I went to Orainda's to try on wedding gowns. Beginning of the appointment seemed normal until I…read morecame out in the first dress. My family wanted to take photos so I can remember and look back on the dresses I tried on, and the owner immediately told us pictures are not allowed. She explained she has had bad experiences of brides coming in just to find out the size and style they like, then going and purchasing elsewhere. I understand her point of view but that really rubbed me the wrong way as a customer. I wasn't able to remember any of the dresses I tried on, therefore I ended up purchasing my gown elsewhere. She also seemed to have a bad vibe. She mentioned that getting the "this is it" feeling isn't common then said only 80% of women experience it. The whole experience was off putting in my opinion.

The lady was very rude, pushy and ignored the brides mother even though they're best friends. I'm…read morethe Maid of Honor and I felt so bad for my sister! The dresses seemed cheap quality and expensive prices. She didn't listen to the brides opinion about what she did and didn't want. It was just altogether an uncomfortable experience. She was even trying to tell us how to do different aspects of the wedding. I would not recommend this place ever! Anderson's Bridal was SO helpful and had better dresses and AMAZING service.

Holly was the sweetest person!! She made the experience so incredible! Great selection and many…read moreoptions that fit my Pinterest board exactly! Great prices, all perfectly within my budget! Definitely recommend and especially after having a little anxiety before the experience she made me feel so relaxed and comfortable!!

I have nothing but amazing things to say about Bateau. My first bridal shop I went to was David's…read moreand I hated everything about it but I won't dive into that. However, Holly took excellent care of me and made me feel so comfortable. I LOVED that when they set the room up for your appointment that every dress you see you can try on because it's set up for your size! (It can be so annoying when you want to try on a dress but they don't have your sample size in other boutiques) I loved that everything I wanted to try on I could! So grateful for Holly and helping me find the perfect wedding dress for my winter wedding. I will be recommending her and this boutique to everyone! The dress I chose was worth every Penny! Great value for their designs!

Stopped in here during a downtown event, looks like a great place to learn how to make quality art…read moreand harness your innate creativity. Staff were really friendly and helpful, despite it being very close to closing time. Looks like they also have free events pretty frequently. You've probably walked by this place a million times, next time, go in!

This is such an amazing place for artists of all levels to come and try a class or three. The Arc…read morehas amazing services and this one shines bright. My daughter is an accomplished artist in her own right. She has become an amazing sketch and graphic design artist throughout the years but I wanted her to get more training and also work on those social skills that are so important. We walked in and the place was bustling with classes and activity. There was a 8 foot tall metal wolf sculpture in the corner and I thought "Yes!" I knew it was going to be the perfect place for us. We talked to Stephanie and thought my daughter would love it. When we got home she wouldn't stop talking about it. She's really excited to try the classes. She wants to take all of them. They have classes for beginning to intermediate artists. Classes for advanced artists. There's pottery, screen printing, fashion design. There's so many classes and they're affordable! Some are even free! Everyone is welcome to attend. This is a wonderful art studio in the community! I absolutely love this place. Come down and check it out. Please! Support your local artists. It's so very important.

We have lived her for 20 years and know the difference between cheap tourist items and genuine…read moreAlaskan art. We come to Stephan for the real thing. Whether it is ivory, sculptures, paintings, prints, or post cards, this is the place for beautiful art from Alaska. It is costly because it is real.

Stephens Art Gallery is the best place for Alaskan Art to be found. Becky and her staff are…read morewelcoming and warm and so knowledgeable. You can wander and lurk for hours and they don't care but just enjoy you enjoying the space. I have purchased seven pieces and they come quickly and so well packaged; not a scratch. Cannot say enuff great things about this gallery.

Arctic Gems went above and beyond to resize and clean my Grandmother's, Mother's ring from the…read more1960's. I only had a week and they made it happen! It is so beautiful that it brought tears to my eyes. Linda B.

To whom it may concern, DO NOT buy from Arctic Gold & Gems. As of writing this review, it is May…read more25th, 2025. My partner and I bought four rings at the end of December. 21 weeks later, I finally have everything, and it was a mess. We left the store with one carbide ring, a receipt, and a promise from the store manager that the engagement ring, another carbide ring, and a custom silver wedding band would all be delivered within 6-8 weeks. We gave all of our contact info and had high expectations due the numerous five star reviews. The word count won't let me get into the nitty gritty of how wrong our experience went. In short, we gave our information four separate times over many weeks, begging they'd call us with news, and were met each time with "So sorry to hear that this is taking so long, [insert person] will get back to you as soon as possible." We were ignored, pushed aside, eventually sent the wrong rings, ignored again, sent a good ring 18 weeks after purchase, and sent another wrong ring. I went through the company that made the carbide ring to give me an exchange because I could not deal with the store owner again. My blood was boiling. I was the one who had wanted to buy rings from here, and they had so many glowing reviews. It was supposed to be special, and they were so kind and helpful while we picked the rings and handed over the cash. What I would give now to go back in time and talk myself out of it. There must have been "Sorry Fool" written over my forehead for how terrible we were treated over such a long time. If I could give negative stars to Arctic Gold & Gems, I would. Never in my life have I dealt with such a sorry excuse for lousy service. I was played like a fiddle when purchasing from here, and I dealt with that consequence for 21 weeks. If you want good service, turn around. If you want what you ordered, look elsewhere. If you somehow want the worst possible experience, then you'll want Arctic Gold & Gems.

