AK on the GO

Into the Great Alaskan Interior we went.

A seamless flight on regional airline Era Aviation, an easy transition through Fairbanks International, and AK Fam  landed safely in the Interior of Alaska just in time for dinner. While AK Fam usually favors the airline with the special Visa Card, Alaska, on this trip we chose Era. Why? I was curious to see if the level of service matched that of the big boys, and we while it lacked the polish of Alaska Airlines, the courtesy and care for our family was evident, and for that we were grateful. Flying a local airline also gives visitors a true taste of the, um, character of our state. Why not? It’s fun to jump out of the box on occasion. Also, the Great Alaska Tour Saver offered a 2 for 1 deal to Fairbanks; great deal for the Fam.

We’re billeted at the lovely and fairly new Hampton Inn and Suites  on Harold Bentley Drive. Our room is a modern mix of duvets and granite and golden sunshine, and AK Kid is currently snuggled under his fluffy comforter in preparation for tomorrow’s full day of fun.

Dinner tonight was at the Silver Gulch Brewery, well worth the 10-mile drive from Fairbanks to the community of Fox. Once the old town roadhouse, Silver Gulch began as a simple little brewery and under the guidance of brewmaster Glenn Brady (good name), it became a full-fledged restaurant, meeting place, and home to primo beer brewing in 2007. Superior menu items compliment the vast selection of beers, with microbrews all given such names as “40 Below Stout”,”Epicenter Ale”, and my personal fav, “Copper Creek Amber”.

AK Kid enjoyed his “Sled Dogs”, two corn dogs and a basket of fries certain to please childlike palates. AK Dad and I noshed on Alaskan Hush Puppies and Porter Beer Cheese Soup, a to-die-for concoction with reindeer sausage, the brewery’s own “Pick Axe Porter” and the zip of three cheeses.  I tried the Calypso Chicken Salad and swooned over the roasted hazelnuts and zippy dressing, while Dad scarfed down a Drunken Onion Pork Sandwich complete with wasabi coleslaw. Oy.

Folks are friendly in these here parts; one of the founders of the establishment gave us a tour of the brewery and outbuildings and we could truly see the work that goes into making these beverages (they also sell root beer, a hot commodity).

Our day begins tomorrow with a drive to Chena Hot Springs and plenty of outdoor excitement. We’ll be back tomorrow night to tell you all about it. Cheerio and a good weekend to you all!