Food + Beverage

Liquid Gold

A history of brewing in the Treasure State Article by Diana Dalke Long before Montana became the Big Sky State, beer was already finding its place in the communities taking root across the territory. From the mining camps of the 1850s and 1860s to the craft breweries that now dot the state, brewing has evolved alongside Montana’s communities, economy, agriculture, and culture. As miners and settlers moved west in search of opportunity, breweries soon followed, providing fresh beer to workers...

Food + Beverage

A Very Pleasant Pheasant

Local insights for the best way to cook wild game Article and Photography by Julie Schnieders There is something wonderfully untamed about pheasant. Leaner and more deeply flavored than chicken, its meat carries the essence of the fields where it lived, slightly gamey and enticing to all the senses. It rewards tender care in the kitchen by filling the home with a warm, savory scent as it roasts, and the result is a dish that feels both rustic and refined through its delicate texture whether...

Food + Beverage

Edible Oddities

A round up of the valley's most eccentric eats Article by Summer Zalesky | Photography by Nikity Nak Creatives & Rachel Jobst Photography Did you know you can get escargot in the Flathead? Or order a bloody mary that constitutes a full-on meal? Our area might not be known for its culinary anomalies, but for the more adventurous eaters, we’ve dug a few out just for you. Our staff photographer Nicole and I had the opportunity to go on a self-guided food tour last month and talk with some of the...

Food + Beverage

Kids Eat Free

Treat the whole family to these six restaurants Article by Summer Zalesky As a mom of two littles, it's nice to have a break from cooking and cleaning the kitchen every single night. On the other hand, taking the kids out to eat can be chaotic, especially when they take two bites of their ten-dollar burger. On days like these I'm thankful for the restaurants in our community who provide a 'kids eat free' menu. Here is a list of all the eateries where you can bring your kids for a night-off...

Food + Beverage

How Far He’ll Grill

A pitmaster’s journey to the Moana red carpet Article by Summer Zalesky | Photography by Disney and Food Network The hot Montana sun isn’t the only thing baking the alligator to a crisp. The asado, an Argentine grill, cooks the exotic meat alongside racks of ram and mountain lion. I step under the canopy for some shade and space away from the cowboy boots kicking up torrents of dust. With the rodeo happening in the backdrop, the alligator jaws gleaming up at me seem strangely juxtaposed. How...

Food + Beverage

Where the Bread Shed Grows

Supporting local through pop up farmstands Article by Summer Zalesky | Photography by Nikity Nak Creatives "Is it Saturday?!" My kids jump into bed, excited as can be at the possibility of driving down the road and picking up some freshly baked English muffins for breakfast.  "It's Saturday," I laugh, snuggling them closer. "But it's only seven in the morning. We still have to wait a couple hours." They groan because, of course, waiting is the hardest part, and it's even harder when you're...

Life + Culture

Hat's Off to You

Bigfork's favorite DIY hat bar Article by Sydney Ludden | Photography by 406 Hat Bar I have a weakness for a good hat. There’s something about a new color or the right style that makes you stand up a little straighter and walk like you’ve got somewhere to be. So the first time I wandered into 406 Hat Bar in Bigfork, I didn’t need much convincing. 406 Hat Bar sneaks up on you, whether you already love hats or have never given one a second thought. When I caught up with co-owner Jamie Eliason...

Home Services

Smart Yet Simple

Home technology comes to life with Simple Tech Article by Chelsea Agro | Photography by Simple Tech You may have first heard the term “smart house” back in 1999 when Disney released an original science fiction comedy by the same name. The plot centered around a teenager who won a fully-automated dream house in a competition, but the computer-controlled home took over and life became more troublesome than ever before. For a rather anti-tech user like myself, I remember the film with fondness...

Life + Culture

Honoring a Heritage

Cultural centers, hoop dancing, and princess programs protect Indigenous peoples Article and Photography by Diana Dalke Nestled in Montana's Mission Valley, the Flathead Indian Reservation is far more than a place of breathtaking mountains, rivers, and wildlife. It is home to the Confederated Salish, Pend d'Oreille, and Kootenai Tribes, where culture, history, and tradition remain vibrant through education, storytelling, and community celebrations that connect generations. One of the...

Education

The Trail Guide

Kids build forts and confidence at Ancient Traditions Ranch Article by Kristi Sellers | Photography by Ancient Traditions Ranch For many parents, summer camp serves a practical purpose. It fills long days, provides entertainment and gives children a break from screens and daily routines. But at Ancient Traditions Ranch in Montana, the mission reaches far beyond simply keeping children busy.  From the beginning, founder Lindsey Jean envisioned something deeper. She wanted a place where her son...