Southcentral Community: Homer
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Homer - a town without boundaries; where the end of the road means endless possibilities.
Whether arriving by land, sea or air, common first moments in Homer are breathless, as all its "wow factors" come together to envelope you. A colorful downtown, rolling hillsides, sandy beaches, spacious harbor, a stunning state park and all the wilds of Kachemak Bay, the gateway to Cook Inlet and points beyond. National publications have recently taken note of Homer's extraordinary qualities, citing it as one of America's coolest towns, best art towns and best up and coming place to live.
Worthy of all this attention, Homer celebrates a diverse community with activities to please anglers, adventurers, art lovers, academics and people of all ages. Once over the welcoming views, downtown Homer bustles with unique shops and delicious eateries both fine and casual, as well as boasting over a dozen studios and art galleries - testimony to how inspiring the atmosphere can be.
One culmination of this inspiration is the Pratt Museum. Recently honored by First Lady Laura Bush as recipient of the National Award for Museum Service, the Pratt was recognized for it's success in giving voice to community perspectives and making connections between worlds - artistic, social, cultural, environmental and spiritual.
The Alaska Islands and Ocean Visitor Center also brings this community in synch with its environs. Partnering the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge with the Kachemak Bay Research Reserve, this stately, state of the art facility is dedicated to the understanding and conservation of the marine environment through art, interactive exhibits, education and research. It is the window to all the miracles of Kachemak Bay.
One very notable wonder of the bay is it's setting as a popular stop for multitudes of migrating shorebirds who enjoy the hillsides, mud flats, rocky outcroppings and islets of Kachemak Bay to rest and feed in preparation for their continued journey north. Celebrating the onset of spring with the annual Shorebird Festival is a Homer tradition, with thousands of enthusiastic spotters on the lookout for life list species.
Many of these birds as well as eagles and marine mammals can be witnessed along the famous Homer Spit road, a near five-mile finger of land that is as rich as it is distinctive. This is the portal to the playground, the jumping off point for so many exciting excursions.
With the largest halibut charter fleet in Alaska and the popularity of the Homer Jackpot Halibut Derby, catchermen come to Homer dreaming of big fish. But... not just for the halibut...anglers can also target four species of salmon, a variety of rockfish, cod and trout in all the small bays and freshwater streams. Everyone from first-time fishermen to seasoned subsistence anglers enjoy wrestling a king or silver salmon in the ever-popular Fishing Hole. Fish is clearly the main course on Homer's menu, but with the third most extreme tides in the world, hard shell clams make a great appetizer if you're timing is right.
These dramatic tides and a curvaceous coastline await you, as do over 80 miles of maintained trails in Kachemak Bay State Park that lines the south side of the bay. Alaska's first state park and only designated wilderness park, it's 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests and ocean are the perfect backdrop for high quality outdoor fun. It's civilized fringes offer cabins, lodges, restaurants and quaint communities. A boat ride to artsy Halibut Cove or a flightseeing trip to the village of Seldovia are great diversions from Homer. Or, for an intimate journey around the bay why not paddle your way through the many protected coves and fjords in a kayak? Whether it's during the Kachemak Kayak Fest to kick off the summer season, as transport from trailhead to trailhead or on a quiet intertidal exploration, this is one of Alaska's premier paddling destinations.
Once you've made it to Homer and experienced it's pleasures, there's more good news... you CAN get there from here. The tip of the Homer Spit is the exclamation point at the end of a National Scenic Byway and the gateway to some of Alaska's most exotic and elusive destinations. The Alaska Marine Highway ties Homer to Kodiak and ports of call along the Aleutian chain.
Bear viewing in Katmai National Park is a privilege and a thrill as a flight across Cook Inlet takes visitors to pristine habitat where humans are awed, entertained and outnumbered by big, beautiful brown bears.
Not only is Katmai within reach, but also with Lake Clark only a puddle jumper away, the National Park Service recently opened a field office in Homer in order to serve these two Alaskan jewels.
With its unique diversity, unsurpassed beauty and endless array of activities and events, Homer is a must on any Alaskan itinerary. A place to get out or chill out, a place to go it alone, to bring your buddies, your family or your love, a place where getting blown off the water might even be the good news affording you time to get to know some of the friendliest people around. Be sure to linger a while...there's no end to what you can experience at the end of the road.
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Photo By: Robin Hood
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Horseback riders pause for a breath-taking view of the Kenai Mountains from a spit near Homer
Population: 5,500
Location: Homer is located 227 road miles south of Anchorage on the southwestern tip of he Kenai Peninsula.
Access: By road to the end of the Sterling Highway, regularly scheduled air service from Anchorage, air charter, Alaska State Ferry.
Accommodations: Over 100 bed and breakfasts, twelve hotels/motels, fifty lodges/cabins (some remote), private and public campgrounds, full service RV sites, two hostels. Great restaurants, shopping, art galleries and all services.