Discover Magazine

Discover

Northeast Michigan 2020

45 & 23 Things to do along the 45th Parallel, U.S.-23

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2 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

The funnest imaginary line in Michigan How the 45th Parallel is a marketing tool for communities across northern counties

By STEVE SCHULWITZ News Staff Writer

ALPENA — Earth’s 45th Parallel North runs 3,700 miles and crosses 11 states in America, running right through many northern Michigan counties.

The unique geographic point is a popular tourist attraction and marketing tool for communities from Alpena to Leland that are located on or near the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole.

Many of those communities, such as Gaylord, Atlanta, and Alpena, have sign markers at the location of the 45th Parallel, while others have more elaborate monuments that honor the location and provide photo opportunities for tourists and people who are just passing by.

In Kewadin, about 20 miles north of Traverse City, a monument at the 45th Parallel is comprised of 83 large stones, each engraved with the name of one from the state’s 83 counties.

It is a place where people can stop to grab a quick photo or get out of their car for a quick stretch and learn more about the history of Michigan.

Traverse City Tourism spokeswoman Jillian Manning said the 45th Parallel put the area on par with places such as France and Spain, which also sit near the imaginary line.

She said people often stop at the sign and monument and purchase 45th Parallel merchandise produced and sold nearby.

“It is kind of cool that Traverse City and Leelanau, which is known for their wines, are on the 45th Parallel with other places notorious for their wines, such as France and Spain,” Manning said. “It is just another attraction that makes the area attractive to visit.”

Paul Beachnau, executive director of the Gaylord Area Community and Visitors Bureau, said the sign marker near Gaylord explains what the 45th Parallel is and people often pull over on the side of the expressway to click photos and videos. He said some local businesses incorporate the number 45 into their names and logos to promote the area.

45th Parallel, see page 13

Courtesy Photo

There are many 45th parallel monuments in Michigan, one of the most impressive is this polylith made of boulders from each of Michigan’s 83 counties. The name of each county is engraved on the face of the stone, so visitors can locate the stone from individual counties.

DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 3

Islands of adventure Grand Lake islands full of history and mystery

By JULIE RIDDLE News Staff Writer

PRESQUE ISLE — Dotting Grand Lake’s 5,660-acre expanse, in a rare treat for inland-lake aficionados, are humps of land packed with trees, islands fit for exploring and firing the imagination of the many who love the water.

One of those, Robin Spencer, moved to Traverse City 25 years ago but hasn’t missed a summer on Grand Lake in all those years. The owner of Presque Isle Lodge on the lake’s east side and a onetime township supervisor, Spencer is a treasure house of facts about the islands in the lake that was his boyhood home.

The exact number of islands in Grand Lake is nebulous, Spencer said, ranging from the low to high teens. Some maps don’t include the unnamed islands that inhabit murky Black Bass Bay. Others discount Sunken Island, an underwater island sometimes marked by locals with a floating milk jug until someone picks it up, News Photo by Julie Riddle

A bare dock is silhouetted against early-morning light on Grand Lake in early fall.

Grand Lake islands, see page 20

4 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

Get out there!

2020 events

A roundup of some of the events happening this year in Northeast Michigan:

APRIL 27

• 16th Annual Let’s Get Growing Garden Show, Alpena Mall

MAY 4

• Thunder Bay Theatre Break A Leg 5K, downtown Alpena, thunderbaytheatre.com

MAY 25-26

• Annual Open House and Arts & Crafts Show, 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, 40milepointlighthouse.org

JUNE 15

News Photo by Julie Riddle

Water catches the autumn sunlight at Ocqueoc Falls in Presque Isle County, the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and the only universally accessible waterfall in the United States.

• 27th Annual Presque Isle Harbor Wooden Boat Show, Presque Isle Harbor, presqueisleharborwoodenboatshow.com • JUNE 22 16th Annual Alpena Blues Festival, alpenablues.com • JUNE 29 40th Annual Log Cabin Day, Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, bessermuseum.org 2020 events, see page 9

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DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 5

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Imbibe near the 45 Northeast Michigan offers wineries, brewpubs

By CRYSTAL NELSON News Staff Writer

ALPENA — Northeast Michigan is home to a number of breweries and wineries owned by local families and fueled by fresh ingredients.

Here’s a roundup of some of those establishments: AUSTIN BROTHERS BEER CO. Austin Brothers opened for business in 2015, when Dana Austin and his two sons, Blake and Brandt, moved to Alpena from California to pursue a dream of starting a microbrewery.

Since opening, the brews poured at the brewpub, 821 W. Miller St., Alpena, have found their way into the hearts — and bellies — of locals and tourists alike. Staff recommendations include Woody Wheat, Cherry Bomb, Northern Lights, Parallyzer IPA, and Raspberry Vanilla Porter.

The brewery also serves artisan pub food, made from locally sourced ingredients.

ALCONA BREW HAUS Located just north of Harrisville, the Alcona Brew Haus, 676 N. U.S.-23, has quickly become a local haunt. The brewpub opened in 2019 in the former Muehlbeck’s, a German restaurant once wellknown to the locals, and offers a selection of 14 housemade beers on tap. The brewpub also serves wine, including several Michigan-made wines, and has a full bar.

