June 4th, 2010
As many of you have probably seen on facebook, twitter or in the local media, the Montana Office of Tourism campaign is creating quite the buzz in Chicago.
Recently Ms. Barbara Brotman wrote an article for the Chicago Tribune about the campaign and…we totally love it.
A little excerpt, “Montana is thrusting its mountainous finger right in our Midwest faces, taunting us with its magnificent scenery and world-class outdoor recreation.” And of course my presonal favorite, “Join me, friends. Let’s tell Montana to fly-fish this.” Click here to read more.
Well sure, we are, but only in our sweetest “come see our beautiful big sky, hike through Glacier National Park and eat huckleberry pie with us” way. Because really, we just want you to party with us.
So now will you come? Please?
PS: Quit fighting it. You know we’re fun! And we have bighorn sheep, so you’ve got to like us.
(TT)
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Tags: Glacier National Park, Summer, Travel Deals
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May 27th, 2010
In this Montana girl’s mind, summer kicks off officially in Montana each Memorial Day. Sure, sometimes it may bring beautiful sunshine and comfortable 80 degree days, while others times it rolls in with wind, rain and a touch of snow. But any way you slice it, it’s summer in Montana.
If you’re looking for things to do in Western Montana on this, the inaugural weekend of summer, you choices abound. Here are a few ideas to get your weekend rolling.
1) St. Regis Flea Market: This is Western Montana’s LARGEST flea market, with more than 150 vendors attending and booths open from “daylight to dark.”
2) Bigfork Whitewater Festival: The annual event happens over Memorial Day in the “village by the bay,” Bigfork. The festival hosts between 65 and 80 paddlers competing in events like the slalom race, a down river race and boater’s cross. PS: One of the great things about this festival is that spectators can see the action from the Swan River Nature Trail.
3) 100 Favorite Things in Glacier National Park Presentation: This Saturday, world-known wildlife photographer Sumio Harada will present his thoughts on Glacier National Park in the Montana House at Apgar Village inside Glacier National Park. Sessions are free and open to the public at 11 AM and 2 PM.
4) Hit the Whitewater! This time of year makes the rivers of Western Montana very fun for paddling and rafting. Our two cents: Book a trip and go with a guide. (Not only will you be in good, trained hands, our guides know the river and will make sure you have a stellar time). Try 10,000 Waves in Missoula, Flathead Raft in Polson or Glacier Raft, Montana Raft and Wild River in West Glacier.
As for me, I’ll be wishing for rainfall during the night and some sweet summer sunshine during the day.
TT
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Tags: Glacier Raft Company, Missoula, Summer, West Glacier
Posted in Summer, vacation | No Comments »
May 21st, 2010
Sometimes a girl just needs a burger. There’s been a lot of talk about burgers this week and the need to sink my teeth into one of the best burgers around was growing stronger by the day.
So on Wednesday, we hopped in the car and headed south through the Bitterroot Valley to Hamilton and our final destination of Nap’s.
The blessed menu
I made a beeline for the counter and ordered up a 4-ounce burger (cooked medium-well for me) and a 12-ounce burger (cooked well) for the boy. And I’ve got to tell you, it didn’t disappoint.
Loading it up
We topped it off with TWO kinds of fries–regular and sweet potato (I also just needed these). The boy washed his down with a huckleberry milkshake.
Finished product
It was probably the best Wednesday on record.
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Tags: Bitterroot Valley, Food
Posted in Bitterroot Valley, Food | 2 Comments »
May 14th, 2010
When I was just a little towheaded girl, I used to sit and dream of summer vacation and the fun and freedom it would bring. I’d make plans to go tubing at the lake with my cousins, visit Glacier National Park and pack in as many adventures as my little eight-year-old head could dream up.
Well, it’s 20 years later and not much is different. I still look forward to summer with giddy anticipation…it’s almost silly how happy it makes me! 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 Glacier National Park with you!
Idea #1: Head to the water. Take a guided whitewater rafting trip or scenic float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead on the southern border of Glacier National Park. Glacier Raft Co., Montana Raft Co. and Wild River Adventures all operate from West Glacier.
Idea #2: Jump in a red. Instead of driving yourself through Glacier, park your car and hob aboard a red bus. Glacier Park, Inc. operates bus tours in the park, including day trips that head to various points in and around the park.
Idea #3: Saddle your steed. Hiking is a beautiful way to explore the park, but you can also see it with a nice horse on a guided trail ride. Trail rides leave from Apgar, Lake McDonald and Many Glacier.
I hope this has your wheels turning…I’ll see you in the park! 
TT
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Tags: Glacier National Park, Summer
Posted in vacation | 1 Comment »
May 7th, 2010
Nearly 100 years ago on May 11, 1910, the park in our backyard-Glacier-was dedicated as a national park. This Tuesday, May 11, 2010 will mark the official centennial of Glacier National Park. And you better believe the celebration will be in full force! Festivities for Tuesday kick-off with a rededication ceremony at 10:30 AM, followed by refreshments and displays honoring the park, walking tours led by retired National Park Service employees and West Glacier business activities that include centennial book signings, etc. Tuesday’s activities are free and open to the public.
But if you can’t be there in person, no worries. The park staff will be providing live updates on twitter, sharing photos on Flickr and sharing updates on the park’s facebook page so Glacier and National Park lovers everywhere can participate.
