From its late-19th and early-20th-century roots based on coal mining and fishing, Homer´s charming historic core - named after the somewhat shady goldmining-company promoter Homer Pennock, is a charming neighborhood of wooden buildings, the oldest of which - the post office - dates back to 1927. The district is now home to various shops, bars, restaurants, and hostelries, and galleries which are part of a vibrant arts scene, all framed by the natural beauty of snow-capped Kenai Mountains and volcanic peaks in the background. Highlights here include the The Bunnell Street Arts Center (above), where you can catch cool exhibitions showcasing regional and native Alaskan artists as well as catch performances, and other events; and the nearby Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, where you can sign up for various activities such as a tide-pooling tour with a naturist guide and learn about local wildlife, the unique ecosystem of Kachemak Bay, and the extreme Homer Tides.

Read more in Tripatini contributor Donna Hall´s post A Singular Alaska Destination: The Cool Kenai Peninsula Town of Homer.