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Inside Passage
Alaska's
Inside Passage: A Shopping Guide

In
Juneau, check out expertly crafted
and one-of-a kind items available at
Caribou Crossings
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A trip to
Alaska's
Inside Passage isn't complete without some serious shopping
and souvenir hunting.
Yes, commerce is alive and well in this southeastern strip of
Alaska, which
is immensely popular on cruise ship routes and famed for its beautiful
scenery and fascinating history. But how to tell the real finds
from the rubbish?
Check out these expert tips and advice for shopping Alaska's treasures:
Artwork
Native Alaskan artists are known for their creative use of natural
materials. Handicrafts may be fashioned from traditional materials
like gold, silver, wood and ivory, or from more unique materials
like roots, grasses and soapstone. Pottery, glassware and hand-carved
sterling silver are particularly popular. Of course, the ultimate
souvenir is a hand-carved totem, available in a range of styles
and sizes.
In Ketchikan
don't miss SoHo CoHo (5 Creek Street), which sells contemporary
Alaskan artwork and souvenirs, including works by pop artist Ray
Troll.
In Skagway
Corrington's (5th and Broadway) has been selling genuine Alaskan
ivory, native art and other collectibles since 1976.
In Juneau
check out the authentic crafts at Caribou
Crossings (497 S. Franklin Street), which is proudly owned
by a local family.
Fresh,
smoked or canned? Salmon
and specialty food items available
at Skagway's Dejon Delights.
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Jewelry
Accessories buffs will find heaven in the endless string of jewelry
shops lining the streets of Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Diamonds
and gemstones are plentiful, and deals are to be had, especially
toward the end of the summer season, when most shops offer steep
discounts to offload goods before shutting down for the winter.
Keep an eye out for uniquely Alaskan gems, like "Glacier
Ice," a bright blue topaz, and "Alaskan Black Diamond,"
or hematite. Jade, Alaska's official state gem, is also popular.
And don't forget authentic remnants from Alaska's mining history
- a piece of jewelry fashioned from a genuine gold nugget.
In Ketchikan
visit Spectrum (two locations, at 54-A Front Street and 116 Front
Street) for jewelry handcrafted from natural Alexandrite, Tanzanite,
Tourmaline and other precious Alaskan gemstones.
In Skagway
jewelers Casey McBride and Marcia Cook are behind the wilderness-inspired
designs at Taiya
River Jewelry (252 Broadway).
In Juneau
indulge in Alaska's official state gem at The Jade Shop (321 South
Franklin Street), which offers jade from its very own mine in
British Columbia.
Food Products
Alaska prides itself on its abundance of fresh seafood, and luckily,
it offers visitors the chance to take some home. Smoked salmon
is everywhere, as are other salmon products like canned salmon,
salmon dip and even salmon jerkey. Artisanal preserves, honey,
barbeque sauces and chocolates are also popular souvenirs.
In Ketchikan
A Taste of Alaska (18 Creek Street) offers all kinds of regional
foodstuffs.
In Juneau
find the original smoked salmon at Taku
Smokeries (550 South Franklin Street). You can also pick up
gifts and souvenirs.
About
the Author... Jessica Arriola Marati
also see -> Alaska Beaches | Christmas in Alaska | Travel Cruises | Ski Alaska
More about Alaska cruises around the Web:
Fodor's
- Shopping the Inside Passage
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