“We are known for our smoked brisket, ribs, pulled pork, and smoked chicken

News Photos by Crystal Nelson

Amanda Boboltz, with Thunder Bay Winery, pours a flight of wine at the winery’s retail location in downtown Alpena. wings,” owner Sandy Arens said, noting chefs also hand-patty their burgers to order and make their pizza dough from scratch.

The brewpub is also unique because it does not prepare foods containing peanuts, tree nuts, or shellfish, so many aller-

Derek Hamilton, floor manager at Austin Brothers Beer Company, pours a beer at the brewery in Alpena.

gen-friendly options are available.

THUNDER BAY WINERY Thunder Bay Winery is a family-owned and -operated business with a tasting room located in the Center Building in downtown Alpena.

The first grape vines were planted in 2005, with the winery opening for business in 2012.

Manager Amanda Boboltz said more than 50% of the grapes and fruit used in the wine are sourced from the Thunder Bay vineyard in Ossineke.

“We grow 13 varieties of grapes, and kind of something unique, we handpick all of our grapes,” Boboltz said.

STONEY ACRES WINERY Tucked away at 4268 Truckey Road northwest of Alpena, Stoney Acres Winery offers a variety of grape and fruit wines made from locally sourced ingredients.

The boutique winery began offering its wines to the public in 2003 and its selection has since expanded. The wine, along with gourmet chocolates, can be sampled in the tasting room.

TWISTED ROOTS CIDERY Located at Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm, Twisted Roots Cidery offers a variety of hard ciders and woodfired pizza.

Brewpubs, see page 9

DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 7

Protected excursions State parks offer outdoor fun along Lake Huron coast

By JULIE GOLDBERG News Staff Writer

ALPENA — Along U.S.-23 are numerous state parks where visitors can explore nature trails and see Lake Huron.

Rockport Recreation Area is located just north of Alpena. The property features a deep-water protected harbor and an old limestone quarry that covers about 300 acres.

Some recreation activities at Rockport are cross-country skiing, horseback riding, fishing, hiking, biking, and more.

Harrisville State Park is located a bit Courtesy Photo State parks, see page 11

People play beach volleyball at Harrisville State Park.

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8 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

Get out there!

Brewpubs,

Continued from Page 7 The hard cider is fermented, carbonated and kegged onsite, with apples grown on the farm. Owner Dana Hefele said there are usually between 10 and 12 hard ciders on tap.

Northeast Michigan Drinkeries

2020 events, Continued from Page 5

• JUNE 29 10th Annual Long Lake Lights Festival, Long Lake-Alpena County Park, longlakelightsfestival.com

JUNE 30

• 4th Annual Tour DeVine, Alpena to Ossineke, harborsidecycle.com

Alcona Brew Haus 676 N. U.S.-23, Harrisville 989-724-6338

JULY 3

• SUPs & SUDs Paddle Board/Kayak/Canoe Race Thunder Bay River, thunderbay.noaa.gov

Austin Brothers Beer Co. 821 Miller St., Alpena 989-340-6338

JULY 4

Stoney Acres Winery 4268 Truckey Road, Alpena 989-356-1041 Thunder Bay Winery 109 N. 2nd Ave., Alpena 989-358-9463 Twisted Roots Cidery 2621 S. Karsten Road, Rogers City 989-351-7868

• 42nd Independence Dork Bros/First Federal one-mile and 5K, APlex, 989-354-7314 • Independence Day Celebration Alpena!, Performance Locker 4th of July Parade sponsored by Lafarge, Sandcastle Contest sponsored by The Alpena News, and more! visitalpena.com • 19th Annual Thunder Bay Maritime Festival, Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, thunderbay.noaa.gov

• 9th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta, Thunder Bay River, thunderbayfriends.org

JULY 19-28

• 45th Annual Michigan Brown Trout Festival, Small Boat Harbor, browntroutfestival.com

JULY 20-21

• 43rd Annual Thunder Bay Arts Council’s Art on the Bay, Bay View Park, thunderbayarts.org

JULY 20

• Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival, Harrisville Harbor, Harrisville, facebook. com/sunrisesidewineandfoodfestival

JULY 20

• Northeast Michigan Mountain Bike Festival, Chippewa Hills Pathway, Hubbard Lake, harborsidecycle.com

AUGUST 4-9

• Rogers City Nautical Festival, rogerscitynauticalcityfestival.com 2020 events, see page 15

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10 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

State parks,

Continued from Page 8

south of downtown Harrisville. It is along Lake Huron and features a campground and day-use area in pine and cedar trees.

The park was established in 1921 and is one of Michigan’s oldest state parks.

Eric Ostrander, park supervisor, said there’s a one-mile nature trail loop people use for hiking.

“There’s a paved heritage trail that goes from the north end of the park to the south end,” Ostrander said. “People like to walk that and also bike it.”

The park features a horseshoe pit and beach volleyball courts.

Negwegon State Park is located in Black River and is an undeveloped area that’s open for hunting and hiking. Ostrander said about 4,000 acres there are undeveloped.

“There’s a well for water that people use

all year and about 11 miles of trails,” he said.

The park features seven miles of Lake Huron beach frontage.

The park contains a dark-sky preserve that gives people opportunities to view the night sky, a park terrain with a mixture of lowland areas, small ridges, and aspen forest. Darksky preserves are areas far from manmade light that can make it harder to see stars in the sky.

Negwegon has three trails: Algonquin, Chippewa, and Potawatomi. Algonquin is almost 4 miles long and goes along the coast of Lake Huron. Chippewa is 3 miles long and takes people through different forests.

