Archive for the ‘Travel’ Category

Which Montana Museum Should You Visit?

♥ July 27th, 2009 , Tags : , , , No Comment

Rosie Dawson asked:


For people who enjoy history, art and learning about how things were prior to now, you probably also love going to museums. Montana boasts an impressive number of museums and art galleries, 274 to be exact!

With so many museums spread out over the state, I can easily see why it would be so hard to figure out which ones to go to and which ones are worth the time. As we know some museums, if not put together well, can turn out to be pretty boring and uneventful. Here are some of the Montana museums that are not a waste of time.

The CM Russell Museum: Established in 1953, the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls, Montana owns the most complete collection of Charles Russell art and personal objects in the world. C.M Russell was an artist of the American West who created paintings of cowboys, Indians and landscapes set in the Western United States. He also created bronze sculptures. The permanent collection at The C.M. Russell Museum is comprised of over 12,000 paintings and objects.

The Moss Mansion: Located in Billings, this historic house museum captures early turn-of-the-century life of the Preston Boyd Moss family. The mansion is a red sandstone structure built in 1903 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will see original draperies, fixtures, furniture, Persian carpets and artifacts during their guided tour. The Moss Mansion was designed by Henry Jane Hardenbergh who also designed the original Waldorf-Astoria.

The Yellowstone Art Museum: Also located in Billings, the Yellowstone Art Museum is an important visual arts center for the surrounding region. Founded in 1964, it is now a fully accredited Museum. There are over 3,000 painting and objects which have exceeded all expectations of growth and popularity of the museum.

The Western Heritage Center: This historic building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Located in Billings as well, it was originally the Parmly Billings Library, built in 1901 by Billings founder as a memorial to his son, Parmly. Within the beautiful main floor old oak galleries are changing exhibits where the stories of peoples of the Yellowstone River Valley unfold.

Museum of the Rockies: One of the most popular museums can be found in Bozeman, Montana. The Museum of the Rockies focuses mainly on dinosaurs and Paleontology, but also houses an amazing Planetarium for a new perspective on Montana’s Big Sky. There is also a great exhibit on Lewis & Clark, often thought of as America’s greatest adventure story. Another great feature is the living farm which allows kids to see and also experience what life was like over a century ago on a Montana homestead.

Of course there are many amazing Montana museums that I could cover, but it would be hard to cover the many aspects of each museum in just one article. The few that I have listed are some of the more exciting and equally entertaining museums for both adults and children, which as we all know, is a very important quality!



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Big Sky Vacations

♥ July 19th, 2009 , Tags : , , , No Comment

Caitlin Moore asked:


Known for its proximity to Yellowstone National Park, year-round activities, and a sense of peace unmatched by most other ski resorts, Big Sky in Montana is high on most savvy travelers’ lists of places to visit at some time in their lives. Just utter the name and you’ll feel the thrill of what’s to come; peace, simplicity, and supreme beauty.

Big Sky is indeed worth visiting during either the winter or the summer season, so whatever your temperament calls out for you’ll find an answer to here. If the cold weather is what gets you going, you’ll be happy to know that the resort receives about 400 inches of annual snowfall and has 85 miles of ski runs that never lose their luster due to overcrowding. Take this opportunity to absorb yourself in skiing, or explore something new by learning to snowboard.

If speeding downhill is a bit too much to handle, there’s plenty more to do that will get you out there enjoying the winter wonderland. Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and even horseback riding and winter fly-fishing are all available. Cozy up with your honey in the back of a sleigh or ride the lifts just for fun, as long as you end your day with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire it will be time well spent.

Ski competitions, parties, festivals, and family-oriented activities add a celebratory touch to life at Big Sky, so check the calendar of events to plan your visit around something extra special. Nothing is better than bundling up, heading outside, and hearing the snow crunch beneath your feet when you’ve been cooped up in a classroom or office all season, so get ready to acclimate yourself to a whole new environment and way of seeing the world.

If you’re less ski-bunny and more fun-in-the-sun, a summertime Big Sky visit will satisfy your warm weather wanderlust. Hike, raft, play, fish…you’ll need several days to really soak it all in, so plan accordingly. Golf and tennis make for fun ways to burn some calories, but nothing compares to packing a lunch, some water, and heading out for a firsthand exploration of the Montana wilderness. Ten miles of mountain biking trails will challenge the adventurers in your group, and there’s even a Freeride Park for the ultimate daredevils who get their kicks from jumps and ladders.

Disc golf and scenic lift rides continue to add to the fun, as do the tournaments and parties that give the summer months a bit more punch. There’s always something going on, so bring lots of energy and a desire to be entertained and enveloped in all that Big Sky has to offer after the snow has melted.

An extensive array of spa offerings, facilities for large groups, and daycares are a few more details that will smooth the edges of this trip and make it above complaint. No need or want will go unanswered during this holiday, especially if you take the time to pick out accommodations of high quality, as well. Big Sky vacation rentals are a smart route to take, as each of these cabins, lodges, and condos are equipped not only to handle visitors, but to make you feel happy to be alive.

