This is adapted from my trip reports and reviews posted on Trip Advisor so if it sounds a bit disjointed or awkward, that's why. I'll try to post a few pictures- none of them do justice to the amazing vistas.
Our trip to Montana turned out to be a wonderful experience. We had never been there before but would certainly go back. The flight into Kalispell from Salt Lake was easy, luggage arrived, rental from Hertz was simple to pickup. What a beautiful view of the Rockies when you step out of the door- WOW. (I said "wow" a lot during our week there). Most of our trip was spent in Whitefish and on a drive to see relatives in Billing. All of Montana was jaw-dropping, wherever we looked.
We stopped at Jagz in Kalispell for dinner and the food was excellent. And the service was well done, very polite and attentive. Had my first Moose Drool (beer)- good stuff.
We drove to Billings via Missoula to visit cousins for the weekend so had plenty of driving opportunity to see much of the state. Suffice to say, the drive was stunning. We were only in Billings for a weekend, 8/14-8/16 but had a great time there. We were there to visit cousins and mainly hung out at the house but took a few side trips.
Got there on Saturday after the Outlaws had won the arena football championship. It made our visit to Famous Daves BBQ for some eats and beers that much more fun.
Hiked around the Rimrocks - great place to see an amazing vista, lots of bikers, hikers and dogs. Since hiking is thirsty work, we spent some time at the Montana Brewing Company downtown, testing the microbrews, eating lots of barfood. That place was a hopping joint on a late Sunday afternoon.
More should be mentioned though about the spectacular drive past Flathead Lake- what a beautiful view as you drive down 90. I could probably spend a vacation just hanging out near the lake- lots of sailboats and the water is so blue and clear.
We came back to Whitefish on Monday for the rest of our 5 nights- stayed at the Duck Inn (posted separate review)- had a wonderful experience there. We ate and drank lots more than we should have but that was the main reason for staying in Whitefish- access to good restaurants and comfortable accomodations.
Took the gondola up to the top of Whitefish Mountain-fabulous views and a hopping little bar with a decent selection of beers. Chatted with lots of fellow tourists while hanging out, friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Hiked twice in Glacier National Park- drive over to the park was easy, no more than 30-40 minutes. Our two different day hikes in Glacier were fabulous. Parked at the Apgar Transit Station- what a great visitor center there. The shuttle system is terrific. Can't imagine doing the hikes without the shuttles.
We got a late start for Avalanche Falls so didn't make it all the way up but were delighted by the coolness, shade and beauty of what we hiked. Plus we had a deer on the path at one point so that got our hearts racing! The cascading stream that follows all along was beautiful. Although it is rated as easy, I found the incline a bit of a challenge- I'm a walker but not a hiker. It was fun to push myself to do something so different.
Travelling along GTTS on the shuttle to Logan Pass, even if we didn't hike, would have been well worth the trip- WOW- what a stunning experience. We hiked up to Hidden Lake overlook and a little beyond and that was just perfect for us. I so loved the vistas of wildflowers- none of the pictures I took could do them justice- such colors. The mountain goats being so close to the path were quite the surprise! Wonderful to look up and see the tranquil bighorn sheep, just hanging out. The variety of rodents was amazing. The walk down was actually more of a challenge to my knees and shins than the walk up and yes, that is quite the incline, isn't it!
It also amazed me to see such a wide variety of people (not to mention footwear and clothing options) on the paths. I simply can't imagine choosing to wear crocs to hike in.
Didn't have a bad meal or experience anywhere. Best meals were Loula's breakfast, Buffalo Cafe breakfast and dinner, Mambo Italiano dinner. Good burger (and outdoor patio live entertainment) at the Great Northern, OK burger and wings at Bulldogs Saloon (good sports bar atmosphere-be sure to check out the restrooms). Great pizza at 2nd Street Pizza (got a Soup Natzi vibe for service though). Best beer experience- Black Star Brewing Company (and a very interesting, entertaining brewery tour).
Checked out the city beach at Whitefish Lake- water was WAY too cold for my Texas bones but lots of people in the water. Had drinks and appetizer (good mussels) at the Boat Club at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake (free valet parking).
We had a happy, relaxing time in a charming town. Must say, throughout Montana, we had some of the most polite professional servers we have had anywhere. And the highways are very clean, didn't see much litter.
