Who’s Making Waves? Alpena Native Helena Antoni Elected to Swedish Parliament

Posted on January 10th, 2020

One of our favorite things to blog about is Alpena natives who are out “making waves” in this world. Perhaps you’ve read previous stories about Alpena natives becoming inventors, filmmakers, actors, opera singers, and more. Today we’d like to shine the spotlight on Hel…

Find Fall Color in Alpena’s Top Walks in Nature

Posted on September 27th, 2019

Overcast skies, colorful forest beds, stunning lakeside views, and rich pieces of history are just the beginning of what you’ll discover when you explore the Alpena Area. We have approximately 2 more weeks until our fall color is in full swing! Walks by the Water Ocqueoc Falls Besser Natur…

10 Must See Lake Huron Beaches in the Alpena Area

Posted on July 25th, 2019

Picture this: the “Big Lake” breeze dancing through your hair while blue waves lap at the golden sand under your feet. The air is warm and unsalted. Alpena is welcoming you! The coastal beaches of Alpena and surrounding areas are little gems. Gems tucked away in this Northeastern cor…

A Day in the Life of Leo: Alpena’s Adventure Cat

Posted on July 12th, 2019

Cat lovers rejoice, as hitting the trails has never been more exciting! Thanks to sites like adventurecats.org, and Instagram feline stars Bolt and Keel, a new trend is emerging and active young adults are bringing out their feline companions in cat-packs and harnesses to join them in outdoor adve…

The Twinkling Lights of Summer

Posted on June 21st, 2019

Lightning bug or firefly? Which term do you use? The distant blink goes almost undetected at first notice. Some may even rub their eyes to make sure they’re seeing straight. Was it a blink? Staring off into the darkness, something in your periphery catches your attention. Another blink? With wond…

Little Red Lighthouse. Photo by Judy Hart.

Our Backstory: A Historic Look at the Port City of Alpena

Posted on May 15th, 2019

The historic port city of Alpena is nestled between a vast emerald forest and a clear blue bay. Founded in 1871, Alpena began as an early commercial fishing port and soon grew to be one of the nation’s most profitable lumber harvesting locations. Lumber camps dotted the region and logs were f…

9 Ways to Spring Break in your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on March 27th, 2019

It’s Spring Break in your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes and it seems Old Man Winter has left our area *knocks on wood*. Although we are still in 30-40 degree temps, there are still lots of fun indoor activities to keep you and your kiddos occupied this week.

Spring Break Family Matinee: 5 diff

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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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Diver over Albany Shipwreck. Photo by David Ruck.

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…