I recently (through twitter) met a gal who offers writing retreats in Whitefish, Montana. At first glance, she seemed pretty great. Super easy to talk to, happy and outgoing. But after delving into it a bit more, I discovered that in addition to being super cool she is also a smartie and a New York Times best-selling author for her memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is.

Please meet Laura Munson.

Author Laura Munson.
Photo: lauramunson.com

And now, as a best-selling author with a resilient and kind spirit, Laura offers writing retreats in the heart of Western Montana to help other writers in their own creative expressions. When we were chatting last week she summed it up for me in these words, “I help people step into the wilderness of creativity in the wilderness of Montana.”

Now I don’t know about you, but this girl thinks that sounds pretty amazing.

Here comes the awesome part: Laura is holding three retreats this summer and fall (which also happen to coincide with a gorgeous time of year in Montana). The retreats are being offered August 7 – 11, September 4 – 8 and September 18 – 22 and are held at Walking Lightly Ranch outside Whitefish, Montana.

The retreats welcome participants from near and far to work on their own creative expressions in a unique and loving setting, while at the same time providing inspiration for attendees to do their best work. And, as an added bonus, there is still time to sign up for one of this year’s retreats. For more info, visit www.lauramunson.com.

The location of the writing retreats: Walking Lightly Ranch.
Photo: Laura Munson

Here’s to channeling your inner creativity in the wilds of Montana,
TT

And for many of us, that means celebrating that special lady in our life. Whether it’s a biological mother, an adopted mother, a mother-in-law, an aunt who’s like your mom, a step-mother or a grandmother, you likely have someone in your life that plays this role. Me? I’m just lucky I guess. I have motherly figures coming out my ears. This girl is the proud recipient of a mama, a step-mother and two grandmothers that are as feisty and as spunky as ever.

A Montana girl and her Montana mama.

Fun facts about the lady that I call mom…
-She thinks that all babies are her babies. I kid you not. Chances are if she gets her hands on your baby, they will be returned to you covered in lipstick-laden kisses.
-She brings out the best in people. No matter what, she always wants you to do better and kind of demands it.
-During the last couple of years that she was with us, my gram’s health wasn’t very good. Through it all, my mom took care of my grandma and never complained. Not even once.
-She loves her nieces and nephews (and their babies) like they are her own.
-She doesn’t think her children are perfect and she doesn’t make excuses for us. Instead she wants us to be better and to always, always do our best. That’s something I like in a mama.
-She doesn’t embarrass easily. (This must be where I get it from). With this little lady, dancing to music in a store is more usual that unusual.
-She gets better with age.
-She’s tough and strong. She regularly unloads freight trucks by herself.
-She channels a unique balance of fierceness, elegance and beauty into her little 5′ 4″ frame.

To sum it up, she’s a great mom. While she may not be a perfect one, she’s a perfect one for me.

And for those of you who are still looking for the perfect gift to celebrate your mama I’ve rounded up a few Montana-inspired gift ideas, just in time for the mother of all days.

Elk Camp Arts Gallery
This art gallery is located in Eureka on Highway 93 and is one of the most charming, filled-with-art shops in Western Montana. Local artist and gallery owner Randy McIntyre has plentiful treasures and trinkets that are perfect for Mother’s Day, including hand-crafted jewelry, barnwood framed prints and hand-painted wine glasses.

Hand-painted (and dishwater safe) wine decanter and glasses.

Grouse Mountain Lodge
Just for Mother’s Day, Logan’s Bar and Grill at Grouse Mountain Lodge is offering a brunch that includes delectable dishes like leg of lamb, an omelet bar, a waffle bar and chicken francaise. For reservations, call 406.863.4700.

Mustard Seed Cafe
If you’re in Missoula, one of the yummiest places to take your mama out is to Mustard Seed. My suggestion: Order dessert first. Why? Because after your entrees, you won’t have room for it. And trust me, a dessert from Mustard Seed is not-to-be-missed.

Sailing on Flathead Lake
Whether you’re a Montana local or just passing through, book your mom a sailing trip at Flathead Lake Lodge. During the summer, the lodge offers daily sailing excursions on the crystal clear waters of Flathead Lake–an experience you can guarantee she’ll always remember.

