With no adventurous excursions planned, today was a day to explore Fairbanks a bit. The scenery here is just so raw and amazing that of course we wanted to hike it. There aren’t a ton of winter trails within 30 miles or so of here. But with the help of Pike’s reception and AllTrails we were able to find some.
We first headed back toward University of Alaska Fairbanks – locally called UAF. Based on the recommendation of a gentlemen at our front desk we could head to the Georgeson Botanical Garden and get on a couple of trails from there. Obviously not a ton to see right now from a plants and flowers perspective but it was just acres of open, white, snowy fields. Beautiful…and still…and peaceful. Well, we did manage to find the trails but as we do, decided to take the road less traveled.
The map looked to show another trail a bit north of where we were so we decided to just walk across the snowy field to get there. No problem, right? Well, WRONG! But oh so fun! We didn’t get more than a couple of feet when we started to sink into 2-foot deep snow with every step we took! It was absolutely hysterical. See a couple of funny photos below. I could not stop laughing as John decided it was more efficient to crawl rather than walk. And at one point rolling down the hill was the preferred choice of travel. I was sweating and giggling and falling on my butt in the beautiful snow. What simple silly fun!
We did manage to get back on trail and though it was less fun it was certainly a lot easier to manage. We decided to try the other hiking area recommended to us by the man at reception – Creamer’s Field.
Creamer’s Field – Migratory Waterfowl Refuge – is a 2200-acre bird sanctuary right in the middle of Fairbanks. It consists of wetlands and forest and fields and was originally opened as a dairy farm. It also boasts miles of trails through this beautiful area – on the wetlands as well as through the boreal forest. The boreal forest is simply stunning. White, flaky birch trees surrounded and covered in pristine snow. Areas where the weight of the snow has caused the trees to form beautiful arches to walk through as if you’re on a red carpet. And oh so still and quiet. Although we didn’t see any moose or other wildlife it was a really nice – almost meditative – way to enjoy the morning.
We’d been reading about the Cookie Jar restaurant – and getting recommendations to go there – since we arrived in Fairbanks. A sweet, diner-like restaurant with yummy sandwiches and friendly service, it didn’t disappoint. And neither did the Oatmeal Coconut Chocolate Chip cookie. I’d go back for the cookies alone! And the cinnamon rolls looked delicious!
We’d been planning on dinner at The Jazz Bistro since we arrived but were waiting to go on a weekend so that we could hear live music. This is a restaurant featured on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives back in 2021 but we were there for the excellent Cuban food and music we’d read about.
We were taken care of by Rico the head chef and Leonora. It’s a sparsely decorated restaurant but the charm of the people and the incredible food were what mattered. Both Rico and Leonora took the time to chat with us – about where we’re from, the economy, food, drinks. And again, the food was incredible! John copied me and we both got the Salmon Cuban Style. Amazing!
As it was, we were way too early for the live music. It started at 10. Apparently the restaurant turns into a PARTY once the music starts – lots and lots of salsa. So fun. But alas too late for these old folks.
What a nice experience all the way around!