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Alaska's Inside Passage: A Shopping Guide

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.

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

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Fodor's - Shopping the Inside Passage