What sets this town apart from the rest in Southeast Alaska are its Russian items lacquer boxes, paintings, icons and nesting dolls. The Russian American Co. is located in MacDonald s Bayview Trading Co., which also includes a clothing store. Though neither shop has a large selection, we were impressed with the quality of the artists work. The Sitka Rose Gallery carries local Alaskan art sculpture, paintings, baskets, pottery and jewelry. Try the New Archangel Trading Co .
Most shops stay open later if a ship is in port.
Some shops also are open Sunday afternoons. Our favorite place for a leisurely walk is the Sitka National Historic Park , which is less than a mile east of the pier. The first quarter-mile of the trail is dotted with totem poles, many of which are replicas of poles collected for the 1904 celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Don t rush through the park you ll want to spend time contemplating the intricately carved poles. A connecting trail takes you to a memorial to the Russians who died in the battle.