Valerie is usually the one who does the travel guides around here, but I figured I try one of these. I felt a strong desire to specifically to write our 2 day in Fairbanks Alaska guide because I seriously enjoyed our time there. Not that I don’t love all of the fantastic places that we visit, but I went into Fairbanks intentionally blind. I didn’t know what to expect and Fairbanks was just such an interesting and fun city.
On our recent trip, we stayed in Fairbanks for 3 nights, but divided into 2 different stays with a camping trip to Denali National Park in-between. It total, we spent 2 full days in Fairbanks exploring the city and while it’s a small town, it has so much to give. I think 2 days is a good amount of time to spend in Fairbanks, I could say more, but I don’t think I’d want fewer than 2 full days.
Getting to Fairbanks
While Fairbanks is very remote, it’s pretty well connected to the world. The Fairbanks Airport has lots of flights to the lower 48. We flew to FAI via MSP on Delta Air Lines. Very easy way to get to the interior of Alaska.
If you’re already in Alaska and want to add a trip to Fairbanks, getting here from Anchorage is easy and you have two great options. You can take the Alaska Railroad service from Anchorage or you can fly with Alaska Airlines.
Once you’re in Fairbanks you’ll need a car. This is a very remote area, getting around without a car would require a tour group. I have a hard time recommending tour groups so getting a car is pretty much required for a 2 day stay in Fairbanks.
Where to Stay In Fairbanks
Fairbanks is a small town. If you want to stay in Fairbanks, you pretty much only have 2 options: Downtown Fairbanks and Suburban Fairbanks. Weirdly, because of our trip’s schedule, we stayed both Downtown Fairbanks at the SpringHill Suites and in Suburban Hyatt Place Fairbanks. It all depends on what you’re planning.
We loved staying downtown Fairbanks, it allowed us to walk to lots of activities in town. There are plenty of restaurants and bars to enjoy along with shopping and activities. The downside is the cost, staying downtown always cost more. For a 2 day trip, I think it’s absolutely worth the effort to stay downtown Fairbanks.
In the Suburbs of Fairbanks you’ll have to drive to everything. The good news is that it’s cheaper and parking is plentiful. Because you’re already outside of town, getting out at night to see the northern lights is easier.
Day 1 Fairbanks Activities
We arrived on day zero late at night so all we did was crash at the hotel. We woke up somewhat early, ready to go on day 1.
Breakfast
For breakfast on day 1 in Fairbanks we wanted to get some pastries and coffee. Fairbanks has lots of little coffee shacks and donut shops. Lots of these donut shops sell out early, especially on the weekends so be careful. I love donuts and homemade ones are a great start to a vacation. We went to Donut Shoppe, just south of downtown Fairbanks. Had great homemade donuts and coffee.
Chena Riverwalk
After breakfast head downtown to check out the Chena Riverwalk. The Chena River runs right though the center of Fairbanks. Along the bank of the Chena River is a park with a very short walking trail. It’s not much but it’s a nice way to walk through the city and see what it has to offer. The River Walk runs 3 miles through the city, but you can make this as long or short as you want.
We only walked about a mile of this trail through downtown. Mostly just to get accustomed to the area and see downtown on foot. At the end of the trail is the Morris Thompson Center.
Morris Thompson Center
After walking on the Chena Riverwalk, we stopped into the Morris Thompson Center. The Morris Thompson Center is a visitor center and museum right in Fairbanks. The museum exhibits are excellent and extremely well done. The best part is admission is free. Well worth the visit and takes about 30-45 minutes to see the exhibits in the museum.
FBX Beer Co at Venue Fairbanks
Downtown Fairbanks is not large, but there are lots of little places to explore and hang out. Our favorite place was FBX Beer Co at Venue Fairbanks. We’d been walking and exploring all morning and stopped in for a beer.
FBX Beer was just what we needed, a relaxing environment to enjoy a beer or coffee and check out some local art. The owner Isaiah showed off the art gallery and the hangout spaces.
While traveling we always like to check out and buy some local art. FBX Beer Co was such a cool spot to relax with a drink, look at some art, and of course a few things came home with us to add to our travel collection.
Dinner Time Suggestions
After a few hours of walking, checking out the museum, and enjoying some local art it’s time for dinner. Right across from FBX Beer Co are a couple excellent options. The Crepery Fairbanks comes very highly recommended from some locals so did Soba. We went with Soba to try their Moldovan food and we were so glad we did, it was fantastic and we left absolutely stuffed.
