By David Taylor
As you may or may not have heard, Nagley’s Store is the good morning must stop in Talkeetna, Alaska. I stopped there on my travels earlier this fall to Alaska and have to say what a great place it is to pop into for a cup of coffee, shopping, sightseeing, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying some local history.
According to their website, Nagley’s Store was first opened in the 1920’s by Horace Nagley who’d opened his first store at Susitna Station in the early 1900’s. From there he supplied many miners and trappers heading in the interior via the Susitna River. As the Upper Susitna Region became more settled with the completion of the Alaska Railroad, Nagley opened his second store in Talkeetna. It was opened in 1921 to be exact.
As history goes, Nagley sold his business in the mid 1940’s to Barrett and Kennedy who operated the store as the B&K Trading Post. They moved the original building down Main Street to its present location. Barrett and Kennedy sold the business in the mid 1980’s. In recognition of Nagley’s contribution to the community the store name was changed back to its original version. Nagley’s General Store is the longest continually operated General Store in the Northern Susitna Valley.
Today, you can get Kaladi Brothers coffees including espressos and cappuccinos. Hand scooped ice cream cones, sandwiches, soda and snacks at the store. There’s so much more to see there. It’s really difficult to explain it completely without seeing it for yourself, which is what I suggest you do when have a chance.
When you get there, plan on spending some time there checking out the store and the area. The store is decorated with many items associated with life in Alaska including snowshoes, antlers, and so much more.
It’s a laid-back atmosphere there. You can check the place out, place your order, take it easy, maybe chat with some local folks about this and that.
If you are a cat lover, you’ll love this store page on their website devoted to all of the cats that have held court at the store since the 1970s. It’s just another reason to love this place.
You can also by amazing homemade Alaskan Furs made out of Rex Rabbit- amazing selection and reasonable prices.
For more information on Talkeetna, click here to visit their chamber of commerce.
Clise's Cornucopia 