Montana ideas
Nov 4th, 2011, 09:51 AM
#21
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>>> I'll dip down to Yellowstone and Grand Teton NPs and will do some "just get in the car and drive" kind of days like the old days when "the boys" were fishing the Snake and I would head out and just follow my nose during the day. LOVE those kinds of days from years ago. >>>>
I love those kinds of days, too, and the Nat'l Parks are perfect places for that.
I've pretty much been to the mainstream places in MT and don't have much to suggest off the beaten path, but have you been flat water rafting? There are some places near Gardiner that offer it, and I'm sure elsewhere as well. I like it even more than whitewater -- it's just a lovely, peaceful way to spend a few hours.
I love those kinds of days, too, and the Nat'l Parks are perfect places for that.
I've pretty much been to the mainstream places in MT and don't have much to suggest off the beaten path, but have you been flat water rafting? There are some places near Gardiner that offer it, and I'm sure elsewhere as well. I like it even more than whitewater -- it's just a lovely, peaceful way to spend a few hours.
Nov 4th, 2011, 10:14 AM
#23
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When we went to GNP a few years ago, we took one day out and drove down to the National Bison Wildlife Refuge near Moiese, MT. The drive from West Glacier along Flathead Lake was lovely. The park has an excellent visitors center that vividly shows the decline in the number of bison over the years. There are two loop roads that you can drive to see bison and other wildlife and it's incredible to have a herd of bison walk around your car! There are also a couple of places where you can leave your car to hike to areas overlooking the park--easy hikes and great views! There is also a very nice picnic area, so plan to take a picnic lunch.
This is definitely an "off the beaten path" kind of place. I think we saw only 2 -3 other cars during our entire visit of several hours.
http://www.fws.gov/bisonrange/nbr/index.htm
This is definitely an "off the beaten path" kind of place. I think we saw only 2 -3 other cars during our entire visit of several hours.
http://www.fws.gov/bisonrange/nbr/index.htm
Nov 5th, 2011, 08:13 AM
#26
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Helena has some nice late 19th century architecture and the ghost town of Garnet is worth a visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623117942088
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...57623117942088
Nov 5th, 2011, 02:21 PM
#27
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Starrs,
If you really love to ride, I would HIGHLY recommend looking into the Bitterroot Ranch in Dubois, WY. Not a dude ranch, real riding. They raise their own Arabians, you can ride English or Western and they even have a cross country course if you jump. Right on the Wind River, just past Jerry Spence's property at the end of the road, surrounded by wilderness.
Gorgeous, gorgeous views, great ranch style meals and cozy individual cabins with fireplaces and decks.
They only take about 35 guests a week and are always booked up.
It's been many years since my visit, but it was one of the best vacations I've ever had. Bayard and his wife Mel (Melanie) are very down-to-earth yet sophisticated people, world travelers. They used to own an international riding tour company called Equitours (probably still do) and at this point I believe their son has taken over daily ops at the ranch.
Again - HIGHLY recommend!
If you really love to ride, I would HIGHLY recommend looking into the Bitterroot Ranch in Dubois, WY. Not a dude ranch, real riding. They raise their own Arabians, you can ride English or Western and they even have a cross country course if you jump. Right on the Wind River, just past Jerry Spence's property at the end of the road, surrounded by wilderness.
Gorgeous, gorgeous views, great ranch style meals and cozy individual cabins with fireplaces and decks.
They only take about 35 guests a week and are always booked up.
It's been many years since my visit, but it was one of the best vacations I've ever had. Bayard and his wife Mel (Melanie) are very down-to-earth yet sophisticated people, world travelers. They used to own an international riding tour company called Equitours (probably still do) and at this point I believe their son has taken over daily ops at the ranch.
Again - HIGHLY recommend!
Nov 5th, 2011, 07:55 PM
#28
Oh, Dayle, that sounds wonderful! I checked their website and it looks marvelous. Not this trip but maybe later. If I ride it will probably be at my friend's ranch outside Helena. But I wonder if she knows Bayard and Mel because she's taken several Equitours. I know of at least two in France. We met at a stables over 30 years ago and have lost track and reconnected several times over the years. For a while we lived within a few miles of each other - until I moved. The Bitterroot Ranch sounds marvelous. Thanks for telling me about it.
Nov 15th, 2011, 10:37 AM
#29
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Sounds like you've spent great time in MT over the years! Not sure when you are planning to go over the summer but if you haven't ever gone to the annual Sweet Pea festival in Bozeman (first weekend in August), you might add it to your list. Along with the Billings Fair, Sweet Pea was an annual don't miss family event for me growing up - great local festival with music, shows, food, art, crafts, etc. It always kicks off with a parade and 1K run for the little kids down main street which is a lot of fun.
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