I just returned from an amazing week in Montana and feel like I’m bursting with things to say and photos to share. So, I wanted to start off with a little round up of ten reasons why I love Montana, and think you will too:
1. It’s Unexpected
It seems that most people think of Montana as either ranches and cowboys or electricity-free back-country. Yes, there are a large number of ranches, and certainly a lot of back-country–but it is so much more than that.
Western Montana’s Glacier Country is a perfect example of this, with its menacing mountain peaks and rolling landscapes it’s hard to keep your jaw off the ground.
2. Meat, Meat and more Meat
Vegetarians beware–just kidding, there’s plenty on the menu for you too.
However, Montana is most definitely a meat-lovers paradise. From pork fried on the camping grill to towering chicken sandwiches at the diner and of course the infamous Montana steak dinner, there is no shortage of meat in this state.
I don’t eat a lot of meat myself, but I couldn’t help but order a steak on my last night. De-lish.
3. The People
From the second I stepped off the plane I got a taste of just how friendly the locals were in Montana. Being Canadian, I am used to a friendly crowd, but the Montanans gave my fellow Canucks a run for their money.
I was smiled at and greeted by strangers, told that my fashion choices were awesome by both men and women, and loved how everything was turned into a joke (in a good way).
4. Adventure
Adventure and adrenaline are always just a few steps from your front door. If you live in the city, it’s easy to hop in the car and drive to the mountains. If you live in the country, you can probably find something fun to do right in your own backyard.
Snowmobiling, skiing and snowboarding, fishing, mountain biking and hiking. Montana has it all.
5. Montana Time
Do you ever notice how some places are either very prominent about being on time and you feel completely rushed, or other places are way too laid back and you never get anywhere on time? Well, Montana is the middle bear in this scenario, and timing is just right.
6. Location
Montana borders Canada, which makes it easy access for Canadians on the west coast and central Canada. For east coasters like me, it is only a four hour plane ride away.
It’s also fairly central for Americans. West coast residents can hop on a train, and the rest of the country is serviced by a number of airlines.
7. Beer
Montana has recently claimed the title of the state with the most microbreweries per capita in the US, surpassing Vermont which held this position previously.
*Bonus* The beer is really cheap! Bottles are around $3-4, whereas here in Canada it’s usually around $6-7.
And, might I say yum.
8. Mountains
Speak for themselves.
9. Small Town Vibes
Even large cities like Missoula have a small town vibe when you visit them, from the quaint cafes to the cozy shops. Ski towns like Whitefish are charming in both summer and winter.
Everyone knows everyone and tourists are welcomed with open arms.
10. Road Tripping
I’m pretty sure I’d be blissfully happy to spend weeks simply driving around the state, discovering new hidden corners and getting lost along the way. Every road and every turn introduces somewhere even more gorgeous than before.
The state deserves a trip of its own, but any US road trip MUST take you through Montana.
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There are obviously a whole lot more, but there are a number of full posts on the way :]
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This trip was made possible by Western Montana’s Glacier Country
All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’ve spent a very brief amount of time in Montana and we definitely encountered some extremely nice people. It looks fun in the winter!
Christy recently posted..Where to Stay in San Juan, Puerto Rico
They are SO nice! It was definitely fun in the winter, but I’d love to see it in the summer too :]
Every season is an adventure in Montana.
James Mitchell recently posted..Skwala season soon
I bet it is! I NEED to return in all of them 😀
I can drive to Montana from where I live in about 6 hours, but I’ve only been to Montana once. I’d love to go back, especially now that I know they have lots of microbreweries.
Alouise recently posted..Road Trip Memories 20 – Crossing The Confederation Bridge
I feel like this would be a solid two weeks of awesomeness if you got the chance : http://www.visitmt.com/experiences/food_and_beverage/breweries/montana_brewery_trail/montanas_grand_brewery_loop.htm 😀
YAY! This post made me super happy and kinda homesick. I grew up in Kalispell, MT right next to Glacier! And Montana ranks second highest for breweries per capita in the nation! Mmmm Moose Drool. Summer is my favorite season in Montana, so if you ever get a chance, go jump in Flathead Lake in August!
I definitely want to see Montana in the summer. You’re lucky to have grown up there, now you’ll just have to go back for a visit 😀
And, I heard that it was second, but recently became first for breweries per capita.
Looks very pretty with all the snow!
Amanda recently posted..Dogsledding in the Great White North
So pretty! I’m sad winter is over now 🙁
I live in Montana now and I love it! As an East Coaster, it’s definitely a much more laid back place and that’s super appealing to me having moved straight from D.C. I’m really looking forward to exploring my new state and making this my home! If you come back in the summer, let me know, we may be hiking/kayaking in Glacier, which I highly recommend!
Awesome! I would love to visit in the summer–hopefully one of these days. Enjoy living there, I’m pretty sure it has to be one of the best places to live in the US :]
Truly said! Montana is a wonderland! It has amazing places to visit. While I was in Big Sky Country, I had a great fun in an indoor Waterpark in Montana, apart from other adventures.I was enough tired after exploring adventurous places Relaxing in hot water tubs made my tiredness to vanish and I could enjoy my trip at the most.
An excellent look at Montana. I really need to spend more time time out there. Great tips, ideas, and of course your usual great photos too.