Tag Archives: Summer

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

A (Romantic) Getaway to Whitefish, Montana

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By now you’ve likely seen or heard that Montana–the beauty that she is–made her primetime debut on “The Bachelor” this week. (In case you missed it, you can watch it here). And I’ll tell you what, she looked lovely. It’s like the old girl just gets better with age.

Two Medicine in Glacier National Park. (screenshot from ABC)

And now, thanks to the lovelies at Explore Whitefish, you can experience just how romantic it is by entering to win a romantic getaway for two to Whitefish this September.

The package includes:
-Three nights all-inclusive “Glamping” package at The Bar W Guest Ranch
-Three nights lodging at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake
-Dinner for two at Logan’s Bar and Grille at Grouse Mountain Lodge
-Aerial Adventure for two at Whitefish Mountain Resort
-Glacier National Park entrance pass
-Rental car from Dollar Rent A Car (Four-wheel drive)
-$1000 Gift voucher for airplane tickets through Flathead Travel

Sounds pretty sweet, right? So I’m sure you’re wondering to yourself, “How do I enter and take my own sweetie pie on the trip of his (or her) dreams?”

It’s really simple. You can enter on Explore Whitefish, now through February 18. The catch? There isn’t one. You just need to be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the United States.

This could be you.

xo
TT

PS: If you’d like to see visual highlights of Montana eye candy from “The Bachelor,” check it out here.

Life in Montana: A Summer in Snapshots

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I don’t know about all of you, but this summer feels like it’s cruising past at an excessive speed…if we were to clock it, I’d say this summer character is going 80 MPH in a clearly marked 45 MPH residential zone. And I’ll tell you this much, if I was a cop I’d totally give summer a ticket.

While I really want to tell summer to just “hold your horses” in my sternest mom voice, I’m afraid it’s not a strong listener. But instead of lamenting at how fast summer travels, how reckless she is with our sun-loving feelings and her need for speed, I’m simply trying to soak up as many Montana moments as possible.

Here’s a recap of the summer so far through snapshots…

Early summer drive near Flathead Lake.

Love.

Summer calls for eating as much ice cream as possible.

Summer also calls for rodeos, cowboys and bucking broncs.

One of my favorite places in the Bitterroot Valley: The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.

Summer happiness=floating the nearest river with my mom and baby sister.

Get Lost...in Montana. (Don't mind if I do).

Strolling the grounds of the Daly Mansion in Hamilton.

Summer means long daylight hours and evening walks on the Clark Fork River.

Summer means taking the road less traveled and visiting historic places like the Big Hole National Battlefield.

June in Glacier means powerful waterfalls at Avalanche Lake.

Montana shaped sugar cookies: Yum.

Cruising Lake McDonald.

A nearly full moon over Montana.

All I can say is this: A tip of the hat to you summer for the fun you bring, the memories you make and the sunshine you provide this very pale girl.

Happy, happy summer.
TT

PS: Have a summer snapshot from your travels in and around Montana? Share it on our facebook page.

Win a Montana Raft Trip with Great Northern Resort

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With hot temperatures, crazy thunderstorms and long daylight hours in Montana, we’re officially in the heart of summer. Which means it’s time for another giveaway!

Up for grabs this week is a half-day whitewater dinner trip for two with Great Northern Resort in West Glacier this August. And the best part? Not only do you (and a friend) get to participate in a fun whitewater trip, you get to soak in the views of Glacier National Park and its surrounding area as you float the Middle Fork of the Flathead River. Plus, after your knowledgeable and (likely) charming guide navigates your crew over the rapids, he’ll turn into a gourmet chef and whip up a delectable meal for you to enjoy riverside.

This could be you. Heck, you could even be the one playing the air guitar if you want.

To enter to win, leave a comment on this post and tell us what you love most about summertime.

We’ll announce the winner on Friday, July 27. Comments will close on Thursday, July 26 at 10 PM, Mountain Standard Time.

Happy rafting!
TT

Update: We’re happy to announce that NANCY STONE is the winner of the half-day whitewater dinner trip! Have a wonderful time rafting, Nancy!

Summer In Montana: Bring Your Party Pants

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Montana is epic in the summer.

In my mind, it really doesn’t get better than this…there’s something about summer that makes me come alive. (In the interest of full disclosure, winter, spring and fall are all beautiful times of year to play in Big Sky Country).

Maybe it’s the 14+ hours of daylight, the smell of fresh cut grass, flowers blooming everywhere, kids riding their bikes down quiet streets, people cooling off after a hot day with a soak in the river, the freedom of eating ice cream every day (just because) or the simple beauty of it all.

