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Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, Fairbanks

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Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields

2699 Waldheim Drive, Fairbanks, AK 99709
907-455-6469
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38 visitor photos
Ranked #1 of 29 activities in Fairbanks
5.0 of 5 stars 89 Reviews
Owner description: I invite you to visit my home, when you come to Fairbanks. I can introduce to my big , friendly huskies,(incase you need a dog- fix while you're away... more » Owner description: I invite you to visit my home, when you come to Fairbanks. I can introduce to my big , friendly huskies,(incase you need a dog- fix while you're away from your own dog) and explain what it's like out on the winter trail camping at 30 ° below zero. I will compare the camping with the routine on the Iditarod and the Yukon Quest ( I was the first woman to complete the race back in 1974, the second running.) And I will share tales of the 1,200 mile dog sled journey in Siberia, the greatest adventure I've experienced so far. Of course we'll check out the garden and go in the cabin and have some home baked refreshments, (You may have seen the cabin on the Home & Garden show) I feel so lucky to live here and I love to share my life with travelers.See you this summer? « less
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89 reviews from our community

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College Station, Texas
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“It's a very interesting visit”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 April 2013

Mary shared us about her adventures and her stories and let us know more about her life and her dogs. It is truly a very interesting and memorable visit. I am happy that we went there. It was the happy ending for our trip to Fairbanks. By the way, Mary truly knows how to enjoy the life and also bakes... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
15 April 2013

Thanks Polly, I'm happy you enjoyed your time at my home. My dogs enjoyed meeting you and your companions.. Did the photos turn out well?. Congratulations on your marriage. You picked a great honeymoon trip. Take good care of each other and maybe we'll see you for an anniversary trip next year??? ByeBye, Mary More

Upper Montclair, New Jersey
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
5 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“A true Alaskan hero”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 March 2013

Mary Shields is an incredibly humble, sweet, and fantastic storyteller. As many have said, she opened her home to us and shared her many stories of her life in Alaska, her adventures through the trails and just her love of nature. We got to meet her dogs, which were all incredibly well taken cared of and loved. She doesn't brag... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by joycelee36 for Fairbanks
maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
26 March 2013

Can you tell I am blushing? What a lovely review. I can only admit in trying to do the things you have given me credit for doing.But Alaska has presented me with incredible opportunities to try some adventurous trials and I am ever grateful for those opportunities. Give Alaska the credit, as my friend HGinny Wood would always say, "... More

Fairbanks, Alaska, United States
1 review
“A Gem”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2013

Wonderful memorable visit with an inspirational woman!! Such a beautiful home with so much history. I absolutely loved meeting the dogs and how much they are a part of Mary's life. Her spirit for adventure and communing with nature touched my heart. I highly recommend this adventure to the old and young alike. You are an amazing accomplished story teller!... More

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maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
15 March 2013

And it was so nice to have you visit Christine. I remember just who you are. My only regret was I didn't have more time to visit with you, one on one. We can correct that, since I see you live in Fairbanks too. I am very honored and humbled when a "local" comes on my tour and then writes... More

Kane, Pennsylvania
1 review
“Little bit of heaven in Alaska”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 March 2013

Mary is an inspiration to all. She opened her home to us and shared her life story and most of all her dogs! A very genuine human being loving and living her life in the Alaskan way. Anyone planning a trip to Alaska would love to hear her story. Thank you for the opportunity.

Was this review helpful? Yes
maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
15 March 2013

Well, Heaven it is...living in Alaska that is. And if I can reflect back some of the wonderful adventures and opportunities Alaska has given me, if I can express that so my guests understand...well then I am a very happy camper indeed. Thanks for the feedback Catie P. Love, Mary Love, Mary More

Mpls, MN
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
“Such an amazing story!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 24 February 2013

We picked this from TripAdvisor; and could hardly believe the reviews. They are real! Mary invites you into her home and story in a way that is so personal you feel a part of it. Not only is she an accomplished musher, but she is an amazing story teller. As you sit and listen to her story of adventures, races,... More

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maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
26 February 2013

Thank you for the energetic review. I'm so glad you and your family found my story interesting. I didn't realize I backed up my adventures with awards and newspaper clippings.. I try not to play that card. I figure if you are with me for a few hours, you will decide for yourself if I am telling the truth. Most... More

San Francisco, California
1 review
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“A living museum, a memorable visit”
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 November 2012

I visited Mary at the suggestion of my sister who loves huskies and saw how highly rated this attraction was on Trip Advisor. I had no idea what to expect. I loved listening to Mary's history. Basically, we visit her home, and find out about her fascinating history, the dogs, and how they are cared for, sledding, etc. I really... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
3 April 2013

Thank you for your extensive review of my tour.( It is the longest review ever submitted.! ) I'm happy you, and your sisters enjoyed my tour.Yes, Alaska has offered wonderful adventures and I'm grateful to have lived them and now to share them with others. My $35 charge seems fair to cover my expenses and time. I would be happy... More

Brisbane, Australia
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Special woman and her dogs”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 November 2012

In September 2012, we were blessed to be able to visit Mary Shields and her sled dogs at her lovely home in the woods of Fairbanks Alaska.What an incredible experience.Mary is a gem who shared with us( my wife and I and another couple) her life and adventures ,from a young 18 year old to a vivacious, capable mature woman... More

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maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
23 February 2013

Thank you Kiwis, I'm so glad you enjoyed your visit. Coming from opposites ends of the Earth, it is comforting to know we share a same appreciation for values in life . I enjoyed meeting you and hope you return some day. You are always welcome here. Mary More

Deltona, Florida, USA
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“Next to Mt. Mckinley Mary Shields is a big #2”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 November 2012

I visited Mary this past summer 2012 with my daughter and a friend. We didn't really know what to expect but what a wonderful experience . She welcomed us with open arms, showed us her home and flower garden. I have some of the most amazing pictures of her flowers. She shared many stories always teaching and giving us information... More

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maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
31 January 2013

Well, what a nice review. at first I thought she was saying I was second as big as Mt. Mckinley, and I've been trying to slim down a bit, so I'm glad on further reading she expanded her analogy. Thanks for the nice words and I look forward to communicating with your students. See you next August! Mary More

POTTSTOWN
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
“One of the nicest afternoons...”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 November 2012

We are on vacation with a Road Scholar group and visited with Mary yesterday. What a lovely afternoon! Mary is a very gracious welcoming hostess; she greeted each of us individually and opened her lovely home to us. Her log cabin is so warm and inviting and a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Mary's passion for dog mushing is... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 4 more reviews by FayDiC for Fairbanks
Melbourne, Australia
1 review
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
“Mary Shields Tails!”
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 October 2012

We went on a trip to Alaska, hoping to go dog sleding but unfortunately for us, there wasn't enought snow around, so the next best thing we found, for our dog fix, was a visit to Mary Shields and her sled dogs. We didn't really know what to expect, as it was on a bit of whim that we went... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
maryshields, Owner at Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields, responded to this review
31 January 2013

I remember your visit and also agree the time passed too quickly. we have lots of snow now.. we all come back you know! Thanks for the nice review. I try my best to provide a meaningful and authentic experience for my guests. Happy New Year, Mary More

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Alaskan Tails of the Trail with Mary Shields
2699 Waldheim Drive
Fairbanks, AK 99709
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