Potawatomi is 3.6 miles long and lopes along the Lake Huron coast.

Ostrander said people like hiking the different trails at the park.

Hoeft State Park is located five miles north of Rogers City along Lake Huron and covers approximately 300 acres.

It features a non-motorized trail that connects that park to the Huron Sunrise Trail.

That trail stretches to Rogers City by riding along the beach next to Lake Huron and ending at the world’s largest open-pit limestone mine, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

The park features four trails: Beach, Hardwoods, Nagel Creek, and Pavilion. Each trail gives people the ability to cross-country ski or hike.

Some activities at the park are biking, hiking, cross country skiing, and more.

Julie Goldberg can be reached at 989358-5688 or jgoldberg@thealpenanews. com. Follow her on Twitter @jkgoldberg12.

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We warmly welcome you to join us Sunday 10 AM! 317 Ripley Blvd. Alpena MI 49707 989.354.0095 www.newlifealpena.org www.facebook.com/newlifealpena Check our website or facebook for classes and events.

989-734-4699 Services are at 9:30 a.m.

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DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 11

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45th Parallel,

Continued from Page 3

“It is featured in a lot of our promotional material, and we use it a lot,” he said. “When you add everything we have and add that, we have the best of everything that people are looking for when they decide to choose a destination for traveling.”

Many communities through which the parallel runs are small and historic.

It runs through the property of the Old Mission Lighthouse near Traverse City and is promoted there and also in places like Menominee, Sutton’s Bay, Torch Lake, and the Old Mission Peninsula.

It runs through hundreds of other cities from coast to coast in the U.S., including Minneapolis, Richford, Vermont, and Eagle Butte, South Dakota, Seattle, and Portland, Oregon.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews. com. Follow him on Twitter @ ss_alpenanews.com.

Volunteers beautify South Bay corridor

By STEVE SCHULWITZ News Staff Writer

ALPENA TOWNSHIP — What began in 2011 as a few people picking up trash along the roadside of U.S.-23 in Alpena Township has blossomed into a full-fledged effort to revitalize and beautify one of the most traveled areas of Alpena.

The South Bay group was formed with the help of local business owners and has spearheaded change and development on U.S.-23 South.

Although the nonprofit group has made a lot of improvements thus far, organizers have bigger goals and ideas.

In the early days of South Bay, clean-up events were held at which local volunteers spruced up the south corridor. With the help from private businesses and the Alpena Township Board of Trustees, the group was able to take a bite out of blight that plagued the highway.

As thoughts morphed into plans and plans became projects, such as improvements to Partridge Point Park, the group has set its ambitions higher than ever.

South Bay President Larry Clark said preliminary plans are in place to have a 1.15-mile extension added to a bicycle and walking path that runs through the corridor. That would be the first phase of a bigger project that could also include a boardwalk along

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The group has worked feverishly with the state to obtain the needed permits and meet strict requirements because some of the land in the area is protected and designated as wetlands.

Despite the challenges, Clark said, the group is highly motivated and believes the hurdles can be cleared and the money can be raised for construction through public and private investment.

The entire design plan, which was completed by Michigan State University students and a landscape architect at the firm Beckett & Raeder, is expected to cost about $25 million, Clark said.

“This addition of bike paths, coupled with the new parks and other improvements on the U.S.-23 South corridor, will benefit all Northeast Michigan by the addition of recreational amenities, providing new jobs in the area through new business startups, and providing more incentives for residents and tourists to get outside and take advantage of a beautiful natural area right here in our back yard,” Clark said.

Clark said there has been a lot of support for the group and the goals it has. He said South Bay has received support in many ways from local entities such as the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, and many businesses and residents from Alpena Township and beyond.

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DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 13

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14 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

Coastline camping U.S.-23 offers several parks for camping

By JULIE GOLDBERG News Staff Writer

ALPENA — Camping is a popular year-round activity for people in Northeast Michigan.

The area features some campgrounds that people enjoy.

The Thunder Bay R.V. Park and Campground is located in Alpena along U.S.-23 South. That campground features 56 extra-large pull-through sites with electric and water.

There are also 10 tent sites.

The campground features bathrooms, showers, electricity, and a dump station, along with a fish pond and pavilion.

Hoeft State Park north of Rogers City features 126 campsites and a mini cabin.

Along with campsites, the park features the 1920s Sears and Roebuck Lodge, which is open all year and has three queen-size beds and a set of bunk beds to comfortably sleep eight people,

Camping, see page 16

HOUSES OF FINANCE with a friendly & personal touch

Get out there!

2020 events, Continued from Page 9 AUGUST 9-11

• 36th Alpena Antique Tractor & Steam Engine Club, Antique Tractor Show Grounds, alpenaantiquetractor.com

AUGUST 9-11

• Thunder Bay Car Show, Alpena, thunderbaycarshow.com

AUGUST 10

• Relay for Life of Northeast Michigan, Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, relayforlife.org/alpenacountymi

AUGUST 13-17

• 145th Annual Alpena County Fair, Alpena County Fairgrounds, facebook.com/AlpenaFair

AUGUST 16-18

• Sunrise 45 Film Festival, Alpena, Sunrise45.org

AUGUST 17

• XTerra Rockport Rugged Triathlon, Rockport State Recreation Area, rockportrugged.com

AUGUST 31

• 18th Annual Aliferis Memorial 5k/Duathlon/Bike Race & Tour, MidMichigan Medical Center-Alpena, 989-356-7000

SEPTEMBER 5-6

• 46th Annual Harrisville Harmony Arts & Crafts Show, Harrisville Harbor, harrisvilleartscouncil.com

SEPTEMBER 6-8

• 67th Annual Posen Potato Festival, Posen, posenchamber.com

SEPTEMBER 7

• Chippewa Mountain Bike Race, Chippewa Hills Trail, thunderbaytrails.org

SEPTEMBER 12

• 9th Annual Alpenopoly Grub Crawl, Around Alpena, alpenachamber.com 2020 events, see page 16

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DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 15

Get out there!