Hello old friend.

Whatever it is, I’m hooked.

While we have great events year-round (I’m talking about you Whitefish Winter Carnival, Travelers’ Rest Winter Storytelling Series and Seeley Lake Winterfest), in the summertime each community rolls out the red carpet and celebrates traditions, events, activities and festivals that make their town so special. And this summer is no different, with the main events heartily underway.

And as I like to think of myself as your host, it’s my responsibility to tell you about some of the stellar upcoming events that will be rocking under Montana’s big blue sky in the coming weeks.

North American Indian Days, 7/12 – 7/15
Happening now on the Blackfeet Nation, this is one of the largest gatherings of United States and Canadian Indian Tribes. It also features a parade, Pow Wow, rodeo, traditional games and food.

A Blackfeet dancer.

Montana Baroque Music Festival, 7/17 – 7/19
Located in the aptly named community of Paradise, the festival features some of the finest baroque music by world-class musicians.

Rods & Classics Show & Shine, 7/21
Held each year in Thompson Falls, this car show features a beautiful collection of classic cars on a grassy field near the Clark Fork River.

A summer scene in downtown Thompson Falls.

Daly Days, 7/27 – 7/28
This event celebrates Marcus Daly and the heritage of Hamilton, located in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley. The celebration includes reenactments at The Daly Mansion, mansion tours, a parade and street dance.

Hamilton's Daly Mansion.

Lewis & Clark Festival, 7/27 – 7/28
Held each year in Cut Bank, this festival honors the journey of Lewis & Clark as they made their way through the rugged land of Montana on their way to the Pacific Coast. It includes free concerts, a parade, site tours and a horseshoe competition.

Western Montana Fair and Rodeo, 8/7 – 8/12
A true celebration of summer, the fair features a rodeo, games, rides and exhibits for the whole family.

For more events, visit www.glaciermt.com.

Happy summer,
TT

PS: Travel deals are available throughout the region for the summer months. Check out the latest deals and coupons.

Montana Lovin’ Photos

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If I have a few minutes of downtime, I like to peruse twitter, facebook and instagram. What am I looking for, you ask? Photos of Montana.

It’s fun to see what other people are experiencing at that same moment in time in Big Sky Country. And lately, there have been some gorgeous photos of fireworks, lake time, mountains and outdoor cookouts.

Here are a few of my favorite shots of Montana through your eyes…

Waterfall in Glacier National Park. (Photo by @Jake83Dakota)

Hiking near Bozeman. (Photo by @ShayWatkinsMT)

Glacier National Park. (Photo by @HollyParm)

Flathead Lake. (Photo by Kelly Stedman)

Have a photo to share? Tweet it to us @GlacierMT.

Happy summer,
TT

Dear Summer: Bring It On

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It’s official. With the opening of the Going-to-the-Sun Road (June 19) and the official first day of summer (June 20), summer is here. And this girl is STOKED. Like hardcore, can hardly wait, super excited for each and every thing that summer has to offer stoked.

Bugs? They don’t bother me. (Okay, they do a little which is why someone invented bug spray). Hot days? Love ‘em. (It’s a dry heat after all). Long daylight hours? Don’t mind if I do. (This blondie loves the sunshine. And yes, I lather up with SPF).

To kick off summer, I wanted to share some of the most epic summer activities and events that can be found in Montana during the next few months. May I present to you “Tia’s Terrific Montana Travel Summer List of Pure Fun” or “TTMTSLPF.”

Glacier National Park
Some of my earliest memories are of visiting and exploring Glacier National Park with my family. Back then, it was a magical place filled with bears, waterfalls, giant lodges and ice cold lakes. Today, I’m really happy to tell you that it’s still a magical place. If you haven’t been, it’s a destination that should definitely be on your list of places to explore. My recommendations? Drive the Going-to-the-Sun Road, take a Sun Tour (where you’ll learn about the park from the perspective of the Blackfeet Indians), hike to Running Eagle Falls in Two Medicine and sit by the fire at Many Glacier Hotel. And most importantly, just get lost in the nature, beauty, power and history of the park.

Hiking to Avalanche Lake with the baby sister.

Clearwater Canoe Trail
Hands down, this is one of my favorite activities for summertime. Located a short drive north (about four miles) of Seeley Lake, this trail meanders its way through a willow marsh before flowing into the north end of Seeley Lake. My recommendation? Paddle this in the early morning hours and soak in the stillness and peacefulness of the trail.