For this girl, I sometimes struggle with the words to describe the beauty and grandeur of the park, so today, I’ll let the photos do the talking.
Bowman Lake
Lake Josephine Boat Tour (Glacier Park Boat Company)
Many Glacier Hotel - Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism photos
Lake McDonald
Red bus tours are a great way to see Glacier
Hope to see you in Glacier this summer! Until then, happy trails.
TT
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Tags: Glacier Centennial, Glacier National Park
Posted in Glacier National Park | No Comments »
April 30th, 2010
Tomorrow is May. Hard to believe isn’t it? I know I’ve mentioned this a tad, but I’m REAL excited for summer.
Reason #1: The WHOLE family is going on a summer vacation this year. This alone is reason to celebrate. I was visiting with the babies (20 & 22 respectively) about family vacations and recalling how long it’s been since we’ve done one. Well, it looks like this is the year. And we’re vacationing here at home with plenty of time spent on Flathead Lake, Whitefish Lake and Glacier National Park.
Reason #2: It’s the 100th birthday of Glacier National Park! And to celebrate, numerous events and activities are scheduled for in and around the park, including the official rededication on May 11, the Huckleberry Festival (I heart huckleberries) and the Centennial Hootenanny (which by its name, sounds like something I’d be into).
Lake McDonald. If you can't find me this summer, you may want to look here.
Reason #3: Farmers Markets. Plain and simple, I love these. It doesn’t matter where, when or how. If there’s a local market, count me in.
Market in Missoula
Reason #4: These two jokers are coming to play with us! They live far away and we don’t see them enough, so we’re excited for their visit.
Big sis and bro-in-law
For now, I’ll keep counting down the days. And maybe go paddle a canoe in this late spring snowstorm. Oh wait, I did that yesterday!
TT
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Tags: Glacier Centennial, Glacier National Park, Musings, Summer
Posted in Summer | No Comments »
April 23rd, 2010
The weather has been just warm enough that I find my mind wandering to summer. Which is fine and dandy, except that it’s been wandering there A LOT.
Hands down, my favorite thing about Montana is the summer. It brings visits from family and friends, farmers markets, rafting the rivers, sun-kissed tan lines and late-night visits to the local ice cream shop.
A few things I’m excited for this year: the two new zip lines at Whitefish Mountain Resort (300′ and fast!), celebrating Glacier’s Centennial, rodeos, camping, summer concerts and spending time at the lake.
But until it comes, I’ll continue my countdown to summer by remembering memories made in summers past.
Hiking to the falls with the girls.
Rodeos - one of my Montana favorites.
The Backbone of the World
Mini-golf action in Columbia Falls.
Family bonding. We love Pepsi.
PS: Dear summer, please come soon! Love TT
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Tags: Musings
Posted in Summer | No Comments »
April 16th, 2010
Time for honesty. I snuck out of here yesterday. But for good reason! We’ve had some cold days during the past couple of weeks here in God’s country and this little girl was to the point of being over this cold weather.
Luckily for me, yesterday turned into an absolutely beautiful, sun-kissed day. And I took advantage of it. I army-crawled out of here, jumped in the truck and headed south to the Bitterroot Valley for a few hours of playing. While there, I perused around the community of Stevensville. For those of you that haven’t been, I’d definitely recommend putting Stevi (as the locals call it) on your list…
Here’s why:
Stevi has the cutest downtown. And nice puppies.
Photo by my friend Donnie Sexton/MTOT
It’s home to the St. Mary Mission–the birthplace of Montana.
St. Mary Mission
And if you time it right, you might see these gals dressed in period attire. Secretly, I want one of their gowns.
Stevi also has the cutest little restaurant called the Internet Coffee Station. The place has delicous wraps, salads and sandwiches, but more importantly it is home to tasty sweet treats.
I may or may not have eaten that missing piece of chocolate cake.
Plus, Stevi is home to these little cuties. It doesn’t get much better than that.
Adorable.
TT
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April 1st, 2010
“Montana is beyond home for me. Its mountains are rooted in my bones. Its rivers course through my veins. The depths of its lakes mirror the depths of my emotions. The wind chases my dreams across its plains, and its vaulted skies draw my thoughts to the starry expanse. If I put any name to it, Montana is my soul.” Jesse Allen
Couldn’t say it any better myself, J.
January sunset over Glacier National Park
A genuine Montana Cowboy, Chase Krone
Rocky Mountain Front
Baby brothers in The Bob
TT
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Tags: Montana, Musings
Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments »
March 26th, 2010
One thing about living in Montana is the anticipation of what the weather is going to bring on any given day. I often like to travel with a pair of snowboots and a cozy jacket in the car, because I’m a Montana girl and that’s just how I roll. Plus, I like to be prepared. Sometimes, just for the fun of it, I’ll haul around a pair of cowboy boots in case I need to beckon my cowgirl roots and show someone a boot-stomping good time.
Or perhaps kick a little booty.
This morning was no different. I woke up to a rain-kissed earth that smelled so delicious and fresh that it had me perfectly content to stand outside and breath it in. A short while later, I moseyed my way to work and thought to myself, “It’s going to be a beautiful day!”, a statement that gave me a little extra spring in my step. Once in the office, I looked outside and saw some rain/snow coming down.
And you know what happened? I smiled. Because with Montana, you never know what you’re going to get. And for me, that’s part of its charm.
TT
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Tags: Musings
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