A little north of normal is how Alaskans like to describe themselves. We are apparently becoming a little more Alaskan as we stay here. Today we decided to forgo the cultural side of “The Golden Heart” and explore the more “Northern’ aspects of Fairbanks.

After a hearty breakfast of all the usual culinary delights on offer in your average US hotel including waffles, maple syrup, bagels, 3 types of toast, biscuits, muffins, eggs, sausage, oatmeal, fruit, yogurt, various juices, 3 types of brown liquid (generally categorised as coffee), tea, jams, peanut butter and other spreads, we were of to face our first challenge…

A trip to North Pole and Santa’s Workshop. North Pole, a short drive from Fairbanks, is a Christmas themed tourist town with giant candy cane street lights, street names like “Santa Claus Way” and “Saint Nicholas Drive”. North Pole also sports the worlds biggest Santa (naturally) at 50 ft. tall and weighing in at a lightweight 900 lbs. (do your own conversion if your inclined).

Stand in (sit in) Santa

World’s Biggest Santa

The Workshop at No.101 Saint Nicholas Way North Pole

Challenge number two, “Grizzli’ s Italian Pizza and Pasta Restaurant”,  James went for the chilli bean soup followed by the lasagna, he is still “enjoying” it eight hours later.

Chow Down!

Challenge number three, the Ice Museum and its indoor ice slide.

The Slippery Slope

Ice Bar

Challenge number Four “Indoor Glow Golf”

Putt Putt, Glow Glow

Extra activities included the 50’s diner and another visit to Walmart.

Malt Bar

DC Comics may have a case here.