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Greetings!
I can still remember my first strawberry picking experience.
"We're going to have to weigh you before and after you come out of the patch."
I looked up at my mom who was giggling. I looked back at the man behind the table. It didn't make any sense.
The early morning sun was already getting hot as my mom led my brother and I into the berry patch in Herron, MI. We each had a basket to put berries in. The early summer sun warmed the berries. Some were so ripe they couldn't help but cry with delight all over my hand as I plucked them off the mother plant, juicy rivers of pink. I popped one in my mouth. Sweet mercy! Had I ever tasted anything so sweet?!
When mom's berry basket was full we headed back to the weigh station. The man looked at our baskets, my mom's overflowing with prize winning berries. My brother and I, the contents of our baskets were a little sparse. The man behind the table looked at us and smiled. Then I giggled and understood what he meant in the beginning when he jokingly said he would have to weigh us!
It is the height of strawberry season in Alpena, your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes. I have many fond memories of picking strawberries as a young girl. The strawberry patch is a magical place where time stands still for a moment and collects your attention to focus on the harvest of this beautiful fruit. Alpena has been famous for the quality of strawberries produced. Strawberry stands across the state would proudly hail "Alpena Strawberries Sold Here" to let customers know a fresh shipment of Alpena berries was available.
We took a slightly different approach with this month's newsletter. It's everything strawberry! We hope you'll find it delicious.
We'll see you soon in your Sanctuary of the Great Lakes.
Adventurously,
Mary Beth Stutzman,
along with Nicole Carr & Jessie Morasky
Your Visit Alpena! team at the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
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| The 4-1-1 on Alpena Strawberries |
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Forget the big California strawberries in the grocery store year-round, it is officially Michigan strawberry season! And it is time to stock up during this short, but oh-so sweet, time of year. Alpena has long been known as a strawberry center, famous for it's abundance of homegrown berries. Due to location and climate, Alpena produces one of the last strawberry crops in Michigan, which is usually at its peak in June.
I
f you have never tried a Michigan strawberry, it is safe to say you are missing out. Typically
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Alpena strawberries at the Farmer's Market
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small to medium in size, Michigan strawberries are super sweet and very juicy.
So where can you get a taste of Alpena, Michigan berries? You will find local farmers selling strawberries at the Farmer's Market located at Mich-e-ke-wis Park Saturday morning through mid-afternoon. Or, simply drive around the town. You are sure to find sellers setting up strawberry stands off of Ripley, Chisholm, or the US 23 South area.
Happy strawberry hunting!
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Gotta Check It Out Adventure: Strawberry Picking at AJ's Berry Farm
Strawberry season is in full swing at AJ's Berry Farm in Lachine, and if you haven't thought about berry picking yet this season, now is the time to start!
Striving to offer their customers the best U-pick experience along with a family-friendly
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Come and get your berries at AJ's! Photo courtesy of AJ's Berry Farm
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atmosphere, AJ's Berry Farm is a family run farm located on Salina Road in Lachine. In business for just over 20 years now, AJ's is a popular place to pick strawberries, raspberries, pumpkins...you name it depending on the season! The U-pick experience at AJ's is fun for all ages and yields the sweetest of rewards for all your efforts.
U-pick strawberry patch hours are from 6am-12pm through the 4th of July. However, if your schedule doesn't allow for U-pick times, be sure to stop by AJ's marketplace store (same location on site) between the hours of
9am-5pm Monday thru Friday, and
9am-3pm on Saturdays, for some pre-picked strawberry goodness.
Check out this video below by Michigan Agritourism on how to pick strawberries:
Do you know of more U-pick spots in the Alpena area? E-mail
info@visitalpena.com and send to send us their information!
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Preserving Your Strawberries
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In the refrigerator: The Glass Jar Method
This method has been proven to keep your strawberries fresh up to 3 weeks in the fridge! Even beating out the vinegar wash method by an
 extra week of freshness.
- Do not remove stems and do not wash the berries.
- Use a clean glass jar that has been washed and dried thoroughly. The jar must also have a tight fitting lid. Large mason jars work perfectly!
- Be sure to discard any spoiled or bruised fruit. Make sure none get into the jar with the rest!
- Place jar in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
By using this method, your strawberries will not mold. However, they will start to ferment if you leave them for too long. As with anything, your results may vary depending on the ripeness of the strawberries.
In the freezer: Whole, unsweetened berries
- Choose berries that are dark red, firm, and fully ripe. Wash and drain carefully and then remove the stems and caps. Dry on paper towels in a single layer.
- Firstly, freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. This prevents them from getting stuck together. Once they're frozen solid place them in freezer bags and try to remove as much air as possible from the bags to avoid freezer burn.
In the freezer: Sweetened berries
- As with the unsweetened berries, choose the dark red, firm, and fully ripe berries.
- Half or slice berries into a bowl.
- For each quart of berries add a 1/2 cup of sugar and gently stir until sugar dissolves. You may lightly crush berries if desired.
- Spoon into a freezer safe container, seal tightly and freeze.