2020 events, Continued from Page 15

SEPTEMBER 14

• Tunnel to Towers Alpena 5k Run and Walk, Alpena Bandshell, tunnel2towers.org

SEPTEMBER 14 7th Annual Thunder Bay Winery Harvest Festival, Downtown Alpena, facebook.com/thunderbaywinery

SEPTEMBER 14 4th Annual Austin Bros. Beer Co, Alpena, austinbrosbeerco.com

SEPTEMBER 21 Sunrise Suds Tap Takeover, The Fresh Palate, downtown Alpena, sunrisesuds.com

SEPTEMBER 27-29 Photo by George Snedden IV A lighthearted photo featuring Santa snapping a quick picture during a recent visit to the 45th Parallel south of Alpena.

Camping

Continued from Page 15 according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website. Amenities include a refrigerator, electric stove, microwave, and more. Visitors also have access to a grill, firepit, and a picnic table.

Harrisville State Park, off of U.S.-23 and along the Lake Huron shoreline, features one rustic cabin and two mini cabins that are available all year, along with 195 campsites. Park Supervisor Eric Ostrander said the rustic cabin is a little bigger than the mini cabins.

Ostrander said people camp there from the middle of April to the middle of October.

“We always have people coming and going, using the cabins,” Ostrander said.

At Negwegon State Park between Harrisville and Alpena, Ostrander said campsites are off-trail and about a mile from the park.

Ostrander said there are also backcountry campsites at Negwegon that are over two miles from the park trails. He said those are next to the water and have a fire ring, table, and pit toilet for people.

“There’s also a bear pole for people to hang stuff on,” Ostrander said. “I’ve never heard of a bear being there, but the pole is there in case people want to use it.”

The campsites at Negwegon are open from April to November, so a little longer than Harrisville State Park, Ostrander said.

“People like to use them because there are a lot of features,” he said.

Julie Goldberg can be reached at 989-358-5688 or jgoldberg@thealpenanews.com. Follow her on Twitter @jkgoldberg12.

6th Annual Thunder Bay Folk Festival, Antique Tractor Show Grounds, thunderbayfolksociety.com

SEPTEMBER 28 The Great Donut Roll, Performance Locker to Knaebe’s Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm, performancelocker.com/donutroll

OCTOBER 4 A Night at the Lighthouse, 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, Rogers City, 40milepointlighthouse.org

OCTOBER 5 7th Annual Fall Harvest Fossil Fest, Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, bessermuseum.org

OCTOBER 5 6th Annual Downtown Alpena Chili & Cowder Cookoff, downtown Alpena, alpenadda.com

OCTOBER 12 Apple Pumpkin Fun Day, Antique Tractor Show Grounds, alpenaantiquetractor.com

OCTOBER 19 & 26 The Haunted Ridge, Maple Ridge, Alpena, scarecrowvillagetheridge. com

OCTOBER 25 Downtown Alpena Halloween Events, downtown Alpena, alpenadda. com

OCTOBER DATES (CHECK WEBSITE)

Alpena Escape Room Haunted Escape Adventures, alpenaescaperooms. com

NOVEMBER 7 Art in the Loft Fundraiser Gala, Art in the Loft Gallery, downtown Alpena, artintheloft.org

16 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

2020 events, see page 26

Straddling past and future Riding the 45th Parallel, Atlanta offers a bit of everything

By JULIE RIDDLE

patiently for their lunch to arrive.

Today, before they head out of town, they’ll stop at Freddy’s for the first time, they said.

An institution in town, the grocery store/hardware store/gas station is renowned for its crazy-low prices and shocking sales, drawing shoppers from all around the area who flood the streets and stand in line amid still-boxed displays of bargain laundry detergent and coffee cans and bags of potato chips marked two for a dollar.

The town has its big events.

September’s Elk Festival, the annual rally racing event through winter snows, an auto show sponsored by the local car dealer, and festivals in the local park all draw the curious and the fun-loving to the small town and make it swell at the seams.

The days in between the events — the unmarked, unfestive days — are just as magical, though.

Atlanta is a destination in its own right — a little of this, a little of that, a little old and a little new, a small town on a long line that wraps around the world.

News Staff Writer

ATLANTA — Situated squarely on the 45th Parallel — the only community in Michigan with that distinction — the quaint town of Atlanta is a half-and-half.

Its north side leaning toward the North Pole, its south inclining toward the equator, Atlanta itself is a blend of old and new, past and future.

Capturing the essence of Up North life, Atlanta is a community of less than 800 residents surrounded by acres of trees, meadows, beguiling trails, fish-filled streams, and about 1,000 elk.

Its main-street sidewalks travel past simple storefronts and homestyle diners and bars where occasional bursts of laughter escape into the street air.

