I hate to admit it, but I’ve reached the age when I catch myself saying, “Back in the day, we used to … [insert old-timer examples here].” Play ball in the street until it was dark, walk to school during snowstorms, go places instead of just scrolling through photos on our phones.
That’s not true. I don’t usually say those things out loud, but I do think them sometimes. And as I reviewed our cover story on Michigan’s natural wonders, two thoughts crossed my mind: Why didn’t I go to these places sooner? And did the absence of social media really make us better off?
The world was certainly a much smaller place for everyone when I was growing up. On vacation, for example, we went to the same town every summer. And for the longest time, I only knew that town and the closest “metropolis.” Now, when I go Up North with my teenager, he’s full of ideas for day trips to places I never explored — or had even heard of — as a child: Sleeping Bear Dunes, Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We’ve visited a few of the places mentioned in our feature in recent years, thanks in part to discoveries on social media.
So if a side effect of social media is that it opens our world and gets us outside and exploring, isn’t that a good thing? But what I hope even more is that you’ll learn about a new Michigan wonder the old-fashioned way: through a magazine article, in this case one written by Hour Detroit’s Jack Thomas, who was recently promoted to senior editor.
This month, we also prove that waterfront living isn’t limited to an Up North cottage. Contributor Megan Swoyer explores metro Detroit communities situated on lakes, rivers, and creeks, highlighting the recreation, dining, and lifestyle opportunities they offer. We also bring you the latest from northern Michigan, including the story behind The Cotton Collection’s purchase of several historic hotels and restaurants, along with my recap of opening day on Mackinac Island.
Of course, July isn’t just about vacations. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, contributor Bill Dow previews The Henry Ford’s Freedom Plane National Tour exhibition, featuring documents central to America’s founding. And in Food & Drink, award-winning writer Serena Maria Daniels examines the rise of the fine-dining burger.
Bon appétit, safe travels, and happy birthday U.S.A.!
This story originally appeared in the July 2026 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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