Anchorage, Alaska: Souvenir Shopping
Traditional Alaskan birch bark baskets from J. Choate Basketry at Anchorage's downtown summer market.
By Tara Kyle
Just spent the afternoon at the Anchorage Market and Festival -- a highlight of summer weekends here. Located downtown, just a short hop from the start of the Coastal Trail, the outdoor market has grown from a couple of dozen vendors 15 years ago to more than 300 today. There are loads of local crafts, culinary treats, and free entertainment.
The best shopping is at the stands featuring native Alaskan crafts such as birch bark baskets (I remember birch bark basketry lessons from my elementary school days in Alaskan Studies class) and jewelry made from the ivory of woolly mammoths (I bought an ivory beaded bracelet for $20).
11,000-year-old mammoth ivory combined with stones like jade and amethyst.
Samples of Alaskan reindeer sausage, spicy mustard, and pretzels from Indian Valley Meats.
There are tempting culinary souvenirs to take home too -- among them reindeer sausage, smoked fish, birch caramels, jams, and fudge.
Cream caramels from Kahiltna Birchworks (my father, who lives here and knows his desserts, took home a box).
As for snacking at the market, food options reflect Anchorage's significant Hispanic, Asian-American, Pacific Islander, and African-American communities. For a traditionally Alaskan bite, however, make a beeline for anything with salmon or halibut. I recommend the spicy salmon quesadillas, preferably accompanied by local entertainment:
Alaskan teenagers break dance near the market's picnic tables.
Stay tuned for more Alaska travel tips this week.
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