The majority of people think of interior Alaskan Winter and don't immediately think "Vacation!" You'd be surprised though, there are lots of great things to do in Fairbanks Alaska in the winter - you just have to know where to find them. Well, just look up! The Aurora Borealis begins to show itself as the nights get longer and the frost touches the plants. As the weather turns colder, Ice Carving becomes popular, you'll find ice carvings around town, on the UAF Campus, in parks and in front of businesses. In March you can see the World Ice Art Championship. Alaskan Sled Dogs love what they do - and what they do, of course, is pull sleds! Some dog mushers train to compete, some give tours, and some run the dogs because it's just part of their lives. The Yukon Quest dog sled race alternates it's starting and finish line location - every other year it either begins or ends in Fairbanks (opposite years it's in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada.) Of course there's the favorite local sport of snow-machining, miles and miles of wilderness with pristine snow and not a soul in sight. Regardless of what you choose to pursue in Fairbanks in the winter, you're bound to have a new and unique experience on an Alaskan Vacation.

posted by RachaelD at 1:54 PM

In 1984, Rick Hendrick started Hendrick Motorsports with an unsponsored car, five employees and just 5,000 square feet of space. Over twenty years later, the organization has evolved into one of NASCAR’s top teams with nine championships and over 100 NEXTEL Cup victories.

The Hendrick Motorsports Museum is a must-stop for all stock car racing fans. Inside the museum, see Hendrick Motorsports' most famous stock cars, sports car exhibits and championship trophy displays. Highlights include Jeff Gordon's Daytona 500 winning car, Terry Labonte's Iron Man machine, the Days of Thunder Chevy Lumina and much more. Learn about stock car construction through the “exploded” car display featuring components used in a 200 mph NEXTEL Cup racing machine. Viewing areas for each Hendrick Motorsports race shop provide fans a unique behind-the-scenes peek as teams prepare cars for each race weekend. From racing apparel to diecast, the Hendrick Team Store offers a large variety of collectibles from drivers including Terry Labonte #44, Jeff Gordon #24, Jimmie Johnson #48, Brian Vickers #25 and Kyle Busch #5. Show your fan spirit with the Team Store’s full-line of Hendrick Motorsports logo apparel and souvenirs.

Roush Racing Museum, Race Shops and Corporate Headquarters are all located on Roush Place in Concord, just 10 minutes from Lowe's Motor Speedway. The self-guided tour of the museum is a unique experience. You'll see historical photos, trophies, race vehicles and educational sponsor displays. Racing sights and sounds can be seen and heard from inside the theater. Before leaving, browse through the store to find your favorite driver's exclusive line of Roush Racing apparel, merchandise and award-winning die-cast. Race shops for Mark Martin #6, Greg Biffle #15, Todd Kleuver #06, Matt Kenseth #17, Carl Edwards #99.

posted by RachaelD at 4:28 PM