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dip empanada. Different holidays have different
EMPANADA HOUSE flavors. It’s comfort food in a pocket.”
“Our goal,” says Rosa, “is to create a
From the Heart of Bolivia to the Heart of Alaska tradition—for families in Fairbanks to come
together here, sit and and enjoy each other and
Women in Business than food—it’s a connection to their roots, a fresh empanadas, just like we did back home.”
The Empanada House family describes their
symbol of resilience, and a gift to their adopted mission in one heartfelt phrase: “From the heart
home. of South America to the heart of Alaska one
A Journey of Love and Opportunity empanada at a time” And with every empanada
Javier and Rosa came to Alaska seeking served, that journey continues—nourishing a
a better life for their children. “We came for community with warmth, authenticity, and a
a summer vacation in 1997,” Javier recalls, whole lot of love.
“and we just fell in love with Fairbanks. The Empanada House is located at 2034
community, the seasons—everything.” That Airport Way, Fairbanks, AK 99701. They are
affection soon turned into roots, and the family open Thursday-Sunday from 11-5.
officially made Alaska home.
Their children, Nick and Fiorella, grew up
surrounded by both their Bolivian heritage and
their new Alaskan identity. What started as a
craving for home eventually became a calling.
“We missed empanadas so much,” Rosa laughs.
“So, we started making our own.”
Flavors That Tell a Story
GR’s Empanada House offers the traditional
Bolivian empanada with a blend of beef,
chicken, potato and spices and a rotating menu
of both savory and sweet flavors. Think classics
like cheese and veggie or more adventurous
creations like birria taco empanadas. For
Nestled in the snowy heart of Fairbanks, dessert, customers might find an apple pie
Alaska, GR’s Empanada House is more than a empanada one week and something completely
cozy place to grab a warm bite—it’s a love letter new the next.
from Bolivia to Alaska, hand-folded in dough “We love experimenting,” says Nick. “Super
and filled with tradition, flavor, and heart. For Bowl season brings buffalo chicken dip,
the Gonzalo-Rosa family, the empanada is more jalapeño popper empanadas or a seven layer

site that claimed the lives of Will Rogers and Wiley established campgrounds only and free backcountry
Post near Barrow, Alaska are also on display. GEORGE PARKS HWY 3 permits must be obtained from park headquarters.
The Air Museum is owned and operated by the TO DENALI NATIONAL PARK The interior of Denali National Park and Preserve is
Interior and Arctic Alaska Aeronautical Foundation accessed by a 92-mile gravel road. Only the first 15
(IAAAF), an organization dedicated to preserving the miles are paved and open to private vehicles, providing
aviation history of Alaska and educating the public Denali National Park an opportunity to visit the Savage River day use area.
about the past, present, and future of aviation in Comprised of two peaks, Denali is the tallest The entrance area is where you’ll find most of the
the last frontier. Stories in the museum about early mountain in the world from base to summit, its amenities: Riley Creek Campground, Denali Park
aviation pioneers continue to grow as contemporary impressive north face rising some 20,000 feet above the Hotel and post office, mercantile, convenience store,
pioneers achieve greater heights today. broad plain below. Over 6 million acres of primitive and showers. The railroad depot and Park Headquarters
Ladd Field wilderness area were set aside in 1917 to protect the are also located nearby. The Alaska Railroad offers
History buffs and families will enjoy a tour of Ladd abundant wildlife and majestic habitat of this sub-arctic daily service from Anchorage to Fairbanks, with a
Field, known today as Fort Wainwright. Ladd was the ecosystem. As visitation increased and the narrow stop at Denali between mid-May and mid-September.
first US Army Airfield in Alaska. The World War II park road became a a safety issue, the need for public Located one mile up the road, the Visitor Center is open
facilities were designed to fulfill three purposes: cold transportation was recognized, so the bus system was in the summer. The Murie Science and Learning Center
weather experimental station, air depot for repair and established to limit road traffic while maximizing is open all year to answer questions or help plan trips.
testing of aircraft, and the principle base in Alaska opportunities to view wildlife. Although a bus ride into Located 1/4 mile north of the Park entrance on the
for the Air Transport Command. Today, it is an Army the park is a not-to-be-missed experience, possibilities Denali Rainbow Village RV Park Boardwalk at Mile
installation with modern barracks, family housing, for a variety of adventures abound along the way. 238.6 Parks Hwy, Denali ATV Tours can provide
medical center, and other structures. Private tours can In addition to handling campground and tour bus visitors with an exciting ride through the boreal forest.
be arranged by calling (907) 353-6682. reservations, the National Park Service concessionaire Maneuver quickly through the taiga to picturesque
Other Attractions offers shuttle bus service into the park. This system panoramas of the Alaska Range. Observe glacial
If you happen to be in Fairbanks in March, don’t provides access to backcountry units, campgrounds, moraines and historic archeological dig sites while
miss the creativity and beauty of the World Ice Art day hiking areas, and interpretive activities. The navigating challenging trails, mountain-fed creek beds
Championships. Carvers from all over the world travel drivers make stops to view wildlife and are helpful and and tundra, stopping for photography, wildlife and
to Fairbanks to produce these sparkling, temporary informative. This is an efficient, workable program complimentary snacks. Tackle the terrain in a single-
creations. The ice used for carving is harvested from that gives you several options for seeing the park. You rider ATV or share the thrill in a multi-passenger side-
local ponds in 5-ton blocks and is renowned for its may simply ride out and back or you may elect to get by-side ATV. Choose from a variety of tour lengths and
clarity, density, and slight glacial blue tint. It is so off at some point along the road, spend some time locales, or enjoy 100-mile Jeep tours down the Denali
clear, that one can read a newspaper through a four- hiking, and return later in the day. When planning your Highway.
foot block of ice. Ice Sculpting has been added to the trip, allow plenty of time to catch a returning bus. Fees Also located in the Denali ATV Tours office, Denali
Winter Olympics as a cultural competition. Sculptors for shuttle and tour buses vary according to length of Park Zipline is the only zipline adventure in the area
work single blocks for 60 hours in teams of two, or on trip and participants’ age. There are six campgrounds and offers an innovative, absolutely hands-free 3-hour
twelve blocks for 100 hours in teams of eight. inside the park boundaries. Some are motor home tour above the boreal forest and tundra with 360 degree
At the close of the competition, the sculptures are accessible while others are tent camping only. views of the Alaska Range. At the north end of Rainbow
lit with colored theatrical lights. In most years the ice The Park is open all year but not all entries Village RV Park, Denali Raft Adventures provides top-
holds up well for three to four weeks in the specially are accessible in winter. Camping is permitted in notch scenic rafting and whitewater memories.

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