Walmart in Ketchikan *BQ Advice!!*

[Budget Queen]

BQ how far is Walmart's from the dock? and what are Wildberry chocolates? They sound yummy. If I went to a store any requested them, would I be likely to get a blank stare?

 

I'll be looking for the Alaska Jack bars for my kids to bring back. They are getting tired of key chains!

 

Thanks as always.

 

 

4 miles from downtown, they have a white shuttle van, which parks on the dock, to the right of the visitor center, from the ship.

 

 

http://www.alaskawildberryproducts.com/

 

Alaska Wildberry candy boxes are in the Alaska souvenier sections of Walmarts. In Ketchikan- located stright back staying along the right- front of the store. They only have a few varieties discounted in Walmart, was on an isle end. The main store is in Homer, with a big one in Anchorage, across from the Mining Co resturant.

[Brewgirl]

Buy tons of souveniers for everyone from local owner stores!!

Don't buy anything at walmart!!!!

[adeline]

Buy tons of souveniers for everyone from local owner stores!!

Don't buy anything at walmart!!!!

 

Good point.

[zachnlucy]

I agree. I do shop at Wal-Mart at home for the necessities, but actually kick myself in the butt everytime I do so because of the small stores they put out of business. I applauded the other day when I heard on NPR that Brooklyn and Queens won't let them in because they want to keep the stores they have.

 

I will not be shopping at Wal-Mart in Alaska.

[mbisson]

Sorry-dbl post, finger stutter.

[mbisson]

Since Walmart is part of my daily life at home I refuse to go to one on vacation, even to save a few bucks. We will do without before I spend one second of my vacation at Wallyworld.:p

 

Until I saw it on these groups, it never occured to me to even go looking for a WalMart while visiting Alaska on a cruise ship. My port times there are just too short for that activity.

 

But that's just my opinion.

 

-Monte

[smattapup]

When we were in ICP, we walked into Hoonah, which is just a tiny little town, and had a snack at the little souvenir shop/cafe there. They were selling t-shirts with the logo of the town's volunteer police force; 100% of the proceeds went straight to the HVP. Now THAT's a souvenir!

 

T-shirts were probably made in China, but so what?

 

Walk into the towns, beyond the docks and beyond the first rows of stores with all the typical tourista stuff. You'll find things that are unique to the town. Maybe it will be a local artisan, or maybe it will be some generic thing that supports a part of the community. Go into bookstores. Go into diners. Go to the town hall. Go to the library. Everyone knows about tourist dollars. If you spend some time, you'll find something that has a connection to the place. And all you have to do is shop!

[Marie321]

What are Alaska Jack bars?

[cjnky]

They are candy bars that all of BQ's friends now expect every time she comes back from AK! :D I definitely plan to try them!

[csk]

I bought several of those knives home from Alaska, went to the factory in Anchorage, know they were more expensive, but they are the most useful thing I have ever used, have it in my kitchen and use if about everyday, same for my kids. I also bought some soap that was made by a local woman, cant remember the name of the shop , but it was in Juneau and we loved it.

[MM27]

I bought an ulu at the factory in Anchorage on one of my Alaska trips. I have also seen an ulu (with a different name, but still an ulu) in my local WalMart right here in New Jersey. It was down the aisle where they sell the kitchen gadgets and other things.

I'm not a big shopper, but I always make sure my dog gets Salmon treats. They stink but the dogs love them.

[LoriPhil]

I read in an earlier post a few months back that you can also get the authentic Alaska-made Ulus in Skagway at the Skagway Art Works (my file notes show the shop to be on Broadway between 6th and 7th). Although more expensive, I like the idea of supporting regional crafts and shop owners. I'd hope the quality of the Alaska Ulus would be better as well (I look for years of service from good kitchen knives and I plan on giving mine a good workout!).

[Grannycb]

Are there any locally made hand carved stone animals?

[Helabama]

Does anyone know if we can bring the chocolate bars on an airplane in a carry-on bag? We're cruising in August and I'm worried about having a melted mess if I put them in my checked baggage. There's a chance the checked bags will be sitting in un-air conditioned places before we get them in Atlanta. With all the security concerns, a dozen wrapped bars of anything would probably be confiscated by the TSA. Has anyone packed them in carry-on luggage?

[SunFunCruiser]

Here is the definition of a souvenir in case any one needs it:

 

"something that serves as a reminder"

[tee_harbor]

Some time back, I read on these boards that true "Native Merchandise - Made in Alaska" will have a Silver Hand Emblem notating: "Native Handicraft From Alaska."

 

There's two different distinctions. I'd seen someone mention purchasing a 'Native-made' product and then being disappointed when they found a tag saying it was made in Canada. Realizing that borders were created by the Western invaders, tribes can live both in what is now Canada and Alaska. So the silver hand means made by a Native American artist. A polar bear on the label means made in Alaska. Slight difference, but distinct.

 

Are there any locally made hand carved stone animals?

 

Yes, those are a common souvenirs for sale.