Homer
Homer is known as the "Halibut Fishing Capital of World". But if you don't fish, it is definitely worth a trip. We stayed at the Baycrest RV Park - which has the best view of the Kachemak Bay and we are also able to see the Grewingk Glacier. The view alone is worth the trip to Homer.
But for those who don't fish, there are also other great options.
1. Walk on the spit, have lunch, book a charter. I wasn't quite sure what a "spit" was. Basically it is an extension of the land/beach that projects out to sea and is joined to the mainland at one end. The Homer Spit is 4.5 miles long and of course, this is Alaska, so it is the LONGEST ROAD into ocean waters in the world.
2. Visit the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. We visited their Carl E. Wynn Center on Skyline Road. Our guide Shannon took us on a 1.5 mile hike on the Fireweed trail / Bog. She was really a great naturalist guide. We learned what plants are edible .... Watermelon berries and of course Fireweed. The Fireweed flowers can be made into jam, eaten raw or young stalks cooked (tastes like asparagus....hmmm) I think I will use a few flowers in our salad. Also DO NOT eat Wolfsbane, is it the most deadly plant in Alaska. We did see moose tracks and bear scat...but unfortunately not the actual animal. The center also has a tour at the harbor for tidal pools and other dock sea life.
3. Homer Brewing Company is a great find. In addition to the beer selections, Jakolof Bay Oyster Company has a food hut here serving the freshest & sweetest oysters. They were so good, we went back twice.
3. If you are an ELKs member, visit this lodge. It has the best view of any Elks - right on the Kachemak Bay. They also have a few RV spots with water and electric and are able to accommodate up to 4 or 5 large rigs (40 feet)....not a full hookups just electric and water.
4. Take a charter to Seldovia or take a flight to view bears.
5. Bear creek winery. Hard to beat California wines, but this is a beautiful winery and a great tasting room. The wines are made with grapes from New Zealand or California and blended with local fruit and berries. They have to cabins to rent complete with hot tub and BBQ. The grounds are bursting with flowers. I know sounds like an ad, but it was really well done
6. Lots of hiking trails. We took the Calvin and coyle hike. It had just reopened as a goshawk protecting its nest was dive bombing hikers. Lucky for us no goshawk attack. We had our trusty watchdog with us just in case
7. Lots of scenic drives, the view from the top of Skyline road is worth the drive
8. We found a great local fish store. Bob is both the fisherman and distributor, sells mainly to locals. We bought 2 sockeye salmons that had been caught the day before. To show what a small world we live in Bobs family is from Visalia and his niece attends Fresno State
For a city nicknamed "end of the road" - it was a great place in visit in Alaska. The views are stunning wherever you are in Homer....worth a 5-7 day visit.
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But for those who don't fish, there are also other great options.
1. Walk on the spit, have lunch, book a charter. I wasn't quite sure what a "spit" was. Basically it is an extension of the land/beach that projects out to sea and is joined to the mainland at one end. The Homer Spit is 4.5 miles long and of course, this is Alaska, so it is the LONGEST ROAD into ocean waters in the world.
2. Visit the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies. We visited their Carl E. Wynn Center on Skyline Road. Our guide Shannon took us on a 1.5 mile hike on the Fireweed trail / Bog. She was really a great naturalist guide. We learned what plants are edible .... Watermelon berries and of course Fireweed. The Fireweed flowers can be made into jam, eaten raw or young stalks cooked (tastes like asparagus....hmmm) I think I will use a few flowers in our salad. Also DO NOT eat Wolfsbane, is it the most deadly plant in Alaska. We did see moose tracks and bear scat...but unfortunately not the actual animal. The center also has a tour at the harbor for tidal pools and other dock sea life.
3. Homer Brewing Company is a great find. In addition to the beer selections, Jakolof Bay Oyster Company has a food hut here serving the freshest & sweetest oysters. They were so good, we went back twice.
3. If you are an ELKs member, visit this lodge. It has the best view of any Elks - right on the Kachemak Bay. They also have a few RV spots with water and electric and are able to accommodate up to 4 or 5 large rigs (40 feet)....not a full hookups just electric and water.
4. Take a charter to Seldovia or take a flight to view bears.
5. Bear creek winery. Hard to beat California wines, but this is a beautiful winery and a great tasting room. The wines are made with grapes from New Zealand or California and blended with local fruit and berries. They have to cabins to rent complete with hot tub and BBQ. The grounds are bursting with flowers. I know sounds like an ad, but it was really well done
6. Lots of hiking trails. We took the Calvin and coyle hike. It had just reopened as a goshawk protecting its nest was dive bombing hikers. Lucky for us no goshawk attack. We had our trusty watchdog with us just in case
7. Lots of scenic drives, the view from the top of Skyline road is worth the drive
8. We found a great local fish store. Bob is both the fisherman and distributor, sells mainly to locals. We bought 2 sockeye salmons that had been caught the day before. To show what a small world we live in Bobs family is from Visalia and his niece attends Fresno State
For a city nicknamed "end of the road" - it was a great place in visit in Alaska. The views are stunning wherever you are in Homer....worth a 5-7 day visit.
Definitely things to see there!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the beer jars!
ReplyDeleteSince we were eating outside we couldn't have glasses. These are the "to go" bottles.
DeleteWe'll meet you at Bear Creek Winery...sounds like fun to me. Your never going to come home OR I should say WHY???? Looks like a wonderful time.
ReplyDeleteThis was a cute winery. You would love it. The wines are more sweet so not a favorite for us.
Delete