Well folks, it looks like all the snow we didn’t get in the late fall and early winter is hitting us now. The Betster hopes y’all are staying safe and warm out there and driving carefully on these wintery roads! On the other hand, this is perfect weather (if the wind isn’t too cutting) for snowball fights and hot cocoa. If you’re interested in some less-snowy activities, take a look at these Best Bets.

BEST ICE LANTERN WALK BET: The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge will hold their annual Beluga Slough Trail Walk on Saturday, Jan. 10, 5-7:30 p.m. Bring your ice cleats and enjoy the Beluga Slough Trail at night with candle-lit ice lanterns. Free. Dress for the weather. Stop at the AMNWR Visitor Center patio for a warming fire and s’mores or stop inside for hot chocolate and a craft. Supported by Alaska Geographic and Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges. In case of inclement weather check the Refuge Facebook page for updates. 95 Sterling Highway.

BEST EARLY RELEASE DAY COLLAB BET: The kids will get out of school early on Friday, Jan. 16 — the perfect opportunity for them to learn about Homer’s homestead history! Join the Pratt Museum and Homer Public Library for a collaborative learning experience from 1:30-2:30 p.m. at the museum. This event is intended for elementary-aged kids and is free, though registration is required. For more information, check out either the Pratt or HPL websites. 3779 Bartlett St.

BEST TRAILS INFORMATION NIGHT BET: Are you interested in learning more about the process to create an accessible, multi-use trail system on this side of Kachemak Bay? Stop by Grace Ridge Brewing on Jan. 17 from 5-7 p.m. for an Eastland Trails Info Night, cohosted by the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks and the Homer Cycling Club. Ask questions, get information about volunteering, learn more about fundraising efforts and enjoy an evening with the crew behind the Eastland Trails project! 870 Smoky Bay Way.

BEST FILM SCREENING AND ARTIST TALK BET: Are you interested in fiber arts and natural fibers? Join the Porcupine Theater Friday, Jan. 30 for an evening to honor nettle and all it makes possible with an artist talk with Carla Cope and screening of the beautiful documentary “The Nettle Dress.” Doors open at 5 p.m., Carla Cope discusses working with nettle fibers at 5:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 5:45 p.m. Textile artist Allan Brown spends seven years making a dress by hand from foraged stinging nettles, all picked on the South Downs near Brighton. This is “hedgerow couture,” the greenest of slow fashion. It’s also his medicine, the way he survives the death of his wife that left him and his four children bereft. This event is free for Porcupine members. Buy your tickets at porcupinetheater.com/movies/the-nettle-dress/.

BEST WINTER CALL FOR ART BET: Homer Council on the Arts invites all active members to submit artwork to their 2026 Members Show. Open to all mediums and sizes for any work made in the last two years that has not been previously shown in Homer. Please contact HCOA if your work is over 4-feet-by-4-feet. The submission form will be open Jan. 5-31. All work must be turned in to the HCOA office by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. Work will be on display in the HCOA gallery during the month of February. 355 W. Pioneer Ave.

BEST INDOOR WALKING BET: SPARC Walks, sponsored by South Peninsula Hospital, continue every Monday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. until May. All are welcome to these open walks: strollers, elders, walking sticks, wheelchairs, etc. No sign-up is required! SPH will also be offering health education opportunities such as flu shots, blood pressure checks, surveys and more on some Mondays. 600 Sterling Highway.