While the beauty of summer in Homer is hard to rival, some of the best of what the town has to offer and some of its best-kept secrets take place during the off-season. From indoors to outdoors, from arts to sports, those who stick around for the fall, winter and spring will discover what Homer's all about.
Outdoors
Locals turn winter's cold weather and limited daylight into assets, with nonstop outdoor activities for everyone.
The Kachemak Nordic Ski Club holds regular competitions during the colder months. For those who prefer a quiet ski through the woods, the group maintains well-groomed trails open to the public. Trails begin off Rogers Loop Road near the Baycrest Bluff Point Scenic Lookout and at McNeil Canyon School, at about 12 Mile East End Road.
Visit www.kachemaknordicskiclub.org. For downhill skiing, try the
Ohlson Mountain Rope Tow; call 235-7669.
After the ducks have flown south and the floatplanes have been put away for the winter, Beluga Lake changes from a picturesque body of water to a frozen playground. From skating to drag-racing, the lake supports all kinds of activity, beginning in December.
Though the 2008 Iditarod doesn't start until March 1, visitors to Homer can stage their own Great Race by taking a sled dog ride, a great way to see some of the Kenai Peninsula's backcountry. As soon as snow falls, the dogs are ready to run.
For speed demons who need to feel an engine underneath them as they race across the snow, the best way to travel is by snowmachine (known to non-Alaskans as "snowmobile"). The Caribou Hills, accessible from trails out East End Road, offer freedom to ride. Call the Snomads at 235-0771 for information.
For astronomy enthusiasts a starry Alaska night, unblemished by city lights, offers many wonders. Use a telescope, binoculars or your own eyes to spot constellations, or head outside on very cold nights to catch a glimpse of the spectacular aurora borealis.
The Nutcracker Faire, the Homer Winter Carnival, the Winter King Salmon Tournament, the Kachemak Bay Wooden Boat Festival, SeaFest and the Kachemak Bay Shorebird Festival are among many events that liven up the slower months. See the Calendar, pages 18-19, for dates.
Indoors
After a long day of playing outside, even the hardiest adventurer needs to come in from the cold.
For those who can't get enough winter sports outside, the Homer Ice Rink offers skating and hockey for all ages. There is even a local broomball league. Call 235-2647 or visit www.homericerink.com.
Homer's local pubs kick into overdrive during the winter, providing food, drink and live music by local musicians. Check the Homer News Calendar to see who's playing or visit www.homernews.com
Winter signals the beginning of Foreign Film Fridays at the Kachemak Bay Campus of Kenai Peninsula College. The school plays quality films with no admission at 7 p.m. each Friday from November to March. Visit www.homer.alaska.edu for a schedule.
