This year marks the 75th anniversary of Alaska's largest winter festival, the Anchorage Fur Rendezvous or Fur Rondy as it is known among Alaskans.  Celebrations begin on 26 February and end on 7 March 2010.  This event brings Alaskans out of their communities and gather in various parts of the city limits of Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, to provide the much needed "cabin fever relief" that snow bound Alaskans experience with long winters.  For ten days, Alaskans and visitors from around the world gather to feel the warmth of community with the sole purpose of getting in touch with one another to celebrate Alaskan spirit and culture.

     Cornucopia of the Sea by Anchorage Museum for 2010 Crystal Gallery of Ice  (Photo by Caitlin McElwee)

For those looking for last minute deals for air and hotel, here are suggestions.  Neither Alaska Airlines nor University Lake Spring Hill Suites by Marriott provided the writer any compensation for this recommendation.  The exceptional service provided by friendly and pleasant multi-cultural staff members as well as the deals itself are worth noting, especially for those looking into attending the Fur Rondy festivities all week.

Alaska Airlines Announces Special Rondy Travel Deal!

Alaska Airlines is offering Rondy visitors a 7% discount of any published fare when you travel between any Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air city and Anchorage, for travel between February 23, 2010 and March 10, 2010. When booking your flight, use the Discount Code - ECCTA0066 and Save!  Visit www.alaskaair.com today or call the following contact numbers to book your flight.

Alaska Airlines: 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522)
5:00 a.m. - Midnight (PT), Daily
Horizon Air: 1-800-547-9308
5:00 a.m. - Midnight (PT), Daily
 

Krishna Kafle of Bhutan, Nepal (by Gina Alzate)

University Lake Spring Hill Suites by Marriott Winter Deal!

Nestled between Providence Hospital and Alaska Native Medical Center at the base of the Chugach Mountain range, the University Lake Spring Hill Suites provides easy access to nature and to the city. With free wireless internet access throughout the hotel and wired access in hotel rooms and meeting rooms, connecting  to the internet is as easy as attending local events and activities. Airport shuttle service to and from the hotel are also complimentary as well as to the University of Alaska Anchorage and nearby hospitals.  Other complimentary amenities are parking spaces and full breakfast buffet.

The winter rate for spacious studio suites is from $99 (US) plus 12% tax.  The suites feature two queen or king size beds, a sofa bed in the living room section with a large well-lit desk, voice mail and free high-speed Internet access, a pantry area with a small refrigerator, sink and microwave, and separate washrooms.

This smoke-free hotel is located in 4050 University Lake Drive Anchorage, Alaska 99508 USA.  Phone:  1-907-751-6300 or toll-free:  1-877-729-0197.  Local calls from the room are also free. Visit the website for the new University Lake Spring Hill Suites by Marriott.

  A cow moose being curious in the neighborhood is one of Anchorage's famous winter sights.  (Photo by Caitlin McElwee)

 
Related article:

Anchorage Fur Rendezvous 2010 celebrates 75 years of cultural and commercial exchange in Alaska

By Gina Alzate, who is also the National Intercultural Relationship Examiner and the Philadelphia Romance Examiner. She is a Travel Consultant and a Cruise Planner with World Tours and Cruises, and she leads Divine Romance workshops with Holistic Life Designs.  For more information on holistic and metaphysical workshops Gina hosts and/or leads or about the special world tours she coordinates, contact her today.

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