Annual Alpenopoly Grub Crawl returns Thursday
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ALPENA -- The annual Alpenopoly Grub Crawl is one of the most popular events hosted by the Alpena Chamber of Commerce each year.
This year's event is slated for Thursday and tickets are going fast, so it may be wise not to wait to purchase them, officials say, if you want to enjoy a night on town and enjoy the tastes of some of Alpena's finest eateries and enjoy a cocktail at the same time.
Alisha Bouchard, Chamber director of events, said the Grub Crawl is a chance for local businesses to showcase some of their dishes and for people to try them. The goal is for a person who has never visited a particular local restaurant or bar before to return for a meal or drink in the future.
"It is a way to promote themselves and a way to expose people to a place they have never been or didn't know about," she said. "Maybe, they will come back for dinner and a drink in the future."
This year's businesses include Austin Brothers Beer Company, Court Yard Restaurant, HopSide Brewery, Joe's Bar, Latitudes Tavern, Nowicki's Sausage Shoppe, Player's Pub & Grub, Presque Isle Farm Cider, Red Brick Tap & Barrel, and Thunder Bay Winery.
Bouchard said each venue will have a sample of its food and many will also have drink specials and games.
Because of the distance between businesses, a pair of shuttles will pick up and drop off people from place to place. The shuttle can be boarded at the Chamber or any of the participating businesses.
This year's theme is "2023 on US 23" and salutes the U.S.-23 Heritage Route. Participants are encouraged to dress in their favorite Alpena, Lake Huron, Michigan, or U.S.-23 apparel.
The event begins at 5:30 p.m. and wraps up about 10 p.m. The bandanas that are used as tickets are available at the Chamber in Alpena and cost $25 each.
Bouchard said there are still tickets available, but they likely won't last long, as the event sells out every year.
"It is one of the biggest events of the year and one that the public really enjoys, she said. "It is a fun night and a chance to get out of the house and try some of our great local businesses."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpenanews.com.