A Road Trip Adventure Through the Last Frontier

When Nick and I started planning our honeymoon, we knew we wanted something unforgettable, something that blended adventure, natural beauty, and a bit of charm. So, where better than Alaska, know of its vast wilderness, stunning scenery, and a touch of magic? Here's how our unforgettable journey unfolded.

Day 1: Arriving in Fairbanks

We landed in Fairbanks, Alaska, and picked up our rental car... a bright orange, Dukes of Hazzard-style Dodge Challenger, complete with a bear scratch across the side. Of course, this choice was Nick's (and he was so excited about it!) I, on the other hand, was thrilled just to be there, taking in the crisp air and the beautiful surroundings.

Our first stop? Downtown Fairbanks. It's small but charming, perfect for an evening stroll. After a bit of exploring, we ended up at Big Daddy's BBQ, right where 1st and 2nd Avenue meet. The BBQ was smoky and delicious, and we could not resist pairing it with a cold beer and cider, a theme that would become a regular part of our trip!

Day 2: A Magical Christmas in the North Pole

The next morning, we set out early for a road trip through the Alaskan wilderness. Driving is something Nick and I love to do together, so this was the perfect start to our honeymoon. First up, we headed to the North Pole. Yes, the North Pole, where Santa Claus lives!

I’m a Christmas lover (if you know me, you already know this), so I was in heaven. The streetlights were giant candy canes, and we visited Santa Land, a magical place where you could meet Santa, enjoy hot chocolate, and soak in all the festive décor. I may have even told Santa my Christmas list (don’t judge). Afterward, we continued our journey, driving through scenic landscapes toward Denali National Park.

Hiking by Denali and Chasing Cider

As we made our way through Alaska, the scenery was simply breathtaking. We stopped along a beautiful river, close to the towering Mount Denali, for a short hike. There’ is definitely something about the tranquility of the Alaskan wilderness that makes everything feel so serene.

On the way back to Fairbanks, we made sure to check out a local brewery for some yummy pizza (and, of course, more cider). The day ended early as we settled into our hotel, exhausted but excited for the adventure that lay ahead.

Day 3: The Aurora Borealis: An Unforgettable Sight

Around 4 AM, we woke up and bundled up for an unforgettable experience: catching the Northern Lights. We drove a little ways out of town to get away from the city lights, and when we looked up, we were greeted by the most spectacular display of the Aurora Borealis.

The green color stretched across the sky, slow and mesmerizing, and we stood in awe, taking it all in. It was one of the most magical moments of the trip, and definitely something I will never forget.

Talkeetna: Small Town Charm and Big Flavor

Once the sun started to rise and the lights were fading out of sight, we set out for Talkeetna, a small town with only about 1,000 people. It was a peaceful, historic place, and we spent the day walking along the river, exploring the trails, and checking out local shops. As foodies, Nick and I could not resist hopping around and sampling some local eats. We started at Latitude 62, a cozy bar where the locals hang out. Nick definitely stood out (as always), but in the best way possible! Then we headed to Mountain High Pizza, followed by a visit to Denali Brewing Company. The cider here was delicious, so much so that we bought a few bottles to take home!

Day 4: Chena Hot Springs Resort: A Relaxing Escape

Next, we drove just outside of Fairbanks to Chena Hot Springs Resort, home to some of the hottest natural hot springs in the area. First, we toured the Ice Museum, where everything, from the art to two custom hotel rooms, were made entirely of ice! I even had an apple martini in an ice glass. It was strong, to say the least.

Afterward, we soaked in the hot springs. While they were incredibly refreshing, they were definitely hot! We only stayed in for about 30 minutes before we had to cool off, but it was a relaxing experience overall.

Discovering Fairbanks’ History and Beauty

Back in Fairbanks, we spent the afternoon at the University of Alaska, visiting the Northern Alaska Museum. The exhibits offered a fascinating glimpse into the state’s history and culture. Afterward, we walked to the university’s botanical gardens, which were stunning. The foliage on the trees was such a refreshing change from the Texas heat we’re used to!

Day 5: Anchorage: From Mountains to the Ocean

The following morning, we flew south to Anchorage, where we picked up our next rental, a tiny Kia. Anchorage is beautiful, with its ocean views and the looming mountains in the background. We spent the day driving around, exploring, and hiking, just as we had done throughout the trip. It’s an incredibly scenic coastal city.

We ended this day by watching movies in our hotel room and simply relaxing. We tend to go on trips where we are on the go, exploring, and fitting in everything in our 24 hour days but for our honeymoon, we switched it up and slowed our pace.

Day 6: Glacier Helicopter Tour

Our final day in the last frontier, consisted of a helicopter tour that was unlike any other we have taken before. But before we got onto the helicopter, we stopped at the famous Gwennie's Old Alaskan Diner. This place is known for their reindeer sausage, which after trying it... rightfully so! The sausage, french toast, and eggs paired nicely with our mimosas with fresh squeezed orange juice.

Now back to the helicopter tour... this one was unlike ones we have taken before because we actually landed on a glacier! It was both inspiring and a bit nerve-wracking, especially as we stood on the ice and looked at the deep cracks beneath our feet. The scale of it all was simply breathtaking.

Waterfalls and More Aurora

After our glacier adventure, we went on a waterfall hike that did not disappoint. The beauty of Alaska’s natural landscape is endless. We wrapped up our trip by chasing the Northern Lights one more time, catching yet another mesmerizing display of the Aurora Borealis. This time, they were dancing and included the colors pink and purple, mixed in with the green. It was the perfect way to end an unforgettable honeymoon.

Our trip to Alaska was everything we hoped for and more. From the cozy town of Fairbanks to the enchanting North Pole, the stunning hikes, and of course, the breathtaking Aurora Borealis, we experienced it all. If you are looking for a honeymoon that mixes adventure, beauty, and a little bit of magic, Alaska is the perfect destination.

For more information, please contact:

Faith Wyatt Harrison

PHONE: (214) 600-1811

EMAIL: faith@perspectiveplanning.net

WEBSITE: perspectiveplanning.net

Source: Perspective Planning