A Mission to Share a Smile, Born From a Mother’s Love For Her Marine

Posted on May 23rd, 2019

Edward James was an ambitious and outgoing young man. He wrestled and played football in junior and senior high school and was known to set high standards for himself, doing his best to excel in every new venture. Edward “EJ” James In 2009, Edward went to boot camp to become a Unite…

A Complete Guide to Unconventional Pizza in Alpena

Posted on March 14th, 2019

It’s Pi Day, and we’ve gathered up a list of unusual, unique, one-of-a-kind, specialty pizza pies. You can find all of these unconventional pizzas at locally owned restaurants right here in Alpena. Where will you venture off to tonight?

Court Yard Ristorante–

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Adam Zeeman has a blast sledding after a winter snowfall. Photo courtesy, Paul Gerow.

The Ultimate Packing Guide to Winter Adventure in Alpena

Posted on March 7th, 2019

First we brought you “10 Things to Do During an Alpena Winter“, now we are bringing you the ultimate packing guide for a winter adventure here in the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes. Basic clothing needs for any outdoor winter adventure: Layers! Layers! Layers!

First you need your base lay

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Don’t Miss Out! Must-See Film Festivals Happening in Alpena

Posted on January 22nd, 2019

This week brings us the 7th Annual Thunder Bay International Film Festival to Alpena, with over 50 Oceanic and Great Lakes films created by filmmakers from all over the world! Beginning January 23rd, through January 27th. Thunder Bay International Film Festival One special film tha…

New to Forest Bathing? Here are 5 Tips to Winter Forest Bathing in Alpena

Posted on January 18th, 2019

It’s January, which means the spell of winter has been cast down upon us in full force. The frozen ground glistens with a blanket of white snow, the sky…well we haven’t seen much of it these past few weeks. Which is why winter forest bathing should be priority uno on your to-do list.…

Street Talk: The Story Behind Alpena’s City Streets

Posted on January 11th, 2019

We’ve told you about some of the namesakes surrounding Alpena history in our previous blogs, “Alpena: What’s in a Name?”, and “The Names, the Myths and the Legends of the Sanctuary of the Great Lakes“, but have you ever wondered about Alpena’s …

Through the Lens: A 2018 Instagram Recap of Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on January 4th, 2019

Do you follow @sanctuary_of_the_great_lakes on Instagram? If not, don’t miss out on another year of Alpena’s best photo-ops! Here is a recap of our fan favorites for the year of 2018: Nothing stopped us from going to the beach…not even the month of January. Alpena boat harbor. P…

Quick List of Celebrations & Adventures to Ring in the New Year in Alpena

Posted on December 28th, 2018

Preparations for celebrating the New Year are underway! Numerous Alpena establishments are rolling out their holiday best while bringing in the new year and new beginnings. Where will you be toasting? Check out this list of some of Alpena’s hot celebrations and low-key adventures t…

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…

Little Red against the backdrop of winter on Lake Huron; photo courtesy of Infinity Graphic Design

Homage to the Alpena Light

Posted on December 13th, 2018

Also known as “Little Red” and “Sputnik”, the Alpena Light has been a shining beacon through the storm for over 100 years now. Here is a little History 101 of Alpena’s one and only lighthouse within the city limits: Let’s take it way, way back to 1875. The early…