Crafted in the Hand; Michigan-Made Spirits at Nucleus Lounge in Alpena

Posted on August 15th, 2019

What do bananas, rye, and Alpena all have in common? Answer: the one and only perfectly custom-crafted Journeyman Distillery rye whiskey- only available at Nucleus Lounge in downtown Alpena! Chef Eric Peterson of the Fresh Palate/Nucleus Lounge wanted to bring a signature style to the drinks i…

12 Days of Christmas in Alpena: The Ultimate Guide to Holiday-Themed Activities

Posted on December 18th, 2018

By Guest Blogger: Lara King Only 1 more week until Christmas! However, we made a list and checked it twice so you can fit in all of these events and activities before Christmas time. Enjoy these holiday-themed activities, shopping local, and festive plates in “The Ultimate Holiday GuideR…

A variety of Alpena apparel at The Local Basket Case.

Alpena’s Holiday Shopping Guide

Posted on December 6th, 2018

Looking for that special, unusual Christmas gift or stocking stuffer? Do you have a someone in your life that seems to already have everything? Don’t get lost in online conglomerates and big box stores! Here’s a list of Alpena’s hidden treasures full of unique items for everyone on you…

Changing the Narrative, One Scoop at a Time

Posted on November 28th, 2018

When Aaron Buza and his wife Kari were approached about taking over ownership of Downtown Scoops in Alpena, they were honored and excited. Established in 2011 by Chris and Missi LeFave, Downtown Scoops has delighted local residents and visitors with their homemade waffle cones, unique flavor var…

A Peek Inside the Posen Potato Festival

Posted on September 6th, 2018

Local Experience Writer Lara King gives readers an inside look at a familiar favorite in Northeast Michigan. Alpena’s neighbor to the Northwest, Posen, has been celebrating the local potato harvest in Northeast Michigan for 67 years. Generations of families have grown up learning how to dance …

Enjoying some ice cream from Downtown Scoops. Photo by Michele Madison.

10 Great Ice Cream Stops in The Sanctuary of the Great Lakes!

Posted on July 10th, 2018

How do we stay cool in the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes? Beaches and ice cream of course! No matter which beach you bum or trail you travel, we’ve got you covered! Here’s a list of 10 local shops with frozen treats to keep you chill: Lily enjoys a blue moon ice cream cone on a hot summer d…

Complete Summer Guide to Waterfront Dining in Alpena

Posted on June 14th, 2018

Relaxing lakeside is a way of life here in Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes. As soon as summer shines upon us, we live, breathe, and hashtag that “lake life” like there is no tomorrow! Whether it be on the Great Lake Huron, one of our surrounding inland lakes, or even the T…

Top 16 Ways to Fall for Fall in Alpena: Sancutary of the Great Lakes

Posted on September 21st, 2017

Fall colors will be here before you know it! Photo by Paul Gerow The Autumnal Equinox arrives on Friday, and it’s that time for pumpkin spice everything! Don’t begin your hibernation just yet…the Alpena area has so much to offer during the fall season and this first weekend of fal…

Top Must-See Independence Day Celebrations Around Alpena!

Posted on June 27th, 2017

Alpena’s upcoming Independence Day celebration- Don’t miss out on these must-see, must-do events happening on the 4th of July in Alpena this year! Photo courtesy of Paul Gerow Alpena is gearing up to celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, one of our most beloved h…

Wine Down in Alpena for National Wine Day

Posted on May 25th, 2017

Stoney Acres Winery limited edition “Think Pink” wine for breast cancer awareness. (Photo courtesy of Stoney Acres Winery) Another year has passed and it’s national wine day again! Our Sanctuary of the Great Lakes offers two beautiful wineries serving authentic Michigan wi…