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Montana Lodges& Ranches

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Top Suites of Montana: Lodges and Ranches

Montanas unrivaled ranch country beckons with spectacular landscapes, outdoor activites galore and the ultimate in Out West luxe, like these quintessential cabin suitesthe very definition of rustic chic.
WILDERNESS ESTATE FRONT PORCH / THE RESORT AT PAWS UP

BY SCOTT GOETZ

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Elite Activities

MONTANA LODGES & RANCHES

Romance
and

NICOISE BITES / RED ROOM

Nightlife
UNDERGROUND FIND / RED ROOM

Montana nights dont all have to revolve around the campfire. Urban cocktail and locally brewed beer scenes suit city slickers, while outdoorsy types get back to nature with gallops under starry skies and spa treatments amid breezy meadows.

RED ROOM: John Cusack and Hugh Laurie knew to venture beneath Latitude 48 in downtown Whitefish to this posh basement bar for microbrews, tapas and wood-fired pizza in a chic but relaxing setting.
Contact: Manager Raymond Dickinson, (406) 863-2323; latitude@latitude48bistro.com; www.redroombasementbar.com

Beer Crawl: Meet Missoula brewers and taste their legendary local beers right at the source. Start at Big Sky Brewerys summer concert series featuring Modest Mouse and The Decemberists, and taste tipples like Moose Drool, Trout Slayer and Summer Honey. Then carry on into town to Bayern Brewery where old school German beer-making techniques put the essence of Oktoberfest into Big Sky bottles. Order up a pint of Lake Missoula Amber at the Kettlehouse before ending the crawl at Big Dipper Ice Cream where a beer infused ice cream cone awaits.
Contact: Big Sky Brewery Co-owner Bjorn Nabozney, (406) 549-2777; info@bigskybrew.com; www.bigskybrew.com

TRIPLE CREEK RANCHS MOONLIGHT HORSEBACK RIDES:

Once a month riders gather in the twilight at the Riders Roost at Triple Creek Ranch to gallop off into the sunset for a moonlit horse ride under Montanas starlit Big Sky. Enjoy a totally different world with the moon as your torch and soak up the sounds and smells of Mother Nature at rest.
Contact: Activities Coordinator Catharine Reed, (406) 821-4600; activities@triplecreekranch.com; www.triplecreekranch.com

TREATMENT TENTS / SPA TOWN AT PAWS UP

SPA TOWN AT PAWS UP: Mountain breezes, essential oils and side-by-side massage tables create a seductive scene for couples who book one of the 12 oversized luxury tents of Spa Town at Paws Up nestled on the edge of an expansive meadow. Make the most of this indul-

gent glamping experience by booking the Four Paws Tandem Massage with two therapists per person. Relax afterwards, sipping champagne while your dog jumps onto the spa table to receive a complimentary 15-minute pet massage.
TROUT SLAYER JACKPOT / BIG SKY BREWERY

Contact: Spa and Wellness Manager Laura Russell, (406) 244-7324; russell@pawsup.com; www.pawsup.com

Plonk: Over 150 inspired, house-made cocktails splash the pages of Plonks densely spirited menu in this beautifully restored historic building in downtown Bozeman. Splendid architecture, relaxed service and eclectic art are as expertly blended as the drinks that charm a diverse crowd in this elevated everyman atmosphere. Come by for a quick after-work cocktail or make it a ve-course evening (although there is no limit) in the private cellar.
Contact: Owner Michael Ochsner, (406) 587-2170; michael@plonkwine.com; www.plonkwine.com

HISTORIC CHIC / PLONK

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MONTANA LODGES & RANCHES

Elite Activities

History
and

Culture

Welcome to Cowboy Country, where rodeos, pistol shooting and old mining towns are all part of the colorful historic panorama. Vibrant American Indian traditions and educational eco tours round out the cultural appeal.

