by: Katie Writer
Though the summer may not officially be over, Talkeetna businesses notice a slowing trend of traffic in town as the school year begins.
KTNA’s Katie Writer interviewed a handful of local businesses, new and old, about their impressions of the summer 2015 season.
Here are some of the local work force’s thoughts of what shaped the summer of 2015.
Many merchants noticed an increase of independent travelers.
Brenda Walsh of Conscious Coffee believes that, due to the popularity of reality TV shows, Alaska seems more accessible. She noticed this both in her shop as well as on the train.
“I’m amazed at the number of families that are clearly traveling on their own, either in RVs, rental cars, or even if they’re doing it by the public transport, by the trains or buses, there’s a lot more independent travelers, I think.
Ashley Kaso of TRG says good weather played a role in this year’s busy season.
“I think the nice weather definitely contributed to a little bit more traffic in town, and I think there seems to be more in-state traffic. Maybe we’ve become more of a popular destination in Anchorage…”
She adds that there seems to be a lot more Alaskans in town with their four-wheelers.
Those working in the Upper Valley tourism industry know what August employee burnout feels like, but Jolene Pate of Nagley’s has noticed that the end of the summer customers are noticeably happier people.
“It kinda seems like this year is a pretty good mix of buses and independent travelers. I like this time of year because everyone seems a little happier. I don’t know, it’s just the end of the season you get happer people.”
She adds,
“This summer, we had some really incredibly busy days. It just felt like never ending waves of people, and then there [were] other days, where you’re like, ‘OK. That was fun. Where did they go?’”
A handful of new businesses opened their doors this summer, and the high number of travelers has kept them on their toes.
The Antler Trading Post’s salesperson Tammy Helms states,
“Very crazy, you meet a lot of people from all over the world, and very rewarding. Very, very busy. We’re looking forward to winding down a bit, but we have really enjoyed the customers and the opportunity to serve.”
While most businesses on Talkeetna’s Main Street cater to out-of-state tourists, one new company has seen increasing popularity with Alaskans.
“I would say our biggest shoppers are people from Wasilla, Palmer, Eagle River, Anchorage. We’re getting people coming back. I even had a girl this week that said, ‘I told my friends I was coming, and they said I have to go to the Susitna River Trading Company in Talkeetna.’
Tim and Sharla Rose of the Susitna River Trading Company enjoy being on the mellower side of town.
Sharla: “The people who make it this far have a little bit of character, I think. They’re funner, they have a story to tell, they’re easier to deal with, somewhat.”
Tim: “Our people are the ones who want to go down to the river.”
The Susitna River Trading Company tends to get the more relaxed travelers that aren’t trying to get a quick bite to eat while still making it to their train or bus on time.
“It’s fun seeing people fall in love with Talkeetna for the first time. That part’s pretty neat, seeing people smiling and happy to talk to you about how cool Talkeetna is.
“Families enjoy hanging out here in front of the shop primarily to hula hoop,” laughs Sharla. “People often stop here just to relax.”
A new family-run aviation business, N2 Alaska found an amazing diversity in their customers. David Hicks enjoy flying with people from China, Korea, Israel, France, Switzerland, and Germany while also catering to the needs of Alaskans.
In just a few weeks, the buses and rental RVs will stop coming, and another bustling summer season will come to a close.
