Take a Trip – Fairbanks
Don’t let your bleeding or clotting disorder keep you from experiencing the joys of travel. While precautions and preparations need to be taken for anyone with a chronic health problem – you can still get out there and see all the world has offer. Our “Take a Trip” Series aims to highlight places near and far that you may want to visit. We’ll provide you with local information, ideas for joint-friendly things to do, and access to resources so you can enjoy your time away from home.
Fairbanks, Alaska, USA – Ever feel the need to be out in nature? Don’t mind the cold…maybe you even love it? This week’s “Take A Trip” is more than just a long weekend getaway…its and adventure. You’ll have access to amazing wildlife, beautiful mountainous scenery, and some once-in-a-lifetime experiences that are only possible near the arctic circle.
TOP 5 TRIP TO DOS
#1.) Go Green – or yellow or red or maybe even purple. Usually these “Top 5” lists are in “no particular order”, but when we are talking about Fairbanks…this is tops. Take an overnight sled dog or snowcat tour, a flight above the arctic circle, or simply walk outside to take in the Aurora Borealis; otherwise known as the Northern Lights. Daylight can be variable in Alaska depending on the time of year that you visit. If the “lights” happen to be at night, most hotels offer a wake up service so you don’t miss this amazing natural lightshow phenomenon.
#2.) Go from Hot to Cold in one afternoon. A visit to the Chena Hot Springs Resort provides access to the outdoor hotsprings, indoor pool/hottubs, a full service spa, and accomodations in one of their lodges or a round Mongolian style tent called a yurt. Make sure to s
top by the Ice Museum and have a drink at the Ice Bar. Ted Danson, Mary Steenburgen, and John Krasinski have all stopped by to have their signature “Appletini” in an ice-carved martini glass. www.chenahotsprings.com/
#3.) Visit The Pumphouse Restaurant & Saloon for fresh food served “Alaskan Style”. You’ll feel transported back to the 1890’s while you enjoy the Antique Gaming Room – that is until you are treated to some live entertainment or karaoke. Don’t miss – they won’t dissapoint. www.pumphouse.com
#4.) Its Christmas everyday at the North Pole. A short drive from Fairbanks will put you in North Pole, AK, home of the Santa Claus House. A holiday specatacle with hundreds of trimmed trees, thousands of twinkle lights, a life-sized nativity, and a 42 ft. tall Santa. Great opportunity to mail a letter or postcard to the kids or grandkids from Santa (wink wink) and have it post marked “NORTH POLE”. www.santaclaushouse.com
#5.) Now that you’ve seen Santa, its time to run with reindeer. Well, you can…but most people just go for a walk with them or take their picture with them. The 2012 and 2013 recipient of TripAdvisors Certificate of Excellence the Running Reindeer Ranch offers an up close once-in-a-lifetime experience with some of Alaska’s most iconic native wildlife – the Reindeer. www.runningreindeer.com
NEAREST HEMOPHILIA/BLEEDING DISORDER TREATMENT FACILITY
Fairbanks Memorial Hospital
1650 Cowles St
Fairbanks, AK 99701
PHONE: (907) 452-8181
WEBSITE: www.bannerhealth.com
RECOMMENDED HOTEL CLOSEST TO TREATMENT
Regency Fairbanks
95 10th Avenue
Fairbanks, AK 99701
Distance to Treatment Facility: 1.65 miles
Handicapped Accessible: YES
Shuttle Service: YES
Refrigerator Access for Meds: YES
Free Breakfast: YES
Wifi: FREE
Health & Fitness Center w/ Cycles and/or Elipticals: YES
Pool: NO
NEAREST HEMOPHILIA/BLEEDING DISORDER ADVOCACY CHAPTER
Alaska Hemophilia Association
WEBSITE: www.alaskahemophilia.com
Photo Credit: www.1stalaskaoutdoorschool.com; Chena Hot Springs
