Missoula, Montana

Montana Moment: Charmed by Missoula

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At this point in my travels, I’ve less wooed by the big cities and more drawn to small town charm with a commitment to all things local. A town with character and attitude. A town like Missoula.

Missoula, Montana

During my Ultimate Montana Trip with Jade, Kent and Canaan, Spencer and Tia this past summer, we kicked off our week-long exploration in the quaint college town. I had visited once before, but it was raining and SVV was sick, so my exploration was tempered by the circumstances. This time, we made the most of our 48 hours—and the glorious weather that greeted us.

Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana

We started with a pedal tour of the downtown area with Thirst Gear, during which we made stops at a couple bars and other local icons, like Big Dipper.

Thirst Gear in Missoula

That night, we had dinner at Scotty’s Table, a bistro that utilizes all fresh, seasonal produce and meat sourced from western Montana farmers and growers, which would set the bar pretty high for the remaining week of dining that was upon us.

Scotty's Table in Missoula

Saturday morning started early with a hike up to “the M,” the steep mile-long path—peppered with 11 switchbacks—to which could easily be accessed by our downtown Holiday Inn.

"the M" in Missoula

Next, we refueled at the cutesy, split-level Catalyst Cafe & Espresso Bar before setting out to see the sights.

Catalyst at Missoula, Montana

How to Spend a Perfect 48 Hours in Missoula, Montana
How to Spend a Perfect 48 Hours in Missoula, Montana

We needed our energy, after all, with the bountiful shopping Missoula would prove to offer. Let’s just say, I bought not one, not two, but three dresses at the downtown boutiques! (I’m sure no one is surprised. And don’t tell SVV. It will be our little secret.)

Downtown Missoula

Weighed down with shopping bags, I moseyed on over to the People’s Market, which runs from May through September and is full of handmade crafts and the like.

Missoula, Montana

Then on down to the other end of town where the Farmers’ Market takes place each Saturday through October. I have to say, we definitely weren’t lacking for things to do in Missoula on a sunny Saturday!

Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana

That afternoon, the lovely folks at Tap Room Tours picked us up from the Holiday Inn and we spent the next several hours visiting the town’s four breweries and lone distillery.

Missoula, Montana

To counteract all the booze we drank, we had a hearty dinner of ribeye and baked potatoes beneath taxidermied woodland creatures at Lolo Creek Steakhouse that night in nearby Lolo.

Lolo Steakhouse in Missoula, Montana

Lolo Steakhouse in Missoula, Montana

I think what I so love about Montana—and, more specifically, Glacier Country—is that, urban experiences aside, it offers a little bit of everything: skiing, hiking, culinary adventures, one of the biggest national parks in the country, quaint lakeside resorts, and charming college towns like Missoula that just ooze local flavor.

Missoula, Montana

COMMENTS
  • October 25, 2014

    I have got to get to Missoula if only to help pedal that bike from brewery to brewery! You have definitely given me some ideas for a weekend outing next summer. I’ll need a vacation for Yellowstone, after all…

  • October 25, 2014

    I just talked about Montana with somebody yesterday, and after reading this post I am even more convinced that I have to go there pretty soon.
    Thanks,
    Olga

  • October 30, 2014

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  • November 15, 2014

    I too love the Farmers Market, they are so vibrant and it is always a good place for interaction with the locals too. Lovely captures from your journey, Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • November 16, 2014

    Montana certainly is an underrated place when it comes to mountains, charm and friendly people … hope people don’t discover it en masse like they did to Utah or Colorado!

  • April 22, 2015

    Thanks for this great and informative article, It’s very helpful for peoples. I’ve bookmark this post.. Thanks for sharing this….

  • June 5, 2015

    Montana is on our travel list for around the end of this year! Can’t wait! 🙂

    • June 6, 2015

      You’re going to love it so much!

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