Beaded American Indian-style bags and carved walking sticks peer from the front window of a local barber shop. In the hardware store’s front window, a mounted deer head poses near stylish cold-weather gear and a sharp set of arrows.

A sign at the Chamber of Commerce building blazes a reminder of the elk pole, where cold-weather hunters show off their prize.

“If we are closed, just shove your money under the door,” reads a cheerful sign on the door of the red building at one end of State Street. Inside, cabinets and shelves house handmade jewelry, breathtaking photographs, and charming paintings, the work of local artists.

A few customers, regulars by the looks of them, relax on a sofa, sharing Facebook tips from their grandchildren and sipping hot drinks from the coffee counter, a recent addition to the gallery.

“We make our drinks with love,” said Zach Weaver, proprietor of the coffee counter.

An Atlanta resident who moved away and came back to open a business in town, Weaver loves the small-town camaraderie and everyone-knows-everyone intimacy of the community.

“There’s something about Atlanta that just tugs at your heartstrings and wants you to come back,” Weaver said.

News Photo by Julie Riddle

Atlanta residents Amy Soncrainte and Debbie Bowers order coffee drinks at North Woods Gallery and Coffee House in Atlanta.

The M-32 corridor is busy, Weaver said. Travelers flowing between Alpena and Traverse City give him a steady stream of traffic, his customers usually surprised and pleased to find they’re able to get their favorite city-style espressos, along with pint-andsip classes and weekly cribbage game, in the middle of tiny-town charm.

Another new business, The Michigan Store, offers all things Michigan, its owner said.

Another Atlanta native-comehome, George Haas wanted to create a store for people visiting from out of the area. Despite its out-of-the-way feel, Atlanta draws a good number of visitors, many of them attracted to the wildness of the surrounding country and the spectacular hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities of the region.

On shelves built from white birch and massive planks scrounged from a sawmill, dishes and designer dice and cozy hats and and so-soft blankets catch the eye, each with their own Michigan flavor.

Towns like Atlanta are cherished by downstaters who come up as an escape from city life, Haas said. When they come, snowmobiles buzzing or fishing gear at the ready, he wants them to have someplace to poke around for a while, maybe to purchase a fun souvenir of a trip Up North.

Across the street, the Elk Crossing Cafe is a regular with long-time locals, its timeless

square tables and simple, homestyle food offering comforting familiarity. Pickup trucks line the streets well into the morning as regulars sip their breakfast coffee among friends.

Kevin and Sheila McRandall, Johannesburg residents who plan a stop in town whenever they pass through, sat in the diner’s front window, laughing over some gentle joke as they waited

$$$$

FOR JUNK CARS

Please contact Glen at (989)-354-6780 for all current prices.

A&L

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2430 Long Lake Ave., Alpena Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

L S &

TRANSIT MIX CONCRETE CO.

Alpena Oldest Ready-Mix Concrete Co. Concrete Pumping • State Approved Materials

Call 354-3810

If No Answer, call 354-4432 Bookkeeping Office 354-5563

520 Fair Avenue • Alpena, MI 49707 • Fax 989-356-3320

DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 17

specialties

&

treasures

for a visit less ordinary.

Serving Our Community Since 1977!

Bob VanCleave Owner/Operator

Custom Alternator, Starter & Generator Rebuilding

• Batteries • Industrial • Commercial • Automotive • Farm • Marine • Snowmobile

ALPENA AUTO ELECTRIC 1643 M-32 West • Alpena • 989-356-4334

AmericAn owned co m pA n y

Your

Headquarters

1180 M-32 West Alpena, MI 49707

989-354-0830

Emery Enterprises 140 W. Washington • Alpena 989-356-6674

Hours: Monday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

PRATTScape’s GIFT SHOP

The modern drug store where you are greeted with a friendly

“Hello” and How can we help you?”

Has now partnered with a company to dispense Specialty Drugs that require attentive handling, administration and/or monitoring.

Antique, Unique, Vintage and New...

We have it all for you!

2382 US 23 South • Alpena Mall

989-354-3200 Like us on facebook!

18 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

2236 US 23 S Alpena 9889-354-2171

FREE DELIVERY and Alpena’s 1st drive thru window.

The Drug Store may not be big, but we excel on friendly, fast service and welcome the opportunity to serve you.

•••••••• Help keep our independent pharmacy strong in Alpena.

•••••••• Please let us help you plan ahead.

specialties & treasures for a visit less ordinary.

“Where the Earth Laughs in Flowers” Perfect Flowers for Your Wedding Day!

Lasting Expressions

Flower Shop

204 W. Washington Ave., Alpena 989-356-9372 • 877-236-0246

COFFEE AND A WHOLE LOT MORE! biggbycoffeealpena

2205 US 23 S. • Alpena, MI • 989-356-4720

2 Locations: Alpena meijer drive-thru & corner of State & chisholm Street

989-340-0373

109 W. Chisholm St. • Alpena • 989-354-0425 114 Newman St. • East Tawas • 989-305-6925 the-local-basket-case-llc.myshopify.com

Custom Stained Glass

Gifts - Supplies - Classes Repairs by Appointment

989-358-9464

131 W. CHISHOLM STREET ALPENA (989) 354-4860 1-800-523-6239 www.bolenzjewelry.com

GlassWings@Sisna.com www.MyGlassWings.com

One Front Door... Two Great Destinations!

