Experience the Charm of a Small Town Christmas with a Holiday Shopping Spree Getaway in Alpena Michigan
There are many Michigan Christmas towns to consider when planning a holiday getaway, but a holiday shopping spree getaway in Alpena is sure to bring a dose of Christmas cheer, especially when you share it with your best friends!
Holiday Getaway in Alpena Itinerary Overview
Follow our itinerary for a fantastic weekend of holiday fun & Christmas shopping in Alpena…
- Snag a Scrumptious Breakfast at Connie’s Cafe
- Shop ‘Til You Drop in Downtown Alpena Boutique Stores
- Linger Over Lunch at The Fresh Palate
- Explore More Alpena Stores for Holiday Gifts
- Enjoy a Delicious Dinner at Red Brick Tap & Barrel
- Catch a Holiday Show at the Alpena Civic Theatre
- Enjoy a Late Night Drink at PIF Cider
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace at Big Bear Lodge
Thanks to Alpena Area CVB for being 2022-2023 #MIAwesomeList Winter Bucket List partners!
Unique Holiday Shopping in Alpena
You can enjoy a unique small-town shopping experience while enjoying a holiday getaway in downtown Alpena, checking off names on your Christmas list as you locate the perfect gifts for each person. Here are a few of our favorite Alpena shopping destinations this holiday season.
The Bluebird Boutique
As a women’s clothing boutique, The Bluebird Boutique carries a variety of styles in a wide range of sizes. In addition to clearance items, you’ll find tops, jeans and pants, shorts, skirts and dresses, jackets, and more. Plus, the shop has a line of accessories — from earrings to socks to hats to stickers.
Chippewa Valley Leatherworks & Mercantile
Although small, Chippewa Valley Leatherworks & Mercantile has a big personality. The store specializes in making high-quality leather goods using USA-made leather, tools, and hardware. Every product is made by hand — from cutting to finishing — in small batches in the workshop.
The leather products that you’ll find include totes and purses, wallets, cases and journals, and accessories and apparel. Also, the shop has a well-curated selection of vintage clothes, as well as goods made by local artisans.
The Nostalgia Factory
The Nostalgia Factory is a one-stop shop for all things related to the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Specializing in vintage clothing and collectibles, this unique shopping experience in Alpena has that special something for the 30-year-old on your list who loves reliving their childhood memories!
Noise & Toys
If you like to listen to vinyl records or collect toys, Noise & Toys is the best place to go holiday shopping in Alpena Michigan for kids and kids at heart.
Owner “Retro” Steve Szucs loves music and pop culture, so he buys, sells, and trades new and used items — records, CDs, cassettes, 8 tracks, stereo equipment, DVDs, and toys.
Traveling Ladders
Located in the former Sepull’s Pharmacy — a landmark in Alpena since 1920 — Traveling Ladders is a unique shop, to say the least. Its most distinctive features are a tin ceiling and a wraparound balcony with a bird’s-eye view of downtown.
The ceiling-high drawers and shelves are full of antiques, such as old boxes and medicine bottles. You climb ladders to reach the high items. You can also find home accents, art, and gifts.
Colburn Outfitters
Whether you’re looking for active styles for him or her, Colburn Outfitters has you covered. This shop focuses on carrying meaningful, mindful, and modern fashion designs that move with you wherever you go. Clothing line examples include Prana, Lole, Toad & Co, Free Fly, and Sherpa Adventure Gear.
Colburn carries other product lines too, such as Klean Kanteen, Haiku Bags, Darn Tough Socks, Enewton Jewelry, Mantrabands, Life is Good, and Beekman 1802.
Soaps And Such
Bringing handcrafted bath and beauty products to downtown Alpena Michigan, Soaps And Such aims to empower customers with a healthy lifestyle. The artisans — who you can watch at work through the in-shop glass workshop — pay careful attention to use quality ingredients.
You’ll find acne products, aroma jars, body mists and oils, bath bombs, candles and wax melts, deodorant, face products, foot products, hair care, makeup, repellents, shower items, and so much more. You can even try the scrubs at the free scrub bar.
The Local Basket Case
To pick up some Michigan swag while holiday shopping in Alpena, head to The Local Basket Case. This local shop is proud to sell unique Michigan-made products for recipients who love their home state.
You can peruse apparel for men, women, and kids — including hats and women’s apparel with Alpena designs and inland lake apparel. Additionally, the store features candles, coffee mugs, glassware, stickers, and gifts.
Rusty Petunias Marketplace
Specializing in unique baby gifts, women’s accessories, home decor, and other gifts, Rusty Petunias Marketplace has a relaxing atmosphere. If it’s the first Saturday of the month, you can check out new clearance items.
While you shop, you can enjoy an adult beverage from the in-store bar. A different martini is featured every week, and wine tastings are held on Wednesdays.
Parallel 45 Books & Gifts
The owners of Parallel 45 Books & Gifts always dreamed of having their own business, and the opportunity presented itself in Oct. 2019. Since then, they’ve worked hard to get the latest books in their shop. You can even purchase jigsaw puzzles, Michigan-themed gifts, and other items here.
Cedar & Threads
Opened in 2021, Cedar & Threads is a great place to get novelty items for gifts while holiday shopping in Alpena. You can also buy apparel, bath and body products, and home decor.
The majority of the items purchased give back to nonprofit organizations within the community. The charities help feed local families, among other efforts.
My Glass Wings
If you’re looking for unique gifts, consider stained glass from My Glass Wings. This stained glass studio has been located in the John Rowe building in downtown Alpena since 2004. It sells one-of-a-kind works of art by local artisans and stained glass supplies.
Recommended Restaurants in Alpena
Alpena is home to many wonderful restaurants and breweries… here are just a couple that we recommend adding to your holiday shopping spree getaway!
Connie’s Cafe
Just down the road in Ossineke, Connie’s Cafe is the best place to start your day of shopping fun in Alpena. Order your favorite breakfast dishes and fuel up with a hot cup of coffee before hitting the boutique shops.
The Fresh Palate
Linger over lunch at The Fresh Palate on N 2nd Ave in Alpena. This fresh and healthy Alpena restaurant serves uniquely creative organic meals and its menu was recently refreshed with all new entrees, salads, soups, and sides.
Red Brick Tap & Barrel
Recently voted the Sunrise Side’s Best Overall Restaurant, dinner at the Red Brick Tap & Barrel is a must on your holiday shopping spree getaway itinerary! Gourmet burgers, salads, entrees, sides, and desserts are designed to please both your eyes and your palate.
PIF Cider
Don’t miss drinks at this taproom on West Chisholm Street in Alpena! It’s the perfect place to end your day of shopping fun with a glass of hard cider and plate of small bites.
More Small Town Holiday Fun in Northern Michigan
While you certainly can get all your Christmas shopping done in downtown Alpena, there’s more to enjoy during the holiday season in this northern Michigan small town!
Catch a Classic at the Alpena Civic Theatre
We recommend leaving time in your itinerary to catch a show at the Alpena Civic Theatre! Voted the “Best of the Best Live Theatre” by the Alpena News, the holiday shows are sure to please.
This Christmas season, the theater will be producing Dear Mrs. Claus (a children’s production) and The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Be sure to watch their Facebook page for all the details including ticket sale information!
Sleep in Heavenly Peace at Big Bear Lodge
Big Bear Lodge’s newly renovated kitchenettes and cozy, comfortable accommodations make it a great place to unwind and make new friends. Each room at this welcoming mom & pop inn in Alpena overlooking Thunder Bay has a coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, and cable TV.
Explore additional lodging options in Alpena.