Alcohol

Homer [1] has a diversity of locally made spirits. A must-see is Homer Brewing Company (1411 Lakeshore Dr., 907/235-3626, www.homerbrew.com [2], daily noon–5 p.m. or later), where you can sample the China Poot Porter, Old Inlet Pale Ale, Red Knot Scottish, and other specialties before buying a half-gallon growler to go. The brewery also crafts Zen Chai and Alaska Chai teas.

A surprise is Bear Creek Winery (907/235-8484 or 888/649-2176, www.bearcreekwinery.com [3]), producing notable wines from local fruits. If chocolate raspberry wine is in stock, you’ll want buy several bottles of this decadent dessert wine.

Even more unexpected is Ring of Fire Meadery (178 E. Bunnell Ave., 907/235-2656, www.ringoffiremeadery.com [4]), where you can sample eight different meads crafted from local fruits. The black current and apple cyser meads are especially popular. Both Bear Creek and the Meadery are open daily in the summer.