Travel

A Little Birdie Whispers Staycation

The Wren is a modern getaway for self care Article by Susie Wall | Photography by Rick Szczechowski Whether you are visiting from out of town or you’re a local looking to enjoy a staycation, The Wren Missoula has everything you need—comfort, unique amenities, and location, location, location. The Wren is a 73-room boutique hotel located on E. Main Street. Locals may remember it as a Days Inn prior to its restoration. “We’re smack dab in the middle of everything going on in downtown,” says...

Education

Active and Aware

Peak Performance Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine is a passion led business supporting Missoulians Article by Chelsea Lyn Agro | Photography by Rick Szczechowski “I’m fine.” How often do we hear this response? It’s second nature really—an automatic reply to keep things moving and progressing forward. We see it on the big screen constantly, reiterating how common and ok it is to just press on to win the big game or evoke some false sense of bravery or strength in an emotional scene. But...

Wellness

A Journey into Wellness

Aralia Health Article by Aralia Health | Photography by Renske Photo The modern healthcare experience often mirrors an impersonal conveyor belt—brief encounters, hasty assessments, and a shallow grasp of the individual behind the ailment. Yet, for Missoula’s Sarah T., this narrative was upended the moment she walked through the doors of Aralia Health. “For months, I battled relentless fatigue, digestive discomfort, and a sense that something was off,” Sarah reflects. “I’d been to doctor...

Health + Wellness

Align with Your Roots

BetterRoots Family Chiropractic makes movement easier for Missoulians Article by Chelsea Lyn Agro | Photography by Rick Szczechowski New Year’s resolutions can take many forms but no matter what we choose, the same maxim applies: “The preservation of health is easier than the cure for disease.” This nugget of wisdom from BJ Palmer guides the founders of BetterRoots Family Chiropractic, Doctors of Chiropractic, Morgan and Nico Smith. Together, they tag-team care to equip patients with the...

Food + Beverage

KettleHouse Cares

Local brewing company puts non-profits in the hands of customers when they pass them a beer Article by Chelsea Lyn Agro | Photography by KettleHouse Brewing Company KettleHouse Brewing Company is best known for its riverside taproom with rotating beers on tap, take-home cans, and live music events but they also, more subtly, support our community and region in important ways that you may not realize. The can in your hand makes it count.   Which non-profits have you supported in 2024 and...

Style + Beauty

Hats Off to the Holidays!

Betty V Vintage has a hat for every outdoor adventure this season Article by Betty Venom | Photography by Rick Szczechowski Beret, pillbox, breton, boater, cartwheel. Our cold weather season lends more opportunity for hats of every variety to send you out your door in style. Betty V Vintage uses the Saw Mill District to parade under the string lights and model several hats and complimenting outerwear. Yesterday's favorites can feel new and trendy for your next holiday festivity.    ...

Wellness

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Longtime community staple Vibrant Hearing bends your ear about how they can help with your hearing Article by Shelby Humphreys | Photography by Rick Szczechowski Deciding to go for a hearing test is among those small but significant decisions that lead to a life well lived. At Vibrant Hearing, they do more than help people hear better. Dr. Nora Martin, audiologist, and Alyssa Keith, board-certified hearing instrument specialist, focus on enhancing quality of life through hearing healthcare.  ...

Life + Culture

The Gravity of Gratitude

Our publisher Michael Tucker experiences mountain highs and valley lows Article by Chelsea Lyn Agro Many of you might remember a story titled "Mike Hikes" that published in January of 2022. In that story there are many mountains named: Lone Mountain, Crow Creek Canyon, Babcock Mountain, Trapper Peak, Saint Mary, Mount Baker, Mount Saint Helens, Manitou Incline, Mount Rainier. Mike hiked them all. The first quote in that story read: "There's always going to be a mountain that looks too high...

Wellness

Thankful for Therapies

Lavana Spa in Stevensville finds the peaceful place between medical and relaxation spa Article by Susie Wall | Photography by Rick Szczechowski An oasis of tranquility and wellness await at Lavana Connection Spa in Stevensville. “At Lavana it’s about treating the mind, body, and soul,” says owner Elizabeth Lindquist. “We’re a cross between a medical spa and a regular spa. We offer cosmetic benefits, but we treat so much more.” Originally from Corvallis, Elizabeth’s dream of opening a spa in...

Life + Culture

Humanity at the Heart of The Pulp

An echo of the Missoula Independent lives online and has plans for print Article by Shelby Humphreys | Photography by Rick Szczechowski Six years ago, Missoulians were shocked to hear about the sudden closure of our alt-weekly paper, the Missoula Independent . Rumors of a resurrected Indy circulated for five long years. Then, in 2023, Missoula’s local journalism tradition turned a new page with the launch of an online news organization called The Pulp . Indy fans might remember opening...