OLD TIME TAFFY / THE SWEET PALACE

RODEO DAYS / WILD WEST PROGRAM

PINK PARADISE / THE SWEET PALACE

WILD WEST PROGRAM AT THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK: From wannabe cowboys to aspiring outdoor explorers, The

Ranch at Rock Creek includes authentic activities to bring the Wild West to life. Guests join period themed scavenger hunts simulating the life of a real rancher, which test pistol shooting, roping and fishing skills. They can also enjoy horse-drawn covered wagon rides to camp cookouts and enter a dust kicking rodeo with games such as pole bending and barrel racing. Further the experience with trips to an abandoned ghost town and the 1890s mining town of Philipsburg, where you learn about its history and mining for sapphires at the Sapphire Gallery, then stroll through a Victorian-era candy shop loading up on the 72 kinds of saltwater taffy and 50 fudges created at The Sweet Palace.
Contact: Sapphire Gallery Co-owners/Managers Dale Siegford and Shirley Beck, (406) 859-3236; sapphire@sapphiregallery.com;

Contact: The Ranch at Rock Creek Activities Director Hank Welles, (877) 786-1545; hank@theranchatrockcreek.com; www.theranchatrockcreek.com wwww.sapphiregallery.com Contact: The Sweet Palace Managers Shirley Beck and Heidi Beck-Heser, (888) 793-3896; www.sweetpalace.com

CALENDAR
JUNE 2011
June 10 to 12
bustling days of Virginia City, Montana. Fashions and customs are part of this celebration, as well as a high tea, musicals and a grand Victorian ball. Ranked as the 10th highest purse in the nation over the Independence Day holiday, the rodeo draws over 10,000 spectators every year to its open-air arena near the Yellowstone River.

July 21 to 24

THE EVENT AT REBECCA FARM

The largest equestrian triathlon in the United States is a key spot on the road to the 2012 London Olympics. Some of the finest riders in the world come here to compete in dressage, cross-country and show jumping.

BIG SKY FIBER ARTS FESTIVAL, MONTANA MULE DAYS, MONTANA PROFESSIONAL ARTISTS ASSOCIATION SHOW AND SALE
A mule and donkey rodeo and two fine art festivals all roll into the tiny town of Hamilton over this weekend.

www.virginiacitymt.com
June 30 to July 4

www.livingston-chamber.com
July 10

ARLEE CELEBRATION
2011 marks the 113th year for this annual celebration featuring competition dancing, traditional stick games, a Pow Wow and more.

www.rebeccafarm.org
July 31 to August 6

MISSOULA MARATHON
Voted overall best marathon in the United States by Runners World readers, the Missoula Marathon takes participants through the terrain of the Missoula Valley, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains.

www.bigskyfiber.com; www.montanamuledays.com; www. montanaprofessionalartistsassoc.com

June 17 to 19

FESTIVAL AMADEUS
A world-class music event in Whitefish that features internationally acclaimed guest artists, plus hosted evenings and featured performers.

www.arleepowwow.com

JULY 2011
July 2 to 4

THE GRAND VICTORIAN BALL

Step back in time to the 1860s and the
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LIVINGSTON ROUNDUP RODEO

www.runwildmissoula.org/rodeo.html

www.gcmusic.org

Guide

MONTANA LODGES & RANCHES

Dining and Shopping

Montanas top eateries and shops showcase the states local bounty with flair.
DINING
Caf Kandahar: Caf Kandahar has been a cornerstone of Whitefish dining for the last 28 years, and each menu item is designed keeping in mind both the seasonality and locality of ingredients. The thoughtfully constructed cuisine is made with locally cultivated products, wild game and the freshest ingredients. For the ultimate fine dining experience book the Chefs Table at Caf Kandahar for a personal one-on-one with executive chef Andy Blanton who will prepare an exquisite menu personally developed and planned for two to six guests. For the second year in a row, chef/owner Andy Blanton has been nominated as a semi-finalist for the James Beard Foundation Awards. spot on the banks of Whitefish Lake, and the sunset views are memorable.
RIBS / THE BOAT CLUB LODGE & RESTAURANT

Contact: Co-owner Laura Waters, (406) 549-2906; info@redbirdrestaurant.com; www.redbirdrestaurant.com

Bucks T-4:

Huey Lewis, Mark Harmon, Michael

Keaton and Bill Gates family (they always get takeout for Bill) have all ordered the nationally recognized cuisine at this establishment that stays true to the roots of an upscale Montana log roadhouse. Garnering the only invitation of a Montana restaurant to prepare a dinner at the James Beard Foundation in New York City, they specialize in wild game with a classical twist, including bison tenderloin, Montana elk, duck two ways, bison meatloaf, local organic trout and New Zealand red deer.

