Sitka is a unique little bit of loveliness, often considered one of the most beautiful places in Alaska. It has rugged mountains, an extinct volcano, and some of the friendliest people on the planet.

As if that weren't enough, it is the site where the transfer of the territory of Alaska from Russia to the U.S. took place back on October 18, 1867.

Although Sitka's climate and maritime locale makes it a bit the soggy side most of the time, it also means we don't have those dreadful -40 degree winters that northern Alaskans must endure.

As someone who was born there, I think that Sitka is not just a place, but a state of mind.