Archive for the 'Businesses' Category
Alaskana Books In Palmer Alaska June 18th, 2009
I made a visit during Colony Days to Alaskana Books at 564 S Denali in Palmer, Alaska. This is probably my favorite bookstore in the whole state. If you want to read about Alaska this is the place to go. It is one of the temptations in Palmer for me. I can’t seem to go in that store without spending money. They have shelves and shelves of alaskan books. Most of the books are used, some are extremely old, some are pretty obscure, all are very interesting.
Alaskana Books is owned and operated by Lorie Kirker. She is a long time alaskan, having spent much of her life teaching in bush Alaska. She spent a lot of time in places like King Cove and Dutch Harbor. She is helped in the store by her good friend Lynette Lehn whom she met in college. Lynette talked Lorie into coming to Alaska with her husband and now they are both retired teachers working together in the store. 
The entry way is currently set up on a Colony Days theme with Palmer especially featured. Inside are books arranged in all sorts of alaskan themes. There are shelves on Russian America, Gold Rush, South East, Interior, First Citizens, Aviation, The Iditarod Race, Bears, Wolves, and on and on. If you are looking for a book on canoeing the Yukon River, they have it. If you want something about early Palmer, they certainly have it. If by some amazing chance they don’t have a book, they will do the research to find it.
Alaskana Books hours are as unique as the store itself. They are open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from noon-5:30. Stop by this weekend.
By Marty Van Diest
Matsu Transit June 18th, 2009
Matsu Transit provides transportation by bus all around the Valley, to Anchorage, out to Houston and soon out to the Knik area. Commuter buses go to and from Anchorage during the average commute times: early morning, late morning, and early evening.
Matsu Transit buses also make flag stops by phoned-in requests, but you need to call in at least 1 hour before the requested time. I have never ridden the buses in the Valley, but several of my friends have and they think it’s great! The system is really helpful for those without cars, teens with working parents, and those who just want to help the environment.
General one-way rides cost $2.50, and a day pass is $6.00. The commuting fare is $3.00 each direction. Kids under 6 ride free.
For more information about the Valley’s Transit system and its schedules, visit MatsuTransit.com
Sidekicks: The Ultimate Gift Store in Palmer Alaska June 16th, 2009
“Ooo, pretty!” is constantly on the tip of your tongue as you walk through Sidekicks, a locally owned gift store in Downtown Palmer. It’s new owner, Cindy Skow, is revamping the store and bringing in new merchandise. Her daughter, Megan, was manning the counter when I visited.
What’s so great about Sidekicks? Well, it’s pretty much the ultimate gift store! You can find a gift for anyone; young and young at heart. From heavenly-smelling Colonial Candles, to bright platters declaring “When my Dad cooks, burnt is just another flavor!”, Sidekicks’ selections are one-of-a-kind. Humorous and sweet cards, lavish floral arrangements and photo frames are also found throughout the shop, depending on the themes or colors. An entire room is dedicated to baby gifts, Webkinz, and other gifts for younger children.
You can find many local artists’ creations here. Most of the jewelry in the shop is locally made, as well as pins, soaps, cards and fancy handbags. This is the only store in the Valley where you can find Hatley clothing. And, this is also the only store in the Valley that is licensed with Sanrio. If you have a Hello Kitty fan in your family, you better check this store out. An entire wall of the store is covered in Hello Kitty items.
Store hours are Sunday-Friday 10-6, and Saturday 10-4. Stop in for a look!
Auto Supply Shops in Palmer, Alaska June 16th, 2009
The following are some of the local auto supply stores here in Palmer. If you know of any more, don’t hesitate to email me and I’ll add them to the list.
Carquest Auto Parts
848 S Colony Way
(907) 745-3310
O’Reilly Auto Supply
401 Glacier View Avenue
(907) 745-8155 (new photo needed)
Napa Auto Parts
217 E Arctic Avenue
(907) 745-2181
Backcountry Bike and Ski – Palmer, Alaska June 10th, 2009
“We sell bicycles, not groceries!” declared Tony Berberich when asked why I should buy a bicycle here instead of from a department store. Backcountry Bicycles is located on the NW corner of the intersection of S Alaska St and W Arctic Ave (Old Glenn). Tony fits bicycles to people. If the bike isn’t comfortable, he works to make it so or finds a different one.
“We want people to ride bikes.” People go out and buy fancy uncomfortable bikes, use them for a couple weeks and then hang them in the garage like a trophy. The bike shop is here to make sure people get out and ride; maintain a healthier lifestyle. Sometimes Tony even gives bikes away for a good cause. Check out the article in the Frontiersman about this.
Backcountry Bicycles offers road, BMX, mountain, comfort, and commuter bikes. There are even unicycles and tricycles. The store also has a repair shop in the back, where you can bring your bike in for adjustments and tune-ups.
All in all, Backcountry Bicycles gives great deals on great bikes, and offers a 12 month service plan free with each new bike.
Summer Hours:
(April 1 – October 31)
Tuesday – Saturday: 10AM – 6PM
Sunday: 12PM – 5PM
For more information, check out their website, www.BackcountryBikeandSki.com.
This post is sponsored by Valley Market Real Estate.
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