Minnow's Guide #3: Buying Groceries in Soldotna

Now why on earth would I be covering this? Well, after talking with some of the very nice people who visit Soldotna for the first time, they really don't know what to expect when they come down here. Some of them have the impression that Anchorage is the last stop for buying groceries (okay, I'll admit, you can buy mochi at New Sagaya). It sounds like what people are doing is hopping off the plane, locating their recreational vehicle rentals and shopping in Anchorage, then driving down to the Kenai Peninsula. All in one day! Don't do this, I'm exhausted just thinking about it.

Come on down to Soldotna. I'm here to reassure you that we do have grocery stores, and in fact, we have two major chain stores where you can buy your groceries, top off your tank with Starbucks coffee, have your photos printed and get your prescriptions filled at the pharmacies. Both stores also have liquor stores, but you have to buy alcohol in a separate area. And since you know me as on the green side, just think of all the fuel you'll save if you don't have to haul two hundred pounds of food and ice down here. We have ice!

The first place you can buy groceries is Fred Meyers, which you'll see on your left as you come into town on the Sterling Highway. It also has a gas station (in the past, they have offered fuel discounts with the store card and after reaching a certain level of purchases). Although traffic can be pretty hectic around this area, if you have a big rig, you're probably going to find it easier to park in the Fred Meyer lot. Take a look in the parking lot--it can be wall to wall RVs. Be sure to plan your best route to the light--otherwise, you can get hung up for days waiting to turn left. You don't want to spend your summer vacation in the RV--you want to get outside and do your recreating! You'll be a whole lot happier, I promise.

The other grocery store is Safeway, also on the Sterling Highway. Head west toward the bridge across the Kenai River. You'll see it on the right. Parking here is a little tighter, depending on what time of day you shop. Depending on where you're from, say howdy or bonjour or Guten Tag to Sue if she's checking. I've also found the butchers to be very helpful and the produce people always go the extra step. So, if you don't see what you want, ask. Safeway also has a DVD section for those rainy days. Both stores have extended hours in the summer (I think Safeway is even open 24-7).

My own favorite place to buy groceries, and today's insider information, is the Farmer's Market. In the summer, the Saturday Farmer's Market is held just off the Spur Highway on Main Street at the old Post Office near Soldotna Elementary (around here, we just say, Soldotna El). I have bought some fantastic hydroponic lettuce, wonderful rhubarb, great basil and exquisite gooseberries and golden raspberries here. I still remember the pesto I made from that basil. I went last summer, and the vendors were a mixed lot including baked goods, jam, eggs, potatoes and herbs as well as crafts. This is still worth a look, especially in August. The bus turnaround is blocked off, so you'll have to park and hike into the Market. It's not that far, and I hope you'll find it rewarding.

There is a second market on Wednesdays at Soldotna Creek Park. This has more baked goods and crafts than the Saturday market.

Minnow's tip #1: If you shop at the big chains, go earlier in the day. Like before noon. Parking is easier and people are more relaxed. If you wait until six p.m., you run across all the other fisher people who are tired and hungry and have been out on the river all day.

Minnow's tip #2: Got an extra plastic sack? Bring it and reuse it. You know me: reduce, reuse and recycle. You can reuse your plastic sacks all summer and help our environment. Thank you.

Minnow's tip #3: Get a Safeway store card to take advantage of savings. In the late summer, Safeway offers an escrip promotion which supports the local schools--pitch your escrip receipts into the containers provided for this purpose.

Gibt es Lebensmittelgeschäfte in Soldotna? Ja, natürlich. Sie brauchen nicht alles in Anchorage kaufen. Wir haben zwei große Geschäfte--Fred Meyer und Safeway--oder Sie können den Wochenmarkt besuchen--im Sommer, Samstag morgens.