Big Sky is alive and full of life now that summer has hit in full speed. The majesty of the electric green fields, clear mountain backdrop and endless sky is truly enchanting. There is not a day that passes in which I do not feel very lucky to live in such a beautiful place.
Big Sky is quiet in the summer. It is a wonderful break from the crowds that swarm the entrance towns to Yellowstone, or any other national park for that matter. Big Sky is no Estes Park. You will not find t-shirt shop after t-shirt shop and stores filled with junk here. Big Sky offers a truly unique western experience. Our shops sell high quality goods, clothing, décor, jewelry and more. You can schedule a spa appointment at any number of spas in the area. I personally recommend checking out Hiking in Heels while you are in Big Sky. This small “beauty boutique” carries clothes for the fashionista in your group as well as offering spa treatments, makeup and jewelry.
Big Sky is also blessed with fabulous restaurants. I have reservations for Buck’s Main Dining Room on Friday night. I am very excited to showcase our restaurant, but also to eat there. Executive Chef Todd Christensen has done a fabulous job updating our menu while keeping classic dishes that everybody comes back for and offering a fresh spin on others. The food is the best I have tasted in town. No lie. I often patronize other restaurants and try to always pay credit to others, but as far as fine dining or steakhouses go, I truly believe that Buck’s Main Dining Room is where it is at.
If you want Thai food you must go to the Lotus Pad for dinner.
I love to drop into the Blue Moon Bakery in the mornings and grab a large latte, a freshly baked everything bagel topped with homemade jalapeno cheddar cream cheese and tomato slices. After my breakfast I usually head out on whatever day’s adventure holds. The variety of trails in the area seems to be endless. Although I have resided here for eight years, I have barely made a dent in the list. Some of my favorite hiking trails include; Cinnamon Mountain, which is a stout 4 and half mile climb to the a fire lookout tower which offers a spectacular view of Sphinx Mountain; Storm Castle, which is only 2 and half miles but is certain to get your heart pumping as you ascend a steep grade towards the magnificent rock structure on top resembling a castle on top of the mountain; Beehive Basin, this trail just outside of the Big Sky Resort a couple miles and offers 3 miles of beauty and an ever changing landscape. It brings hikers to a small mountain lake within a basin. One can look around and the steep chutes and high alpine landscape, and as you turn around it looks like the end of the earth drops off into the oblivion. Lava Lake, this trail is probably my all-time favorite. The trail is about 3 miles long and takes you to a large mountain lake surrounded by tall peaks. You can swim in the lake, on a hot day it is wildly refreshing. The trail stays relatively cool in the summer due to the fact that you hike mostly through a dense pine forest. About ¾ the way up you enter a patch of thimble berries. They are delicious; just make sure you keep your eyes out for hungry bears also feasting on the delicious berries.
As I sit here trying to decide on what to do for the 4th of July, it is hard to choose. Big Sky has so many fun events. (See www.bigskychamber.com ) I was also thinking of travelling to the park myself for a bike ride alongside the road. Then again, I may run off into the woods with a good buddy and we can hide from all the excitement and have a private 4th of July celebration. I think that is what is so charming and unique about Big Sky; if you want to be surrounded by people and take part in events there is always something fun to do. And if you want to have a quiet night alone or with only a few people, you have the option to escape into the mountains and you don’t have to go far to get away.
Montana may be the last best place on Earth.
Cheers,
Erin
