Tanana Valley Farmers Market — Local services in Alaska

Overall we love going to the market, just about weekly. I bumped down a star due to one vendor and how they handled a situation.

I took my 3 year old to the market with some of her own money to spend. We came to a vendor that had fruits and veggies, but also these cute pin cushions in the shape of animals and people. All were right at her level. There wasn't a no touching sign, so I just showed and told my kiddo to be respectful with handling things because people put time into these things. The vendor sternly told my kiddo to stop touching, which was fine. My kiddo stopped touching and we moved on. As we walked away I heard the vendor make a comment to a customer about people touching things and not buying them.

I'm pretty relaxed on a lot of things, but I felt that comment crossed a line, so I probably won't be spending my money there.

Luckily, there were plenty of amazingly nice people who engaged her in conversation, when applicable allowed her to touch items, and we were more than happy to exchange her money for their goods.

One great vendor was Niki's Nest. The soap we purchased from them was cute and smelled amazing! I had to put my foot down on the number of baths my little one wanted to take because she loved this soap so much. If you get a chance, check them out!

If you're in the market for some well made and beautiful furniture, look no further than Scott and 40 Below Woodwork. He's done so many pieces for us and each one is a well loved and commented on piece in our home. He's a great guy with a wonderful eye. We love all...

We are so happy the Farmer's Market is open again for the season! We picked up our mandatory kettle corn supply, got Thai food, and bought tomato plants and lemon cucumber plants from one vendor, squash from another, and sunflowers and nasturtiums from yet another. Great art for sale, paintings, painted hand crafted benches, gorgeous photography from Denali Park and more. Honey, bread -- and the lady who makes the most deliciously beautiful and amazing little cakes that look like fresh fruits is open here -- I last saw her booth at a winter crafts show. Local t-shirts, children's toys, beautiful jewelry, more aromatic food vendors, and another woman who combines t-shirt panels with flannel shirts for some witty and wearable warmth. There are numerous picnic tables in the shady treed area behind the food vendors. And a one way parking lot and exit! If you don't find a parking spot in your row, then turn left back onto College, drive 1/8 mile and turn left back into the parking lot. I haven't ever had to do this, but I have seen people try to drive the wrong way, studiously ignoring all the clues about them. Please don't be one of those people. And if you're chilly, stop in to The Woodway right next door to the Tanana Valley Farmer's Market to warm up and see some beautiful fireplace and...

I refer to this as my happy place. I have spent two birthdays here, I love it so much. If you don't visit the Tanana Valley Farmer's Market in the summer, you are missing out. Our first stop is always the kettle corn for munching as we stroll the market. Next, the kiddos go right across from the popcorn stand to this lady who grills up AMAZING corn on the cob and chicken kebabs. You NEED to eat this chicken. It is amazing. For me, I grab a taco and then head over to Sipping Streams for a tea. At this point, it's time to find a picnic table to eat. Afterwards, we pick up fresh produce and unique Alaskan items and then finish the day with a sipping caramel from the lady whose stand looks like a French cafe/bread market. Don't forget to take a picture with the ginormous cabbage...