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 …

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 lake…

Planting Irish Roots in Downtown Alpena

Posted on March 16th, 2018

As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this Saturday, we reflect on the history behind this holiday which brings us high spirits and full bellies. Locally, Alpena has some of its own Irish roots. Read on to learn some history about one of Alpena’s most prominent Irishmen, as well as in…

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…

Pure Michigan Maple Syrup: the Inside Scoop on a Backyard Production

Posted on April 12th, 2017

Tapping Maple Trees 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 a food and as a medicine. Ea…

49 Fun Must-do Adventures for Families in your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes!

Posted on March 30th, 2017

Shin-ga-ba Shores Playground There are plenty of things to keep your family busy while you visit Alpena: Sanctuary of the Great Lakes. From Exploring the great outdoors, to experiencing interactive indoor activities, you won’t have time to be bored. Here’s our list of the top 49 fami…

10 Things to Do During an Alpena Winter

Posted on January 13th, 2017

A snowy, crystalized Thunder Bay River. Why not try out your hand at photography this winter? Photo courtesy of Amy Lijewski The hustle and bustle of the holidays are now over. This is the time when the full effects of a northern Michigan winter are washing over us, bringing us feelings of cabin…