When you think of Alaska, what do you picture? Snow? Mountains? Caribou? Poor old Mrs. Smith, loveless and alone, being set out on an ice flow? Would it surprise you to learn that Anchorage, Alaska is actually a modern, thriving city with a host of malls and interesting places to shop on your vacation? If you're not familiar with the shopping options in Anchorage, let us enlighten you. We'll tell you where to go to buy souvenirs, clothes, and everything you could want.

The Dimond Center

The Dimond Center is the largest mall in the state of Alaska. It has over 200 stores where you can buy everything from TREO leather pouches to a new business suit. There's also a skating rink, a gym, a bowling alley, a library, a movie theater, and numerous restaurants if you're looking for other ways to pass the time. Some of the stores you'll find here include such mall staples as the Gap, Hot Topic, Old Navy and Payless and more unique shops like Arctic Pull Tabs and Rainbow Earth.

Other Malls and Markets

If you're looking for an instantaneous water heater the home building center at the 5th Avenue Mall might be able to help, and there are over 100 other stores to distract you while you're there. You can even pick up a free gift bag and coupon booklet at their office. Northway Mall and the Mall at Sears are also worth a look if you've got the time.

Native Art

Those who want really unique souvenirs or are interested in Native American culture come to Alaska to shop. Visit the Ulu Factory to see all-purpose knives made first hand or warm up with a handmade musk ox fur garment from the Oomingmak Cooperative. You can also find statues painstakingly carved with a hand notcher, jewelry and other art pieces at some of the stalls in the Anchorage Market and Festival. The best place for art is the Two Spirits Gallery. Be prepared to pay top dollar for authentic items.

Other Art and Boutique Shopping

The Fourth Avenue Marketplace is the home of the Alaska Experience Theater and numerous shops and stalls dedicated to Alaskan arts and crafts made with Bahco tools or by hand. There are also numerous art galleries you can visit for original works such as the Aurora Gallery and Octopus Ink. Other fun boutiques include the Alaska Mint, Arctic Paws, Grizzy's Gifts, and Once in a Blue Moose.