First time visiting this event, which consists of individual vendor stands set up throughout the…read moreDimond Center. For sale are ulus, carvings, jewelry, furs, and other examples of Native crafts. Each vendor identifies where he or she is from, which is a nice touch. The fair takes place during the week of the Iditarod start, so plan accordingly if you're interested in visiting. Most (if not all) vendors are cash only, but fortunately there are ATMs aplenty in the mall if you need one.

The Charlotte Jensen Native Arts Market is one of the best places in Alaska to buy authentic Native…read moreAlaskan made arts & crafts. Its essentially an annual craft fair that is part of the Fur Rondy in late February/March. If you're planning to visit Alaska for the first time and you are looking for something uniquely Alaskan, plan your trip to coincide with the Fur Rondy so you don't miss out on this once a year event. And bring lots and lots of cash! (Some vendors do accept credit cards, but not many.) Every year I could kick myself for not squirreling away more money so I could buy something really amazing. This year I missed out on a one-of-a-kind spotted seal and polar bear purse that made me want to weep. For $550 it makes Coach look like a wet paper bag. I also spied a one of a kind pair of spotted seal boots, also in the 500 dollar range, with a pile so deep and soft that I'm sure I would have had a footgasm every time I put them on if I could have afforded them. My sweetie was drooling over Aleut fisherman carvings of unparalleled craftsmanship. We also saw paintings and bronze statues that also made us regret not having put money aside this year. We did spring for some handmade beaded jewlery that incorporated Alaskan abalone, and porcupine quills and claws. I'm proud to wear jewlery that helps support our native crafts people and ensures that all parts of animals that are hunted are both consumed and perserved as art. Native peoples waste nothing of the animal and make some really amazing practical items as well as wearable art. I really enjoy the craft fair because you meet peoples from all over Alaska. The craft fair is also something of a social gathering. Many of the elders love to tell you their stories while you shop, so plan to stay a while and enjoy hearing stories you aren't likely to forget. Items you're likely to find at the craft fair and price ranges: beaded jewlery- $10-$500 fur items and pelts- $100 to the thousands... walrus ivory carvings and jewlery- $50 to the thousands... paintings and prints- $25- $1000 crocheted items- $10-$100 silver, gold, bronze, copper jewlery- $50-$600 winter & summer parky's- $500-$1000 hair adornments (beaded, shells, fur, etc)- $10-$300 handmade soaps/lotions- $3-$30 and much more....! Also, some of the days of the Craft Fair they also have Native Dancing demonstrations with various Native Alaskan nations represented. Check the annual Fur Rondy schedule for more details.

Visited Winter Solstice Sewing & Crafts for the first time yesterday and I left pleasantly…read moresurprised! I found them on Facebook and saw they were doing various classes, since I last tried and failed at knitting when I was 18, I decided perhaps 36 is the age I will figured out how to crochet! All of the women at the shop were very helpful. They have lots of beautiful fabric options and they were all incredibly encouraging I look forward to what other skills they can teach me in the future!

There is a lot to choose from in this gallery, numerous artists have their work in here, local and…read moreout of state. A stained glass piece in the window is what caught my attention in the first place to visit. Upon arrival, I slowly made my way around the store and the owner spoke with me. She was super nice and the topic of stained glass classes came up. I was super excited to hear about the classes and although she didn't have the printed information for fall yet, she gladly took the time to print out an information sheet and wrote the dates of the fall class for me. I was taken to the back of the store to see a huge selection of glass that she just received and loved seeing her Goldie sleeping soundly in the back room. A little bit more chitchat and although I didn't buy anything at that moment, I assured her I would be attending the October class this fall (which I'm super excited about)!!!

I love this store - glass, pottery, jewelry, soap, and lots of other creative artworks from artists…read morenear and far. This store has great gifts, but I have frequently bought a little something for myself, too -- a lavender stone pendant, or a handmade paper card. It's a store you have to see to believe -- completely one of a kind, handmade artworks in the heart of downtown Eagle River.