Take a special tour of our neighbors to the north in this week's edition of the Northern Express - sister publication of The Ticker - which spotlights the Petoskey and Little Traverse region. Go behind the scenes of Harbor Spring resident Roger W. Blaser's efforts to resurrect the city's beloved Lyric Theater, as well as an undertaking by residents Andrew and Martha Bowman to revive the former Juilleret’s restaurant building. Explore the untouched natural beauty of 10,500 acres and 26 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline with a profile of Emmett County's Wildnerness State Park, then learn the history of Irish uprising leader Robert Emmett, whose name eventually came to grace the county.

This week's issue also includes an inside look at a proposed new casino in Mackinaw City, as well as a planned new cheese shop in downtown Petoskey. Those who fondly remember the wild party years at Castle Farms - or who are interested in learning more about the fascinating stories behind them - won't want to miss "Northern Michigan's Woodstock," which profiles the two decades when Charlevoix hosted some of the biggest acts in music at the height of their success, including Bob Seger, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, REO Speedwagon, AC/DC and the Scorpions.

This week's issue also includes a preview of Gopherwood's upcoming fall-winter concert series in Cadillac, a Q&A with The PigPen Theatre Company (performing at the Traverse City Opera House October 9) - 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.