Northern Express Michigan

Established in 1991, Northern Express is the leading weekly publication in northern Michigan, focusing on arts, entertainment, news, and lifestyle topics. With over 30,000 copies distributed weekly and an average readership of 3.36 people per copy, we engage an impressive audience of around 90,000 readers each week—surpassing any other local newspaper. Our publication offers in-depth investigative articles, news updates, food and drink insights, restaurant reviews, opinion pieces, and the most extensive entertainment calendar in the area.

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The Purposeful Warrior at City Opera House

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning |Art Bukowski

May 31, 2025 We know her as the Michigan Secretary of State (and announced 2026 gubernatorial candidate), but Jocelyn Benson has added another item to her resume with the publication of her new book, The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for What’s Right When the Stakes Are High.
The Good Bowl's Shiso Fine

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Anna Faller |Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning

Bottoms Up By Anna Faller | May 31, 2025 We’re pretty sure The Chiffons misspoke in their hit song when they sang “he’s so fine”—they really meant to say she’s so fine and were clearly talking about the eponymous (and punny!) cocktail at The Good Bowl in Traverse City! A twist on traditional Vietnamese flavors, the Shiso Fine ($14) features a base of Gypsy Vodka shaken with delicate soju (a Korean spirit distilled from rice), fresh lemon juice, and a homemade syrup made from turbinado sugar...
Think Septic Before You Sell

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning |Art Bukowski

May 31, 2025 Thinking of putting your house on the market next year? Despite being the Great Lakes State, Michigan is the only state in the country without a statewide septic code. But recently, Grand Traverse County joined neighboring counties Leelanau and Benzie in creating its own regulations, which will go into effect January 1, 2026, and require septic evaluations whenever properties within 300 feet of surface water (including lakes, ponds, streams, or rivers) are sold or transferred.
Kilwins' Chocolate-on-the-Inside Waffle Cones

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning |Art Bukowski

Tastemaker May 31, 2025 National Chocolate Ice Cream Day approaches—mark your calendar for Saturday, June 7!—and in honor of this beloved (if little-known) holiday, Kilwins has launched an extra special treat. According to their team, the Chocolate-on-the-Inside Waffle Cone took five years to perfect.
Hike and Bike America This Summer

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Jamie Kauffold |Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning

By Jamie Kauffold | May 31, 2025 Help kick off Less Cancer’s Hike and Bike America 2025 at Mt. Holiday in Traverse City on Saturday, June 7, with a free concert starring northern Michigan’s own Drew Hale! Blending country, blues and rock and roll, Hale brings his high energy show from noon-3pm. Donations are welcome. For more info on registering for Hike and Bike America 2025, a nationwide cancer prevention fundraiser paired with an emphasis on outdoor recreation, visit LessCancer.org.
What Does Pride Month Look Like in 2025?

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Ren Brabenec |Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning

Up North Pride talks June programming, Michigan protections, and federal attacks By Ren Brabenec | May 31, 2025 The Movement Advancement Project (MAP) ranks Michigan in the top 20 U.S. states for policies supporting LGBTQ+ residents’ lives, experiences, and equality. Michigan is an island in this category because, without going to either the East or West Coast, the only states in the U.S. with better rankings are Colorado, Minnesota, and Illinois.
Creating Your Own Ecosystem

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Rachel Pasche |Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning

Second-gen farmer Jane Lively on working the land and building community By Rachel Pasche | May 31, 2025 According to the USDA, Michigan is home to around 44,000 farms, several of which are in the part of northern Michigan we call home. These farms comprise 9.4 million acres of land, all dedicated to providing fresh food for the state and country. The Lively Farm sits on two acres near Empire and is run by 27-year-old Jane Lively.
Nothing Is Better than a Tree

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Stephen Tuttle |Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning

Spectator By Stephen Tuttle | May 31, 2025 I think that I shall never seeA poem lovely as a tree. So begins Joyce Kilmer’s classic ode to our leafy friends. He’d likely be displeased if he was still alive and lived around here these days; we’ve found plenty of reasons to remove plenty of trees from plenty of locations. This lament should be prefaced with the acknowledgment that people are not marauding with chainsaw in hand, felling trees at random for no reason.
Pride Month Celebrations in Northern Michigan

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Abby McKiernan |Quinn De Vecchi |Jillian Manning |Art Bukowski

A guide to June 2025 events By Abby McKiernan | May 31, 2025 As June rolls around, northern Michigan communities come alive with vibrant celebrations for Pride Month. This year, the LGBTQ+ community and allies can look forward to a variety of events that range from fun-filled bike rides and colorful 5K runs to fabulous drag bingo nights. For the Traverse-City based activities below, visit upnorthpride.com to view the Community Calendar and learn more about each event.
Growing Up Queer

1 week ago | northernexpress.com | Quinn De Vecchi |Abby McKiernan |Jillian Manning |Art Bukowski

Three LGBTQ+ students share their experiences with finding a safe and supportive community By Quinn De Vecchi | May 31, 2025 The month of my thirteenth birthday was when I returned from my first LGBTQ+ friendly summer camp. On the plane ride to Florida, overlooking the turn from Los Angeles, I silently cried. I was leaving a place where I knew everyone understood what I was going through.