What a Year. Michael’s Top Montana Stories of 2023

When I was a kid, I'd overhear my parents and other grownups always talking about how fast time flies. "No it doesn't", I'd think. Time moves painfully slowly when you're a child. "I'll never be old enough to drive!" Or go on a date, or stay out past 10 pm, or whatever else the anticipated milestone might have been. Waiting for your birthday or Christmas seemed to take forever.

As an adult, I find myself saying the same thing as my folks regarding the appearance of time going much faster than it should. Each month seems to zoom past faster than the previous calendar page. Wild, huh?

Michael's Top 10 Most-Read Stories of 2023.

Looking back on my Top 10 articles of 2023, the passing of another year is even more apparent. From affordable old homesteads to local food and restaurant news, these are my most-read stories. If you didn't see them the first time around, give 'em a read.

10. This 'Yellowstone' Star Had a Blast at a Popular Billings Bar 

'Rip' stopped by the Crystal Lounge in August. He didn't sing any songs, but he did have a great time.

9. How is Parking Going to Work at the Billings Airshow Aug 12-13?

The Blue Angels airshow was one of the biggest events to hit Billings in recent years. It was an incredible experience and we hope the event organizers will bring it back every few years. Like many, we wondered about how parking was going to work. Some attendees reported long wait times getting in/out, but our experience was smooth and fast.

8. New Locations: Two Popular Billings Restaurants are On the Move

Midtown Guadalajara and Cajun Phatty's both moved locations this year, essentially swapping neighborhoods.

7. Sneak Look! Inside Billings' New Sierra Store, Grand Opening 5/13

https://billingsmix.com/billings-sierra/

6. These Were The 10 Highest Paying Jobs In Montana In 2023

Thinking about a career change in 2024? Check my story about the jobs that'll earn you the most cash in Montana. Many do not require a college degree.

5. US Marshals Really Want These 3 Montana Men Back in Custody

As far as we know, the losers (potentially dangerous) are still on the run.

4. Starting July 1 You'll Have to Pay to Picnic on Montana Rivers 

This story drew mixed opinions (mostly unfavorable) about Montana's new law that requires anywho who visits a state Fishing Access Site must have a conservation license. The state argued the expense of upkeep should be shared among everyone, not just hunters and fishermen(women). Many residents think it's a money grab and that we shouldn't have to buy a license to simply visit the river to picnic, swim, or just relax on the riverbank.

3. Burger Contest Results. There's a New #1 Favorite in Billings 

I write a lot about food because everybody eats, right? And I love food. 2023 presented opportunities for me to be a judge in a variety of Billings food competitions this year. In July, we crowned Billings Best Burger at the inaugural Burger Bonanza. The winning chef won a Golden Ticket to the World Food Championship in Texas.

2. This Isolated Montana Hot Spring Is Worth The Drive 

The most popular hot springs in Montana are getting crowded and expensive. This gem on the Hi-Line is still on our list of places to visit this winter if we happen to head north.

1. 40 Acre 113-yr-old Montana Homestead for Just $208,000?

Affordable housing remains a hot topic in Big Sky Country. This fixer-upper horse property in north-central Montana seemed like a bargain, especially if you don't mind the isolation.

Thanks for reading my stories this year. I hope you've enjoyed them. Cheers to a blessed 2024 for you and yours. -Michael