Your Summertime Guide to Outdoor Dining in Alpena

Posted on June 2nd, 2023

Summertime and the living’s easy in your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes! Nothing like relaxing on the patio with some good eats and a cold beverage, right? If you want to skip the effort and mess of cooking at home this summer, here are some great spots for outdoor dining in Alpena: Downtown Alpena…

New Presque Isle Lighthouse. Photo by Taran Schatz

12 Day Trip Ideas with South Bay Car Rental

Posted on May 12th, 2023

Ever find yourself up for an adventure but lacking wheels? Exploring hidden gems in the Alpena area is made easier with help from Alpena’s South Bay Car Rental. Whether it’s for a day trip, a long weekend, or an extended time, South Bay Car Rental will hook you up with the perfect vehicle …

Alpena – A Sanctuary of Dark Skies

Posted on April 17th, 2023

If we had to pick something off the Alpena bucket list that you should never miss, it would be our dark sky experience! In February 2016, three state parks in the Alpena area received dark sky designation. These sanctuaries are far away from the harsh effects of excessive artificial light pollution…

Michigan Maple Syrup: the Inside Scoop on a Backyard Production

Posted on April 5th, 2023

Michigan is blessed with an abundance of maple trees, and maple syrup is the first farm crop to be harvested in Michigan each year. The process of making maple syrup didn’t begin with pancakes, though. North American Indians used it both as food and as medicine. Early American settlers observ…

the northern lights dancing over Alpena MI

Where to Chase the Northern Lights in Alpena, MI

Posted on March 24th, 2023

It’s happening! The Aurora Borealis, a.k.a the Northern Lights, is predicted to make an appearance in the Alpena area and you are scrambling to pack up your gear and get to the best spot, save this for later! The best spots to view the Northern Lights will always be in areas will low levels of ligh…

Everyone Is Irish On St. Patrick’s Day!

Posted on March 14th, 2023

On March 17th, everyone is Irish! This week we will celebrate the annual tradition of St. Patrick’s Day and our Irish heritage by wearing green, drinking green beer, and eating corned beef and cabbage. But where did this all come from? The traditional Irish St. Patrick’s day feast consisted of pork a…

10 Tips to Find Your Winter Hygge Lifestyle in Alpena

Posted on February 24th, 2023

Hygge – pronounced “hoo-ga”, is a Danish concept that cannot be translated into a single word but encompasses the overall cozy feeling of contentment and well-being by enjoying the simple things in life. This is especially popular during the winter months when everyone seeks …

Alpena Area Fresh Takes Video Contest

Posted on January 25th, 2023

Submit your Alpena area adventure footage and enter to win some cash! Open call for entries to the Annual Fresh Takes™ Video Contest, sponsored by the Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Put your Alpena area adventure video footage from 2022 together and submit a short video s…

7 Lodging Escapes For an Alpena Winter-Wonderland Adventure

Posted on January 17th, 2023

We know summer is awesome, but so is winter and winter often misses out on the credit it deserves. We are challenging you to come to Alpena and experience a TRUE Michigan winter. Are you up for it? The snowfall and outdoor recreation opportunities are not over yet. Here is a list of ideas to get your wint…

Why Re-Tails Boutique is the Purr-Fect Holiday Shopping Spot!

Posted on December 12th, 2022

Re-Tails Boutique is the cat’s meow when it comes to all things home decor and pet-related. If you have an animal lover, a person who has everything, or a DIY’er on your shopping list, here is why Re-Tails Boutique is a holiday must! Re-Tails Boutique is a quirky, upscale resale shop and b…