BEST BEER BET: Come to the next Barley & O.A.T.s (Outdoor Adventure Talks) to listen to Hig of Ground Truth Trekking and Eric Clarke with Kachemak Bay State Park present on an idea that started in 2015 of a trail that would cross from the shores of Kachemak Bay to the open Pacific coast, now known as the Tutka Backdoor Trail. Since then, about 700 days of volunteer time has gone into the project, and hikers are making the 21-mile journey along the Tutka Backdoor Trail between the coasts. Find out more by joining at this free event at 5:30 p.m. tonight at Grace Ridge Brewing.

BEST BIKING BET: In celebration of Bike to Work Day, the Homer Cycling Club invites bike commuters to stop by WKFL Park between 7-9 a.m. on Friday for a hot beverage and snack on their way to work.

BEST BETTER COMMUNITY BET: There will be a night of entertainment and silent auction to support The Exchange — the Southern Kenai Peninsula’s syringe exchange program at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Alice’s Champagne Palace. Addiction affects everyone — those struggling, their friends and family and the entire community — this is an issue that will take the community coming together to find solutions. The Exchange is a grassroots, volunteer run program that works to serve those struggling with addiction and provide harm reduction, lifesaving overdose kits, resources for treatment and medical services, education and a personal connection. Entry is $15.

BEST BETTER ENERGY BET: The Homer Solar Tour is celebrating 10 years this month. Join them from 7-9 p.m. on Friday at the Alaska Islands & Ocean Visitor Center to hear several speakers on the subject of Homer’s use of solar technology and how citizens can make use of solar themselves. On May 18 one can visit some outstanding solar technology sites in the Homer area, including businesses and residential sites. See the Sustainable Homer website for more information: sustainablehomer.org

BEST BYE FOR NOW BET: South Peninsula Hospital has one more Walk with a Doc event happening from 9-10 a.m. pn Saturday before the program takes a break until Sept. 7. This takes place in the SPARC. Free walking passes for June, July and August are available at Walk with a Doc. Hear from Dr. Hal Smith, who recently retired after nearly 40 years in emergency medicine. This is a free event, open to all ages and abilities. There is parking up at the SPARC and down below in the Homer Middle School Parking lot. There will be free blood pressure screenings, prizes and refreshments. Bring clean indoor walking shoes. Email wellness@sphosp.org, or call the SPH Health & Wellness Department at (907) 235-0970 with questions or for more information.

BEST BET: Spit Takes will host its second live storytelling event at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Stowaway Cafe on East End Road. This month’s theme is “It seemed like a good idea at the time…” Participants have 7 minutes to tell a real, true story along that theme.

A $3 or $5 cover will get you a drink. Food and coffee beverages will be available for purchase inside. Call Megan at 906-284-1183 or email her at meganlynp@gmail.com with questions.

BEST BOUNTY BET: Join the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies for its annual Spring Fling, from 6-11 p.m. Saturday at Wasabi’s Bistro. Enjoy a great evening that includes a five-course meal paired with wines, live entertainment and an auction. All proceeds support their Education and Stewardship Programs. Tickets may be purchased online at akcoastalstudies.org.