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Montana does the holidays differently. There's something authentic about how we celebrate here—parades down Main Streets lit by thousands of lights, community gatherings where everyone actually knows each other, tree lightings that feel less like events and more like traditions. Whether you're in a bustling college town or a quiet mountain village, the holiday spirit feels genuine, unhurried, and deeply connected to the place. We've spent years exploring Montana's holiday cel

Kate Stephens is a fourth-generation wheat farmer from Montana and the founder of Kate’s Ag, a platform dedicated to bridging the gap between farmers and consumers through storytelling, fashion, and education. Through her YouTube channel and social media, she advocates for family farmers by sharing authentic stories from rural America and highlighting how agriculture connects to both what we wear and what we eat. A senior at Cornell University studying International Agricultu

When Shirstie Gaylord walks through downtown Great Falls now, she sees it differently than she did eight years ago. Back then, she was hauling a six-foot table to the farmers market every weekend, selling Hometana's Montana t-shirts that she'd printed with her last few hundred dollars. She'd look around at the Mighty Mo Brewing crew, the Enbär group, Electric City Coffee (businesses that were saying downtown is cool) and think, I want to be one of them. Now she is. Today, Hom

Because Montana weather doesn't follow anyone's rules but its own. Packing for Montana isn't like packing for most destinations. Our weather has a personality—unpredictable, dramatic, and capable of throwing four seasons at you in a single day. Whether you're visiting the rolling prairies around Great Falls, exploring Glacier National Park, or experiencing the mountain towns that dot our landscape, what you pack can make the difference between a magical trip and a miserable o

From her roots in small-town Montana to leading one of the region’s most dynamic design firms, Jessica Hannesson—founder and creative director of Hannesson Home Interiors and Made for Home by Hannesson Home —has built a career on the belief that home should be both timeless and lived-in. This fall, her firm has been named a finalist in HGTV’s 2025 Designer of the Year Awards in the Kitchen + Dining category. It’s a milestone that underscores her growing influence while conti

Montana’s short-term rentals range from modern lofts in walkable downtowns to cabins tucked along creeks and homes with views that stretch for miles. For visitors discovering Big Sky Country or locals looking for a quick escape, these are a few of our favorite stays that capture the beauty and character of Montana. 1. Nest – Your Home Away from Home  (Missoula, MT) Looking for a stay that puts you steps away from Missoula’s culture and nightlife? Nest offers exactly that. Thi

Roxie Marchion, who grew up in Anaconda, Montana, has become renowned for her perfected cocktail pasty recipe, a legacy passed down from her mother.  Growing up, Roxie fondly remembers her mom whipping up hearty pasties that were a comforting staple in their household. Originally made as a pie-style dish, Roxie’s mother transitioned the recipe into smaller cocktail pasties, perfect for gatherings and casual get-togethers. Roxie’s mom passed the recipes down to her after she w

Montana’s landscapes have inspired countless artists, but for Clay Pape, they are the very heart of his work. A Montana native, Clay’s art reflects a deep connection to the place he grew up—capturing the colors, textures, and moods of the American West in a way that feels both timeless and alive. Known for his impressionistic chalk pastel pieces, Clay creates work that invites viewers to pause, reflect, and experience a sense of place. We sat down with Clay to talk about how

Based in Bozeman, Montana, Becca Skinner is a photographer, writer, and National Geographic Young Explorer whose work captures the powerful connection between people, wild places, and purpose. Through her lens, Becca blends conservation and adventure storytelling — creating images that remind us why protecting the places we explore matters. Here’s what she had to say when we asked her about life in Montana, creativity, and the inspiration behind her work. What’s one Montana l

Listen to this article on Spotify Vicki Carle was cleaning house when she took our call, moving from room to room while talking about the eight checks she'd sent out that morning. One to Livingston. One to Pony. A few more scattered across Montana. Each envelope contained a handwritten letter, sometimes artwork from kids, and a check for a thousand dollars with one simple instruction: use this money any way you see fit. What started in 2007 with a volleyball team wearing pink