A sailing trip on the largest natural freshwater lake in the West–Flathead Lake.

A Piece of Montana
While your mama may not be in Montana, now she can have a piece of the 406 with her always with these trendy trucker hats (my mom rocked one last summer and it was adorable) or a Glacier Country Montana mug, available at www.glaciermt.com.

Wishing you and your mama a love-filled Mother’s Day,
TT

Sidetrack time: Last summer I was able to visit a friend in Mexico City. We hit all of the highlights of the city and I loved each and every moment that was spent there. But I’ll never forget the morning we spent at a local market. The smells and the energy, combined with an insightful look at the city’s culture, introduced me to a side of the city that I hope I never forget.

Dancers in Mexico City.

While I may be overly sentimental, I’m holding firm to the belief that local markets are a fantastic way to immerse yourself into a destination’s culture. And the farmers markets that are found throughout Western Montana’s Glacier Country are no exception. Leisurely strolling through a market on a sunny Montana day will give you a pleasant and fresh look at what makes each community so special.

Bigfork Farmers Market
Wednesdays (3 p.m. – 6 p.m.) and Saturdays (9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.) – June to October
Embracing all things local, this market provides products grown or made in Montana, including produce, plants, flowers, baked goodies, jams, jellies and hand-crafted arts and crafts.

Columbia Falls Farmers Market
Thursdays (5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.) – mid-June to mid-September at Pinewood Park
This small town market combines live music with a family friendly atmosphere, as well as local arts and crafts, tasty food and produce.

Darby Farmers Market
Tuesdays (12 p.m. – 6 p.m.) – May to October at S. Main Street Park
Soak up small town charm and snag fresh produce, jams, soaps and crafts.

Eureka Farmers Market
Wednesdays (4:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.) – May to September at Riverside Park
A hotbed of local talent and goodies, this market features produce, bedding, baked goods and arts and crafts from local Tobacco Valley artists.

It’s farmers market time in Eureka, Montana.

Hamilton Farmers Market
Saturdays (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – May  to October at Bedford, Second and Third streets
With more than 150 vendors all from Ravalli County, this lively market includes fresh organic produce, locally raised beef, alpaca wool, jewelry and locally harvested wood furniture.

Hand-woven baskets. Photo: Donnie Sexton

Kalispell Farmers Market
Saturdays (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.) – May to October at Flathead Valley Community College
One of the oldest markets in the state, the Kalispell Farmers Market boasts a variety of goodies, including arts and crafts, meat and eggs, native plants, iron works, woven rugs, woodwork, handspun yarns, photograph and fresh produce.

Libby Farmers Market
Thursdays (12 p.m. – 5 p.m.) – May to September at Libby Chamber of Commerce
This market features live music entertainment, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables, crafts and baked goods.

Missoula Markets
Tuesdays (5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.) – July & August; Saturdays (8 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – May to October at North Higgins and under the Higgins Street Bridge
An integral part of summer in Missoula, farmers markets feature fresh local produce, baked goods, organic dairy products, locally brewed coffee, flowers and crafts. An added bonus: The People’s Market is just up the street and is held every Saturday through the summer.

Live music in Missoula.

Polson Farmers Market
Fridays (9 a.m. – 1 p.m.) – mid-May to October
Located at the southern end of Flathead Lake, this market offers fresh farm produce, flowers, wood crafts, jewelry, photography and soap products.

Stevensville Farmers Market
Saturdays (May to October)
Located in the heart of downtown, the Stevensville market features local goods.

Seeley Lake Farmers Market
Sundays (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) – June to September
This outdoor market features locally grown produce, as well as artists and local food vendors.

Thompson Falls Farmers Market
Saturdays (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.) – June to September at Rose Garden Park
This community market is known for its locally grown produce, craft items and baked goods, as well as handicrafts created by local area artists that include paintings, leatherwork, pottery and quilts.

West Glacier Farmers Market
Fridays (3:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) – June to Labor Day 
This quaint afternoon market showcases local products from farmers and artisans. Bonus: It’s steps away from the west entrance of Glacier National Park.

