If you haven’t heard of or visited the Water Street Commons before let me give you a quick explanation! The Water Street Commons is a small business collaborative of five tiny shops, one beverage shed, food truck area, and public seating area on the corner of the 2nd Ave bridge and Water Street. It’s led by the Alpena DDA as a way to provide low-cost, low-risk commercial space for small businesses looking to try out Downtown Alpena, diversify the downtown offerings, and bring more foot traffic to the downtown. Read on to learn about our holiday vendors!

Holiday Market Grand Opening – This weekend from Friday November 28th and Saturday November 29th from 11am-6pm and Sunday November 30 from 11am-4pm head over to the Water Street Commons and enjoy the grand opening weekend of all of our holiday vendors! Walk under the twinkling lights and visit the tiny shops and purchase some fresh baked goods or a potential Christmas gift. All shops will be open Saturdays 11-6 pm & Sundays 11-4 pm between Thanksgiving & Christmas. Before you go there let me introduce you to all of our holiday vendors!

The Art Nook – The Art Nook is a collective of local artists that sell pottery, handmade jewelry, mixed media pieces and more! They are a brand-new vendor at the Commons! You can find work by local artists Mud & Ink Art, Amanda Joann Ceramics, Jacob Moss Jeweler, and Rose Lynn Clay. Each of them makes some beautiful artwork that you’re definitely going to want to see! If you haven’t had a chance to visit them yet this month stop by the grand opening this weekend!

Birch Hill Grocery – Birch Hill Grocery has been at the Water St Commons since it started this summer, so if you haven’t had a chance to visit them yet you’re going to want to stop by during the holiday season! They sell simply good goods including selected baked goods, gift items, and shelf food products, chocolates, vinegars, pesto’s, spreads, and more. They will be reopening during the grand opening weekend this weekend!

Briar Hill Bakehouse – Another one of our new vendors for the holiday season is Briar Hill Bakehouse! Their an artisan bakery offering sourdough breads, yeasted breads, and pastries. They also prioritize organic flours and local ingredients when available. Find them sharing a tiny shop with Falls Creek! Stop by and see them this weekend!

Falls Creek Produce & Flowers – Also new to the Commons is Falls Creek, and you can find them sharing a tiny shop with Briar Hill! You can find garland, wreaths, florals, porch pots, and other holiday gifts in their shop. Stop by during the grand opening weekend and purchase some beautiful handmade wreathes to decorate your house for Christmas!

Choucas Hats – Our last new vendor is Choucas Hats; they’re an Alpena-based brand that sells athletic winter hats, headbands, and neck gaiters, all designed locally! A perfect place to look for a Christmas gift for your friend or loved one. Make sure you check them out this weekend!

Knaebe’s – Last but most certainly not least is Knaebe’s, like Birch Hill they have been at the Commons since the beginning! If you haven’t had a chance to visit them before you will find their delicious hard cider and some items from their farm store including jams, salsas, dips and baking mixes. On occasion they also sell their homemade donuts, so keep an eye on their Facebook to see if they have any the day that you stop by! Stop by and see them this weekend!

All shops will be open Saturdays 11-6 pm & Sundays 11-4 pm between Thanksgiving & Christmas! For more information on the Water Street Commons click here! The shops at the Water Street Commons will be open each year May through December!