We’ve driven through quite an amazing rainstorm and finally got to Lewistown. Our one night in Lewistown will be spent at the Historic Calvert Hotel, just a couple blocks south of Main Street in a neighborhood near the beautiful Fergus County Courthouse. I stayed at the Calvert last October but we had already had a frost and the outside flowers didn’t look nearly as stunning as when we drove up this time. What a welcoming entrance! … Read more
Even though I crawled back in bed for a few more zzzs after taking sunrise photos, I was still up early. Virgelle was quiet and serene. I usually go for a walk in the morning but today I was on a break from routine. I wandered over to the Merc where I had been told there would be fresh coffee ready by 6am. Well, it was beyond 6am so I knew there would be coffee. … Read more
On just about any given day of the week it seems like my brother finds some time to go fishing. His gear is always ready, usually in his pickup, and he has quite a few nearby fishing spots in northern Montana. Yup, you guessed it, he is retired. I will add, he has always found time for fishing, even before he retired so I guess it’s just a matter of priorities. We talked the other … Read more
It’s late afternoon at Rocking Z Guest Ranch near Wolf Creek, MT. There’s a fairly good sized group of guests and I suspect they, like me, are all thinking about the next meal. OK…maybe I’m the only one thinking that! Maria is in the kitchen of the lodge, busy with food prep. There are a LOT of potatoes to peel and dice, salad to prepare, steaks to organize, etc. And, she seems to do this … Read more
With all of the rain we’ve had I was pleased to see the sun shining and a huge amount of vendors at the Great Falls Farmers Market. And, a huge amount of people browsing and shopping. Bedding plants, herbs, vegetables (fresh asparagus is what I bought), baked goods, wood crafts, pottery, jewelry (my weakness) and my next weakness – all of the yummy and unique snack foods you find at the markets. I didn’t stop for … Read more
I do like to talk about food in Russell Country! When our group ate at the Square Butte Country Club the other day we had a buffet-style lunch with (you won’t believe this) spinach wraps with asparagus and hummus, ultra-yummy chicken salad on a croissant, roast beef on sourdough, salad and of course two desserts. I heard someone asking about a particular ingredient and all I found out was that fennel was used in something! … Read more
Yes, Conrad, Montana hosted an absolutely wonderful traditional Irish dinner last night. With wheels pointed north on I-15 for the easy 60 mile jaunt, six of us headed for an evening of great food and even greater Celtic music. We ate at Joe’s Family Steakhouse on the corner of Main and 4th Street, right by the town’s only stoplight. Conrad local, Jane Holzer, had coordinated the menu with the restaurant and we were not disappointed. The … Read more
Today I had a noon meeting at Penny’s Gourmet to Go in downtown Great Falls, MT. I’ve managed to get in a bit of a habit when I go to Penny’s because I always, yes always, have one of her homemade soups. And, to continue the “always” haves, I have her homemade bread. It is simply my favorite fresh baked bread! Penny’s restaurant was started as more of a deli featuring “to go” foods with just a … Read more
Now, I’ve been known to rave about food and that’s just what I plan to do here! Several friends and I recently dined at the Union Grille located in the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton, MT. Oh my, what a treat. It was a chilly evening and we were a bit late for our dinner reservations, and we were hungry and tired. The wonderful ambience of the dining room soon began to mellow our attitudes and in … Read more
Hungry again? Yup, and we stopped in at Wolfer’s Diner in downtown Havre to take care of that. It was just a bit after noon and we needed to be at the Amtrak depot in about an hour to catch the eastbound train that leaves Havre at 1:32pm. I told our waiter our schedule and he said it wouldn’t be a problem. We were just a block and half away from the depot but sometimes a lunch crowd can … Read more