Ask 20 people to describe Homer in one word and you'll probably get 20 different words. Art, fish, kayaks, trails, music, history and cosmic will almost certainly be among them. Part of this end-of-the-road town's charm is its diversity. From nationally renowned artists to its self-proclaimed title as the "halibut capital of the world," Homer entices a wide range of residents and visitors alike. So how do you decide how best to spend your time when visiting this eclectic community? One strategy is to approach this area regionally, like sampling the many flavors of a buffet.
The Homer Spit
People may vary on their description of Homer overall, but more than a few residents can still recount decades later their first sight of Homer as they crested the hill above town. It's an awesome sight. The Homer Spit juts out into the blue waters of Kachemak Bay against a tableau of snowcapped mountains, channels of glaciers and island dots, along with as a healthy population of bald eagles. And while many sections of Homer offer a great deal, it is a rare place where you can drive nearly five miles out into the middle of a bay.
The Homer Spit isn't just a pretty face, however. It's a place of business. A robust commercial fishing industry can be seen offloading its daily catch at the docks as charter and sightseeing boats bring anglers and adventurers face to face with their dreams. The Homer Spit is also a beehive of activity in the summer, with plenty of shopping opportunities, places to camp, eat or get a cup of coffee and watch the waves.
Old Town and Pioneer Avenue area
Back when Homer was a coal town and the road had yet to reach the community, much of the area's activity was centered near Bishop's Beach south of the Sterling Highway. There, you will find restaurants, art galleries, a meadery and coffee shops, as well as one of the community's best spots to walk by the water. The Islands & Ocean Visitor Center, an educational facility focusing on the natural and historical aspects of the area, is also located in this part of town, accessible from both the highway and by boardwalk from Bunnell Avenue. Above the Sterling Highway, Pioneer Avenue and surrounding streets offer a range of services, shops, a movie theater and the Pratt Museum, where the history of Homer and the many surrounding communities can be explored.
'Out the road' and beyond
Like most places in Alaska, the hub of commerce spawns settlement to the far corners of the land. In Homer's case, several Russian Old Believer communities lie to the east and north. North of Homer, the Anchor River offers world-class salmon fishing, and the adjacent community of Anchor Point aims to keep those anglers well-fed and provided for. Whether exploring by boat or by car, there is much to enjoy by journeying off the beaten track.
Across the bay
Picturesque Seldovia, accessible by water or air, was once was the largest community on Kachemak Bay, and now offers a great excuse to venture out onto the water. Established in the 1800s, Seldovia proudly touts itself as home to, among other things, two grocery stores, five eateries, one cement truck and no lawyers. Halibut Cove, with a restaurant and an art gallery, as well as the adjacent Kachemak Bay State Park's recreational opportunities, add to the richness of this area.
Attractions
Kachemak Bay State Park
Some 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, beaches and waterways make up this extraordinary resource on the south side of Kachemak Bay. Numerous trails ranging from easy day hikes to challenging mountain-ridge traverses offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities, and state cabins are available for rent. Access is via water taxi from Homer, and several local businesses offer guided hikes, as well as kayak trips in the area.
Where: Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office, Mile 85 Sterling Highway, Morgans Landing
When: Open daily year-round
Cost: Free
Phone: 907- 262-5581
Web: www.alaskastateparks.org
Pratt Museum
This natural history museum features "Kachemak Bay: An Exploration of People & Place," an exhibit which uses individual stories in a variety of forms to tell the larger story of the area's natural history, Native cultures, traditions and homesteading history, among other themes. In the summer, there are several live camera feeds running, including to the remote Brooks Camp in Katmai National Park where brown bears are often visible.
Where: 3779 Bartlett Street, Homer
When: mid-May through mid-September, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; rest of the year, Tue-Sun, noon-5
Cost: $8 with discounts
Phone: 907-235-8635
Web: www.prattmuseum.org
Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center
Wander through this massive exhibit hall and you will be transported to the sights and sounds of the remote Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge, an area rich in marine wildlife, as well as history. Movies on various topics are shown regularly throughout the summer, and events and special exhibits for all ages are also presented throughout the summer.
