The Lower 48 has her Black Friday. Juneau has her Public Market.
In what's considered the biggest shopping and community event of the year, the Juneau Public Market is the premier Christmas gifts and crafts show, starting on Black Friday and lasting throughout the post-Thanksgiving weekend. Each year, there are more than 150 vendors from across the state and the northwest coast, greeting eager Juneauites who plan their weekend around this holiday seasonal tradition.
Though the Market seems to get bigger and bigger each year, the array of top vendors and unique crafts is consistent year after year. Here's a flashback to my visit to the Market two years ago, and while you're at it, check out the highlights from this year's big event.
Adam Dimmitt of Eight Zero Tech constructs these steel wine racks right here in Juneau. I want one! (But who can keep wine in their house long enough?)
Can you imagine a classier housewarming present or wedding gift? Check out Adam's Bent Metal on Facebook.
Ran into famed Alaskan artist, Bruce Nelson, of Kodiak. Check out his exquisite Alaska-themed art at Original Art by Bruce W. Nelson.
These aren't photographs of beach scenes; they're paintings by Bruce W. Nelson. Impressive, eh?
Fresh from Sitka, Gimbal Botanicals featured these goodies from the sea.
Can you IMAGINE this stuff lining a margarita glass or tossed in some buttered popcorn? Get your own at Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co. in Sitka.
Because let's get real. Ice cream just tastes better outta one of these Chilkat Cove Cones.
Because nothing says, "This is the real deal" quite like a sign stating, "I hunt the sea otters I sew with." Boom. There you have it, folks.
My heavens! I've died and gone to a place where Krispy Kreme is plentiful and discounted to $10/dozen.