Features

Cherries Are Who We Are: The State of the Cherry Farming Industry

Farmers battle on in a labor of love, despite a frost-reduced crop, economy uncertainty, and volatile weather

By Art Bukowski | June 28, 2025

It’s easy to get caught up in the National Cherry Festival’s fireworks, carnival rides, corn dogs, air shows, and much more. Northern Michigan’s signature event draws countless thousands to Traverse City in part because it offers a broad array of attractions for the whole family. As with several other causes for celebration, though, it’s good to remember how it all started and what it’s all for. The festival has its roots in … Read More >>

Barefoot on the Boards

Little Bay Boards marks 12 years, 500 SUPs, and a new chapter (hint: surfing!)

By Molly Cox | June 28, 2025

Jason Thelen only set out to build one paddleboard in 2012. His daughter Shawni wanted one, so he decided to build a paddleboard for her out of the natural material he knew best: wood. Thelen was a master carpenter, building homes with his father-in-law in Petoskey. While doing research on how to make that first paddle board, the only wooden SUPs Thelen could find were bulky, made of plywood, and not very … Read More >>

Cherry Festival by the Numbers

Inquiring minds want to know: Just how many fireworks, cherries, beers, and pins make the Cherry Fest go 'round?

By Art Bukowski | June 28, 2025

Traverse City’s signature festival is here at last, and there’s a lot that goes into this annual celebration before, during and after the big week itself. Northern Express checked in with the folks at the National Cherry Festival to provide a glimpse at the festival by the numbers. 1925: Though held informally for some years prior, the first official festival, known then as the “Blessing of the Blossoms,” was held on May … Read More >>

Cherry Festival Competitions

40+ ways to get your game on

By Rachel Pasche | June 28, 2025

Not only does the National Cherry Festival serve up some of the best cherry delicacies, but it also dishes out friendly competition throughout the week! Get sporty, spitty, sandy, or splashed at the various contests held all week, with something for every age group.  Saturday, June 28 Pickleball Tournament, 8am: A two-day pickleball tournament kicks off the Cherry Festival contests, starting with men’s and women’s doubles. The tournament is hosted at the … Read More >>

Always Ready

A check-in with the Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City

By Ross Boissoneau | June 28, 2025

The Coast Guard is perhaps the least well-known branch of the United States military. Some people don’t even know it’s part of the armed services. “Not everybody knows the Coast Guard is a military organization,” says Commander Ryan Hawn, the base commander in Traverse City. “It’s an important distinction.” The only military branch within the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard enforces federal laws, conducts search and rescue, and protects … Read More >>

Introducing the Northern Express Summer Photo Contest!

Want to see your Up North photos in print? Submit!

June 28, 2025

We are thrilled to announce that this August, we’ll have our first-ever “Framed” issue featuring local photographers of all experience levels! If you’ve captured a stunning sunset over the water, an unparalleled view of the dunes, a field of wildflowers, or anything else that showcases the magic of a northern Michigan summer, send it our way! Submissions for the Framed issue will be accepted June 28 to August 4, 2025. For consideration, … Read More >>

Omnivet's Angel Fund

Stuff We Love

June 28, 2025

Those of us with furbabies know that a pet’s surgery or medical emergency can put a huge dent in your savings account. That’s why Traverse City’s Omnivet—which just celebrated its first year in business earlier this month—launched its Angel Fund in September 2024. The fund aims to “make sure families facing urgent care situations have the support to do so when it matters most” so that scary health decisions for your four-legged … Read More >>

Soothing Summer Sounds

June 28, 2025

If this week’s roaring jets and exploding fireworks are giving you sensory overload, here’s how to unwind. July 2, head to Harbor Brook Hall in TC for Summer Beach Yoga with Yen Yoga, a rejuvenating “namaste by the bay” class held at 9am. yenyogafitness.com. On July 3, experience Jazz at Sunset at Chateau Chantal at 7pm, with the perfect combo of wine, the setting sun, and music from the Jeff Haas Trio … Read More >>

Fireworks Up North for Fourth of July 2025

June 28, 2025

Catch dozens of fireworks shows around the region this weekend. Here is a brief selection of snaps, crackles, and pops! Manistee: July 3, 10:30pm at First Street Beach as part of the Manistee National Forest Festival. Torch Lake: July 3, presented by the South Torch Area Association, 9pm at the Torch Lake Sandbar. Traverse City: July 4, 10pm at Open Space Park, presented by the TC Boom Boom Club as part of … Read More >>

A Waterskiing Squirrel and More at the Manistee National Forest Festival

By Jamie Kauffold | June 28, 2025

Just one of many highlights of the Manistee National Forest Festival, July 2-6, is Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel! See Twiggy hit the waves every day at 11am, 2pm, and 5pm at Douglas Park. Other signature events include the Great Lakes Timber Show with chainsaw carving, axe throwing, wood chopping and log rolling, an Independence Day Parade, Manistee Beach Jam with Working on Famous, Benzie Area RC Club Air Show, and much more. … Read More >>