September 3rd, 2010
Okay party people. I wish this blog update was about all the fabulous activities that I did in Western Montana since we visited last. But to be honest, it’s not. And since you don’t want to hear about me organizing my closet, let’s move on to something that’s worth talking about it.
Like the fact that it’s Labor Day weekend! The last official weekend of summer! So you know what that means. Time to get out and work this last weekend for all it’s worth.
On this long weekend, here are a few places that are prime for the last hurrah of summer…
1: The Ravalli County Fair is in the Bitterroot Valley and has a parade, live entertainment, rodeo and bull-a-rama.
Hamilton - Home of the Ravalli County Fair
2: Griz football! The season opener for the Montana boys is tomorrow afternoon…which means thousands of people filling Washington-Grizzly stadium decked in maroon and plenty of cheering!
3: The Sanders County Fair in Plains is a “County Fair with a Western Flair.” In addition to all the standard fair offerings, there’s
also a rodeo and demolition derby. Plus, cowboys.
4. Live music at the Belton Chalet. Danny McIntosh and his sweet guitar and voice will be filling the historic chalet in West Glacier Saturday night at 6 PM. A perfect reason (like you or I need one) to head to Glacier.
Danny McIntosh
Whatever you fancy, let’s all send summer out in style. After all, she has been good to us.
TT
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Tags: Musings, Summer
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August 27th, 2010
Let’s get one thing straight. I love summer. If it was a tall, dark and handsome man, I’d probably marry it.
But here’s the thing…I also LOVE fall. Autumn in Montana is pretty stellar. A crispness in the air, uncrowded roads, cozy sweaters and boots, football (Go Griz!) and of course, the brilliant golds and yellows of the changing foliage.
And because I love it so much, I want to share it with you. 
Here are a few suggestions for fall travel and activities in Western Montana…
Idea #1: Take a drive. Western Montana has some vibrantly gorgeous scenic loops that are perfect for exploring small towns. Consider taking Highway 200 along the Blackfoot River (keep an eye for moose) and driving through the winding Seeley-Swan Valley.
Idea #2: Explore Glacier National Park. In two words: simply beautiful. The colors of the rivers and lakes, combined with the vibrant leaves, offer a picturesque glimpse at the Crown of the Continent.
Autumn in Glacier National Park. Photo by Donnie Sexton.
Idea #3: Hit the water. Just because it’s September doesn’t mean water season is over. Do some riverboarding on the Alberton Gorge, take a scenic float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding on the Clark Fork.
Idea #4: Catch a Griz game! If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Montana loves football. If you’re in Missoula, be sure to catch a game as the Univeristy of Montana boys take the field.
Go Montana!
Happy fall!
TT
PS: For fall travel deals,
click here.
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Tags: Autumn, Glacier National Park, Missoula
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August 20th, 2010
This was the year. The year we decided to take a family vacation. That’s right, a FAMILY vacation…one with my folks, all my siblings/spouses and two of the cutest nephews in all of the land.
This may not seem like a big momentous occasion, but for our family getting everyone together is no small feat. The big sis and her hubbster live in NYC and don’t make it home often, my parents have a few jobs that keep them busy, and this is the first summer the little bro has been home with his own little family without being gone for chunks of the summer.
Long story short: We were so excited to vacation as a family!
And did we ever vacation. And just to spice it up even more, we had two cousins and their families join us for part of the trip. Which for this Montana girl means pure perfection.
Our trip had us playing in Whitefish, zipping down Big Mountain, driving through Glacier National Park (combined with short hikes and numerous photo opportunities), jet skiing on Whitefish Lake and spending time together under Montana’s big blue sky.
Here are some photos from our perfect week of playing…
The crew overlooking Two Medicine
We heart Glacier Park Lodge
Ahhh
Just off the Highline Trail--We could hear them ramming each other
Logan Pass & a sea of red buses
Crusing the zips at Whitefish Mountain Resort
Happy girls after conquering the zip lines
Alpine slide at Whitefish Mountain Resort - Perfect for kiddos (and adults!)
