The holiday hustle and bustle is quickly approaching, but the Betster also hopes folks take a bit of time to slow down and just breathe each day. There’s plenty to do as always, and one of those to-do things can be to sit and smell the roses — er, woodsmoke, maybe. Or all the fresh snow we’ve been getting. Maybe a bakery-scented candle. Whatever passes for rose-sniffing in wintertime, do that. The point is to just take a breath for a second. If you’re not so into that slow life, well, as usual, we’ve got the thing for you — just check out these Best Bets.

BEST WILDLIFE REFUGE BET: The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center is back open! Stop by during their open hours, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. for the winter. The AMNWR Visitor Center will continue to close on federal holidays. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST BIRDERS PRESENTATION BET: The Kachemak Bay Birders’ next meeting will be Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Visitor Center. A short business meeting will be followed by a presentation on emperor geese. Here in Homer, we are always happy to see them! In the “Checklist of Birds of Kachemak Bay” they are listed as “casual” in spring and winter and “accidental” in summer. Biologist Bryan Daniels at Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge will be talking about the ecology, survival, movement and management of emperor geese in Alaska. Bryan has been a waterfowl biologist at YDNWR since 2016, where he has focused his research on emperor goose survival, nesting and brood ecology. All Kachemak Bay Birders events are co-sponsored by AMNWR. All events are free and everyone is welcome to attend. For questions, call Lani Raymond at 907-399-9477. 95 Sterling Highway

BEST COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING GATHERING BET: The Homer United Methodist Church will host a Community Thanksgiving Potluck on Thursday, Nov. 27 from 1-4 p.m. If you’re able, please bring a dish to share or games to play with your neighbors. Volunteers are needed for an assortment of tasks, including providing food, serving, greeting, washing dishes and keeping the coffee pot full. If interested in helping, please text Lori Evans at 907-399-7767. 770 East End Road.

BEST STUDENT EXHIBIT AT THE MUSEUM BET: Students in Homer High School’s Alaska History classes will soon present a temporary exhibit at the Pratt Museum! During the Fall 2025 semester, students have chosen items from the museum’s permanent collections to study, research and connect back to Alaskan history. From traditional fishing equipment and basketry to the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill, this exhibit covers it all. The exhibit will be open and included in regular admission from Dec. 2-6 and on First Friday on Dec. 5 from 4-6 p.m. Go check it out at 3779 Bartlett Street.

BEST GET A LOCALLY GROWN CHRISTMAS TREE BET: Homer Council on the Arts is hosting a Christmas tree fundraiser! Get locally grown spruce trees for your Christmas celebrations this year. Trees will be sold for $10 per foot, minimum 5 feet tall and maximum 12 feet tall. Also available are pine boughs for $2 each and spruce boughs for $1.50 each. All proceeds will support HCOA Youth Scholarships. Pick-up dates are Saturday, Dec. 13 (must be ordered by Dec. 9) and Saturday, Dec. 20 (must be ordered by Dec. 16). Learn more at homerart.org/event/christmas-tree-fundraiser/. 355 W. Pioneer Ave.