Best Bets
Published 9:30 pm Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Are you looking for something to do in this post-holiday lull? Look no further—there’s still plenty of summer fun to be had in Homer! For details, check out these Best Bets.
BEST PEONY HIGH TEA BET: Sip and savor the flavor of Homer-grown peonies during the inaugural Alaska-style Peony High Tea, held on Thursday, July 10 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Captain’s Coffee. This event, part of Homer’s sixth annual Peony Celebration, is co-hosted by the Rotary Club of Homer-Kachemak Bay, Captain’s Coffee and Alaska Beauty Peony Co-op. A second high tea will be held at Captain’s Coffee on Aug. 14 from 4-5:30 p.m. Sample the co-op’s peony teas, enjoy a variety of treats made by Rotary members and shop the co-op’s many peony products. Proceeds from product sales will be shared between the co-op and the Rotary. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased at Captain’s before the event or at the door, or reserve your seat by going to captainscoffee.com or calling 907-235-4970. Seating is limited, so get your tickets now! 295 E. Pioneer Ave.
BEST FOOD PANTRY FUNDRAISER BET: Grace Ridge Brewing will host an auction fundraiser in support of the Homer Community Food Pantry on Saturday, July 12 starting at 6 p.m. A plethora of rhubarb offerings will be available to bid on during the “Every Which Way Rhubarb” auction. HCFP relies on community generosity and funding from donations and grants to support an increasing number of people who depend on them for food and assistance, so mark your calendars for this opportunity to help the pantry out! 870 Smoky Bay Way.
BEST GET YOUR PEONY BOUQUETS BET: The Homer-Kachemak Bay Rotary Club will be selling peony bouquets on Thursdays and Fridays, July 17 through Aug. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the Homer Chamber of Commerce building. Sales are dependent on weather and availability of flowers. Proceeds will be split between the Alaska Beauty Peony Co-op and the Rotary; funds allocated to the Rotary will be used for their many community causes including supporting parks, scholarships and the work of many of Homer’s nonprofit organizations. For more information, contact Lori Evans, the Rotary’s Community Service Committee co-chair, at 907-399-7767. 201 Sterling Highway.
BEST NATURE RESERVE TOURS BET: Inspiration Ridge Preserve is offering guided hikes through the summer! Traverse rolling trails and summer wildflower meadows during guided hikes on the preserve. This secluded corner of Alaska is more than just a place to recreate — it’s a sanctuary for wildlife, a living classroom for conservation and a place of peace for those seeking to escape the crowds. Take in the sweeping views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, explore miles of trails and discover the wildlife who call this vast landscape home. On a Guided Hike, you’re not only embarking on an unforgettable adventure, you’re also supporting vital conservation efforts that help protect these critical ecosystems for future generations. Cost ranges from $20-35 depending on the length of your excursion. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit akcoastalstudies.org/tours-listings/inspiration-ridge-preserve-guided-tours.
BEST CALL FOR ART BET: Are you a fiber artist looking to display your work? Homer Council on the Arts invites all local artists working with fiber, textiles, yarn, felt and fabric to the 2025 Fiber Arts Showcase! This call for art is open to all ages and abilities with no prompts or themes required. Submission deadline is Aug. 30. Learn more and submit art at homerart.org/event/call-for-art/. 355 W. Pioneer Ave.