Whitefish Farmers Market
Tuesdays (5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.) – May to September at Central Avenue & Depot Park
One of the liveliest markets in the region, the Whitefish Farmers Market features live music, fresh herbs and spices, food vendors, produce and locally made arts and crafts.

The Whitefish market features a different musician each week.

xo
TT

The Garden Wall and Going-to-the-Sun Road on April 8, 2013. Photo: Glacier National Park Flickr site

During the summer, driving this 50-mile-long road is one of the highlights of any trip to Glacier National Park and Western Montana’s Glacier Country. For me, it’s one of those experiences that never gets old. While I’ve driven the road countless times, each and every times leaves me awestruck and wowed. It’s also a permanent reminder that no matter what is happening around us, we live in a beautiful world. 

In an effort to prep the road for its June 21 opening (weather dependent), the plow crews have started the task of clearing the massive amounts of snow. And, thanks to Glacier National Park’s Flickr site, we can all follow along with their progress.

The Going-to-the-Sun Road above The Loop on April 11, 2013. Photo: Glacier National Park Flickr site

The initial cut through the slide path on April 16, 2013.
Photo: Glacier National Park Flickr site

West Tunnel icicles on April 17, 2013. Photo: Glacier National Park Flickr site

A bulldozer and avalanche spotter work together to plow a section of the road. Photo: Glacier National Park Flickr site

To stay up-to-date on the plowing efforts, follow along here.

Happy plowing,
TT

In my toothless days with two of my sunshine lovin’ buddies. (Also known as my sister and brother).

Today, while I now have two front teeth and only the occasionally skinned knee (don’t worry, the messy hair is still intact), I find myself filled with the anticipation of soaking up the spring sunshine. Winter is great and all, but there’s something about this season that makes my heart sing. While I’ve been spending much more time outside with the warming of temperatures, I still have to remind myself that it’s spring—something that I seem to forget quickly. Earlier this week, I was fairly certain that frostbite was in my destiny on my walk to work. Don’t worry, I survived. But apparently that lesson wasn’t enough and today I jackets are no longer required. Again, incorrect. (It is April in Montana, after all).

Even in a spring storm, the Mission Mountains take my breath away.

And while I may not like to dress appropriately for Montana’s spring weather, I can very appropriately and solidly tell you that this is one of the most delectable, delicious smelling and happy times of the year.

Sometimes in my travels and line of work, I come across folks who are truly baffled by what to do in Montana during spring. (It’s like being in between clothing sizes…do you squeeze yourself into a smaller pant or let that darling dress fall off your body? After all, winter is over and you can’t hit the groomed slopes, but it’s certainly not summer and it’s too soon to wakeboard). To which I say, never fear. There is plenty to do in Montana in one of our most underrated and undiscovered seasons.

Biking…

I’m fairly convinced that spring was made for biking. Some of my favorite biking destinations include the Kim Williams Trail in Missoula, the Lake Koocanusa Scenic Byway in northwest Montana, The Whitefish Trail just outside of Whitefish and Glacier National Park.

Lake Koocanusa. While it’s beautiful year-round it’s a fantastic spring biking destination.

Golf…

Many Western Montana golfers have already started to work on their swing at area golf courses, with many others following suit shortly. This corner of Montana is a standout as a golfing destination with plentiful courses, complete with gorgeous views.

Bonus: Our friends at The Flathead Beacon just wrote a story on golf courses in Glacier Country. Check it out here.

Early Season Hiking…

Even though the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park doesn’t open until June 21 (weather dependent), there are still so many opportunities to be found in the park during spring. The Camas Road is open for vehicular traffic and I’m told that Trail of the Cedars and Avalanche Creek should be open by early May. Plus, if you like stunning scenery, McDonald Falls is an outstanding early season hike.

*Wildlife are starting to move, so be sure you practice proper protocol and carry bear spray when hiking.

Biking the Going-to-the-Sun Road last May.

Last June at Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park.

Events…

We all know that summer takes center stage when it comes to ridiculously awesome events. But spring is no wallflower.

Some of the events on my own personal must-see list include Rendezvous Days in Eureka (April 25 – 26), Montana Storytelling Roundup in Cut Bank (April 26 – 27), Garden City Brewfest in Missoula (May 5), Spartan Race in Kalispell (May 11 – 12) and the Bigfork Whitewater Festival in Bigfork (May 25 – 26).

