Dark Sky Studio | Luxury Escape, Fairbanks - Fairbanks

Tucked into the hillside, 15 minutes from downtown, this studio offers true quiet, dark skies, and boutique-hotel comfort. Enjoy a plush queen bed with hotel-quality linens, a full kitchen with coffee bar and curated tea selection, an oversized sofa with smart TV, and a spa-style glass shower. Whether you're here for work, a Fairbanks adventure, or simply need a peaceful place to reset, this studio was designed to make you feel completely at home — with just enough luxury to make it memorable.

The space
Apartment is attached to main house. Washer and dryer are available upon request. Appartment has its own secured enterance.

Guest access
Guests have full private access to the studio through its own separate entrance — no need to pass through our home. The studio is attached to our house only via the garage; our family's living space is on the upper floors and is not shared with guests. Check-in is contactless via a keypad linked directly to your Airbnb reservation — no meeting required. You're welcome to enjoy the private parking area right outside your door. Our two friendly dogs live on the property, so you may see them outside from time to time.

Other things to note
# Fairbanks Guest Guide — Cool Things to Do & Great Places to Eat

*A local's list to help you make the most of your stay at Dark Sky Hillside Studio.*

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## ✨ Aurora & Dark Sky
- **Chase the Northern Lights right from the hillside** — aurora season runs roughly August 21 – April 21. Clear, cold nights away from town lights give you some of the best viewing odds in the state.
- **Chena Hot Springs Resort** (~60 min drive) — soak in a natural rock lake hot spring while the aurora dances overhead, and check out the Aurora Ice Museum, the world's largest year-round ice environment.
- **Aurora tours/mushing expeditions** — several local outfitters run guided aurora-viewing and dog-mushing combo trips if you want an expert pointing you to the clearest skies.

## 🏔️ Top Things to Do
- **University of Alaska Museum of the North** — excellent exhibits on Indigenous culture, the gold rush, dinosaurs, and the aurora; a great rainy-day or cold-day stop.
- **Pioneer Park** — free, year-round Alaska-themed park with a recreated gold-rush town, museums, art galleries, and shops.
- **Riverboat Discovery** — a classic sternwheeler cruise on the Chena/Tanana Rivers with stops at a recreated Athabascan village.
- **Gold Dredge 8** — tour a historic gold dredge and try your hand at gold panning.
- **Running Reindeer Ranch** — walk with free-range reindeer through the boreal forest.
- **Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge** — 2,000-acre refuge on an old dairy farm, great for an easy walk and birdwatching.
- **Antler Arch** — a quirky, must-see photo op made of 100+ intertwined moose and caribou antlers.
- **Fountainhead Antique Auto Museum** — an unexpectedly great collection of vintage cars, fashion, and Alaska aviation history.
- **Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center** — free exhibits on Alaska Native culture plus trip-planning help/maps.
- **Arctic Circle day trips** — drive or fly north past the Arctic Circle; driving tours pass the Trans-Alaska Pipeline along the way.
- **Chena River State Recreation Area** — hiking, paddling, and wildlife-watching (moose, bears, wolves) just outside town.

### Seasonal Picks
- **Winter:** dog sledding, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, the annual World Ice Art Championships (ice carving competition).
- **Summer:** 24-hour "midnight sun" daylight, the Midnight Sun Festival (June 21 — 30,000+ people, live music, local food), hiking, and gold panning.

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## 🍽️ Where to Eat

**Local favorites & classics**
- **The Turtle Club** (Fox) — a beloved local institution for prime rib, log-cabin roadhouse atmosphere.
- **Pike's Landing** — riverside deck on the Chena River, great for a relaxed meal with a view.
- **Pump House** — historic riverfront seafood spot, a longtime Fairbanks favorite.
- **Chowder House** — cozy, affordable, and known for halibut corn chowder and smoked salmon chowder.
- **Silver Gulch Brewing & Bottling Co.** (Fox) — America's northernmost brewery, also a full restaurant.

Thai food (a genuine Fairbanks specialty!)
- **Thai House**
- **Lemongrass Thai Cuisine**
- **Bahn Thai**

**Casual & unique**
- **The Crepery** — sweet and savory crepes, made fresh in front of you.
- **Pita Place** ("Falafel" to locals) — simple, excellent falafel; save room for the coconut baklava.
- **The Cookie Jar** — hearty portions, classic diner-style comfort food.
- **Little Owl Cafe** — good espresso and a cozy work/lunch spot.

**Breweries & distilleries worth a visit**
- **HooDoo Brewing Company** — free tours Saturdays at 4pm.
- **Latitude 65 Brewing** — big taproom just minutes from downtown.
- **Humble Roots Beer Project** — downtown, hop-forward beers and creative cocktails.
- **Ursa Major Distilling** — Alaska's first legal distillery; try the Fairbanks Sourdough Rum.
- **Fairbanks Distilling Company** — housed in the historic Fairbanks City Hall.

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*Tip: Many attractions and restaurants have seasonal hours — worth a quick call or check online before heading out, especially in winter.*