AK on the GO

It’s true, Alaskans do love winter. A good thing, too, since winter around here lasts anywhere from seven to nine months. Oh, we embrace summertime with the enthusiasm of a long lost love, to be sure, but there’s something about this frosty, sparkling-white season that brings out the best in 49th state residents. Like Fur Rendezvous, one of the best winter carnivals in the world and a perfect introduction to life in Alaska for those who have always wondered “What do they do up there all winter?” It’s also one of the most unique family vacations you’ll ever take, and something kids and parents will talk about for a long, long time. Once they thaw out, of course. Kidding. Sort of.

Fur Rendezvous is a 77 year-old tradition in Anchorage, running for a full 10 days the last part of February. While everyone has their own opinion of what “Fur Rondy” is and is not, I prefer to maintain an impression of “seasonal relief”. After all, we’ve passed the December holidays, snow is still falling, and, frankly, we’re sorta tired of the color wheel consisting of various shades of gray and beige. We still love our activities, but we’re a little weary of the view. BAM! Rondy arrives, and it’s all downhill from here to Breakup, then Spring, then Summer, and we’re ready to do it all over again come Fall.

Fur Rendezvous is more than a festival, it's a cultural connection, as found in the many musical groups who perform all week

I believe that’s what Fur Rendezvous founder Vern Johnson thought in 1933 when he gathered a bunch of his pals and said “Hey, dudes, let’s shake up this joint and have a party!” (I’m sure he said it just like that). Since Anchorage was a city of perhaps 3,000 at that time, stretching from the Park Strip to the south and Ship Creek to the north, folks were pretty anxious to see what Vern and the Boys had in mind, and participated willingly in the bonfire, dog races, baseball game, and hockey tournament. Things grew up from there, and today’s Fur Rondy fills the city from stem to stern with activities, art, and opportunities to show off how we do winter in these here parts. AK Fam loves Fur Rondy; it’s energetic and fun and feels homey enough that we wander the streets waving at folks we know and smiling at those we don’t. Hometown love flows from everywhere, and visitors are made to feel most welcome. Below are a few hot tips from Alaska’s own; people who know Rondy and have passed the torch to us. Come on up, we’ll leave the lantern burning for you!

Riding the merry-go-round clad in parkas; only at Rondy!

DATES: Fur Rendezvous 2012 is scheduled for February 24-March 4. Find a daily schedule of events, ticket information, and a fabulous history of the festival HERE. This website, run by Fur Rendezvous the organization, is always moving and changing, so it’s your best resource for up-to-date info. A heads up: Fur Rondy is not affiliated with the Iditarod Sled Dog Race, which kicks off a Ceremonial Start on Saturday, March 3 on 4th Avenue in downtown Anchorage. It’s separate, but folded into the party as yet another opportunity to whoop and holler for Alaska’s finest critter to ever pull a sled.

GETTING HERE: Alaska Airlines always kicks in some deals around Fur Rendezvous, and this year is offering a 7% discount for bookings made around Rondy dates. Check their website for the rules, regs, and such. The fun part about flying Alaska is their connection to Iditarod teams and support staff/volunteers, so you never know who you’ll be sitting next to on the flight. Fur Rondy will have a FREE shuttle to the festivities from many locations in the greater Anchorage/Midtown area, and a shuttle schedule is available HERE. Utilize it; parking stinks downtown. Alaskans, are you listening??

LODGING: Hoo-boy, lodging can be tough around Rondy and Iditarod time, but with careful planning and a lot of persistance, one can secure a fabulous spot close to the action. For families who want to save a few dollars, the Anchorage Grand Hotel is located right smack across the street from the carnival rides and above the Alaska Railroad depot. Noisy? Sure, but worth it if you want to walk to everything. Kitchenettes and lots of room are perfect for families. If you want a more cozy, intimate experience, head west to the Copper Whale Inn on L street, overlooking Cook Inlet. Manager Glenn loves families, and can set you up with everything you need. He also provides a European-style continental breakfast and great coffee every morning, to fuel you up for a day of Rondy-ing.

ACTIVITIES: You’ve done the rides (kids haven’t lived until they’ve ridden the Gravitron in snow pants), checked out the snow sculptures, watched the Grand Parade and the Running of the Reindeer, but you still want more. Try the Alaska Railroad’s Aurora Winter Train to Talkeetna on Saturday/Sunday, overnighting at our friend Trisha Costello’s Talkeetna Roadhouse, or, take the Thursday Hurricane Train and see some of our famous Alaskan winterscape (who knows, Denali might even put in an appearance for you). Want to stay close to town? Head to the Anchorage Museum for an up-close look at our city’s past, present, and future, connecting the dots for kids, or go ice skating on Westchester Lagoon under a full moon. Hit our ski slopes, too, at either Arctic Valley (for intermediates and above; but they do have an awesome Tube Park), or Hilltop Ski Area.