Ah...

River City Roots Festival
This festival is Missoula at its best. It’s a two-day FREE festival with incredible art and live music in the heart of downtown Missoula. Plus, if you have little ones there is plenty of entertainment and activities to keep everyone in your family entertained.

Zip Lining at Whitefish Mountain Resort
A visit to the zip lines at Whitefish Mountain Resort is a MUST. It combines beautiful views with short hikes and speed with giggles and shrieks. Two words to describe it: Pure fun.

Families that zip line together, stay together. (Or something like that).

Lake and River Lounging
In the summer, you have to lounge. And there are plenty of river and lakes in Western Montana that provide prime lounging opportunities. My recommendations? Get your lounge on at Whitefish Lake, Noxon Rapids Reservoir, Lake Como, Seeley Lake, Johnsrud State Park on the Blackfoot River and Flathead Lake.

Bike the Hiawatha
Last summer, my brother and I headed to the Route of the Hiawatha to ride its 15-mile trail through tunnels and across steel trestles. And it was awesome.

Hello beautiful forest.

Eat Ice Cream
This is perhaps the golden rule of summer. Best places to get a scoop (or seven): Big Dipper in Missoula; Sweet Peaks in Whitefish, Bigfork and Kalispell; Eddy’s Cafe in Apgar Village; and St. Mary Cafe in St. Mary (best paired with their pie). My recommendation? Be sure to try the huckleberry ice cream.

Big Dipper in Missoula.

Happy, happy summer.
TT

PS: For more summertime fun, check out these 101 Things To Do.

Destination: Eureka, Montana

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With all of the beautiful weather Montana has had lately, the hankering to explore has been calling to me more than ever. And we all know that I’m not one to ignore a hankering…so it was time to make a move.

On a sunshine-filled day, I loaded the car and headed north. My destination?

The quaint community of Eureka, located in northwest Montana’s Tobacco Valley. Literally a six-minute drive south of the Canadian border, Eureka is the first community that greets visitors entering Big Sky Country after crossing the border at Roosville.

And I tell you what, Eureka is CUTE.

It’s home to a 100-year-old theater, antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, lodging options, golf courses and cute diners.

Main Street.

Perhaps the cutest antique store in all of Montana.

Just meeting some friends at my favorite table at Cafe Jax.

Hand-painted shot glasses at Elk Camp Art Gallery and Showroom.

It also offers easy access to Lake Koocanusa (a massive lake that stretches from Montana to Canada) and Ten Lakes Scenic Area.

Watching the sun sink over Lake Koocanusa.

As part of the adventure, I also made the seven-mile drive west of Eureka to Rexford. Rexford is tiny, but definitely a must-see if for no other reason than to fill your tummy at the Koocanusa Cafe (yummy breakfast) or to quench your afternoon thirst with a cold beverage at The Frontier Bar.

I don’t know about you, but this girl is looking forward to many more sunshine-filled adventure days.

Cheers to summer,
TT

Montana Summer: A Photo Recap

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I’m not sure how many of you feel this way, but this girl is having a hard time saying goodbye to summer. It’s like I blinked and all of the sudden it’s gone.

This summer was definitely one for the books, with thousands of miles logged, countless scoops of ice cream consumed and beautiful snapshots of images that will be carried with me always. And while I’m looking forward to autumn, colorful fall foliage, beautiful drives and spiced cider, my heart is still mourning the loss of summer.

But instead of saying goodbye, I’m going to bid summer a hearty farewell, so long and a hope to see you soon. And summer, until we meet again, I’m going to remember the good times and adventures we shared under Montana’s big blue sky.

Lake McDonald from Apgar, Glacier National Park

A quiet creek near Stevensville, Bitterroot Valley

Outdoor summer concert - Missoula

Kerr Dam - Flathead Valley

Late summer afternoon - Tobacco Valley

Early morning sunrise - St. Ignatius

A summer tradition - Serrano's in East Glacier

Fly-fishing with friends in the rain - Glacier National Park

Hello beautiful - Glacier National Park

Hiking with baby brother - Holland Falls

Blackfeet Nation

Missoula from Mt. Sentinel

Summer = Strawberry Lemonade

Seeley-Swan Valley

Montana hugs and kisses,
TT

Montana’s Labor Day Weekend: A Photo Recap

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I love Labor Day weekend. It’s a time to decompress, play and recharge my batteries before fall gets truly underway. This year’s holiday weekend included a wedding, swimming in hot springs, candy and sapphire mining. But instead of telling you all about, I’m going to let the photos do the talking.