another day in Fairbanks.  as planned we went for a walk around the little downtown area, across the footbridge and over to Pioneer Park.  it was more crowded since it was Saturday and it’s a free attraction.

we saw a couple of the exhibits we hadn’t seen Friday, like the Pioneer Museum, Kitty Hennesy’s House and the arts center.  the arts center was being used for a rummage sale, so of course we had to do our due dilegence and poke around a bit.  the walk over took longer than expected so we took the bus back.

we were then picked up at 4:30 PM and made our way to Chena Hot Springs, about an hour outside of town.

Chena Hot Springs Resort is pretty, although a bit run down.  they have a large property with hotel rooms, cabins, and yurts you can rent, plus a campground.  there is an activity center, cafe and dining hall, and they have their own hot house, where they grow the produce for the restaurant.  there is an ice mueum, and of course a pool and hot springs.

we arrived in time for the last ice museum tour (not really a tour…a person opens the door and then you and a million other people go into the 26 degree museum and look at ice sculptures and drink a $11 martiniin in a souvenier ice glass if you’re so inclined) and from there made our way to cocktail hour and dinner.  we bypassed the springs, it was just too crowded and well, wet.  we went over to the activity center and hung out until it got dark and the Northern Lights came out again.

activity wasn’t as big as the night before, but it was still pretty and nice to see them in another location.  the Chandalar Ranch was actually a better viewing spot, becasue it was darker and there weren’t as many peope around.  

today we’re off for a river boat cruise which has the potential to be super touristy, but hopefully fun as well.