Tag Archives: Events

May in Montana: Farmers Markets

The arrival of May means one thing in Montana. The season of farmers markets is upon us. And this girl is a firm believer in the fact that strolling through a local farmers market is one of the best ways to experience a community’s culture and some of the best of what they have to offer.

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

Montana: This is Winter Country

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Winter arrived late to Western Montana. My guess? She wanted to make an entrance. And that’s fine with me…I’m not going to point fingers, cuss her out or give her the silent treatment. Why? Because she’s here now and let’s face it, she really looks quite lovely.

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.

Montana Summer: Let’s Plan For Fun

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Happy June!

Can you believe I just wrote that? Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the last few months have absolutely flown by…but I’m not even mad about it. Because that means summer is HERE! Well, almost. (It’s coming, I promise.)

For many of you, you may be planning your vacation to Montana this year, still deciding where you’re heading or heck, maybe you’re on your way to us now. To help you in your decision, we’ve pulled together some events and happenings that are sure to make your vacation a little bit sweeter.

JUNE
Western Heritage Days
The quaint community of Stevensville hosts Western Heritage Days, June 17 – 18. The celebration marks 170 years of Stevensville as a community and includes a parade, St. Mary’s Mission tours, dancing and a chuckwagon cook-off.

St. Mary's Mission, Stevensville

Libby Logger Days
Held June 23 – 26 in the northwest corner of Montana, Libby Logger Days is an educational event that shares the forestry culture with attendees. The festivities include a carnival, boxing smoker, kids logging competition, parade, live music, lawn mower races and an adult logging competition.

JULY
David Thompson Days
For folks looking to stroll 200 years back in time, head to Thompson Falls to participate in David Thompson Days, held July 2, where re-enactors replicate the lifestyle of early North American exploration, survival and trade. As part of the festivities, you’ll see historic displays and demonstrations, primitive arts and crafts, live music and games. David Thompson Days take a special look at explorer David Thompson (1770 – 1857), who traveled more than 50,000 miles by foot, horse and canoe as he mapped many of the uncharted territories in upper North America.

North American Indian Days
This year, North American Indian Days marks its 60th annual celebration July 7 – 10 on the Blackfeet Nation in Browning. One of the largest gatherings of North American tribes, the event provides insight into Blackfeet traditions, with dancing, traditional games and a rodeo.

North American Indian Days, Browning.

Flathead Cherry Festival
Held July 16 – 17 in Polson, the Flathead Cherry Festival celebrates the sweet, dark cherry that grows in orchards along the shores of Flathead Lake. The festival includes a cherry pie eating contest, quilting contest and is a great family event. Plus, a stellar crop is expected for this year’s harvest.

AUGUST
Huckleberry Festival
Located in Trout Creek, this festival celebrates the beloved purple berry and is held August 12 – 14. The festival includes a parade, street dance, auction, children’s activities and numerous craft and food vendors. Small town fun at its best!

Mmm, huckleberries. Photo courtesy Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism

River City Roots Festival
Held August 27 – 28, the River City Roots Fest is Missoula at its finest. The festival includes all-day music stages, a juried art show, family activities and a 4K walk/run.

For more events happening throughout the summer, visit www.glaciermt.com.

Montana May: Events & Travel Deals

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It’s officially May in Montana and that means: summer is on the way!

While typically a quiet time of year, it’s also a pretty prime month to visit. Sure, you can expect showers and cooler days but there are also fewer crowds, a quiet peacefulness and the distinct clean smell that means spring has arrived.

May. Even the Grizzly Bears love it! Photo by Tony Bynum - www.tonybynum.com

And please, don’t let May’s temperamental nature fool you. While she is a bit rough around the edges, you’ll find that under her layers, cloud cover and sporadic snowstorms, she’s hiding sunshine, the most brilliant blue sky you could ever lay your eyes on, Glacier National Park (open year-round) and some absolutely stellar events and vacation deals.

May Events
International Wildlife Film Festival
-Held annually in Missoula, the film festival (May 7 – May 14) brings award-winning wildlife films to downtown with showings at the Wilma Theatre and special events at the Roxy Theater.

Glacier Outdoor Center: Spring Boat Swap & Tent Sale
-Looking for a new raft, kayak or inflatable? On May 14 – 15, head to West Glacier’s Glacier Outdoor Center for fresh May deals on boats, rafting accessories, flies, clothing and cabin home furnishings.

St. Regis Annual Flea Market
-Each Memorial Day weekend (May 28 – 30), St. Regis hosts Montana’s largest flea market, with more than 200 vendors selling treasures. Warm up your casting arm for summer by bringing your fishing pole and trying your luck on the waters of the Clark Fork River.

Fresh Vacation Deals
Play Dirty in May
-Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish has a special package that’s valid through the end of this month. Their “Play Dirty” package includes two night’s accommodations, dinner for two (with a Mud Pie Dessert!), two muddy martinis and more. Check out the full package details here.

Spring’s On Sale
-Marina Cay, located in the adorable town of Bigfork on Flathead Lake, is offering a 25% discount when you make your reservation online. The offer’s valid from May 6 – June 9. Book online here. Enter promotional code: SPRING.

And just for fun, check out local Missoula musician John Floridis and his song “Late May Moon.”

Happy May!
TT

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

Weekend…You Just Stole My Heart

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Weekends in Western Montana are a treat…usually because they are jam-packed full of playing that begins at sun up and continues until sun down–or later! With so much to do, it’s crucial to consider the options. This weekend is staring me dead in the face with all of its splendor. To which I say, bring it on weekend fun. Bring. It. On.

Here’s some of the choices on the docket:
*Huckleberry Festival, Trout Creek: First of all, they’ve got huckleberries. Second of all, they’ve got music. And finally, they have a Miss Huckleberry Pageant! Although I may have passed the young and cute requirements a few years back.
*Aurorafest, Polebridge: Have you ever tried the huckleberry macaroons at the Polebridge Mercantile? Those by themselves are about reason enough to visit Polebridge. But heck, combine those with live music, the Northern Lights Saloon and sushi from Wasabi in Whitefish (catered at the event) and Polebridge, I think you’ve got yourself a visit.
*Darby Fun Day, Darby: Doesn’t the name say it all? A community market, paired with an evening dance with some of Western Montana’s finest cowboys, and you may have just stolen me away from my huckelberry macaroons.
*Montana Knifemaker Show, Missoula: Okay, I know it seems random. But I am a Montana girl and I like to make my brothers proud every once in a while. I’m sure this would do the trick.

Or maybe, I’ll just go sit in this canoe.

What are you up to in Western Montana this weekend?