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…

The Besser Museum Season of Light Shines Bright

Posted on November 21st, 2018

Once again, Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan has brought us the beauty of world traditions relating to Christmas. Each year during their “Season of Light” display, Besser Museum offers us a walk through nations around the world to see how diffe…

8 Inspiring Ways to Go Camping in Alpena: Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on August 2nd, 2018

Camping, Glamping, Survivalist, Tenting. What kind of camper are you? Negwegon State Park is a beautiful site for rustic style camping. Photo courtesy Josh Stephan From the interior of a dense forest to fresh breezes off Lake Huron, camping provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural beau…

Through the Lens: Our Instagram Fans Tell the Story of April 2018

Posted on May 4th, 2018

If you are not yet following @sanctuary_of_the_great_lakes on Instagram, you’re missing out! Check out these awesome photos taken by our IG fans during the month of April. They perfectly depict the timeline of events that Mother Nature bestowed upon us. It was a wild ride! We s…

Let it Snow! 5 Fun Things to Do After a Snowstorm in Alpena

Posted on March 7th, 2018

Check out this awesome snowman! Construction and photo courtesy of Katelyn Carr & Family. There are so many things to do after an Alpena snowstorm, like shovel…plow…snow blow…you know, the adult stuff. Set that aside for a couple hours of care-free fun with these MU…

Be Mine, Alpena: 5 Ideas to Make Your Valentine’s Day Special

Posted on February 13th, 2018

A winter adventure with a favorite companion makes for the perfect Valentine’s Day! Photo by Sandy Blumenthal For some of you, Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate love and happiness while eating a romantic dinner and bestowing special gifts upon your significant other. For o…

The Beginners Guide to Loving Snow in Alpena, Sanctuary of the Great Lakes

Posted on February 8th, 2018

A Lake Huron winter-scape view by Stephanie Loewe Photography. If you google, “How many words do the Inuit have for snow?” the answer will come up as 50. Some sites may tell you even more. You will also find articles by modern linguists claiming this as a myth, citing examples of how we hav…

Your Guide to the Super Blue Blood Moon/Lunar Eclipse in Alpena, MI

Posted on January 30th, 2018

A super blue blood red moon on the horizon. Photo by artist John E. Shepler You’ve heard the saying “once in a blue moon”, but have you ever heard the saying, “once in a super blue blood moon lunar eclipse”? Yeah, we haven’t either. But that is exactly what is hap…

10 Ideas For Winter Adventure in Alpena

Posted on January 4th, 2018

Old man winter wraps Norway Ridge in a beautiful blanket of fluffy white! Winter photography by Laura Wolosiewicz The hustle and bustle of the holidays are now over. This is the time when the full effects of a true northern Michigan winter start to wash over us, bringing feelings of cabin fever, …