Community News

Though it could be as simple as raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, we all have our own take on what comprises a few of our favorite things.  Living in Southwest Montana makes whittling that list down to “a few” very difficult.  What a wonderful problem to have!  This article is a compilation of some top responses one could expect if asking the question, “Why do you love living here?”
 
Snow -  First of all, it’s just plain beautiful.  Snow-capped mountain peaks that are picture-perfect abound.  But if you would rather play in it versus look at it, then skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling opportunities are also plentiful.  We are fortunate to have both Bridger Bowl and Big Sky Resorts right in our backyard, along with endless miles of cross-country ski trails.  
 
Outdoors -  This is one reason we make it on so many national Top 10 lists.  Beyond the above-named winter activities, there is fishing, hunting, hiking, golfing, and mountain biking….I could go on for days. 
 
Sports – First and foremost in my mind are the Montana State University Bobcats who provide collegiate-level sports entertainment.  Other fun events to attend include watching the Bozeman Icedogs hockey, Bozeman Bucks and Gallatin Valley Outlaws baseball, or even the Gallatin Roller Girlz roller derby.
 
Vibrant Arts Scene – Art Walks, galleries galore, and live theater are all plentiful throughout this area.  Performances shine even a little more brightly this time of year.  Think along the lines of the annual Nutcracker performance by the Montana Ballet Company, A Christmas Carol at the Ellen Theatre, and the Bozeman Symphony holiday spectacular.  The Shane Lalani Center of the Arts in Livingston and the Warren Miller Performing Arts Center in Big Sky provide stunning performance venues as well.
 
Dining – The choices run the gamut from one of the largest cuts of prime rib I’ve ever seen at Sir Scott’s Oasis in Manhattan to delicious wood-fired pizza and succulent main courses at Blackbird Kitchen on Bozeman’s Main Street.  Just a sampling of other noteworthy choices includes Montana Ale Works in Bozeman, Olive B’s Big Sky Bistro, Rainbow Ranch Lodge in Gallatin Canyon, Continental Divide Restaurant and Bistro in Ennis, Chico Hot Springs, and Montana’s Rib and Chop House in Livingston.  This is yet another category that I could probably dedicate an entire article to.
 
Access to Yellowstone National Park – Whether through Gardiner or West Yellowstone, you will be there before the cries of “Are we there yet?” can even begin.  Once you arrive, it is hard to tear yourself away. Winter is my personal favorite with pristine snow and more wildlife than people.
 
Natural Hot Springs – People who come from a more urban location might think the concept of soaking in natural hot springs versus a hot tub is a bit strange, but the experience keeps many locals coming back over and over.  Resort/ destination spots include Chico Hot Springs in Pray and Fairmont Hot Springs outside of Butte.  Many a day can also be spent in more mid-range spots such as Bozeman Hot Springs or White Sulphur Springs, and an even more truly rustic experience can be found at Norris or even the Boiling River just inside the Yellowstone National Park’s border. 
 
Ease of Access – The Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport continues to grow to meet the demand of business and leisure travelers alike.  Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, Delta, Frontier, and United all provide service to and from Bozeman.  I know that I am partial, but we have one of the most attractive facilities in the nation.  
 
Friendly Neighbors – It is still not unusual to come home to your sidewalks shoveled or neighborhood kids having thriving lemonade stands due to the generosity of those who live down the street.
 
Small Town Atmosphere – This may come in the form of festive 4th of July parades that can be found in Livingston and Ennis along with rodeo action, fireworks displays that bring locals out in full force in both group settings or random rooftops, or trick-or-treating festivities for the young crowd to enjoy one of the most beloved rites of childhood.  These traditions are yet another example of what makes a town special. 
 
Montana Backroads – Whether you go all out four-wheeling or just slightly off the beaten path, there are miles and miles and miles of them.  Some of the most interesting bars, cafes, roadside stands, and attractions can be found as you go.  And if you stop long enough to talk to the people you meet, you just might find that their hearty work ethic and love of the landscape is a common theme – whether they were born and raised here or just drawn to this new home. 
 
Micro-breweries  - They seem to be popping up more and more around the area as the success of the last encourages the next.  The business end of this topic involves the statewide association which now features over 40 members and growing.  The fun portion just points to the fact that a local brewery is a great way to end a long day of work or play. 
 
Distilleries – Not just for those with an affection for whiskey, the product lists for locally-made spirits include liqueurs, vodka, gin, and moonshine (yes, moonshine). 
 
Vibrant Main Streets - The Main Streets in Bozeman, Livingston, and Ennis, along with Big Sky’s Town Center and Meadow Village, have become vital to each town’s commercial growth while still maintaining a community feel. 
 
Farmer’s Markets and Music Festivals – Though it seems far off right now, summer is always just around the corner.  The thought of long, pleasant evenings full of fresh produce and homemade goods or local music wafting through the air can help keep us warm during the long, winter nights.  Sweet Pea in Bozeman, Summerfest in Livingston, Moods of the Madison in Ennis, and Music in the Mountains in Big Sky are all major events in their respective communities.  
 
As I reread this article, I will admit I am sitting here with a smile on my face and the overwhelming feeling of how fortunate I am to live in a place where it is so easy to be “in” a community and not “of” a community.