My gramps.

My grandpa had two catch phrases: one was “Have a happy day.” and the other was “Want to taste something good?” And when we heard the latter, we knew there was something delicious simmering on the stove for us in the backroom.

While fine dining may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Montana, we truly have some amazing chefs serving up mouth-watering dishes. And because I love food (thank you for that grandpa) and sharing special places with you, I need to introduce you to Cafe Kandahar (located at Whitefish Mountain Resort) and its delectable dishes. Have a gander.

Louisiana Shrimp.

Alaskan Salmon (so yummy).

The lamb was literally cooked to perfection.

Montana-raised Kobe Beef...it's what's for dinner.

Hello warm chocolate tort cake.

Not to play favorites, but this huckleberry dessert was perfection.

To which I now must ask you, want to taste something good?
TT

I traveled north to the charming mountain town of Whitefish for Winter Carnival, the Black Star Beer Barter and some sweet shredding at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

And this, my friends, was the view from my “Office for A Day.”

The view into Glacier National Park from the summit at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

So many choices...

It was a beautiful inversion day.

Man, I love that office.
TT

And did we ever.

Here’s a peak at our journey…

The Holt Museum at Travelers' Rest in Lolo.

Birding at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.

Montana-style wine glasses.

The Daly Mansion.

Trying on hats at Alpaca Hill Drygoods.

Powder Thursday at Lost Trail Powder Mountain.

A display of barbed wire from the mid- to late-1800s at the Ravalli County Museum.

Root beer (is it delicious!) from Higherground Brewing Co. in Hamilton.

It’s been a great week.
TT

Two booty-kickin’ and hardcore (not to mention nice!) Warren Miller athletes, Lynsey Dyer and Andy Mahre, are coming to ski Western Montana this weekend.

Lynsey Dyer

Andy Mahre

During their time here, they’ll be tearing up runs at Montana Snowbowl, attending the premiere of Warren Miller Entertainment’s 62nd film “…Like There’s No Tomorrow” at Missoula’s Wilma Theatre, checking out the parade at Whitefish Winter Carnival and landing sweet turns at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

And this girl is plum tickled about it. Not only because two of skiing’s greatest will be here, but because there will be plenty of opportunities for you to mix and mingle with them.

Here’s the scoop…
Friday, February 3
-The trails and crew of Montana Snowbowl will welcome Andy and Lynsey to their slopes for some sweet runs and wood-fired pizza. (Have a favorite run you think they should hit? Let us know!)

-After a day of skiing, Lynsey and Andy will be attending the “…Like There’s No Tomorrow” premiere at the Wilma Theatre in downtown Missoula. Tickets to the show are $12. Plus, there are plenty of sweet door prizes and giveaways. (8 PM, doors open at 7 PM)

-The official after party for the premiere is being held at The Top Hat, where you can dance the night away and jam to the music of The Lil’ Smokies.

Saturday, February 4
-We’ll be in Whitefish, participating in the awesomeness that is Whitefish Winter Carnival. After the Grand Parade, Lynsey and Andy will be judges at the Black Star Beer Barter.

Sunday, February 5
The powder and diverse terrain of Whitefish Mountain Resort will serve as home base for today’s adventures. (Have a favorite run you think they should ski? Let us know…)

-Want to ski a run with Andy and Lynsey? Please come! Meet at the top of Chair 1 at the Resort Trail Map Sign at 12:30 PM…after our group gathers, we’ll ski down Toni Matt.

-Snag autographs and photos with Lynsey and Andy at Ed & Mully’s at 1:30 PM.

Looking forward to catching you on the slopes of Western Montana this weekend!
TT

As a girl who’s been in love with Montana for years, giving away a trip to Western Montana tickles me pink. It makes me excited for you to come and experience Big Sky Country, where you’ll be able to “fly with joy” down the zip lines at Whitefish Mountain Resort, hike a beautiful trail in Glacier National Park and marvel in the stunning beauty that is the Crown of the Continent.

But it’s more than that. I’m excited because I get to share a place that I love so much with you. And for this messy-haired blond girl, it doesn’t get much better than that. (Cheesy, but true).

Here’s the scoop on how to enter: Great Glacier Giveaway

Hope to see you in Montana soon,
TT

I’m talking about the kind of snowfall that had Lost Trail Powder Mountain receiving 50″ in the last 48 hours, Montana Snowbowl welcoming 26″ in the last 48 hours, Lookout Pass Ski Area garnering 22″ in the last 48 hours, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area welcoming 13″ in the last 48 hours, Whitefish Mountain Resort recording 7″ in the last 48 hours and Turner Mountain Ski Area accumulating 20″ this week.

But instead of telling you, I’d rather show you.

Morning in Missoula.

Fresh powder at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Photo by Brian Schott.

The morning commute in Missoula. Photo by Taylar Robbins.

The Apgar Lookout webcam in Glacier National Park.

Mike Hardisty riding at Lookout Pass. Photo courtesy Lookout Pass.

