The Tanana Valley lies in the interior of Alaska and boasts a wide variety of agriculture. The Tanana Valley Farmer’s Market features locally grown produce, handmade crafts, and artisanal foods. In the middle of a major road, this hub is buzzing throughout the summer with local biking, walking and driving to pick up produce, stop by for lunch, or just browse the wide variety of Alaskan made products. The Tanana Valley Farmer’s Market is epic, and everyone really should check it out at least once.
The Tanana Valley Farmer's Market is the premiere market in the borough for local artisans and farmers to sale their wares. The market is open Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from mid-May to mid-September. Better go soon before the season ends!
In the early summer, the market erupts with life as young potted plants are everywhere for you to plant your own flowers and vegetables, and remain available throughout the summer.
Artists of all kinds ply their wares at the market. Hand crafted ceramics, soaps, painters, jewelers, and local book authors. People sell honey, herbal vinegars, jams, jellies, fudge, and local wild herbs.
As the summer gets into full swing in June, vegetables begin to pop up at the stands. Wilds foods gathered from the forests are also in abundance. Most of the local harvest is ready in August and early September.
Morel mushrooms are gathered from the forest floors, especially the year following a forest fire. Morels can be elusive and require dedicated hunting at the perfect time. They are a delicious local delicacy.
Crab apples and chokecherries are some of the trees that grow well in the area. They both are excellent for making jelly. Small, tart apples also grow in the region and are great for cider or apple butter.
Wild Alaskan blueberries grow in abundance on the tundra in surrounding areas. Blueberries are usually available to buy at the market in July and August, depending on the weather that year.
Fresh baked goods are available from a variety of local bakeshops, including bread baked in a wood-fired stone oven. Sweets abound, both ready to eat and packaged as gifts.
Big, beautiful greenhouse tomatoes are in high demand when they finally turn red. And everyone loves picking up lunch at one of the many International food vendors. You won't regret visiting this epic farmer's market in Alaska.
