Travel Tuesday - Montana

While most kids went to camp or Florida or on other tropical vacations with their families during the summer, I had the most outstanding privilege of going to Montana. For two weeks (sometimes more) in the summer, our family of five packed up to stay with our grandparents in Swan Valley, MT. 

Nana and Papa had a log cabin that had a well and an old train caboose in the yard. Once a summer, the cousins would have an overnight in the "haunted" caboose to see if we "came out alive". 

As much as I didn't completely appreciate it then, I did enjoy daily trips to the swimming hole, day hikes, cookouts, and daydreaming what it would be like to live permanently in Montana.

Exact caboose, wrong location.

I've entertained the idea of going back for vacation, even though Troy is not the backwoods type. Something tells me that I would definitely enjoy this place a lot more when not under parental supervision. No Dad, I'm not going to get swept into the river and lost forever...

So if you want to head to the Northwest, definitely pick the summertime.

Forewarning: this itinerary will take you all over the northwest corner of the state. Lucky for you, the state has no speed limit. 

-Paws Up Resort (I believe this was Double Arrow Ranch when I was 6) 

Very swanky, yet rustic. The food is probably what I'd be the most excited about, and luxury tents, horseback riding, and campfires.

-The Hungry Bear on Hwy 83 in Condon, MT. An institution and a great open dining room.

-Glacier National Park (whitewater rafting, hiking, see a glacier, amazing)

-Flathead Lake Trails, and apparently they have a Cherry Orchard

-Bigfork Downtown. Quaint little shopping promenade

(don't forget Bigfork Fudge Co.)

-Flathead Brewing Company

                                                                                                                  

-Visit a Huckleberry Festival (Huckleberry ice cream is the best in the world) 

Don't forget your camera. Part of this area's charm is the breathtaking scenery.  

Image: www.top50ranches.com

Image: http://0.tqn.com/d/honeymoons/1/S/v/R/15Rafting.jpg

Frommer's has one-week and two-week itineraries for Wyoming and Montana (jointly) that look pretty exciting as well. If you're going to make the most of the West, I'd definitely take their word and explore Jackson Hole, the Grand Tetons, and Yellowstone National Park. Also, I'd extend the trip further to include the spas in Idaho and Coeur d'Alene.