Happy winter!
TT

PS: If you’re ready to come play in the snow on your winter toy of choice, check out these travel deals from local Montana businesses.

The film will premiere in downtown Missoula on Friday, February 3 at 8 PM at the Wilma Theatre. In addition to a rowdy celebration and a chance to see some sweet skiing on the big screen, the premiere will also feature raffle prizes and visits from two Warren Miller athletes, Lynsey Dyer and Andy Mahre.

Warren Miller athlete Andy Mahre.

And because we love winter, we’re GIVING AWAY TWO tickets to the premiere, as well as TWO day lift ticket passes to Snowbowl. And, just for fun, we’re including a one night stay at Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Missoula.

To enter, leave a comment on this post and tell us your favorite ski trail in Montana.

We’ll announce a winner on Monday, January 30! Comments will close Monday, January 30 at NOON, Mountain Standard Time.

Happy skiing!
TT

PREMIERE TICKET INFO
Tickets are $12 and available at The Trail Head, Backcountry Racks and Skis and Rockin Rudy’s. A portion of the proceeds from the show, including $5 from each ticket sold at The Trail Head, will benefit the West Central Montana Avalanche Foundation.

Update: Comments are closed. Congrats to the winner of our giveaway, Travis Allred (the #7 entry) for winning the tickets to the premiere, lift tickets to Snowbowl and an overnight stay in Missoula!

Random Number Generator, Winner Comment #7

In the last week, fresh powder has fallen on our ski areas, snowmobile trails and mountain meadows, making everyone around here giddy with excitement, anticipation and a hankering that can only be relieved from playing in the snow.

And play we will.

As part of the Montana experience of winter, several communities host events and activities that showcase this season, and her slightly rambunctious attitude, at its finest. And with so many things to choose from, I’ve compiled some of my suggestions to help ensure that winter treats you like a lady. (Or a gentleman).

Some of my suggestions:

Seeley Lake Winterfest, Seeley Lake
While Seeley Lake is a bootie-kickin’ year-round destination, they do it up right in the winter. Winterfest, held January 20 – 22, features a snow sculpture contest, torchlight parade, bonfire, desserfest (yes, please) and live entertainment. The Seeley Lake Biathlon (featuring skiing and shooting) is also held in conjunction with Winterfest.

A snow sculpture at Seeley Lake's Winterfest.

Chinese New Year, Hot Springs
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in the cute community of Hot Springs on Saturday, January 21, with festivities including a dragon dance parade, drumming and bio-luminesce fire dancers. The bonus? Catching the fireworks from the outdoor hot springs pool at Symes Hot Springs Hotel.

Whitefish Winter Carnival, Whitefish
Held February 3 – 5, Winter Carnival is really winter at its best. The carnival includes a grand parade, fireworks display, torchlight parade and Black Star Beer Barter. And if you’re up in that neck of the woods in January, attend Whitefish Skijorning, January 27 – 29.

Whitefish Skijoring. Photo by Larry Turner.

Winter Storytelling Series, Lolo
Each year Travelers’ Rest State Park hosts a winter series that celebrates the age-old Salish tradition of sharing history through stories. This winter’s series features talks (held every Saturday) by Kootenai Tribal Members, Salish Tribal Elders, historians and authors.

A cozy cabin in the woods. Photo by Donnie Sexton.

Happy winter,
TT

Cozy hat=Ready for winter.

PS: For sweet travel deals, check out the DEALS page on www.glaciermt.com.

Last week, I grabbed my partner in crime and we headed up Highway 12 toward Lolo Pass. The goal? To see what we could see. And we saw a lot.

Lolo Pass Visitor Center

Welcome to Montana.

A modern-day explorer with Lewis & Clark.

A bronze of Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce Tribe.

Snowmobilers at Lolo Pass. (I was REALLY tempted to jump on the back of one of their sleds).

Lolo Hot Springs. A winter soak, anyone?

One of the coolest bars in Montana: The Jack.

Here’s to many more adventures.

xoxo,
TT

So I packed up my holiday cheer, loaded the car and made the journey over the river(s), through the woods, across a mountain pass and onto the rolling hills along the Rocky Mountain Front where I was greeted by the snow-covered peaks of the mountains and hearty helpings of hometown cheer.

Winter wonderland.

My family (the mama and the papa) own an old-time general store in Augusta, where we’ve started the tradition of hosting a Christmas Eve open house. And in a family that loves spreading holiday cheer and thinks it’s appropriate to hug everyone we see, you better believe we try to do it up right. Which means dressing up in ridiculous outfits, making lots of yummy treats and singing in the store. (Yep, singing).

A Christmas elf and Mrs. Claus.

You can't be a true elf without magical elf booties.

Mama Claus and Brother Elf. Yep, they're dancing.

This is how we do Christmas in Montana.

After a few full days, I bid my goodbyes and headed back to the west side of the mountains. And while I felt a little tired from the chaos that is Christmas (being an elf is hard work!), my heart was full and happy.

The view en route to Missoula.

It was a good visit.

Here’s to a cheery, love-filled and joyful 2012.
TT