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Take a Look at What's Coming Up
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sanc'tu-ar'y (sangk-choo-er-ee)
n., pl -ies
1. A sacred place. 2. A place of refuge from stress, pressure, and anxiety. 3. Where one leaves their cares behind to embrace a place known for its serenity. 4. Alpena, Michigan.
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Why are strawberries called 'strawberries'? That's a great question. Nobody really knows! There are only theories and speculations.
Strawberries are not even berries!
It's true. Strawberries are technically not berries at all in the botanical sense, neither are raspberries. Strawberries are derived from a single flower with more than one ovary and this makes them aggregate fruit. True berries derive from one flower with one ovary.
Where were the first strawberries grown? The first garden strawberry was grown in
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Get your strawberries in Alpena! Photo courtesy Florence Stibitz
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Brittany, France in the 1750's.
Why are strawberries red? A
nthocyanins. In short...these are the chemicals that combine with sugar molecules to make strawberries red.
There are 3 different types of strawberries. June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. June-bearing are the sweetest and are the star of this newsletter!
Is it true that Alpena was in the Guiness Book of World Records for largest strawberry shortcake? YES! Alpena is proud to have created a piece of strawberry history, making it into the 1994 Guiness Book of World Records for the world's largest strawberry shortcake. The enormous shortcake measured 45 feet by 8 feet, and was spread over a dozen conference tables covered by two tents during Alpena's Downtown Block Party.
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"Seventeen...the hot July moon saw everything..." you know the song! Anyways, strawberry wine is absolutely delicious and here in Alpena we have our very own local supplier.
Stoney Acres Winery is ne
stled just outside the city limits in a forest of tall pines. This boutique winery serves a wide variety of wines from grape wines, fruit wines, limited edition wines, and lighthouse wines. Strawberry wine is a blush wine that is sourced straight from Alpena strawberries and is available in semi-sweet and semi-dry.
Enjoy a glass on their beautiful outdoor patio and flower garden complete with waterfall fountain...hello, relaxation! Pair your strawberry wine experience with gourmet caramel corn, hand-dipped wine truffles, and plenty of other sweet treats. This is the perfect spot for a quiet afternoon and beautiful scenery with friends, family, or your significant other this strawberry season.
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Tips & Tools for Sharing Alpena on Social Media
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Check out this handy guide! We know you love sharing the Alpena area. Did you know that we can help your photos, videos, and other content reach further and inspire others? It's as EASY as strawberry pie!
If you share photos or video of Alpena on:
✔️ Facebook
✔️ Instagram
✔️ YouTube
✔️ Or, like to write
✔️ ... then check out these tips for sharing Alpena!
Our audience loves to hear and see what local people are doing in our community. Our partnerships with media companies across the U.S. offer a wider audience for your photography, videography, and writing and items from our accounts are often picked up by large, well-known, media outlets.
#Alpena #VisitAlpena #sanctuaryofthegreatlakes
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What to do when you're done berry picking?
Creative Summer Activities Kids Will LOVE in Alpena! |
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School's out for summer! Well, almost, and we are here to save your sanity from the "I'm bored" mantras and casual fridge raids!
Whether your family is local or just visiting, there are plenty of entertaining activities for children in the Alpena area. Check out the following fun, truly Alpena-inspired, events for kids this summer season:
Creativity in Nature
2018 River Rats
- This fun summer outdoor recreation program is FREE for kids ages K-4th grade and occurs every Tuesday and Thursday in July from 11-noon. Kids will learn all sorts of science-related topics in Island Park's natural habitat. Space is limited so register your kids soon by calling 951-870-6266 or register online at
http://www.thunderbayrivercenter.org/
. *Parent or guardian must accompany children.
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Mia explores the wonders of nature on Island Park in Tinkergarten class! Photo courtesy Erica Hainstock
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NOAA Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Summer Programs- 10 different maritime related programs await kids of all ages this summer at the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary on Fletcher St. Each program has a different age range for kids ages 5-6, 7-9, and 10-13. Dates and times vary depending on the program, find the complete list
HERE and sign up your kids today!
Artistic Expression
Art in the Loft
- Art in the Loft in downtown Alpena will be hosting several different events throughout the summer for kids. For a red, white and blue culinary experience, check out
Canvas and Cuisine
on June 27th for ages 5+.
Kid's Create!
will also be a fun experience for kids as they make their own unique flower pot bird bath. Ages 5+. *Visit website in hyperlinks for pricing and times.
Art in the Loft Art Pop
- In addition to providing regular workshops for various age groups
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Encourage creativity at Art POP this summer at Art in the Loft
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throughout the summer (above)
, Art in the Loft will also be hosting two free art sessions during the summer. Every second Tuesday, parents and their young children (18 months-4 years) can engage in mess-free, artistic activities. In the afternoon, junior high and high school students can participate in unique opportunities to create art and socialize with peers. An excellent opportunity for children to embrace and develop their artistic talents in a welcoming environment. Register today!