Located in the rear of Parallel 45 Books & Gifts 106 N.Second Ave. • Alpena

DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 19

Grand Lake islands Continued from Page 4

thinking it’s debris.

Three Sisters Island, a familiar, stretched-out sight for travellers along U.S.-23, is counted by some as one island, by others as three.

Regardless of the exact count, the very existence of islands, and so many of them, makes Grand Lake something special.

Northern Michigan has a lot of great lakes, Spencer said, but not too many of them have usable islands.

Cabins are sprinkled about some of the larger islands, three of which — Macomber, Crescent, and Brown — are electrified through underwater marine cables.

Crescent Island and its historic boathouse was featured in National Geographic in the 1920s, Spencer said, remembering the overhead electric cable that used to stretch between the island and shore until it had to be replaced because fishermen kept casting their lines over it.

Many of the lake’s islands are privately owned, handed down from family to family for generations.

Burnt Island was once owned by Judge Talbot Smith, appointed by President John

F. Kennedy to serve in U.S. District Court.

Brown Island, second-largest in the lake, was put up for sale by online auction in 2018 by its previous owners, who ran religious retreats in its homey lodge, the only home on the 49-acre bit of paradise.

Other islands are owned by a downstater that’s had an island in their family forever, a Rogers City businessman, and a school teacher from New York who grew up around Grand Lake as a kid and bought an island so he and his wife would always have a place to visit in summer.

Islands’ owners are often not locals, Spencer said, many of them coming from out of state or the East Coast, all knowing they can come to Northeast Michigan for “their little piece of getaway.”

Quite a few island owners are from Ohio, he reported, originally purchasing the land before the advent of air conditioning, when they came up to “fresh air, fresh water, and good fishing.”

The islands range in size from tiny tidbits of land — like Indian Island in the north side of the lake, perfect for a quick kayak-around — to mid-sized islands —

real estate

just right for dropping off the kids for a few hours of pretending to be Robinson Crusoe — to oversized Grand Island, so big that many travellers along the lake’s 7-mile length, parallel to U.S.-23, think it’s the lake’s far shore.

Visitors out for a day jaunt may also stop at the Sandies, a sand bar near an undeveloped portion of shore where locals drop anchor and go for a swim or have a picnic lunch, chatting and laughing with other boaters in a family atmosphere.

Beyond the dam at the north end of the lake, kayakers often take a ceremonial spring paddle to Lake Huron, when full creeks feed the lake and keep water levels high.

Spencer reminisced about days before major road systems, when visitors travelled upstate by boat, motoring right into local harbors, or taking a train right to the lake. Whatever it took, the people came.

“It’s the lure of the water, I guess,” Spencer said.

Julie Riddle can be reached at 989358-5693, jriddle@thealpenanews.com or on Twitter @jriddleX.

Waterfront Vacations THE RIGHT FIT

Let Us Help With Your Plans!

• Lake Rentals • Full Menu

New Horizons 2281 US 23 South • Alpena 989-358-1144 • 888-994-7888

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20 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

24732 US 23 South, Presque Isle, MI 49777 www.theparkerhouse.biz • (989) 595-6484

ROGERS CITY BE A PART OF THE NAUTICAL CITY EXPERIENCE!

420 N Bradley Hwy ROGERS CITY

989-734-4726

Great Lakes Lore

Maritime Museum

367 N. Third St. • Rogers City • 989-734-0706

LOOK FOR OUR SIGN!

Let us tempt you with some of our homemade goodies!

• Made to order Sandwiches • Burgers • Hand Cut Steaks • Homemade Soups • Desserts •Michigan Craft Beer on Tap • Homemade Famous Bloody Marys!

• Wine

351 N. Bradley Hwy. • Rogers City • 989-734-2007 Check out our full menu at www.scillsgrill.com and like us on

Celebrating over 100 Years!

Four Generations Fine Homemade Sausages!

• Kielbasa • Landjaeger • Jerky • Polish Hot Dogs • Full Line of Meats • Chopped Beef • Dips • Party Trays • More of the Tastes You Love!

Full Line of Groceries • Fresh Produce • Beer & Wine Available 989- 734-3248 • 495 S. First St. • Rogers City

Sales • Service • Parts News & Used Cars & Trucks 130 N. Bradley Hwy.

989-734-2311

Visit Us at: www.mikelynchford.com

It’s Woarth the DrIve to rogers CIty. We’ll save you Money!

We've Grown...Check Out

Rygwelski's Main Street Deli SOUPS • SALADS • SANDWICHES • HOMEMADE SAUSAGES

186 S. Third • 989-474-9265

DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 21

The modern drug store where you are greeted with a friendly

“Hello” and “How can we help you?”

Has now partnered with a company to dispense Specialty Drugs that require attentive handling, administration and/or monitoring.

You don’t have to walk blocks to enter, you are only steps away from the front door or use Alpena’s first drive-through window.

• Accepting all major health plans • Free delivery service • Billing for diabetic supplies • Large selection Spenco Foot Care Products • Prescriptions dispensed by Personal and Friendly Pharmacists We are your

Home Town Independent Health Mart Pharmacy and we are accepting new patients!

If you need a new pharmacy to transfer your prescriptions to - we are here and ready to help. Just bring in your prescription bottles or list of medications that you take with any insurance information.

We also provide FREE DELIVERY and have Alpena’s 1st drive thru window.

