Author: Michael Hardy

Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 covering Michigan and the Upper Thumb. Today, his Michigan Moments series has established a loyal base of 110,000 followers.

Michigan’s Snowmobile Trail Fee To Increase

Posted on March 30, 2021November 10, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says snowmobile trail permit fees will increase from $48 to $52 for the next five-years.

Michigan has over 6,000 miles of trails.

10 Delicious Michigan Foods and Recipes You Have to Try

Posted on March 20, 2021November 17, 2024 by Michael Hardy

Every state has their own tastes. Michigan is no exception. Bordered by the Great Lakes, Michigan has the best farm and fish options that any true foodie would crave.

We look at 10 simple and uniquely Michigan comfort foods to try. Some with the secret recipes.

Find Treasure at Port Austin Market Every Summer Weekend

Posted on March 19, 2021November 7, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Port Austin Summertime Farmers Market is a great way to spend a morning sorting through trash and treasure.

Its also has some wonderful sites and smells to perk up your mood after a long week.

Abandoned Farmhouses That You Will Never See Again

Posted on March 18, 2021November 11, 2021 by Michael Hardy

We are sometimes drawn to an abandoned farmhouse or structure not because of it’s beauty, but because we think there is a story. behind the decay.

We want to know what went wrong.

History Of Pointe Aux Barques Cottage Community in Michigan’s Thumb

Posted on March 16, 2021March 28, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The name Pointe Aux Barques was coined by French sailors and voyageurs in about 1760. The name literally means the point of boats, This is because the rock formations at the tip of the Thumb looked like the prow of a ship. It was also known as a hideout for sailors.

The year is 1912. An exclusive modern resort community is opened at the tip of Michigan’s thumb with direct train service from Detroit. For over 100 years it has been a resort community.

Michigan Monday – Author James Harrison

Posted on March 8, 2021December 2, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Michigan author James Harrison. Jim was a prolific and gifted writer publishing over three dozen books including Legends of the Fall in 1978.

5 Popular Legends of Great Lakes Monsters & One Specter

Posted on March 6, 2021January 30, 2025 by Michael Hardy

We cover three of the top legends for Great Lakes Sea Monsters. One is in Lake Erie, one in Lake Huron, Detroit and we actually have a monster in nearby Saginaw Bay.

Bicycling Around Mackinac Island Is One of the Best Ways To Reveal Its Native American History

Posted on March 3, 2021March 31, 2025 by Michael Hardy

Mackinac Island is a popular Michigan destination, now enhanced by interpretive stations highlighting Native American history. Funded by community support, these panels educate visitors on the Anishnaabek tribes’ cultural significance and historical contributions to the region.