On my last visit to Meagher County I starting counting the reasons why people came to vacation in the area. I saw hikers, hunters, campers, retired couples out for a getaway, and people who came to soak in the thermal springs. All in all, that covered quite a variety of people. Here’s a bit of history of the area. The largest town in the county is really a small quaint town of about 1,000 people. … Read more
A few weeks ago I was in the town of Conrad, Montana just off I-15, about an hour north of Great Falls. A fairly new gift store, Windrift Hill, has opened there selling some of my favorite skin softeners. Montana’s weather has low humidity which I like, but that’s a challenge for my skin. I think my skin is naturally dry but this climate makes it worse. So what makes Windrift Hills’ product so good … Read more
Several years ago the community of Fort Benton started a Charm Trail with individual businesses selling a charm that identified their building, what they sold, or a local attraction. It’s a great way to encourage people to visit the different stores and businesses. I have a Fort Benton charm bracelet with eight local charms – one in the shape of Montana with Fort Benton written on it, a canoe, a tepee, the Grand Union Hotel, … Read more
I look forward to the end of March each year when many Montana entrepreneurs head to Great Falls for the Made In Montana Marketplace. First of all, I am so impressed with the talent living in Montana! I saw everything from food – teas, jerky, cereal, spices, gluten free products…to CDs from local musicians, everything from cowboy yodeling to classical and blues. And, the list goes on. I stopped first at the Cream of the West … Read more
I drove downtown in Great Falls the other day to see if I could catch the crew hanging greens, lights and lightpole decorations. It was mid afternoon and there were a fair amount of cars, probably doing last minute errands before Thanksgiving. I finally spotted the crew but had to circle the block before I found a parking space. The weather was absolutely beautiful for November – very little wind and mild temps which, in … Read more
I was traveling back to Great Falls yesterday from Harlowton and decided to make a quick (or so I thought) stop at Big Sky Grocery. The grocery store sits in a field about a half mile or so west of Eddie’s Corner (junction of US 191 and 200/MT 3). There are a couple of wooden gazebo structures outside in the gravel parking lot and a large sign giving hours of operation for the grocery store. I … Read more
OK, let’s set the record straight. I went to the Farmers Market in Great Falls tonight and I DID buy vegetables. But, the Fudge Lady was there and well, you know the rest of the story! This platter is what Alma Winberry, The Fudge Lady, calls fudge shooters. I didn’t sample them but gosh, they sure looked yummy. And, what a colorful photo! Farmers markets are held every Saturday morning in downtown Great Falls and … Read more
This morning I attended the Montana Marketplace at the convention center in the Mansfield Center for the Performing Arts, downtown Great Falls. I woke up to snow, a hint that we may have winter this year after all! But, that little bit of moisture with our warm temps didn’t even slow down the excited exhibitors at the Montana Marketplace. I’ve attended the Montana Marketplace before but I visited with three people who were first-time attendees. All of them said, … Read more
Today I was driving on US Hwy 87 between Great Falls and Havre to visit family. I’ve driven this road so many times I almost have it memorized. Last fall there was a change though – in Big Sandy, MT. The highway goes right through this town of nearly 1,000 people and you slow down to about 30 mph. Across from the rest area and city park there was a new business sign. I’ve been … Read more
The First Friday Artwalk in Great Falls is spread throughout the downtown area and also to the Four West Art League on 16th Street and 2nd Avenue North. The artwalk happens the first Friday evening of each month. Four West Art League is housed on the fourth floor of what used to be the area’s hospital. Individual rooms have become artists’ studios and showrooms. Hallways are decorated leading visitors from one room to the next. … Read more