Contact: Food & Beverage Director Suzanne Fletcher, (406) 863-4017; suzanne@lodgeatwhitefishlake.com; www.lodgeatwhitefishlake.com

Contact: Manager Andrew Kriss, (406) 862-6247; info@cafekandahar.com; www.cafekandahar.com

Red Bird and Red Bird Wine Bar: Located

in downtown Missoula in what used to be the lobby of an old hotel, this restaurant offers the best fine dining in town. Here, they buy whole animals and their in-house butchering inspires the chefs to create inventive sausages and at times serve the whole animal from head to toe in an evening where a lamb is cooked and, as the evening progresses, different cuts of it are plated and cooked depending on the number of orders. The adjacent wine bar provides a sophisticated and comfortable atmosphere, with live music every Monday, offering up lighter menu options than its accompanying restaurant. Dont miss the Bison fondue.
EXECUTIVE CHEF ANDY BLANTON / CAF KANDAHAR RUSTIC DELIGHT / WHITEFISH LAKE RESTAURANT RED DEER / BUCKS T-4

Contact: Partner/Food & Beverage Manager Chuck Schommer, (406) 993-5200; cschommer@buckst4.com; www.buckst4.com

Whitefish Lake Restaurant:

Located on

Whitefishs 18-hole golf course and housed in a building constructed in 1936 as a WPA project, this

The Boat Club Lounge & Restaurant at The Lodge at Whitesh Lake: This eatery
was voted the best restaurant in Whitefish two years in a row by the locals. A diverse menu offers delicious Pacific Rim fare, fresh seafood plates, homemade pizza and renowned sweet potato Boat Club chips with blue cheese dip. Its the only dining
LOBBY / RED BIRD

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MONTANA LODGES & RANCHES

Guide

BESPOKE STETSON / DOUBLE H HAT COMPANY

lithograph from his Invader Series, which depict wild animals in domestic or urban settings, using humor rather than sarcasm to address the issue of conflict and tension between nature and civilization. His team will treat VIP clients to imported whiskeys during a private tour of his gallery led by
THE GRANITE LODGE / THE RANCH AT ROCK CREEK

the artist.

Contact: Gallery Director Naomi Fox,

restaurant clubhouse built from materials found in the surrounding forest is widely considered the best in the state. The hardy and simple menu covers everything from 12-ounce prime rib and a loaded baked potato to roast duckling. Request a table by the large stone fireplace, order wine from an impressive menu and try the grilled jumbo prawns with white truffle macaroni and cheese. The escargot with melted brie and artichokes is delicious as well.

(406) 859-6162; josh@theranchatrockcreek.com; www.theranchatrockcreek.com

(406) 549-3248; dolack@bigsky.net; www.dolack.com

SHOPPING
Monte Dolack Gallery:
Monte Dolack has

Double H Hat Company: Located in Darby,

Double H Hat Company specializes in custom, handmade felted fur hats. Master hatter Jimmy the hat man Harrison has made hats for the likes of George W. Bush and Garth Brooks. He designs individual hats for each client, ensuring the hat is customized specifically for the persons face shape and style.

been creating his art in Missoula for the past 36 years and has been named one of the 10 most influential Montanans of the 20th century by the

Missoulian. His love of the area is expressed in

his many landscapes featuring beloved Montana landmarks, and many of his works are now part of the collection of the Library of Congress and the American Association of Museums. Buy a

Contact: General Manager Vicki Hill, (406) 862-5285, wlr@golfwhitefish.com; www.whitefishlakerestaurant.com

Contact: Master Hatter Jimmy Harrison, (406) 821-3300; jimmy@doublehhats.com; www.doublehhats.com

The Ranch at Rock Creek: Since opening its

doors a year ago, chef Josh Drages culinary offerings at The Ranch at Rock Creek have garnered national attention and his cuisine is now considered at the top for best luxury ranches in the state. Drages culinary program keeps with the ranchs philosophy, one of simplicity, authenticity and comfort. The ingredient-driven cuisine is a gourmet adaptation of traditional ranch fare, enhanced by the integrity of local Montana producers with many menu items not found at any other Montana vacation ranch, such as Montana elk rib eye with Flathead cherry demi-glace, watermelon and fennel salad and white chocolate macadamia nut brownies. Meals are served in The Granite Lodge, with some flexibility to accommodate guests individual schedules and preferences.
LANDSCAPES / MONTE DOLACK GALLERY

