Fairbanks Alaska

Lanien Livingston
	"The best trips coincide with local events--the intertribal Pow Wow, World Indian/Eskimo Olympics, Midnight Sun Run, or Equinox Marathon & Relay. They help you get the flavor of the people." Who she is: Born in Anchorage, raised in Fairbanks. Age: 39 Don't miss: Riverboat Discovery tour, UAF Museum, and visiting during a local event.

What are your favorite things about living in Alaska?

The summers. The long daylight hours, clean air, the friendly people living around the state. They are the kind of people who would literally give their own shirt to help someone. The wonderful diversity of people who call Alaska home.

What is there about living in Fairbanks that's unlike any other place in Alaska?

Again I would have to say the summer. I'd say we have the best summers in the whole state. We have such a diversity of climates and people. It has the small-town feeling with big borders.

What's your favorite book on Alaska?

I just finished reading Raising Ourselves: A Gwich'in Coming of Age Story from the Yukon River, by Velma Wallis. I love stories about real people and their real-life experiences.

What's your favorite season?

Summer. I love to be outside, playing softball, long walks. Sitting on the deck at Pike's Landing and watching the sunset. Summer is the time to enjoy everyone without the bulky gear on.

Tell me how you would spend your perfect weekend in Fairbanks, blow by blow.

We have two children, a 16-year-old daughter and a three-year-old son. So we would want to sleep in. If it was just me, I would sleep until whenever and sit read books at the library or spend time at the museum. Anything outdoors would be perfect, be it the botanical gardens up at the university or a cookout with friends and family.

Where's your favorite place to have breakfast in Fairbanks?

For breakfast I would say my husband's melt-in-your-mouth pancakes. If I wasn't going to eat at home then I would say Sourdough Sam's. In Fairbanks there are no big franchises. Most restaurants are locally owned.

What's one experience or attraction you think visitors should not miss in Fairbanks?

How about the top three? I'd say the Riverboat Discovery tour, the UAF Museum, and being here for a local event. I think the best trips are ones that are planned with local events in it, such as the intertribal Pow Wow, World Indian/Eskimo Olympics, Midnight Sun Run, or Equinox Marathon & Relay. They help you get the flavor of the people.

What are top myths that tourists/outsiders have about Alaska?

I worked in the airline industry for many years. I was always amazed when people didn't know about mosquitoes. At Denali a lady asked me if I would give her her money back if she didn't see any animals.

What's one thing about Alaska you think visitors may not know that you would like to share with them?

That there really are places that have Starbucks and high-speed Internet.

If you had to plan a day with just $10-$20 in Fairbanks, what would you do?

Take a walking tour of downtown Fairbanks. Stop at Doyon Plaza and take a look at the amazing artwork displayed in the lobby. There are places where you can get a great cup of coffee here in town.