Helena, Montana (Winter Edition)
If you are sick of winter like most all of us in the Northwest after this seemingly harsh winter, see the summer edition of Helena, here. If you love winter, and are thrilled the groundhog saw his shadow AGAIN this year, keep reading.
Kris and I took off for Helena to visit a friend for a ladies weekend mid-February and it was just what I needed to make the last push for spring. We were so lucky to have bluebird skies, sunshine and dry roads.
Before arriving in Helena, our pit stop for grub and to stretch our legs was Missoula, a vital stop since we were traveling with two dogs. We were met by cloudy skies and brisk air but it felt good to be in a new place.
We enjoyed walking along the trail next to the river, which was filled with joggers and dog-walkers. Missoula is a city with a very active community, even in the winter months. It was surprising to see how many people were out exercising in the cold weather!
We made a stop at the Hip Strip, where our favorite clothing store, Betty Divine, is located to browse and sift through the clothing, jewelry, shoes, all while trying not to step on their in-store fat cat... yes, he sleeps in a suitcase.
Next, we wandered into Noteworthy Paper & Press to search for Montana-made souvenirs and post cards. This shop is a mecca for unique and beautiful cards and artwork. I picked up some post cards and Kris bought a unique piece of artwork depicting a forest scene. Missoula was hosting the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival this weekend. Although we didn't get to attend, I perused the pamphlet listing all the documentaries and it is definitely on my list for another visit to Missoula!
At the Good Food Store in Missoula, Kris and I accidentally, but thankfully, discovered Honey Mama's chocolate bars...my life will never be the same and neither will my waistline. These bars are truly heavenly, and they are made from only 5 whole food ingredients- raw chocolate, honey, coconut oil, sea salt and either shredded coconut or sprouted almonds. My body was rejoicing to find a treat that still worked for me on the elimination diet!
Once in Helena, after a very fitful night's sleep with rambunctious dogs running around everywhere after being reunited following more than six months of separation, we fueled up with a breakfast skillet from Main Street Eats in East Helena. Boasting a menu filled with hearty breakfast skillets, the basic farmer's breakfast of eggs/bacon, avocado toast, and some cinnamon roll french toast for the sweet tooth in your bunch, there truly is something for everyone here. They were very accommodating when it came to my food intolerances and whipped up this custom breakfast skillet for me!
After saddling up the dog sled team, we started up Mount Helena, feeling like we had just gone to the Full Belly Deli (it's a real place, I promise). Walking these four dogs is like wrangling some steers, although, some true Montanans may disagree with this statement. Note: the picture below was taken seconds before I got punched in the stomach by one of them jumping into me.
I can't stress enough how good it felt that spring was approaching, because the sunshine and fresh mountain air truly made me feel more invigorated. It is also nearly impossible to get a scenic picture of yourself and the mountains with this many dogs running around. I think I was lucky to get 1 good picture out of 300 attempts!
Down Dogs and Drafts Benefit for Historic Preservation: A trip with Kris and I would not be complete without some yoga. Lucky for us, Ten Mile Creek Brewing in Helena was hosting an event by the Montana Preservation Alliance. After hours in the car to get to Helena, our hike on Mt. Helena and our upcoming car ride home, we were happy to stretch the old muscles and relax.
Okay guys, after sampling this on my visit to Helena last summer, I was NOT about to miss out on Bad Betty's Barbecue! It was all poor Kris heard about for weeks leading up to our trip and I insisted that we plan excursions/events carefully once we were there to make sure we did not miss open hours on this restaurant! This is the local barbecue restaurant you hope to find when you're in Montana: one with deliciously tender smoked meats and old fashioned creamy potato salad paired with "wicked" spicy baked beans...are you drooling yet?
...Bad Betty's Barbecue, Helena Montana...
This was the perfect end to a great weekend in the Treasure State: some good barbecue and some good friends.
February, 2017.