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Posted in Alaska December 06, 2016 by Courtney

The One Town In Alaska That’s Anything But Ordinary

Although outsiders might look at the many extremes of Alaska and think that we are crazy for living here, we choose to soak in the unusual and find happiness in living a life that is anything but ordinary. From an abundance of wildlife, an extensively raw and rugged terrain, to temperature swings that are the most extreme on the planet – this town in Alaska is definitely not for the faint of heart. But once you embrace your surroundings, you’ll undeniably fall in love with the last frontier on a profoundly deep level that exceeds all of your wildest expectations.

Alaska's 'Golden Heart City' of Fairbanks is known for its majestic beauty, friendly locals and extreme weather patterns that are anything but ordinary.

What you read in the guide books will paint a picture of epic beauty, largely in part due to the amazing displays of Northern Lights that Fairbanks has.

But more so than anything, Fairbanks is a land of extremes. Just check out this welcome sign in the summer...

Versus the same welcome sign in the winter...

You see, Fairbanks is home to the greatest temperature swing on the planet. You can go from 100 degrees in the summertime...

To -80 in the wintertime.

The city streets go from clean and easy to navigate during the summer months...

To completely covered in snow without a lane in sight during the winter months.

In fact, the frozen wonderland that comes to fruition during the winter months can be found in the city as well as down every back road out there.

Even entire parking lots are frozen solid without a clear marker in sight.

In order to actually survive and maintain during the winter months, you better get used to plugging your vehicle in at night.

You'll even notice that major grocery outlets have plug-ins lining their parking lots. Because with temps this cold, your car's battery needs a constant heat source.

If you forget to plug your car in, you better be prepared to fire up the snowmachine to tackle that morning commute.

Or a dog sled team for transportation is another very viable option that is commonly used in the area.

The Chena River (which runs right through the city) is a beautiful, lush attraction during the summer months.

But it turns into a completely frozen cityscape during the winter months.

In fact, during the summer months the Chena River is the place to be for boaters, sightseers and anyone seeking the ultimate recreational activities.

But during the winter months, the entire river is frozen solid and is transformed into a major ski and snowmachine paradise. Quite the difference, huh?

And while locals and visitors alike beat the summer heat by finding a lake to swim in...

During the wintertime they can be found bundled up and soaking in the chilly temps at outdoor ice parks. Pretty cool if you ask us!

Because the only way to stay sane during months upon months of cold, dark temps is to get outside and embrace the elements.

Fairbanks gets (and stays) so cold during the winter months that this is one of the few places that you could actually get away with living in an igloo, on a seasonal basis of course.

Although some might think this kind of lifestyle sounds crazy, the locals have learned to embrace it with humor and ingenuity.

I mean, only in Fairbanks, Alaska will you see this kind of (perfectly suited) license plate.

For more from Alaska’s ‘Golden Heart City’ be sure to check out this underrated town that might just be the most beautiful place in the last frontier. You’ll also love this neighboring destination in Alaska that is basically heaven on earth.

Courtney

Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.