I'm sitting outside Donation Warehouse in Missoula at 10 a.m. when I see Laci Rathbun turn the sign at the doorway from closed to open. When I walk in, Laci is already behind the counter. She sees me, smiles and immediately offers a tour which allows me access behind those "staff only" doorways. It gives me a peek into the inner workings of an impressive operation. Within minutes, I'm noticing things that don't match my assumptions about thrift stores. Why does this furnitur

Montana is home to some truly inspiring decor shops-from Missoula to Billings and everywhere in between. Whether you’re after statement furniture or small finishing touches, these are our top picks. Montana Decor At this Missoula favorite, discover mountain-modern furnishings and accessories with a Scandinavian touch, designed for stylish and comfortable mountain living. 135 E. Main Street, Missoula | montanadecor.com Honey Home & Design This light-filled shop offers a curate

Set on five peaceful acres with panoramic views, this horse-ready property blends classic farmhouse charm with modern design—tailored for those seeking space, style, and a life connected to the land. The two-story living room features a gas fireplace and expansive windows that frame the surrounding landscape. The designer kitchen features quartz countertops, custom cabinetry, a spacious island, and a walk-in pantry—ideal for entertaining and everyday living. The main level in

This year’s top paint brands are leaning into warmth, depth, and saturated color—with moody plums, rich browns, and anchoring blues taking center stage. From Benjamin Moore to Pantone, these standout shades feel fresh yet timeless, offering inspiration for every room. Whether you're planning a full remodel or just refreshing a wall or two, here are the colors of the year we’re loving for 2025. Benjamin Moore - Cinnamon Slate A heathered plum with velvety brown undertones Vals

The Parade of Homes season kicks off in September with a series of showcase events held in communities across Montana, each offering a chance to tour new and remodeled homes. These tours highlight the latest trends in architecture, interiors, and landscaping. They also celebrate the artistry and vision shaping Montana’s homes and communities. For those in the market for a new home, it’s an ideal opportunity to compare construction styles, architects, builders, and designers.

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, Montana comes alive with the colors and flavors of fall. From pumpkin patches to harvest festivals, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the season with family and friends. Whether you’re a local or visiting, here’s your go-to guide for the best fall activities in the region. Pumpkin Patches in Montana There’s nothing quite like picking out the perfect pumpkin to kick off fall. Whether you’re carving jack-o’-lanterns or de

Spooky season is here, Montana! From pumpkin carving to haunted houses that will give you chills, October is packed with ways to celebrate. Whether your ideal Halloween involves family-friendly trick-or-treating, costume contests with friends, or ghostly adventures after dark, you’ll find it happening across the Treasure State. We've organized our guide into the following sections: Family Friendly Halloween Events Haunted Attractions Haunted Tours Other Halloween-Inspired Eve

Montana may be known for its big skies and wild spaces, but its culinary landscape is just as expansive — and worth exploring. From mountain towns to historic mining cities, a new wave of restaurants is elevating the way we eat across the state. These aren't just places to grab a bite — they’re the kinds of restaurants that give you a real sense of place, where what’s on the plate is as thoughtful as the atmosphere around it. Whether you're planning your next weekend getaway

We’ve rounded up a go-to list of Missoula’s best kid-friendly activities so you don’t have to. As parents of young kids, we've explored play spaces and family-friendly experiences, and this guide features our top picks. Discover a variety of exciting experiences that will keep your kids entertained and create unforgettable family memories. Have a favorite spot or one that we missed? We'd love to hear from you! Send us a note here  or comment on Facebook  or  Instagram ! We've

Missoula’s coffee culture is as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re fueling up for the day, settling in for a work session, or catching up with a friend, these local favorites are worth visiting. Clyde Coffee  - 741 S Higgins Ave, Unit A Trendy and bright, Clyde Coffee is a community hub on the Hip Strip that buzzes with energy from morning to afternoon. Known for its sleek style and locally roasted beans, it’s a go-to for creatives, students, and anyone lo