Welcome to the Sunrise Side of Michigan! These two Lake Huron communities offer classic coastal charm, outdoor adventures, and authentic small-town experiences. If you think summer has all the fun, a fall getaway to East Tawas and Alpena will change your mind. East Tawas is a picturesque harbour town known for its sandy beaches, quaint downtown, and family-friendly atmosphere. Alpena, about 45 minutes north, is larger with a rich maritime history, unique geological features, and a vibrant arts scene. Together, they showcase Michigan’s northeastern coastline perfectly.
Tawas/East Tawas
Tawas City and East Tawas are small towns located on the Tawas Bay on Lake Huron. Lots of small shops and restaurants to explore.
Cozy Cup Coffee Company
Walking around downtown
So many cute shops. A lot of them were closed on the Friday we were there. I really liked this one crystal-and-herbal store, Crystals and Rings and All Kinds of Herbal Things. I got some tea for the lingering cough I had.
Tawas Bay Pizza Company
A vegan and gluten-free pizza!! Spent more money than I’d have liked because there was an upcharge for the gluten-free crust and the vegan cheese.
Alpena
Alpena is a town located in North East Michigan on the coast of Thunder Bay on Lake Huron. It is the only city located in Alpena County. Alpena is about an hour and 15 minutes north of East Tawas. There are so many cute shops and restaurants in downtown Alpena! Many of the museums were closed because of the government lockdown, so sadly, we couldn’t go into them.
Traveling Ladders
Traveling Ladders is a really good gift shop. It used to be an old pharmacy. Definitely be sure to check the upstairs.
Art in the Loft
Art in the Loft is a free art gallery. It was set up for a wedding when we were there, but we could still look around.
Wilson’s Lasting Expressions
This is a really cool flower shop and gift store! My friend and I drove past it, saw the Alice and Wonderland set up outside and then turned around to go back. The inside is really cool too!
Catch the Sunrise
Since Alpena is on the east side of the state, be sure to set your alarm to catch the sunrise!
Friendly Foodies
Friendly Foodies is the only fully vegan restaurant in Alpena. I was actually shocked that there is even a vegan restaurant there. Everything on the menu can be made gluten-free as well. It’s also affordable. I think my iced mocha was only $4!
Olde Mill Coffee
I wish I had gotten pictures of this coffee shop. It’s an old flour mill turned coffee shop. Also, very cheap coffee. My specialty iced latte was also only $4 with oat milk too!!
Duck Park
Duck Park is a park and wildlife sanctuary on 2.5 acres of land, as well as 1200 feet of Thunder Bay River frontage.
New Presque Isle Lighthouse
New Presque Isle Lighthouse was built in 1870 and is 109 feet tall. There are 130 steps to get to the top. It is 1 of 149 lighthouses in the state of Michigan. It ‘s one of the tallest lighthouses in Michigan that the public is allowed to climb.
Old Presque Isle Lighthouse
The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. It’s also the first lighthouse built in the area. Built in 1840 by Jeremiah Moors of Detroit.
Knaebe’s Apple Farm
Knaebe’s is actually located in Rogers City and was recommended to us by multiple people in Alpena.
If you happen to be on the east coast of Northern Michigan, be sure to check out East Tawas and Alpena!
