at my place Friday night. Everyone is welcome. Anyone who knows me knows I love to offer up the "Pile O Wine" for the ANC events.

Vysean, please add this Friday night dinner to the event listing.

Bob and I will kidnap you in the cult van if you're not here... :D

On the subject of cult vans, I can arrange the very reasonable rental of up to three (depending on availability) 12-passenger vans in Anchorage if a group decides to brave the drive to Seward and/or Homer. Technically, to get the special, I have to actually drive one of the vans, in which case I might be able to make it ludicrously cheap (think $2.50 per person per day plus gas if the van is full) using my wiles and magic, but it looks like I'll be out of the Tuesday/Wednesday south-of-Anchorage ideas. Should still be able to make it a fair price, though.

Minivans (7 passengers) are an option, too.

I may have connections for something similar (though doubtfully quite as good a deal) in Fairbanks and should know more tomorrow.

Here are ideas or things I might be able to help with:

Anchorage

• The hotel near Benihana that vysean was thinking about is the Hawthorn Suites.
  
• I may have connections with the three Midtown Hilton properties (HGI, Homewood Suites, and Hampton), as our business partners extensively with them. They have airport and downtown shuttles, or we can also do the cult van rental if people are arriving early and want to do a group activity on Friday.

Fairbanks

• I'm sure between us locals we can work on the Chena Hot Springs Resort local discount.
  
• Former coworkers run the Minnie Street B&B in Fairbanks. Not sure how it would work, but the option exists to ask them what kind of deal they can make for a large group to basically take over their B&B for the weekend! ;) No hotel points, though... :p

Before I talk to any of these contacts, though, I need to have some realistic numbers of participants so I can get realistic quotes and discounts. Who needs hotel accommodations in ANC (and who's couch surfing? ;))? Right now vysean needs a hotel room--I'm not sure about the rest of the confirmed participants, but it appears we're not going to be booking the entire north wing of the Homewood. (I can still talk to the GM even if it's only two or three rooms and see what they can do for us.) I see 8 confirmed people needing accommodations in FAI, though some will likely be sharing rooms (at least monitor and franny, and I'm up for splitting costs, too), and hopefully that number increases substantially!

I'm off from classes from March 9-15, but I work March 11-14. I *may* be able to make a deal with coworkers and trade to get Friday and Saturday off, but I won't be able to commit to that for a bit. The earlier return from Fairbanks on Monday works for me; the later one likely won't (but may be negotiable). I will, unfortunately, be unable to participate in the out-of-town trips on the 16th and 17th, as I have classes I can't miss (I originally thought they were the preceding Tuesday/Wednesday), but I'll see what I can do about the ultra-discounted cult van rate.

I have hotel reservations set up in ANC and FAI, but if there is a better group rate, I'd be all for that.
About the AS flight FAI-ANC, how many are planning on the 5pm flight vs the later one?
I have a reservation on hold, but would hate to miss out on the 'party flight'. ;)

I "am" thinking about flying up early to FAI on Tuesday to see the ice carvings, then back to ANC Tues night... but I have to be up ungodly early for the Gold Breakfast on Wednesday morning, followed by the lunch. So I'd be free around 2:30. My arriving any earlier would be contingent on finances and workload...so don't count on it ;)

If I'm there, and if Bob W will open his house again on Wednesday, I can guarantee there would be risotto involved :)

Sadly though, I think I'll miss most of the other out of town contingent.