Who: Hoil French of Littleton
Where: Sitka
Best meal: Westmark Hotel in Sitka served an excellent pork porterhouse chop. It was sweetened in a succulent sauce of pineapple. The dining room sits on the Bay of Sitka with a beautiful view of the boat marine, where you could watch the cruise chips come and go. They serve a peach cobbler that was out of this world.
Best deal: The sightseeing. They have a Russian Church built in the 1700s, as Sitka was the Russian capital of Alaska before its sale to America. They had the remainder of the Russian fort, old cannons and Klinget Indian totem poles. If time permits, get to the Sitka Dancers show. They perform Russian dances and are world-renowned.
Best time to go: Summertime; the daytime high is mid- 60s, so be sure to take a light jacket.
Best travel tip: The fishing and whale-watching are excellent. In my opinion Sitka is the most beautiful city in Alaska, and the people are warm and friendly. The shops are excellent, with a full stock of native Indian and Russian items. Fish for king salmon, silver salmon, red snapper and several types of bottom fish.
