The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish: The Cutest Lil’ Town in Montana

[shareaholic app=”share_buttons” id=”20872686″]

The first time I went to Whitefish, I thought it was adorable—and that was under inches of rain and even a little early summer snow. So, this time, beneath a bluebird sky? Positively gorgeous.

Downtown Whitefish, Montana

After two nights in Missoula, we headed up to Whitefish for a little mountain town fun. You may recall that last time I was there three summers prior, SVV and I exercised our love of heights and monkeying around with some ziplining and canopy fun at the Whitefish Mountain Resort. This time ’round, we didn’t head up to the famed ski spot; instead, we headed deep into the woods.

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

But first, we checked into our hotel for the night: The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. Recognize this place? Well, you should if you are a fan of The Bachelor (Sean’s season stayed here, or so they tell me).

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

The lodge has a variety of accommodation options, including a three-bedroom, two-bathroom condo, which is where Jade, Tia and I stayed.

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

Truth be told, we didn’t really have any time at all to hang out at the hotel as we had a pretty action-packed itinerary, but this would have been the perfect place to bring a group on a vacation. There was even a grille out on our terrace!

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

But what was even prettier were the grounds and the property’s lakeside perch, surrounded by rolling hills and mountains.

The Lodge at Whitefish

And while June weather can be unpredictable, we lucked out; it was a glorious day, perfect for sitting by this perfect lakeside pool.

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

Though I spent my free time indulging in the best massage I’ve ever had. I’m a) only going to have a male massage therapist from here on out and b) never going to get deep-tissue again now that I know hot stone is pretty much heaven. And where better to splurge on spa treatments than in the capital of outdoor adventure? I don’t know about you, but after hiking and biking and canoeing, I always feel much better once someone has pounded on my back for an hour.

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

Our lone night in Whitefish, we headed into downtown, peppered with cute novelty shops and delicious restaurants.

Tupelo Grille in Whitefish, Montana

We had a reservation at Tupelo Grille, a Southern-style restaurant. Now, I’ll be frank: I looked at the menu, which had shrimp and grits and hushpuppies and fried green tomatoes and all those things I eat regularly here in Nashville, and I thought, pssh, there’s no way they can do Southern food here in Montana. I would be wrong. Really, really wrong.

Tupelo Grille in Whitefish, Montana

That meal was the best we had during our week-long road trip around Glacier Country, and I’m still dreaming about the huckleberry cobbler. (I’m still dreaming about all things huckleberry, but that’s another story entirely.) You’d be doing yourself a disservice if you were heading up to Glacier National Park and didn’t stop in Whitefish for a bite to eat at Tupelo Grille. I’ll leave it at that.

Tupelo Grille in Whitefish, Montana

The next morning, we had a quick breakfast at Loula’s, where SVV and I had a delicious brunch a couple years back, and I wanted to eat all the pie. But as it was barely 8am, I opted for eggs and bacon to fuel our hike instead.

Loula's Cafe in Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish-13

Our bellies full, we headed on into the wilderness to check out the progress being made at the Whitefish Trail.

Whitefish Trail in Montana

The group behind the Whitefish Trail-building effort was established to preserve Montana’s land and provide recreational opportunities for its people.

Whitefish Trail in Montana

Currently, the effort includes 25 miles of trail, aimed at hikers and bikers alike, and seven trailheads. Over the next 10 years, the group plans to expand that system of trails even further.

Whitefish Trail in Montana

We had a lovely 3.5-mile walk with overlooks of Whitefish Lake. It made me feel not so guilty for all the things we’d eaten already that week (and would continue to stuff in our mouths).

Whitefish Trail in Montana

Then, it was back to the Lodge at Whitefish for some lunch and R&R.

Jalapenos on pizza? Always a good idea.

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

After I was all relaxed-out, I decided to mosey on downtown with Jade to find Kent and Canaan. This two adventurers consider Montana their second home, so I knew they’d know the cool spots to go.

Red Caboose in Whitefish, Montana

Sure enough, I found them in Red Caboose. If I wasn’t so eager to visit every last shop in Whitefish during our two-hour downtime, I would have camped out here for the duration of the afternoon.

Red Caboose in Whitefish, Montana

Jade and I shopped until we dropped—no, that’s a lie; I could have easily shopped longer, but we ran out of time—then we reconvened with our friends and made one last stop on the way out of town: Sweet Peaks, a local institution. You didn’t actually think I’d go to as cute as this and not seek out the best ice cream, now did you?

Whitefish, Montana

Y’all, I could have spent a week in Whitefish; there’s truly that much to do. I just hope this is a town to which I’ll continue to return time and time again. Winter ski vacation perhaps? Who’s in?

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

Whitefish, Montana

The Lodge at Whitefish, Montana

COMMENTS
  • August 4, 2014

    I have been wanting a Montana vacation for years! I so love the cutesy small town thing. Whitefish is officially on my list now;)

    • August 31, 2014

      Me, too! I would much rather do the cutesy small town thing than a big city any old day.

  • August 7, 2014

    I have never been to Montana. This looks like the cutest town though. It reminds me of a little town I grew up in.

    • August 31, 2014

      Oooh where did you grow up? Because if it’s anything like Whitefish, I need to visit there, too! =)

  • August 8, 2014

    Montana is just such an idyllic place to vacation. With amazing mountain, foothill and plains scenery, it has long been one of my favorite places as well!

    • August 31, 2014

      Yay! What’s your favorite spot in Montana?

  • August 31, 2014

    So happy you loved our cute little mountain town. I moved to Whitefish from the east coast and love every second here. Living here (and eating at Loulas weekly) is a true blessing!! Next time you are up here, check out the Whitefish Hostel too, the use all organic and locally grown stuff for their menu. Pretty cool.

    • August 31, 2014

      Thank you for the tip! I’ll definitely be back. Even when we visited for the first time in 2011, it was rainy and 40 degrees (in June!) and we still had the best time ever. I hope to be back for a third visit very soon!

Leave a Comment