Life + Culture

Together, We Play

Inside Wildtorium's family-focused museum Article by Sydney Ludden | Photography by Porsche Jean Photography The first snow always slows me down, but it sure doesn’t slow down my daughter. As a mom of a very busy and active toddler, finding indoor activities during the winter to engage her with is high on my list. That is why I was thrilled to learn about the opening of Wildtorium, the Flathead Valley’s new interactive museum for families. This is exactly what we’ve been missing! Speaking...

Food + Beverage

Festive Foraging

Food and drink experts note that juniper foraging can add flavor to the holidays Article by Julie Schnieders The silvery-green shimmer of wild juniper trees dot the hillsides around the Flathead Valley. The dusty blue berries ripen in early fall and into winter, making it the perfect time for seasoning a roast, infusing syrup, or making a marinade. The citrusy, piney flavor of a juniper berry also makes for a special addition to a holiday feast or celebration.  Private chef Chris DiMaio of...

Life + Culture

Community at its Core

Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork shares the efforts of an unincorporated community Article by Marko Capoferri | Photography by Porsche Jean Photography “Care” is a many-faceted word. It’s a word Sterling Bax—executive director for the Community Foundation for a Better Bigfork (CFBB)—uses liberally when describing what it is the foundation does. And it’s for good reason that care comes up so often when talking about CFBB: their work is also multifaceted, the work never stops, and it’s...

Food + Beverage

Mrs. Claus’s Espresso Martini

Indulge in this Whistling Andy Distillery holiday recipe Photography by Andy's Crafthouse/Whistling Andy Distillery Did you ever stop to think who keeps Santa flying all over the world? Who keeps the reindeer up to speed on directions and timeframes? It's safe to say that Mrs. Claus has a hand in all the details. Craft this perfect holiday cocktail in honor of the lady behind the man in red—the ideal twist of winding down and gearing up.    Mrs. Claus’s Espresso Martini 1½oz. Whistling...

Food + Beverage

Gourmet Hot Chocolate

Spruce up your next holiday party with a little frosty creation Article by Angela Broockerd | Photography by Janie Jones Gourmet Hot Chocolate Add a little extra pizazz to your hot chocolate by using half and half instead of milk, sprinkle with cinnamon and top with a snowman made out of marshmallows and pretzel sticks.   Ingredients: 1 cup powdered sugar ½ cup of cocoa powder 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional  Milk or half and half   Instructions: Add all ingredients in a bowl and stir...

Professional Services

The Ride of Rescue

Two Bear Air Rescue's chief pilot shares a behind-the-scenes look at the world-class aviation support of our region Article by Chelsea Agro | Photography by Porsche Jean Photography “It’s almost like you’re looking through binoculars and trying to drive a car,” says Chief Pilot of Two Bear Air Rescue James Heckman, as he references the risks and challenges of piloting a helicopter at night to complete a rescue. This particular flight was a call from Borah Peak, Idaho where a hiker was...

Life + Culture

Determination on a Dirt Trail

Diagnosis didn't stand a chance when it came to Jewel Basin Article and Photography by Julie Schnieders After moving to Montana, I didn’t expect to be diagnosed with an autoimmune condition. Always an outdoor enthusiast, I dreamed of hiking and skiing for the rest of my life. As I sat in the doctor’s office, I wondered “Would I be able to hike and ski again?” Grief filled my mind until a nurse came in. She told me I had two choices: give up or be even more active. I chose the latter.  ...

Life + Culture

Camaraderie in Community

Bigfork VFW Post 4042 has veterans and community at the heart of every effort Article by Susie Wall | Photography by Porsche Jean Photography Members of Bigfork VFW Post 4042 dedicate their lives to service of their country and to service in their community. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) is a nonprofit national service organization and one of the oldest veterans’ organizations in the country. Membership is made up of eligible veterans and military service members...

Local Services

A Brotherly Business

Roof Ops reunites three brothers and sets a new standard for roofs in our region Article by Sydney Ludden | Photography by Roof Ops Founded in 2022 by brothers David, Jeremiah, and Joshua Foote, Roof Ops has quickly built a reputation for exceptional work in breathtaking locations across the Flathead Valley. Based just behind the Glacier airport in Kalispell, the company has already completed more than 200 projects from Eureka to Lakeside, delivering roofs that are as practical as they are...

Life + Culture

The Cherry on Top

Going all organic was important and necessary for the Gleasons when it came to their cherry farm Article by Marko Capoferri | Photography by Porsche Jean Photography Whereas Montana winters can sometimes feel drawn out and drab, summer in Montana is a veritable Eden of natural abundance—think Dixon melons, wild huckleberries, and so much more. But nothing says “summertime” in Western Montana quite like Flathead cherries. And even though the bright season is behind us, we went behind the...