Thanks so much for making the trip!
We hope you love Montana as much as we do (it’s a lot).
Here are our favorite summertime reccs for where to stay and what to do (it’s a lot).
Bozeman (Wedding Home Base!)
Our fav eats n ‘drinks: Our favorite breakfast is at Wild Crumb (bakery) or Jam (brunch), and our favorite coffee is at Treeline, Wild Joe’s, Zocalo, and Rockford (Bozeman has a lot of great coffee, and Jennie has reviewed them all on TripAdvisor). Our best meals have been at Shan, Blackbird and Revelry - reserve in advance! Our favorite drinks are at It Will Always Be That Way (also home to Jennie’s favorite grilled cheese) Shine Beer Sanctuary (with board games) and Hofbrau Haus (wear closed-toed shoes).
Movin’ & Groovin’: Our favorite hiking trails are the M, Middle Cottonwood Trail, and Main Street to the Mountains. Downtown Main Street is great to wander, popping into different shops and art galleries.
Where to stay: We love the convenience of staying right in the park - we’ve loved Canyon Lodge & Old Faithful Lodge.
Movin’ & Groovin’: Our #1 favorite recc is to see wildlife and feel like you’re on an American safari in Lamar or Hayden Valley! Our favorite hikes in the park are Mount Washburn, Fairy Falls, Artist Point, and Bunsen Peak. Renting a kayak in Yellowstone Lake is great - you can paddle right up to thermal activity.
Audio Pairing: Drive through the park with the GuideAlong Yellowstone audio tour, or listen to the Missed Fortune podcast about Forest Fenn’s treasure (ooh treasure!)
Yellowstone (1.5 hour drive away!)
Where to stay: We loved staying at Sage Lodge, and have also heard great things about Copper Rose Ranch and Under Canvas North Yellowstone.
Movin’ & Groovin’: Rent mountain bikes, kayak or float Yellowstone River, visit Chico Hot Springs, or just turn off your phones and engage in conversation or stargaze at night
Eatin’ & Drinkin’: The Old Saloon, Pine Creek Lodge, Chico Hot Springs restaurant, and Sage Lodge restaurant - all great!
Paradise Valley (1 hour drive away!)
Where to stay: We loved staying at Lone Mountain Ranch (they have HORSIES and GOATIES) and the Montage, and have seen great AirBnB options in downtown Big Sky.
Movin’ & Groovin’: Hike Big Sky, rent mountain bikes, or raft on the Gallatin River!
Eatin’ & Drinkin’: RiverHouse BBQ is “texas style” BBQ that Geoff didn’t complain about, Tres Toros has spicy margaritas that are actually SPICY, Horn & Cantle has a great dinner