TBT2 2018 Summer Camps
- Well known for quality year-round theatrical productions in the area, Thunder Bay Theatre (also known as TBT), will be offering three week-long summer camps for a wide range of ages. Students in kindergarten through the fifth grade can participate in the Starter Stage camp. Pre-teens in sixth through ninth grade can improve skills such as singing and acting by enrolling the Middle School Musical Mania camp. The Actor Intensive camp targets tenth graders to college freshmen with passions for theatre.
Fitness and Recreation
Alpena Youth Sailing Club
- Children ages eight and up can participate in week-long, half-day sailing classes on either the Thunder Bay River or Grand Lake. Encouraging fundamental sailing skills like tying knots, utilizing the direction of the wind, and creating strategies to win races. Students will sail on many types of vessels, work together with peers, and take on a number of roles to fully experiencing the adventure of sailing. For more advanced sailors, the Alpena Youth Sailing Team can strengthen their sailing skills. They will sail on ynglings, large vessels with weighted hulls to prevent tipping, with two to three other crew members on Lake Huron. Students may also have the opportunity to challenge themselves and their crew by participating in races on a weekly basis.
Kids Fitness & Nutrition Club
- Offering a variety of fun and active classes, events,
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Little Miss Mia, living her best life on the Bosu in Happy Kids Class at BAC! Photo courtesy Erica Hainstock
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workshops, and camps! The Kids
Fitness and Nutrition Club is focused on creating an environment where kids can be kids while creating an interest in personal fitness and nutrition. Check out their Facebook page for upcoming events, classes, and prices!
Happy Kids & Wildcat Sweat at BAC
- Keep your Alpena Wildcat athlete conditioned over summer by purchasing the Wildcat Punch Card at Bay Athletic Club! A great way to stay in shape for the sport your student loves. Have a future Alpena Wildcat on your hands that needs to release some mid-morning energy in a fun and playful environment? Check out Happy Kids every Monday at 10 am at Bay Athletic Club. Don't forget, BAC also offers the "jungle gym" for your little ones to play in while you get in that daily workout!
Anytime Fun!
Don't forget about our local businesses that incorporate learning and fun for young ones year-round!
Playgrounds
Kiddie Park Playground- located downtown at the Band Shell by the pier.
McRae Park Playground- located at 1301 N. 2nd Ave.
Shin-Ga-Ba Shores Playground- located on Ossineke Rd. in Ossineke, MI
The Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau would like to extend a special thanks to Lara King for being a contributing author to this blog and to Erica Hainstock for providing photos and information. If you know of any other kid friendly happenings in the Alpena area, please email info@visitalpena.com.
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Call For Entries: Fresh Takes Video Contest
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****Lights!****Camera!****Action!**** 
Earn cash for your video creations! It's time to start thinking about getting your entry ready for the Alpena Area Convention & Visitors Bureau FRESH TAKES Video Contest! We have also added a PEOPLE's CHOICE award this year. Details on how to vote for your favorite video, will be released in early January.
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Hometown Tastes: Strawberry Basil Shortcakes
From the kitchen of: Chris Fischer
Shortcake Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
- 3/4 stick chilled, unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg, beaten to blend
Berries and Assembly:
- 1 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled, quartered (about 3 cups), divided
- 4 tablespoons sugar, divided
- 2 sprigs basil
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons crème fraîche (directions below)
Shortcake Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400. Whisk sugar, baking powder, salt, and 2 cups flour in small bowl. Using pastry cutter or your fingers, work in butter until the texture of coarse meal with a few pea sized pieces of butter remaining. Add cream and mix until dough just comes together (it will be sticky).
- Turn out dough onto lightly floured surface and pat into a 12x4" rectangle about 3/4" thick. Cut out rounds with a 2 1/2" biscuit cutter, re-rolling scraps as needed to make 8 rounds. Whisk egg with 1 Tbsp. water in a small bowl. Transfer rounds to a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush tops with egg wash. Bake until tops are golden brown and shortcakes are cooked through, 15-20 minutes. Shortcakes can be made up to 2 days ahead and wrapped at room temperature.
Berries and Assembly Instructions:
- Coarsely chop 2 cups strawberries (use any bruised or less perfect ones) and cook with 2 Tbsp. sugar in a medium sauce, stirring occasionally, until berries are softened and mixture is slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Let berry compote cool.
- Meanwhile, toss basil, 1 Tbsp. sugar, and remaining 1 cup strawberries in a medium bowl and let sit until fruit begins to release juices, 10-15 minutes. Discard basil.
- Using an electric mixer, beat cream, crème fraiche, and remaining 1 Tbsp. sugar to soft peaks, about 4 minutes.
- Split shortcakes and fill with berry compote, whipped cream mixture, and macerated strawberries.
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| Questions? What happened to the old drive-in? Where can kids go to be active when it's raining out? How many parks are in the City of Alpena? Send us a question about Alpena to marybeth@visitalpena.com and we'll answer it in the next newsletter.
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Share this newsletter with someone who loves or misses Alpena. 
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