Where: 95 Sterling Highway, Homer
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, Memorial
Day to Labor Day; Tue-Sun 10-5, in early May and lte September; noon-5, rest of the year
Cost: Free
Phone: 907-235-6961
Web: islandsandocean.org
Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies
If you want to learn more about the marine and coastal ecosystems of Kachemak Bay, this center is a great place to start. Numerous programs and guided tours as well as educational resources and environmental stewardship efforts are sponsored by the center, with comprehensive listings available online. The Petersen Bay Field Station on the south shore of Kachemak Bay offers extraordinary educational opportunities for school groups and summer visitors.
Where: 708 Smoky Bay Way
When: Daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day
Cost: Guided hikes, $7; natural history hiking tours, $120; natural history kayaking tour, $170; harbor tour, $5
Phone: 907-235-6667
Web: www.akcoastalstudies.org
Anchor River State Recreation Area
Located on the most westerly point on the U.S. Highway System, this recreation area is set in one of the state's richest fishing areas. The Anchor River supports runs of king, silver and pink salmon, as well as Dolly Varden and steelhead. The popular king salmon run begins in late May, while silver fishing begins in late July. Feisty steelhead are fished into October. Camping areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Boat launches are also available from the beach for $75.
Where: Anchor Point Beach Road, Anchor Point,
When: Open seasonally
Cost: $5 parking; $10 camping; $75 boat launch
Phone: 907- 262-5581, 907-522-8368
Web: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/anchoriv.htm
Salty Dawg Saloon
Arguably Homer's most flavorful bar, this local landmark originally was Homer's post office and served other purposes, as well. A lighthouse was added to the original cabin to cover a water storage tank. This establishment is a popular stop for visitors and fishermen alike, with many patrons choosing to add a personalized dollar bill to the collection lining the walls.
Where: 4380 Homer Spit Road, Homer
When: 12-8 p.m. with variations
Cost: No admission fee
Phone: 907-235-6718
Web: www.saltydawgsaloon.com
Events
Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby
What's better than pulling a gigantic flatfish from the salty depths? Winning thousands of dollars for doing so! Each summer, Homer fishermen get a chance to bring in the big bucks by either pulling in the largest halibut of the month or season, or by hauling one of the many tagged fish on board. But none of it counts unless you have your $10 derby ticket. You can buy the tickets at the derby headquarters on the Homer Spit or from local charter offices, B&Bs and stores in Homer. The 2010 winner was Jamie Olvera of Fairbanks who took home more than $40,000 for her 277-pound fish.
Where: Leave from and return to Homer Harbor
When: May 1-Sept. 30
Cost: $10 daily; 10-day ticket, $75
Phone: 907-235-7740
Web: www.homerhalibutderby.com
Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival
Each year, birders flock to Kachemak Bay to witness the return of dozens of species of migratory birds on their flight back to Alaska. Kachemak Bay provides a stunning backdrop for a wide variety of birding activities and presentations for all ages. The 2011 keynote speaker will be Carl Safina, author of more than 100 publications and co-founder and president of the Blue Ocean Institute, which seeks to inspire a closer relationship with the sea.
Where: Homer
When: May 5-8
Cost: Varies by event
Phone: 907-235-7740
Web: www.homeralaska.org/events/kachemakBayShorebirdFestival/index.htm
Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Festival
Homer and wooden boats are intrinsically linked, and a festival now held in the second week of September celebrates that. Events include a film night, sea chanteys and tall tales, a wooden boat show, a children's boatbuilding and painting event, keynote speakers and rowboat races.
Where: Homer
When: Sept. 8-11
Cost: Varies by event
Phone: 907- 235-2986
Web: www.kbwbs.org
Kachemak Bay Writers' Conference
This annual conference features nationally recognized fiction, nonfiction and poetry writers presenting workshops, readings and panels.
Where: Land's End Resort, Homer
When: June 10-14
Cost: $340 and up
Phone: 907-235-7743
Web: http://writersconference.homer.alaska.edu/
