So it's another rainy day in downtown Juneau and you can't bear the thought of visiting one more crowded T-shirt shop. What to do? Walk over to the Taku Smokeries shop and experience some of the best salmon I've ever tasted.

Located on Juneau's main shopping street, Taku is tucked away in the back of a mini-mall bordering the cruise ship parking lot and garage on your left as you face the water. Enter through a side door that faces the parking lot.

Be sure to visit this family-owned business when you're in the mood for a little snack: there are several varieties of salmon for you to taste at the counter and the staff has thoughtfully supplied cream cheese and crackers to optimize the experience. This is an ideal place to pick up local, yet unique gifts for the folks back home. Plus, your business supports local fishing boats and environmentally sensitive fishing methods.

The salmon isn't cheap: one can of salmon (the size of tuna back home) is about $7--so save it for your gourmet-loving friends. The store also offers salmon packed in oil in glass jars plus attractive whole salmon that is vacuum-packed in attractive display boxes. I bought a jar for friends and shared it at a party with the crackers and cream cheese--it was the perfect gift (great for the office too!) Also, the salmon passed the greatest test of all: when I fished my own jar, I drained the juice and tiny shreds onto my porch step for my neighborhood "hunter," Fritz the cat. He liked the step clean--and left me a tasty treat (that I will not describe here) in return.

Taku also has rubs and marinades plus gifts and store-branded T-shirts, but salmon is king there. I also hesitate to mention this, but the store has PUBLIC RESTROOMS.

And if after tasting this, you can't bear to eat grocery store salmon anymore, you can visit the website at www.takustore.com. Their phone number is 1-800-582-5122.