Sure, Santa Claus is comin' to town this week. But what are you doing New Year's Eve? Inquiring minds want to know -- and here are some great ideas.
A. Head north. Sure, it's counter-intuitive. Just when you think it's impossible to get any colder, try imagining New Year's Eve in Fairbanks. Then, grab one of Era Aviation's web specials up to the Golden Heart City and join the crowd at the Fairbanks Princess Lodge.
Nestled along the frozen banks of the Chena River, the Princess is about a mile from the Fairbanks Airport -- and they'll pick you up in their van. Take a friend -- the cost for the big feast and overnight accommodations is just $249 per couple.
I've spent a fair amount of time at the Princess -- there's free wi-fi, and they have a first-rate fireplace blazing away in the lobby. The food's good, too.
For New Year's Eve, there's a five-course dinner, paired with Sterling wines. In fact, there are two main courses. Sort of "surf-n-turf": Scallops and New York strip roast. Yum. The big finish is a Midnight toast with Moet & Chandon White Star champagne. Nice.
B. Go rustic. The Talkeetna Roadhouse (www.talkeetnaroadhouse.com) will host you for the evening in beautiful downtown Talkeetna. There's a family-style dinner at 8:00 pm, followed by music at 11:00 pm (Weepin' Willies). The Roadhouse also will be open on New Year's Day between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm for "Recovery Breakfast." Save room for one of their famous cinnamon rolls!
C. Head to Alyeska. Alyeska Resort always has a great party on New Year's Eve -- and this year is no exception. Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons are playing at the Sitzmark Bar and Grill.
Up on the mountain, there is a special dinner planned at the Seven Glaciers restaurant. Think pink champagne, King Crab Rockefeller and Lobster Bisque. And that's just for starters. Of course, there's a special wine paired up with each course. Choose your entree: beef fillet, Mahi Mahi or duck. This is a great way to start the New Year in style! Two seatings: 5:30 pm and 9:00 pm. Cost is $78 per adult.
In the hotel, the Pond Café also offers a special New Year's Eve buffet for $38 per adult. Choose from Prime Rib, crab-stuffed sole and other goodies.
If you can't make a trip on New Year's Eve, consider the "Uncorked" food and wine event at Land's End Resort in Homer.
Slated for Fri., Jan. 8, these monthly food-and-wine events at the Chart Room are fun. You can just go for the dinner, or spend the night (recommended!). You also can bundle it with air fare from Anchorage for a "Flyaway" package.
Highlights from this "New Year's Traditions" menu include: Yellow fin tempura, black eyed peas, herb-encrusted New Year's Lamb and homemade mango sorbet.
The folks at Land's End also feature a special wine with each course. Cost is $70 per person, which includes tax and gratuity.
Online Resources:
Land's End Resort: Learn more about "Uncorked" and available packages in Homer. www.lands-end-resort.com
Alyeska Resort: Lots of activity at Alaska's world-class ski resort during the Holidays. www.alyeskaresort.com
Muse, at the Anchorage Museum: Check out the video of a lunch at Muse last week. http://is.gd/5wyl3
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant who has lived in Alaska for three decades, spending much of that time traveling the far-flung corners of the state. Visit his website at www.alaskatravelgram.com.