Things to do / Travel Guide
There are many unique shopping options to be found in the Alaska Panhandle - from native crafts and artwork to the latest fashions. Here are a few places you should be sure not to miss:
Juneau
Mt. Roberts Tramway is not your typical gift shop; it's actually a museum and art gallery. Visitors can see native artists work with cedar, argillite, and Alaskan jade, and beading real Tlingit artwork on deerskin hide. Visitors can also learn about the fascinating native lifestyles that have been led in the region for thousands of years, and which continue to be led today by the indigenous population. Among the items for purchase in this establishment are cedar carvings of eagles, wolves, bears, and moose. There are also children's items available along with a library full of Alaska books and local hand-made gifts.
Glacier Smoothie is not what you think; you can't drink these “smoothies!” The shop's owners are referring to silt soap, and it's made only in Juneau. As glaciers grind their way to the ocean, a very fine powder made of clay is produced. It is this clay that makes the whole process special - it's packed full of minerals! The clay is then heated and sifted - all by hand. Every bar of Glacier Smoothie Soap contains this silt, which has been carefully collected for this exclusive process. Smoooothe! Stop in for a great gift idea!
There are indeed shirts to be had at the Alaska Shirt Company, but this little shop goes beyond the mundane T-shirt fare. There is also a nice selection of gifts like plush moose dolls, moose jewelry, moose books, and even moose-themed chocolate. Have you ever tasted chocolate moose droppings? Ya, didn't think so…
Skagway
Skagway Artworks is a great gallery featuring local Skagway artists. Many artistic mediums are for sale here, so you can usually find that certain special unique something to bring home as a souvenir.
Ketchikan
Located near quaint Creek Street in Ketchikan, Blue Heron Gallery & Gifts offers all the best of Alaskan art and gifts. If you walk out without buying something unique and special, you probably didn't look hard enough!
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