And from our family to yours, if you’re thinking of vacationing in Western Montana, you won’t be disappointed. Heck, we’ll even help you plan your trip!
TT
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Tags: Glacier National Park, Musings, Play, Summer, Whitefish Mountain Resort
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August 6th, 2010
Fact #1: It’s summer.
Fact #2: Missoula is a pretty fabulous place.
Fact #3: You’d be hard-pressed to find anything better than Missoula in the summer.
There’s good reason that Missoula is one of the most popular “play places” in Western Montana. It has the Clark Fork running through the heart of downtown and recreational opportunities are everywere you turn your head. Plus Missoula has that big city vibe to it, with a thriving arts scene, tons of live music and some pretty stellar restaurants.
And since I like to share (my mom made me learn when I was knee-high to a grasshopper), I’m going to share some summer vacation ideas of things to do and see around Missoula. Kind of like a “YOU MUST DO THIS IF YOU’RE IN THE GARDEN CITY” list.
Idea #1: Hit the water. Take a guided rafting or kayaking trip on the Clark Fork River with 10,000 Waves Raft & Kayak Adventure. No matter you’re skill level, you’ll be in good hands with these guys. PS: I speak from experience. A group of ladies (including me) hit the water with their guides in mid-June on a juicy river and it was an absolute blast!
Kayaking the Clark Fork (photo by Suzanne Ahearne)
Idea #2: Explore downtown. Missoula’s downtown is incredibly walkable and was recently designated as a historic district. Peruse the shops, grab a cup of coffee from a local shop or catch live tunes.
Downtown Missoula (photo by Donnie Sexton)
Idea #3: Hike the M. A shork vertical hike up Mt. Sentinel (less than one mile) brings you to the giant white M that watches over the city. Plus, you’ll get a nice view of the valley and your cardio workout for the day. Reward yourself with a scoop of ice cream from Big Dipper.
For more ideas on things to do in Missoula, click here or here. Happy playing!
TT
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Tags: Missoula, Musings, Summer
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July 30th, 2010
Guess what. It’s summer. I’m in Montana. And it’s Friday afternoon.
To celebrate all three of these things, I’m getting out of town. And I’m going to get my Montana groove on. “How?” you may ask.
Easy. By hiking here.
Glacier National Park
Eating here.
Acting like I’m 7 1/2 here. (I plan on being the person behind all the water).
Big Sky Waterslides!
And getting in some bonding time with this girl.
We're excited to play in Western Montana
Summer, I totally heart you.
TT
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Tags: Glacier National Park, Musings, Play, Summer
Posted in From The Road, Summer | No Comments »
July 23rd, 2010
I’m a lucky girl. Seriously.
For the last two weeks, I’ve been perusing the countryside of Western Montana. I’ve put on a lot of miles and enjoyed every minute of it. Mainly because Montana is filled with some of the most incredible beauty that a person could ever by blessed enough to see. And judging by the place I live and the things I get to see, I’m pretty blessed.
The Daly Mansion in Hamilton
National Bison Range
Baby brother on a red bus tour
Sun Point in Glacier National Park
TT
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Tags: Bitterroot Valley, Glacier National Park, Musings, Summer
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July 15th, 2010
It’s summer in Montana and that means it’s time to hit the open road and play, play, play. My last adventure had me visiting the Blackfeet Nation for North American Indian Days.
This year, NAID attracted more than 500 dancers and had members from 50 different tribes throughout the United States and Canada in attendance. During the festivities, we attended the dancing, stick games and rodeo. (And trust me, this Montana girl loves a good rodeo).
The parade at North American Indian Days in Browning
North American Indian Days in Browning
We also spent time in East Glacier and were able to head out and “help” (ok, we watched) the cowboys round up bucking horses for Sunday’s main rodeo event in Browning. And boy did we enjoy watching the roundup!
The part that sticks out is my mind the most is the sound of the herd–we could hear them before we could see them–as they stampeded toward us with five cowboys on horseback wooping and hollering bringing them in.
And the icing on the cake?
This cowboy gave me his rope. We may be in love.
