A Stunning Adventure in Montana – Brews, Bruises, and Laughs
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My husband and I are beach bums so cold climates are our last pick for a vacation. A little over a year ago, some of our best friends moved back home to the stunning state of Montana, and we always said we would go see them in the summer time. The summer came and went, and before we knew it we were in late fall. We decided to give a Montana in January trip a go, trying out some winter activities while we were in Helena and Bozeman. Living in Arkansas, we get icy, slushy winters. So I typically do not enjoy the winter time or anything that has to do with “snow”. I did know that snow up north was completely different, so seeing fluffy snow was something that we were really excited about.
Day 1: Helena, MT
We flew into Bozeman where we were surrounded by mountains and HEAPS of snow! Our friends picked us up and we headed to Helena to check out their home city. We tried new foods, did a bunch of shopping and did what the locals do!
We were told we had to try Huckleberry and I’m glad we did! Huckleberry is a delicacy in Montana. These berries cannot be commercially grown as they need high altitudes. So, they grow wild and free in the mountains between June and August and pickers go out to collect as much as they can. But there’s a catch…it’s also the Grizzly Bears favorite berry. Huckleberries are often confused with blueberries, but they taste more tarte. Once cleaned, Huckleberries taste great on just about anything!
We enjoyed brunch at Nosh Café for a quick bite enjoying a delicious Korean BBQ Grain Bowl, and some hot sandwiches. They have everything from Belgian waffles, fancy toasts, decadent sandwiches, and salads (including any food sensitivity categories).
Our bellies were full and it was time to walk it off exploring downtown Helena. We shopped at a cute local boutique called Wild Child Collective where we got some amazing locally-made souvenirs. I got soap, Huckleberry Tea, chocolates, a sweatshirt, and of course some stickers. The Base Camp outdoor store was another stop with everything you need for your hiking and camping needs.
Our friend wanted to show us where he used to work at in High School…it was the cutest ice cream shop called the Big Dipper Ice Cream. Of course we had to stop in for a scoop and cone. Espresso Heath was my favorite flavor! <3
Anywhere we go, we have to try the local breweries. My husband and I each get a flight and try each others, maybe even switching depending on if one of his is better. I prefer fruity beers and ciders and he likes everything, but generally likes the higher IBU’s.
We were headed back to Bozeman, and stopped for a flight at Bridger Brewing. What a cool place! You walk into an inviting space greeted with couches, a huge fireplace, and wall of windows overlooking the mountains.
Day 2: Bozeman, MT
We made it to Bozeman and checked into Kimpton Armory Hotel. We felt like KINGS and QUEENS. The hotel had two restaurants, one on the lobby floor and one on the rooftop next to the heated swimming pool. YES! I said heated rooftop swimming pool!
We did a little bit more shopping in Bozeman, and stopped for dinner at Dave’s Sushi. To be completely honest, walking in was not what I had imagined. We were met with a Hawaiian vibe and the “hang loose” mantra. But the food was phenomenal! We shared the crab and cream cheese wontons with calamari for starters. Then we each got our own sushi roll that we split amongst us all. Dave’s Sushi has the traditional sushi rolls (California Roll, Shrimp Roll, etc) but they also have a wide variety of their specialty rolls. I got a Philly Roll that had crispy fried salmon skin, and my husband got the John Wayne that’s just full of meats. Just peruse their menu and your mouth will water at the different concoctions.
We walked back to the hotel and wanted to take a dip in the rooftop pool. It started snowing on our way back and knew that it was going to be a magical experience.
We were the only ones in the pool for a while and the diners in the rooftop bar area did give us some odd looks. However, the pool was such a lovely temperature. Like I said before, we are not cold temperature people and if I’m going to be in the snow, I think a heated pool is the best way to go. The only tough part was going from the pool to the room.
After drying off and getting on warm clothes, we wanted something sweet to finish off the night. We went to Fieldings, the restaurant on the lobby floor. Fieldings is a casual upscale dining experience that enhances mom’s mountain home cooking. My friend got a lemon meringue tart with a huckleberry compote and her husband got an cookies and cream cheesecake with a cornbread skillet. My husband also got the cornbread skillet and I got the banoffee tart. The cornbread skillet was deliciousssss! The desserts….out of this world! I will be dreaming about these for a long time.
Day 3: West Yellowstone National Park
We woke up early the next morning and ordered some Jam! for breakfast. They had the BIGGEST breakfast burrito we have ever seen. The boys couldn’t even eat it all in one sitting. We made our way from Bozeman to West Yellowstone National Park where we planned on cross country skiing. The snow was really coming down so it was slow going. We finally made it to our destination, picked up our ski rentals at Freeheel and Wheel, and headed for Rendezvous Ski Trails.
Rendezvous has a bunch of trails that are great for kids and beginners. We had such a blast! David and I are definitely out of shape for skiing but I’d do it again in a heartbeat. We skied, we dog-piled, we made a snow-merman, we had a snowball fight. Get you some friends who will laugh but will also coach and help you up when you fall.
We got back to the car, turned in our rentals, grabbed a bite to eat, and hit the road back to Helena. We met up with our friends parents where they made us dinner. Y’all…MOOSE BURGERS! MOOSE burgers! I love a good homemade burger but this was something else. It was so good!! If you ever get the chance, try moose.
We talked for the longest time, enjoying the company and the family stories of our friends growing up. Their house sat quietly on top of a mountain overlooking Helena. While we were sitting there, a deer walked past the windows. It was such a cozy fun time.
Day 4: Helena, MT
Our last day in Helena was bittersweet. We went around Helena having a relaxing day and checking out a couple more breweries. Ten Mile Creek Brewery uses local ingredients to make their beer, including the water from Ten Mile Creek, and wood from Helena for their bar and tables too! We then made our way to Mt Ascension Brewing where you can enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains with a beer in hand.
Our last stop of the whole trip was at Broadwater Hot Springs and Fitness. There are 7 pools at varying temperatures to suit everyone’s liking. The pools are outdoors and filled with natural hot springs water. They include a tap room inside so you can relax inside or poolside with beer and wine. It was a great ending to our trip and would definitely recommend everyone trying it out.
We had the absolute best time adventuring through Helena and Bozeman with our best friends and cannot wait to go back. Maybe in the summer to see about these Huckleberry pickings.