I'm flying from California Friday, October 8th to Montana. I'm staying in Whitefish for 4 nights and will be without a car. Any suggestions on what to do and restaurants? Thanks for your help!

Four nights in Whitefish is going to be a long time....and without a car.....but, for one, there are numerous day trips and activities to be had in the area.

We were there this summer for two nights and stayed at the Grouse Mountain Lodge. Inside our in-room hotel guide, the lodge had a 3- or 4-page guide of different tours that could be booked through the hotel...I'm not only talking about driving tours, there were many unique offerings including hiking, whitewater rafting, etc., some that were half day, some that were full day. In addition, there may be the slight possibility that you may be able to catch one of the Red Jammer bus tours that drive Glacier National Park's Going to the Sun Road--this would be one of the highlights of the trip. I'm not sure what dates the trips stop due to weather changes, it could be end of September, again, check this out. There is also a possiblity this could be availble through Grouse Mt. Lodge?

I would also recommend, even though I had panic attacks coming down, is a drive up to the ski village (Big Mt.) and then take the ski lift/tram to the top. The reason I state I had panic attacks is my fear of heights...coming down from Big Mountain in nothing more than a ski lift was a bit daunting for me. You can see for miles, it was as though you were 13,000 high in an airplane, but no real plane beneath you....just your seat on the ski lift. We took the enclosed tram on the way up and it didn't bother me near as much. You may find somewhere to eat in the ski village as well. But the view is spectacular. The day we went up, there was music on the deck of the restaurant/bar that sits at the top, and it was really enjoyable...being played by a local musician who played a wide variety of tunes (Jimmy Buffet, Eagles, etc.) Sipping a wine or a beer way up at the top all while relaxing and listening to the live music with the view....that's what a vacation is all about! If you check out the Whitefish MT website (www.whitefishmt.com) you'll be able to look at some other options.

Oh, and not that this is a gourmet dining option, but there is a neat little pizza place (a chain in Montana) that is great for lunch....Mackenzie River Pizza Co., it is very good for pizza, salads and sandwiches. There was also some other restaurants right in the downtown area (I've read on Fodor's that the sushi place is good) and a little shopping as well.

We stopped for a night in Whitefish recently and had a great dinner at Tupelo Grille in the downtown area. We had some of the best Creole food there. Hard to believe it in Montana but the owners are from the South. Go to Glacier if at all possible.

Thanks for your responses!

hugglynn: Unfortunately because of a disability I can't drive any longer. Traveling with limitations is something new for me and I'm learning as I go along. I originally thought I'd stay at Grouse Mtn. Lodge, but decided on Whitefish Lake Lodge... I really thought it'd be great being on the water. Greg and Melissa (at WLL) have worked to find the best unit suitable for me and I'm so grateful for that. I was really surprised to find quite a few lodgings in the area aren't handicapped accessible. According to everything I've read it seems that Glacier National Park usually closes in September, but I'll make a call to find out for sure. I'm hoping the Red Jammers are still running. I applaud you for surviving the chair lift ride down Big Mtn. (shudder) When I was younger, riding chair lifts never bothered me, but now... (shudder) I also read that those rides up the mountain stop in September. (I'm saved!) Thanks for sharing that story! I don't mind gourmet dining, but I'd rather experience the local flavor (food and people) so I appreciate your suggesting the pizza place. I definitely plan to eat at Wasabi for Japanese food. Thanks again, hugglynn!

je: I'm glad to hear the Tupelo Grille was good. It was on my list. Thanks for the recommendation!