TT
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Tags: Summer
Posted in Blackfeet Indian Reservation, Native American Culture, Summer, Uncategorized | No Comments »
July 2nd, 2010
There’s been some pretty happening stuff in Missoula the last few days. Not only was it Downtown Tonight last night, but since Wednesday Missoula has been hosting the US Freestyle Kayaking National Championships at Brennan’s Wave. Around 200 competitors have been in the Garden City this week trying their hand, and performing tricks, to earn a spot representing the US at the World Freestyle Kayaking Championships in Germany.
And we couldn’t be more tickled. It was such a treat to have something like this in Western Montana. To all the guys and gals that participated, we hope you come back and paddle our waters again soon. And keep bringing those tricks!
A few photos for your viewing pleasure.
Some random tidbits:
-A new wave, The Max, is being built on the Clark Fork River. Which means Missoula will have TWO play areas for kayakers in the heart of downtown.
-Summer is here. Ah, yea.
-If you’re looking for a water based adventure/activity, consider 10,000 Waves Rafting & Kayaking. I did a kayaking trip with their guides a few weeks back. In three words: It was awesome.
Until next week, happy travels!
TT
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June 24th, 2010
Well party people, it’s official. The Going-to-the-Sun Road (that little curvy number that laces its way through the park on 52 miles of asphalt) is officially open for the 2010 summer season.
And we couldn’t be more tickled about it!!
The road opens up much of the interior of the park and gives all that drive it an insider peak at some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.
Opening day, summer 2009.
A few tidbits about the Going-to-the-Sun Road:
-It is the only American roadway designated both as a National Historic Landmark and a National Civic Engineering Landmark.
-The name of the road is borrowed from nearby Going-to-the-Sun Mountain. Local legend tells the story of the deity, Sour Spirit, who came down from the sun to teach Blackfeet braves the rudiments of the hunt. On his way back to the sun, Sour Spirit had his images reproduced on the top of the mountain for inspiration to the Blackfeet.
-The road crews and park service work very hard to ensure the road is open and safe for travel. A tip of the hat to all of them.
-It’s currently undergoing a multi-year rehabilitation project, so you may experience a few delays when driving the road (no more than 40 minutes from 7 AM – 9 PM).
-There are a few ways to travel the road.
Option #1: Drive it yourself.
Option #2: Take the Sun Road transit system for free (July 1 – Sept. 6).
Option #3: Take the east side hiker shuttle (fee).
Option #4: Hob aboard a jammer (red bus) for an interpretive tour of the park.
Option #5: Take a Sun Tour and learn about the park from the Blackfeet perspective.
Whatever way you choose to explore the Going-to-the-Sun Road, be sure to take your camera. Because the views are going to knock your socks off.
Waterfalls in the mountain valleys below the road.
TT
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Tags: Glacier National Park, Summer, Travel Deals
Posted in Glacier National Park, Summer | No Comments »
June 11th, 2010
When I was growing up along the Rocky Mountain Front, we would make a trip to Glacier every summer. And along with that trip came the annual stay at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. I always looked forward to staying at the lodge…it was such a wondrous place for a little girl who dreamed of princes and castles. Grand and beautiful, it seemed to hold something magical inside.
Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier, MT
One distinct memory from my visits there is one evening sneaking out of our 2nd floor room in my pajamas (most likely paired with crazy blond hair) and peering over the railing to watch the piano player in the lobby and listen in silent awe as the music filled the room.
Nearly 20 years later, this girl found herself at Glacier Park Lodge again. Sure, a few key differences stood out–like being able to see over the railing without standing on my tippy toes and I brush my hair now–but besides that, it was the same lodge and experience I had fallen in love with all those years ago.
And while I live on the west side of the Rocky Mountains now, I’m quite confident I’ll be going back to Glacier Park Lodge as often as I can. Especially when I’m looking to reconnect with that feeling of childhood wonderment or when I need to remember how life is supposed to be. Beautiful, majestic and completely wonderful.
PS: For your viewing pleasure, a few photos from my visit.
Traditional Blackfeet Dancing
Jammer (red bus) at Glacier Park Lodge
A yearling grizzly
TT
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