Search for Northern Lights
This is an overnight activity that requires some luck. This is also seriously weather dependent. Not only is it weather dependent, but it’s seasonal too. Our trip was in September and we were fortunate to have a good arura forecast. To see the Northern Lights you need to get out of town, the light pollution from Fairbanks is enough to spoil the view. Trying to see the arura in only 2 days is tricky, but we got lucky.
You can check out the arura forecast at the NOAA website, make sure you’re not wasting your time out in the cold and dark. You also need a clear sky so check your favorite weather website for a night sky. We got the best view of the Northern Lights from a pull-off on the highway. We were heading to the Alaska Pipeline Viewing Area but got lucky on the way.
Day 2 Fairbanks Activities
On day two, after a night of Northern Lights searching, we stayed in a little later than usual. We also did something I rarely do, we had hotel breakfast as it’s fast and easy. It allowed us to get cleaned up and ready to go. We also had some errands to run this day before our camping trip so that took up an hour or two in the morning.
Brewery/Tap Room Hopping
After running our errands, it’s time for some beers. Fairbanks has a very good brewery and tap house scene. We went to several and had a great time at all of them. Downtown there is FBX Beer Co and Lavelle’s Taphouse right down the street from each other. Both are kick ass places to sit and enjoy some local beers.
Closer to the river is Midnite Mine brewing. We tried to go here but we missed their open hours, that’s a bummer as it looked like a cool spot for a beer.
Lunchtime and More Beers
HooDoo Brewing Company is out near the railroad station and had a great outdoor hangout spot with a food truck if you’re looking for a place to eat and drink some local brews. Really enjoyed this spot.
Latitude 65 Brewing Company is where we ended up eating and drinking for lunch. While the brewery doesn’t have a kitchen, right next door is the Chowder House.
Before heading to Latitude 65 Brewing Company we stopped into The Chowder House to grab some take out.
Chowder House does all sorts of chowders and they are available for takeout. So go get some chowder and then take it over to Latitude 65. Enjoy your lunch while drinking some excellent beer.
Local Artists
Something about Fairbanks I wasn’t expecting was the art scene. Many of the breweries had art displayed from local artist. You could drink your beer and take in the atmosphere. All of the pieces are for sale and we always take home a couple things from our travels. FBX Beer Co at Venue Fairbanks has a huge gallery as does Latitude 65.
Shopping Downtown
Ok, here’s were you should go play tourist and check out the shops downtown. Get a spoon for your mom and a hat for your dad. It’s a little cheesy but it’s fun to check out the little stores and shops along 2nd street. There’s also Big Ray’s outdoor supplies that has a good selection of real outdoor gear if you need or want to pick anything up.
Dinner Time
Fairbanks has a somewhat large South-East Asian population and it shows in the restaurants. There are lots of fantastic food options and we took advantage by checking out Thai House Restaurant in Downtown Fairbanks.
Nightcap Drinks
After a day of drinking and eating, nothing sounds better than getting a drink in a dive bar. I love dive bars and Mecca Bar in Fairbanks is perfect. Draft beers, pool tables, copper lined bar, cash only, my type of place.
Anyone who’s from a small town or visits small towns knows Mecca Bar. The bar tenders will talk shop and locals will drop off items for someone coming by later. Go sit at the bar and enjoy a beer to close out a fantastic 2 days in Fairbanks.
Fairbanks Alaska Final Thoughts
Our time in Fairbanks was interesting. I intentionally did very little research into the town as I didn’t want and preconceived ideas about what to expect. I’m not sure I was surprised, so much as I was impressed. I really enjoyed our time in Fairbanks.
Downtown Fairbanks has lots of little shops, restaurants , and tap rooms. Plenty to keep someone busy for several days. I loved the local art scene at the breweries and tap rooms, especially FBX Beer Co and Latitude 65. Morris Thompson Center is a cool little museum in Fairbanks with local history and really great exhibits. For such a small place, it was packed with information.
The food was excellent and not at all what I expected. Simple stuff like great chowder was perfect for the cool weather. So was the hearty Moldovan at Soba along with the spicy curry and stir fry at Thai House Restaurant.
I really enjoyed our time in Fairbanks and would gladly return.
In This Trip
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MSP Airport Concourse C Delta Skyclub Review
MSP Airport Concourse F Delta Skyclub Review
Delta 737-900 Comfort Plus MSP-FAI Review
SpringHill Suites by Marriott Fairbanks Alaska Review
Denali National Park Savage River Campground ReviewHyatt Place Fairbanks Alaska Review
Alaska Airlines 737-800 First Class FAI-ANC Flight Review
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