Our trip to Montana turned out to be a wonderful experience. We had never been there before but would certainly go back. The flight into Kalispell from Salt Lake was easy, luggage arrived, rental from Hertz was simple to pickup. What a beautiful view of the Rockies when you step out of the door- WOW. (I said "wow" a lot during our week there). Most of our trip was spent in Whitefish and on a drive to see relatives in Billing. All of Montana was jaw-dropping, wherever we looked.
We stopped at Jagz in Kalispell for dinner and the food was excellent. And the service was well done, very polite and attentive. Had my first Moose Drool (beer)- good stuff.
We drove to Billings via Missoula to visit cousins for the weekend so had plenty of driving opportunity to see much of the state. Suffice to say, the drive was stunning. We were only in Billings for a weekend, 8/14-8/16 but had a great time there. We were there to visit cousins and mainly hung out at the house but took a few side trips.
Got there on Saturday after the Outlaws had won the arena football championship. It made our visit to Famous Daves BBQ for some eats and beers that much more fun.
Hiked around the Rimrocks - great place to see an amazing vista, lots of bikers, hikers and dogs. Since hiking is thirsty work, we spent some time at the Montana Brewing Company downtown, testing the microbrews, eating lots of barfood. That place was a hopping joint on a late Sunday afternoon.
More should be mentioned though about the spectacular drive past Flathead Lake- what a beautiful view as you drive down 90. I could probably spend a vacation just hanging out near the lake- lots of sailboats and the water is so blue and clear.
We came back to Whitefish on Monday for the rest of our 5 nights- stayed at the Duck Inn (posted separate review)- had a wonderful experience there. We ate and drank lots more than we should have but that was the main reason for staying in Whitefish- access to good restaurants and comfortable accomodations.
Took the gondola up to the top of Whitefish Mountain-fabulous views and a hopping little bar with a decent selection of beers. Chatted with lots of fellow tourists while hanging out, friendly relaxed atmosphere.
Hiked twice in Glacier National Park- drive over to the park was easy, no more than 30-40 minutes. Our two different day hikes in Glacier were fabulous. Parked at the Apgar Transit Station- what a great visitor center there. The shuttle system is terrific. Can't imagine doing the hikes without the shuttles.
We got a late start for Avalanche Falls so didn't make it all the way up but were delighted by the coolness, shade and beauty of what we hiked. Plus we had a deer on the path at one point so that got our hearts racing! The cascading stream that follows all along was beautiful. Although it is rated as easy, I found the incline a bit of a challenge- I'm a walker but not a hiker. It was fun to push myself to do something so different.
Travelling along GTTS on the shuttle to Logan Pass, even if we didn't hike, would have been well worth the trip- WOW- what a stunning experience. We hiked up to Hidden Lake overlook and a little beyond and that was just perfect for us. I so loved the vistas of wildflowers- none of the pictures I took could do them justice- such colors. The mountain goats being so close to the path were quite the surprise! Wonderful to look up and see the tranquil bighorn sheep, just hanging out. The variety of rodents was amazing. The walk down was actually more of a challenge to my knees and shins than the walk up and yes, that is quite the incline, isn't it!
It also amazed me to see such a wide variety of people (not to mention footwear and clothing options) on the paths. I simply can't imagine choosing to wear crocs to hike in.
Didn't have a bad meal or experience anywhere. Best meals were Loula's breakfast, Buffalo Cafe breakfast and dinner, Mambo Italiano dinner. Good burger (and outdoor patio live entertainment) at the Great Northern, OK burger and wings at Bulldogs Saloon (good sports bar atmosphere-be sure to check out the restrooms). Great pizza at 2nd Street Pizza (got a Soup Natzi vibe for service though). Best beer experience- Black Star Brewing Company (and a very interesting, entertaining brewery tour).
Checked out the city beach at Whitefish Lake- water was WAY too cold for my Texas bones but lots of people in the water. Had drinks and appetizer (good mussels) at the Boat Club at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake (free valet parking).
We had a happy, relaxing time in a charming town. Must say, throughout Montana, we had some of the most polite professional servers we have had anywhere. And the highways are very clean, didn't see much litter.
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