MEDICAL directory VOTED #1 Hearing Aid Office 2019 NORTHERN HEARING SERVICES

We also have Ananda Professional CBD products.

The Drug Store may not be big, but we excel on friendly, fast service and welcome the opportunity to serve you.

••••••••

Help keep our independent pharmacy strong in Alpena.

•••••••• Please let us help you plan ahead.

“Improving the quality of life through better Jennifer Grushke, hearing in Alpena, M.A., CCC-A for over 40 years.”

Certified Audiologist

Accepting New Patients!

Call to schedule your appointment today!

989-354-4289

2236 US 23 S • Alpena • 989-354-2171 22 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

111 South 13th Ave. • Alpena Located behind Lefave Pharmacy next to Dr. Dargis

Adventure county From lighthouses to waterfalls, Presque Isle County offers days of fun

By CRYSTAL NELSON News Staff Writer

ROGERS CITY — A day trip to scenic Presque Isle County is the perfect getaway for someone who wants to see the sights, but not stray too far from Alpena.

From beaches to lighthouses, apples, and nautical hospitality, head north to a place where there’s a little something for everyone.

THOMPSON HARBOR STATE PARK Thompson Harbor State Park is an undeveloped park located on 5,300 acres. Park Supervisor Blake Gingrich says Thompson Harbor has six miles of signed trails, a coastal fen, and a 300-acre natural area near Thompson Road, off of Old State Road.

“There’s a lot of places to walk,” Gingrich said.” It’s a good place to go out and use your compass and your cell phone and just wander in the woods without following on a trail, because there’s so much land to wander on.”

GLASS BOTTOM BOAT SHIPWRECK TOURS

Explore historical shipwrecks of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary aboard the glassbottom boat, Lady Michigan. Dive the wrecks through the large viewing well—without getting wet!

During the two-hour cruise, guides share the history, legends, and lore of “Shipwreck Alley” and its magnificently preserved shipwrecks. The stately Lady Michigan is the perfect way to view Lake Huron’s spectacular shorelines, lighthouses, and working waterfront.

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center 500 West Fletcher Street, Alpena, MI 49707

AlpenaShipwreckTours.com 989-884-6200

facebook.com/AlpenaShipwreckTours

Get into Your Sanctuary FREE SHIPWRECK MUSEUM

GLASS BOTTOM BOAT SHIPWRECK TOURS

Explore historical shipwrecks of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary aboard the glassbottom boat, Lady Michigan. Dive the wrecks through the large viewing well—without getting wet!

During the two-hour cruise, guides share the history, legends, and lore of “Shipwreck Alley” and its magnificently preserved shipwrecks. The stately Lady Michigan is the perfect way to view Lake Huron’s spectacular shorelines, lighthouses, and working waterfront.

Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center 500 West Fletcher Street, Alpena, MI 49707

AlpenaShipwreckTours.com

News Photo by Crystal Nelson 989-884-6200

Amanda Peplinski, barista at the Painted Lady, makes a cappuccino at the shop and coffee bar in downtown Rogers City. facebook.com/AlpenaShipwreckTours

The park’s coastal fen is known to have a unique variety of wildflowers, including the dwarf iris (a threatened species), lady slippers, as well as the carnivorous pitcher and sundew plants.

Gingrich said the dwarf iris is only a couple of inches high and “it’s a beautiful little thing” when it’s in bloom.

Get into Your Sanctuary

Presque Isle County, see page 25

FREE SHIPWRECK MUSEUM

Thunder Bay is one of the Great Lakes’ most treacherous stretches of water. Murky fog banks, rocky shoals, and fierce storms earned this stretch the name, “Shipwreck Alley.” Today, an estimated 200 shipwrecks rest on the bottomlands of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Preserved by Lake Huron’s cool fresh water, these shipwrecks offer some of the world’s best diving, snorkeling, and paddling.

Start your adventure at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Explore the Great Lakes rich maritime history and ecology through 10,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and two theaters.

Feel the power of a Lake Huron storm along the deck of a Great Lakes schooner, or “swim” over a shipwreck in dive tubes –a fascinating, fun experience for all ages!

Free admission and open all year.

DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 23

Everything for Your Home, Cabin, Vacation Getaway

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24 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

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Presque Isle County Continued from Page 23

Two rustic cabins are available for rental year-round. In the wintertime, the trails are open for cross-country skiing.

OLD PRESQUE ISLE LIGHTHOUSE Constructed in 1840, the Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. It was constructed to mark the entrance to Presque Isle Bay and its harbor. It was in service for 30 years, before it was replaced by the New Presque Isle Lighthouse.

Visitors to the old lighthouse can climb the tower for a small fee, tour the keepers-dwelling-turned-museum and ring the bell from the old Lansing City Hall clock tower. The old lighthouse has long been considered to be haunted.

The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is located at 5295 E. Grand Lake Road. Information can be found at presqueislelighthouses. org.

NEW PRESQUE ISLE LIGHTHOUSE The New Presque Isle Lighthouse tower and keepers house began operating during the 1971 shipping season. According to the Presque Isle Township Museum Society’s website, the new light remains an active aid to navigation.

The tower is the tallest lighthouse tower accessible to the public on the Great Lakes.

The visitor’s center, museum, and gift shop are located in the original keepers house.

The buildings are located on a township park and visitors also have access to a playground, picnic area, and nature trails.

