Saturday Market - Anchorage
 

Is going to Saturday Market in Anchorage worthwhile? Are there any vendors you'd recommend, either for food or souveniers? Saturday will be our first day in Alaska but the only Saturday that we'll be near Anchorage. The market sounds like a fun place to kick off our vacation but I'd like to hear from those who have been there.

Don't go out of your way. Just small Flea Market.

We made it to the last one of the season and the highlight was beer battered fried halibut! Spectacular!

I agree- don't go out of your way or cut into other touring interests. It is an OK attraction if you have spare time.

I really enjoyed the market when we visited in 2001. There were food vendors as well as music, fresh produce, and crafts. This year we weren't in Anchorage on a Sat but the tv commercials made it look like it is was even bigger and more fun. It's downtown, go early and if you don't like it, head someplace else. Don't forget, it's also an opportunity to chat with local people if their booth isn't too busy.
This year we were in Homer for their farmers market which is much smaller. I bought a wonderful apple tart which we had for breakfast the next day, and some other breads. We also bought some jams and jellies. There were a few craftspeople and someone selling Kachemak Bay oysters.

I think the Saturday Market in Anchorage was rather small but it is downtown where all the shopping is so what the heck, you might as well go because it probably isn't going to be out of your way. It's right next to the Hilton Hotel. Two of my favorite shops nearby are the Artique (on F Street) it's an art gallery with some nice pottery and a few trinkets - Romney Dodd is one of their featured artist who does beautiful pottery, I love her work. The other place I love is Pia's which has a huge assortment of Norwegian wool sweaters, expensive but nice. No, I guess it's not Alaskan but I love this shop.

You can get yourself a latte at Saturday Market to start your day and stroll from there. The market just isn't as large as Friday market in Portland or Pike Street in Seattle so don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed. I also remember a lot of produce for sale which won't do you too much good if you're staying in a hotel but that was over six years ago when I went, they may have more creative stuff now.

There's not a lot of produce at the Saturday Market anymore because most of the better produce vendors have moved to another site in East Anchorage. There is good food at the Saturday market, including fresh local oyster cooked or raw and other seafood. Mostly its just a bunch of small vendors, operating under portable tent/awnings. They also just started doing a Sunday Market, but I've never been so can't really comment as to what they have.

we just got back from anchorage and they have extended the market to sundays. The food was good and the crafts were well made it just depends what your looking for. picked up some hats for $5.oo same ones the stores are selling for $10.00 and up. It's a nice way to kill some time

I was at the market the first Saturday it opened in May and I have to say I was a bit disappointed with the crafts etc.. for sale. I saw alot of trashy import stuff being sold. There were some nice crafts too, but the mix of the import stuff kind of spoiled it. However, that being said, it is worth a visit if you want some decent food for lunch, and you still may find a gem or two amongst the true crafters there. I just wish they wouldn't let the trashy vendors participate. You can get that kind of stuff anywhere.