Now if you’ll excuse me, me and my Montana bracelet have some playing to do.

Happy, happy spring.
TT

You see, Montana has made it to the final round of voting in a quest to host the Social Media Tourism Symposium (known as #SoMeT13US on twitter). We’ll be facing Alabama tomorrow (Tuesday, April 2 from 8 AM – 8 PM, MST) and the destination with the most votes will be the host of this year’s conference.

Now in all fairness, I’ve got to give kudos to Huntsville and the entire state of Alabama. I’d say they are one of the only states who can rival Montana in terms of competitiveness and they’ve been pulling in some major numbers throughout the competition. Plus, we know they’re going to bring their A game tomorrow and I must say with total sincerity that you–Sweet Home Alabama–are a worthy opponent.

But here’s the thing: Montana and Montanans are awesome. We rally together to help one another. We have Montana pride. We have moxie. We are tough cookies. (And heaven knows this messy-haired blond girl loves tough cookies).

And tomorrow, Montana needs YOUR help. Our state needs as many Montanans and Montana-lovers as possible to rally together and vote. Why? Well, we can’t do it without you. To put it in perspective, Huntsville has a metro area population of around 500,000 people, a number that is also knows as HALF of our ENTIRE state’s population. To put it bluntly, we literally need every vote we can get. And if you’re not sure why to vote Montana, allow me a few minutes to persuade you.

TIA’S TOP TEN REASONS TO VOTE MONTANA

1. A River (literally) Runs Through It.

You may be able to argue with Brad Pitt or Robert Redford, but you can’t argue with Brad Pitt AND Robert Redford.

2. Marie Osmond and Dan Seals sing a song called “Meet Me in Montana” not “Meet Me in Alabama.”

3. Cowboys.

Cowboys do not get more handsome than this.

4. Montana is for Badasses. And we have the facebook page to prove it.

Photo courtesy: Montana is for Badasses

5. Friendliness. While the South is charming (I’ve fallen victim to a southern gentleman’s charm in my day), Montana definitely takes the cake when it comes to friendliest folks.

6. Football. We live it, love it, breathe it and lose sleep over it (much like the fine folks of Alabama). We’re happy to report that Big Sky Country has produces some fine football players that are both talented and nice, including Kroy Biermann, Marc Mariani, Colt Anderson and Lex Hilliard.

7. Montana, like the lady she is, still has a sense of mystery and charm that leaves you wanting more.

8. Montana has one area code–406. That’s how much of a tight-knit group we are.

9. Local brew. With locally crafted beer with names like Moose Drool, Trout Slayer, Face Plant and Pig’s Ass Porter, you know our beer is as inspiring as Montana’s wide-open spaces.

10. Even Alabama loves us. Check out this article from the Huntsville Times.

Now, get to voting (please).

The rules: Anyone with a facebook account can vote. Simply log into your facebook account on Tuesday, April 2 and vote! Voting is open from 8 AM – 8 PM, MST. Vote here: http://woobox.com/txqjs5

Happy voting!

xo,
TT

“But Tia,” you say. “Winter is almost over.”

To which I respond, “Don’t count winter out so soon, grasshopper.”

‘Just this week, Western Montana has been hit with spring storms that deposited healthy amounts of fresh powder on our much-loved mountains, which means that we have a few weeks left to soak up as much time on the slopes as possible.

This could by YOU.

To enter to win these tickets (by the way, we’re giving away TWO sets of tickets to Lost Trail and FOUR sets of tickets to Whitefish Mountain Resort), all you have to do is leave a comment on the blog about why you love skiing or snowboarding. It’s as simple as that.

Boom.

The giveaway will close Wednesday, March 27 at Noon, MST, with the winner being announced by 2 PM, MST.

Happy spring skiing,
TT

UPDATE: I’m sorry for the delay in announcing the winners (technical difficulties, darn it). Even though we only had 6 sets of tickets to give away, we’re giving away 7 sets. Everyone who commented on the blog is a winner! Congrats to Hallie, Kelly, Daniel, Brenda, Misty, Gabe and Dave.

