Monthly Archives: December 2010

Looking Back at 2010

Well, it’s hard to believe that 2010 is almost to a close. This year was a busy one at Glacier Country Tourism that kept us hopping, exploring, playing and promoting Western Montana.

Some highlights from the past year…
-We snowmobiled into a backcountry yurt near Olney and spent time snowmobiling in the Mission Mountains. So much fun!
-I turned another year older. But as I told my dad last night, age is just a number. Luckily.
-My nephews, McCann and Joshua, turned 1 & 2. Now that they’re here, it’s hard to imagine life without them. These little bruisers are 6th generation Montanans. Lucky little boys.

Testing the waters in GNP - firmly gripped by their parents

-Went on a “girls only” trip that covered a lot of ground, from Greenough through Missoula and up to West Glacier and Whitefish. The ladies I went with were an absolute delight. Added bonus: my abs got a stellar workout from laughing.

Preparing to kayak the Clark Fork River

-We spent time on the Blackfoot Nation and watched as bucking horses were rounded up for a rodeo in Browning. Absolutely beautiful location and a true Montana experience.

Lovely friends on the Blackfoot Nation

-This girl visited Whitefish Mountain Resort three times last winter and didn’t ski or snowboard during any of those visits. Ironic? Yes.
-My immediate family (and some cousins and their babes) took a family vacation to Whitefish and Glacier National Park. Our caravan totaled 19 people – We were quite the group of travelers.

Doesn't get much sweeter.

-Spent Christmas at home.

Christmas Eve in the Rocky Mountains

Working in the field I do, I get to share Montana (or as I like to call it, “God’s Country”) with visitors from near, far and just down the road. I’m also able to interact and collaborate with some truly wonderful people.

The lovelies I work with

When I think of my “dream job,” the closest I can come to describing it is to be doing something that I love in a location that provides a home for my heart. And I’m happy to say that here my heart is content.

Wishing you all a very happy and blessed 2011.

Small Town Christmas Yuletide

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Last weekend, I packed up the car and headed north for a fun-filled weekend in the Flathead Valley. My destination? Whitefish.

First things first, I love this town! It has a certain western charm that manages to mix perfectly with ski bums, outdoor lovers and funky boutiques. Plus, it has great food and a great nightlife scene.

Coincidentally (and yet totally on purpose) I planned my weekend in Whitefish to coincide with their Christmas Stroll. I HEART Christmas and wanted to see exactly what type of festivities Whitefish put on to celebrate. And I’ll tell you what – I was not disappointed.

On arrival, I was greeted with the soft glow of lights and downtown decorations, carolers, bonfires, the world’s shortest parade, wagon rides, vendors and a K-9 keg pull.

Perhaps the finest group of carolers in Whitefish!

This puppy really wanted in on the keg pull action.

My favorite thing (besides seeing some lovely friends): chestnuts roasting on an open fire.

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire

Well done, sir, well done.

PS: They even had a float reminding attendees of the Whitefish Winter Carnival, a very fun weekend of activities. Mark your calendar for February 4 – 6, 2011 and come on up. See you in Whitefish!

Whitefish Winter Carnival

Sneak Peak At Winter

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If you’re anything like me, you like to know what type of weather to expect when you’re gearing up to play or work in Montana’s great outdoors. From my office, I can look out the window and see exactly what the weather has in store for me.

But one of the tricky things about Western Montana is that in a five mile span, the weather can be vastly different. Sure, it might be snowing and overcast in Missoula, but drive 40 miles south and it could be sunny and clear.

For my job (and for fun), I do quite a bit of traveling around the region and you can trust your pretty little head (or handsome manly face) that I like to know what kind of weather to expect when I’m hitting Montana’s open roads. And to be honest, it kind of makes my day to see what Lake McDonald looks like in winter or to catch a view of the snow-covered Flathead Valley.

Which is why I HEART webcams…in a big way.

Not only do they fill me in on what our fickle friend Mother Nature is up to, they transport me to the quiet waters of Lake McDonald on a peaceful December day or let me see the winter storm whipping through St. Mary along the Rocky Mountain Front.

View from Lake McDonald webcam, 12/9/11

And because everyone should be able to be swept away to Montana (even if just for a moment), here is a list of webcams offering views of just what’s happening in our neck of the woods. So you can be in Montana, even if you’re not actually here…

Lost Trail Powder Mountain (Bitterroot Valley)

Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Bitterroot Valley

Missoula Valley

Glacier National Park
-Includes Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, Apgar Lookout, Park Headquarters, St. Mary Visitor Center, Two Medicine

Whitefish Mountain Resort

See you soon.
TT

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

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Well, it’s safe to say that winter and the holiday season are upon us in full force. Snow is falling, ski mountains are opening and Montana is looking much like a winter wonderland. Which means that Christmas is right around the corner…

In honor of celebrating the season, I’ve been keeping my eye on some cool Montana gift ideas. In case any of you have people on your list that would love a gift from Big Sky Country (I know I do – shout out to my sister in NYC), here are a few ideas to make your Montana-inspired gift shopping even easier.

Montana Meads: Headquartered in Victor, Hidden Legend Winery makes meads from Montana berries and honey with delectable names like Spiced Mead, Huckleberry Mead and Wild Elderberry Mead.

Beeline Nutty Honey Butter: During a recent stay at Good Medicine Lodge in Whitefish, owners Woody and Betsy Cox whipped up an utterly delectable breakfast that included this honey butter.

Baked pear, with nutty honey butter, at Good Medicine Lodge - SO GOOD!

Glacier Gift Shop: Even though the lodges and inns of Glacier National Park are closed for the winter season, you can still find goodies from the gifts shops! Items include work from Bret Bouda, Glacier National Park Christmas ornaments, Montana movies and music, as well as specialty-brewed Montana coffees.

Wildwater Artwear: This collection, created by West Glacier native and Glacier Raft Company employee Katie Thompson, draws its inspiration from water. All of the items (including jewelry and scarves) are handmade and are essentially, wearable art.

I'm the proud owner of these Montana shaped earrings

Montana Club: What else can I say, except they have great food and gift certificates to boot. I can almost taste their Montana Top Sirloin now…

Linda’s Montana Gifts: Located in Thompson Falls, this gift shop includes everything from handcrafted wood items to Montana made jewelry and wood products.

Glacier County Honey: Located in Baab on the eastern edge of Glacier National Park, this honey has to be made from some of the happiest bees around. Glacier County Honey also makes beeswax candles and Christmas ornaments.

Glacier County Honey

The Sweet Palace: Located in Philipsburg, the Sweet Palace is your headquarters for some of the tastiest handmade taffy, caramels and fudge. My favorites: the huckleberry taffy and coconut clusters.

Huckleberry taffy from The Sweet Palace

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.

*Images were borrowed from respective websites.