This week's Northern Express - The Ticker's sister publication - features a special cover story on the bustling summer scene -- sometimes raucus and never boring -- at Torch Lake's sandbar. Inside the issue, you'll also find:

* A behind-the-scenes guide to the upcoming Blissfest Roots and Music Festival, taking place July 11-13 in Bliss near Petoskey
* A 2014 "cherry report," featuring interviews with local cherry growers and an overview of this year's expected crop
* In-depth restaurant profiles of Nancy Kelly's in Pellston and Legs Inn in Cross Village
* Music features on Traverse City's Deep Blue Water Samba School, national touring act Rusted Root (appearing at Blissfest) and northern Michigan bluegrass quartet Chasin' Steel
* A Q&A with famed comedian Rita Rudner, appearing July 17 at the Traverse City Opera House

...and much more! Check out the Northern Express online, or pick up a free copy at one of more than 600 distribution spots across 13 counties. And, stay connected throughout the week on Facebook.