Toy Trains!! and other Anchorage, AK Shopping Tips

Name of Shop: Charlie's Alaska Trains

The World's largest selection of Alaska Railroad custom painted trains in all scales from Z to G!! Who doesn't like toy trains!!
Great gifts for kids or adults. Lionel Dealer.

What To Buy: Move your layout north with Alaska Railroad engines, cars, zamboni flats. wonderful selection.


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Theme: Hobbies
Phone: (907)278-7246
Address: 410 G Street
Directions: Between 5th and 6th, Downtown Anchorage

Name of Shop: Cook Inlet Book Company

Alaska's largest independent bookseller with the world's largest collection of books on Alaska and the north as well as general books, magazines, audio, and video. They even have an out of print section and used books.

What To Buy: This trip I got some Alaskan childrens books as a gift for a two year old with the really thick pages and the flaps that reveal Alaskan sights and animals.


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Theme: Books
Phone: (800)240-4148
Address: 415 West 5th Ave
Directions: Downtown Anchorage, across from JC Penny
Website: cookinlet.com
Other Contact: (907)258-4544

Name of Shop: Title Wave Books

I prefer Cook Inlet Books for souvenieers, but most locals like Title Wave. It is a huge, new age kind of bookstore with both new and used titles, lots of places to sit and read, and even a coffee shop. It is a bit too big for my tastes, but it is very popular.

When you enter, you can get a map of the store, or ask at the information counter.

Across the street is another used bookstore with a catchy name "Twice Told Tales" which I haven't visited yet. Worth mentioning as we are in a place with a catchy name.

What To Buy: While travelling, it is always good to have a book, for some quiet time, or to relax after a busy day. Choose something that you will enjoy.


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Theme: Books
Phone: 907-278-9283
Address: 1360 W Northern Lights Blvd - Anchorage, AK 99503
Directions: Northern Lights Blvd is a main shopping street, it is near the REI Store
Website: www.wavebooks.com

Name of Shop: All Alaskan Art & Gifts

Meet Klondike Charlie, a real Alaskan Character. He carves glacial woods. We met earlier in the day and he is just a fun guy, full of stories and jokes. Other artists have their work displayed here and there is something for everyone.

What To Buy: Charlie personalized one of his carvings for me, but there are lots of crafts to choose from. Whatever is to your liking.

What To Pay: All price ranges.

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Theme: Local Craft
Phone: (907)272-4010
Address: 427 W 5th
Directions: Downtown
Website: alaskaonlygifts.com
Other Contact: gifts@alaska.com

Name of Shop: The ULU Factory

Many visitors to Alaska want an ULU which is a rounded blade with a handle used in food preparation. You will see them on display at most gift shops, and they can range from basic models to fancy art work with carved handles. Many of the gift shops carry ULUs made at the ULU factory. So why not just go there and pick out the one that you like.

What To Buy: Buy an ULU. They come in many price ranges and have a cutting bowl. But beware: You can not take these on the airplane. It is best to ship them home. They come in a convienent shipping box with "From" and "To" areas lined waiting for your addresses.

They also have other gifts, including "Yummy Chummies" or pet treats made from Salmon.

The ULU Factory is located near Ship Creek which was the original townsite of Anchorage.

What To Pay: They start at $20 and go from there.

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Theme: Gifts
Address: 211 West Ship Creek -- Anchorage AK 99501
Directions: Near the Train Depot
Website: www.theulufactory.com

Name of Shop: Pia Sweaters Scandinavian Collection

Pia's has all your Scandanavian needs, from clogs and sweaters to matching hat/scarf/gloves sets. It is a fun shop, but quite pricey. Price is relative because the quality is great, and you will get many years enjoyment from your purchases.

What To Buy: I got an "Ole Bull" sweater by Dale of Norway. Gretchen got some clogs. But we had a grand time shopping.

What To Pay: The sweater was around $300, the clogs $90. But there are less expensive gifts also.

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Theme: Gifts
Phone: (907) 277-7964 / (888) 274-9665
Address: 445 W 4th Ave
Directions: 4th and E
Website: piasweaters.com

Name of Shop: Firenze design

This was just a fun store with all kinds of neat things to discover. Furniture, pillows, handbags, pens, all wild looking and fun.

What To Buy: We didn't buy anything, but that is why they call it shopping and not buying.


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Theme: Home Furnishing
Phone: (907) 563-7953
Address: 500 West 6th
Directions: Downtown
Other Contact: firenze1@acsalaska.net