The New Presque Isle Lighthouse is located 4500 E. Grand Lake Road. Adults and children 42 inches and taller can climb the tower, weather permitting. Children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

Both lighthouses will open for the 2020 season on May 22.

ROGERS CITY The Nautical City’s downtown just east of U.S. 23 North. With a culture rich in maritime history, the city is home to the Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum, 367 N. Third St. The city’s downtown features coffee shops, art galleries, restaurants, and a picturesque view of Lake Huron.

Mayor Scott McLennan encourages visitors to explore the fresnel lens at the corner of Third and Erie streets, which guided vessels into the Calcite Port for many years. He also encourages visitors to head to Lakeside Park and the city’s marina, which he says are “cornerstones of the community.”

A new festival — the Jolly Rogers Pirate Festival — is planned for Fourth of July

weekend. A parade will be held at 6 p.m.

July 3, followed by a concert in Lakeside Park from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The city’s annual Nautical Festival is planned for Aug. 4 through Aug. 9 and is held in the downtown.

OCQUEOC FALLS STATE FOREST CAMPGROUND Ocqueoc Falls is the largest waterfall in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Gingrich, the park supervisor, describes it as a “unique place.”

“It’s the only publicly owned waterfall in the Lower Peninsula, so it’s pretty popular,” he said. “People jump in off of it. A lot of people who come there paint it — you see painters and photographers — and then there’s just people trying to cool off.”

In addition to the falls, Gingrich says, there are seven miles of groomed trails and a 14 campsites available to rent. He also said there’s good fishing for brook trout and rainbow trout in the river.

40 MILE POINT LIGHTHOUSE Located just north of Rogers City, the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse has been in service since 1896 and still serves as a beacon for ships sailing on Lake Huron today.

Presque Isle County, see page 26

TRANSPORTATION

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Available on Demand for City of Alpena .......989-356-4596

Alcona, Montmorency & Hillman Please Call ................................................. 989-354-2487 To Reserve your Ride Ahead of Time

THUNDER BAY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY Hours: Mon-Fri. 7am-7pm • Sat. 8 am-7pm• Sun. 9am-6pm

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2733 U.S. 23 SOUTH • ALPENA • 989-340-2132

DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 25

Presque Isle County Continued from Page 25

According to Caretaker Eric Klein, the lighthouse has one of the only known Fresnel lenses operating on the lake today and the lens is more than 100 years old.

The lighthouse museum and gift shop are open to the public, along with the pilot house of the Steamship Calcite. Those who wander onto the beach can view a piece of the Joseph S. Fay, which was one of 27 wooden ships that sank during a storm in 1905.

The 40 Mile Point Lighthouse is located at 7323 U.S.-23 N.

KNAEBE’S MMMUNCHY KRUNCHY APPLE FARM Head to Knaebes Mmmunchy Krunchy Apple Farm for a fall adventure the whole family will enjoy.

Visitors can grab some sweet treats at the bakery, wander through the gift shop, make their way through a corn maze, and head to the bar for a wood-fired pizza and a glass of crisp hard cider.

While visiting the apple farm is free, horse-drawn wagon rides and pony rides cost $4 per person. The barrel rides for kids cost $2 per child and the apple slingshot costs $2 for 12 shots.

Visit mmmunchykrunchyapplefarm.com.

what to do update

Get out there!

2020 events,

Continued from Page 16

NOVEMBER 16

• Season of Light Christmas Gala, Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan, bessermuseum.org

NOVEMBER 21

• Dork Bros. Turkey Trot 5K, APlex, 989-354-7314

NOVEMBER 29

• Annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, Alpena/Culligan Plaza

What To Do

Buyy One Ticket

• Comedy Shows • Concerts • Pickleball • Volleyball • Karate • Martial Arts • Tennis • Fitness Center • Conference Room Rental • Ballroom Rental

Get One FREE! Expires December 31, 2020 Must present ad.

DIGITAL DOME

PLANETARIUM THEATER SHOWTIMES

Saturday shows .............12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm Sunday shows .............2pm and 3pm ALL SHOWS ARE 45 MINUTES LONG.

701 Woodward Ave. • Alpena • 354-6164 www.aplex.org

CEDAR

PANNING 4820 French Rd. Alpena

989-464-7718 for availability

www.cedarpanning.com

491 Johnson St., Alpena • 989-356-2202

i f ti visit i it our website b it WWW.BESSERMUSEUM.ORG WWW BESSERMUSEUM For more information

Something for everyone!

3303 S. Third Ave. • Alpena • 989-354-8287 • www.alpenaplazapool.com

FITNESS CLASSES

• Lap Swim • Boot Camp • Senior Water Fitness • Volleyball • Water Walking • Aerobics • Aqua Chi • Shallow Water Sculpt

FAMILY TIME

Friday 6-8 PM Saturday 1-3 PM

FUN RUN

FAMILY SWIM Sunday 2-4 PM

At the Alpena County Plaza Pool we offer many water activities that focus on promoting a healthy lifestyle, recreation, and family fun! Whether you’re looking for a place to exercise, or a place to bring your family, the Alpena County Plaza Pool has something for everyone!

26 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020

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The Nations Leader in Log Siding & Knotty Pine Paneling Comins, Michigan Visit our showroom with unique custom rustic lighting today! woodworkersshoppe.com DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020 - 27

28 - DISCOVER NORTHEAST MICHIGAN 2020