Contact: Executive Chef Josh Drage,

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to take form into original timepieces. Bozeman is currently the only American watch company that sends each of its mechanical movements to Geneva for official chronometer certification by the COSC (Contrle Officiel Suisse des Chro-

nomtres). Former president George Bush owns

a watch from this company, as does Josh Beckett (Boston Red Sox pitcher and two time World Series winner).

Contact: President Christopher F. Wardle, (406) 585-0062; cwardle@bozemanwatch.com; www.bozemanwatch.com

Willow Out West:

MANAGING DIRECTOR LESLIE LEROUX / ETHOS PARIS

Willow Boutique, one of

the original stores in Big Sky, Montana, has been defining style since 1994, offering both cowgirl and city-girl clothing, jewelry, gifts and home

Ethos Paris:

This boutique, with a storefront

select only the most vibrant Russian diamonds, Montana Yogo sapphires and exotic colored stones. A professional goldsmith and designer, he creates unique designs with an eye towards balancing the flash of colored stones and diamonds with the elegance of the sculpted metal, rather than making everything symmetrical. His friendship with internationally acclaimed gemstone carvers has allowed him to create one-of-a-kind gemstones with graceful and elegant signature designs.

furnishings.

in Paris and one in Whitefish, offers trendy ecofashions designed in Paris. Its best described as unique, elegant and exciting. Ethos has womens and mens collections produced with 100 percent organic cotton and 100 percent fair trade.

Contact: Owner Debbie Applebaum, (406) 995-4557; willow@3rivers.net; www.willowoutwest.com

Contact: Managing Director Leslie Leroux, (406) 333-0388; leslie.leroux@ethosparis.us; www.ethosparis.us

TOP MONTANA FBOs

ARLINS AIRCRAFT SERVICE (BELGRADE) Contact: Aaron Wass T: 406-388-1351 E: arlins@arlins.com YELLOWSTONE JETCENTER (BELGRADE) Contact: Bart Hinch T: 406-388-3816 E: bhinch@ysjet.com

Paparazzi Fur: Located in the Mountain Mall for

25 years, one of Montanas only fine fur clothing and accessories boutiques of note stocks international designs made of mink, beaver, chinchilla, sable, shearlings and more. A second store in the Huntley Lodge, Paparazzi Boutique, carries a variety of clothing, shoes, jewelry and womens accessories.

Contact: Manager Nancy Ball, (406) 721-1575; barneyjette@montana.com; www.barneyjettejewelry.com

Bozeman Watch Company:

Selling ex-

quisite timepieces starting at about $4,600, the Bozeman Watch Company is one of the few companies designing exclusive timepieces in the United States, where, today, such precision design and manufacture is essentially nonexistent. Each model starts with pencil sketches and

EDWARDS JET CENTER (BILLINGS) Contact: Robb Bergeson T: 406-252-0508 E: rbergeson@edwardsjetcenter.com BUTTE AVIATION INC. (BUTTE) Contact: Trevor Hughes T: 406-494-6694 E: trevor@butteaviation.com DILLON FLYING SERVICE, INC. (DILLON) Contact: Patricia Ricci T: 406-683-5242 E: dillonsbo@hughes.net NORTH STAR AVIATION (HAMILTON) Contact: Leland Blatter T: 406-363-6471 E: fbo@northstaraviation.net NORTHSTAR AIR EXPRESS (MISSOULA) Contact: Jennifer Draughon T: 800-735-4476 E: info@northstarmso.com

Contact: Co-owners Jenny and Craig Swick, (406) 995-4705; papa4razzi@aol.com; www.paparazzifurs.com

Barney Jette Jewelry Design: Barney Jette,

a GIA graduate gemologist, uses his expertise to

concept images, and as they work their way into digital modeling and engineering data, they start

BIJOUX BOUTIQUE / BARNEY JETTE JEWELRY DESIGN

SHOWROOM / BOZEMAN WATCH COMPANY

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