EATING: Everybody goes to the Glacier Brewhouse during Rondy (hint: it’s THE place to be for the parade, get there by 10:30 a.m. and secure a spot by the window with us), but it’s charged with that winter energy that we love. Try the Salmon BLT, calamari, and peanut butter pie. Kids will love the Children’s Menu and activity pages, and adults enjoy the craft ales. Don’t discount our favorite breakfast spot, Snow City Cafe, for even though lines are long, a call ahead to get on the List will save you time waiting. But even if you have to wait, play games, color, and enjoy their excellent coffee. Everyone’s happy at Snow City, and why not? They win awards every year for their service and food.

I’m ready to Rondy, how ’bout you? Have questions about Fur Rendezvous and any of the ancillary events? Do email us at togoak@gmail.com and we’ll see what we can do to help. Feel the winter love in Alaska!

Dogs? Oh yes, there are dogs at Fur Rendezvous! World Championship Sled Dog Races take place all week

It’s going to be a fast and furious Fun Friday roundup, folks, because here at AK Hacienda, just in time for our first weekend back in Alaska – we have a lovely bout of strep taking up residence in AK Kid. Poor darling, he so wanted to go to school today. Begged me, even. Why? “PE is today, and I love PE.” Whatever it takes, I guess. But I love that he loves to be active, and that’s what AKontheGO is all about. Getting kids (and their parents) out and about, exploring the 49th state. How handy, too, that our Fun Friday sponsor is none other than Alaska Center for Pediatrics, who cares for our Kid, and so many others!

Hallo Bay Bear Camp: Incredible

Speaking of exploring, what a fun time we had on the Alaska Travelgram Show this week, talking with Simyra Hlebechuk, guide and co-owner of Hallo Bay Bear Camp across the water from Homer. Awesome, that’s what it is. Listen HERE and you will agree.

Weekend highlights include:

We heart Ski 4 Kids!

Ski 4 Kids: Happening Saturday at Kincaid Park in Anchorage, S4K is a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to a new sport, or encourage re-entry into a familiar one. Do the obstacle course, try the mock biathlon, or give skijoring a whirl. HEY, you can even enter a race and have AK DAD and I announce your name! Yes, we sure will be there, chatting and yelling and generally having a great time, just like you. 9:30-1 p.m. Be there. Donations accepted. Geared towards kids up to age 14.

Ice Fishing Jamboree: Jewel Lake is the place to be Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The Alaska Sportfishing Association welcomes everyone of every age for free fishing, cocoa, and snacks. They’ll even be giving away prizes. Head to the end of 88th Avenue and look for the warming shed. FREE.

Eagle River Nature Center: Junior Naturalist program at 2 p.m. Saturday will focus on valentines for the birds. Crafts from 2-4 p.m. for kids K-6. Free, but $5 parking for non-members. On Sunday, join volunteers for a fam-friendly sunset hike at 4 p.m., with hot cocoa afterward. The weather should cooperate, so join the fun. Register at 907-694-2108. Free, $5 parking for non-members. All ages.

Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center: Winter hours are here, meaning AWCC is open Saturday and Sunday only through February (good thing it’s a short month). Take the fam, check out the Wood Bison, porcupine, and share the love with a moose. A fabulous place to take the kids, any time. Do get out of the car and walk the property, you’ll get more out of the experience. $10/pp, $30/car. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 907-783-2025. All ages.

Anchorage Museum Family Free Day: February is Black History Month, and the Museum is offering another Family Free Day, generously supported by Wells Fargo, on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Music, storytelling, crafts, and demonstrations are all part of these important events. Go. You’ll love it. Kids preschool and up will enjoy this event.

Homer Winter Carnival: Yep, a party in the winter; gets us ready for Fur Rendezvous, you know, coming up soon. Enjoy a Homer-style parade and other family fun all weekend long. Visit the event website HERE for the deets.

HEADS UP! Our favorite Anchorage ski area, Arctic Valley, is hosting a huge party on Saturday, February 18 to celebrate 75 years of the Anchorage Ski Club’s dedication to the “little area that could.” From 10 a.m.-9 p.m., AV will be featuring music, food, activities, and an additional tubing time at their awesome Tubing Park. Fireworks and a torchlight parade will wind up the evening, and folks are encouraged to stick around for a full day of fun. Check out our blog post about the area HERE, and be sure to listen to the Alaska Travelgram Show on Tuesday, Feb. 14, to WIN a set of tickets to the new Tubing Park. WAHOO! Tubing for preschool and up. Fun for all ages, all other events.

Oh, mercy, I must go. AK Kid finished his popcicle, and is calling me. Aren’t they cute when they’re sick? Poor darlings.

Have a wonderful weekend and we’ll see you tomorrow at Kincaid Park for Ski 4 Kids!