You see, the lovely Western Montana community of Missoula is competing to host this year’s Social Media Tourism Symposium–one of the leading social media conference’s in the tourism industry. As part of the bid, the top cities are now facing each other in the Elite Eight–a tournament style bracket showdown, with each winning city advancing to the next round of competition.

This week–as in Wednesday, March 20–Missoula is facing off against Grand Rapids, Michigan. And boy howdy, they need your vote! Voting is open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Wednesday and is open to all facebook users. All you have to do, my lovely, handsome, charming, beautiful friends, is log into your facebook account, click here and give the Garden City a vote.

Basically we’re enlisting all Missoulians, Missoula lovers, Montanans and Montana lovers to log in and vote. Because as people who love Montana with all of our Montana-lovin’ guts, we know that there is no better location to host a tourism conference than the lovely city of Missoula and the Big Sky State of Montana.

Here are some reasons why Missoula and Montana would be the ideal location for #SoMeT13US…
-Location: Missoula is lovely. It’s surrounded by a bevy of mountain ranges, a wilderness area, unspoiled nature and it has a river running through the heart of downtown.

Overlooking the Missoula Valley.

-Downtown: Missoula’s downtown is perhaps best described as one of the hippest and coolest of any Montana city. Plus, it’s completely walkable, historic, quaint and charming.

Downtown Missoula and two of its cute residents.

-Wide-open spaces: Montana isn’t called Big Sky Country for nothin’. Within 10 minutes of downtown Missoula, you can be in the Rattlesnake Wilderness or casting a fishing line on three blue-ribbon trout rivers. And in another 30 minutes, you’ll be knocking on the door of the Bob Marshall Wilderness (know around here as “The Bob”) and its more than one million acres.

Brennan’s Wave in downtown Missoula.

-Music: Missoula is a small city, but you better believe it packs a big punch. Within the downtown core, there are 14 live music venues that host a variety of music acts.

-Beer: While we know that there are plenty of local breweries around the nation, Montana is ranked second in the country for breweries per capita, which means there is one brewery for every 30,919 Montanans. Plus, when your beer goes by names like Moose Drool, Trout Slayer, Slow Elk and Cold Smoke, you know it’s gotta be good.

Local libations at Kettlehouse Brewing Co.

The “V” stands for Vote for Missoula!

Many thanks and happy trails,
TT

Last week’s Montana-lovin’ journey included gems in Missoula, St. Ignatius, Charlo, Pablo, Polson, Kalispell and Whitfish. This week, we’re finishing it up with tidbits from the rest of our adventure.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder brings travelers to Western Montana from the east and west. (It also provides STUNNING views of terrain along the way).

Base Camp Cafe in Columbia Falls serves up mouth-watering dishes. Plus, it’s adorable.

Station 8 in Columbia Falls. (Side note: I now think I need a chandelier in every room in my house).

A stormy day on Lake McDonald in Glacier National Park

The Montana House in Apgar Village is open 363 days per year.

Downtown Bigfork.

Whistling Andy Distillery in Bigfork.

Flathead Lake Brewing Company in Woods Bay.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to go plan another road trip. Because when you live in a place that’s as magical as Western Montana, you have to soak up every last morsel.

xo,
TT

Why? Because it was spent road tripping from Missoula north along Highway 93 into the Flathead Valley with a group of lovely ladies.

Our goal for the week: To experience as much Montana goodness as we possibly could within five days. And boy howdy, did we ever.

Here’s a look at the first part of our road trip in Montana’s Glacier Country…

An evening stroll through Missoula’s Caras Park.

Kicking back at Kettlehouse Brewery in Missoula.

The Smokejumper Visitor Center.

The stunning St. Ignatius Mission. (A look inside will reveal 58 hand-painted murals on the walls and ceilings).

The view from Allentown Restaurant at Ninepipes Lodge in Charlo.

Experiencing American Indian culture at The People’s Center in Pablo.

Kerr Dam near Polson. (This was one of my favorite stops on the road trip).

The Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell.

Downtown Whitefish. Adorable.

Our home for the evening: The Garden Wall Inn.

Every once in a while, you just need to get lost (in Montana).

It’s been a lovely week.
TT

PS: Stay tuned for part two of our road trip, coming next week.