Imagine a log cabin that seems to exist in its own time and place, outfitted with modern conveniences yet stirring within you feelings of tradition, warmth, and family togetherness. With room for all the people you love plus conveniences like kitchen appliances, a washer and dryer, and even things like hot tubs and a piano, you’ll want to return to this place for every future vacation.

If you think Big Sky has what it takes to qualify itself as being worthy of you and your family’s attention, then sit up and start planning. The seasons are spinning by as we speak, and it’s a shame to let another one pass without an outstanding vacation to bookmark it in your memory. Go online to explore a few Big Sky Vacation Rentals and prepare to train your gaze on a whole new portion of the heavens.



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Where to Find the Best Hotels – Billings, Montana

♥ July 16th, 2009 , Tags : , , , No Comment

Rosie Dawson asked:


When planning a vacation, unless you are staying at a friend or family members house, you inevitably will need somewhere to stay. In Billings, Montana there are many hotels that could definitely suit your needs. However if you are looking to stay in the best rated hotels by actual customers and want a great experience, this is where you are going to find your answers. I have searched through multiple travel websites and put together a list of hotels that have been rated highly by regular people like you and me. No critics or reporters here, just easy going travelers looking for an adventure and to create lasting memories!

Rated #6: Country Inn & Suites by Carson (231 Main Street, Billings, MT 59105)

It is described as being incredibly cleanly, nicely decorated and also incredibly convenient because it is located minutes from Billings airport and also the interstate. The rooms themselves are very spacious and include many amenities such as wireless internet and cable tv with HBO. There is a heated indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, laundry facilities, computer center and even free continental breakfast in the morning. One guest had left a comment saying “the beds were rock hard and gave them back pain” however since then Country Inn went through the trouble of upgrading all of the mattresses to Serta Elite pillowtop for a comfy nights sleep! Rooms are available at under $200 a night.

Rated# 5: Clubhouse Inn & Suites (5610 South Frontage Road, Billings, MT 59101)

Pet lovers favor this hotel since it allows them to bring their furry friends along for vacation. Rated highly for cleanliness and also for spacious rooms. Some amenities include free parking, free breakfast, heated indoor pool and hot tub, business center, exercise room and rooms for disabled guests too! Located off I-90 as well for easy access. Room are available under $100 a night.

Rated # 4: Best Western Clock Tower Inn (2511 First Avenue North, Billings, MT 59101-2320)

This two-story hotel is situated in the heart of downtown, within walking distance from shops, theaters and a museum. You can take a courtesy coach from the Billings airport to the hotel in about 10 minutes time. Many guest have said the rooms are comfortable and that the staff is outstanding as well as accommodating! The hotel itself is older but has had many renovations and remodeling to bring it up to date. There are rooms available under $100 and this hotel is also pet friendly!

Rated # 3: Residence Inn Billings (956 South 25th Street West, Billings, MT 59102)

This hotel is only a little over a year old, open since July 2007, and has been decorated true to Montana. Themed throughout with horses and cowboys, it is set up in such a way that it is not overbearing, which makes it very appealing. The rooms are large and comfortable with goose down comforters. Every review I read was rated with a 5 being the best accept one. That review said that the air conditioning was so noisy they couldn’t sleep at all. I’m not sure if there was something wrong with it when they visited but I haven’t seen any more reviews like that so overall it seems like a wonderful place to stay! Rooms average at about $146 a night.

Rated # 2: Hilton Garden Inn (2465 Grant Road, Billings, MT 59102)

Something a lot of people seemed to like about this hotel is the restaurant and bar located within it. They feature happy hour from 6:00 to 8pm and surprisingly it is not over crowded! A lot of people said that finding the hotel was awkward since it is not on a main road and located back aways. High ratings were in almost everything, service cleanliness, value, the only low rating was in location as it was hard to find. Their website says they have new garden sleep system beds and 32 inch flat panel hdtv, not sure if that is in select rooms because they do not specify. Average price is about $136 a night.

Out of the 42 hotels located in Billings, Montana, these are the top hotels rated # 2-6. So what about the #1 hotel? I have written a large article covering the #1 hotel in Billings mainly because I believe travelers may need a little more information then 3-7 sentences. I’ve included the article link below in my author summary for you!



Montana Vacations

Going To The Sun Road 75th Anniversary – Glacier Park

♥ March 12th, 2009 , Tags : , , , No Comment

Chief of the Blackfeet Nation and Chairman of the Blackfeet Tribal Council Earl Old Person addresses the crowd at the 75th Anniversary of the Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park.


Big Sky Country near Kalispell, Montana USA

♥ January 20th, 2009 , Tags : , , , No Comment

This is a short panoramic view of the surrounding territory at Mount Joy Road near Kalispell, Montana.
This was filmed in early October of 2007.


YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

♥ December 20th, 2008 , Tags : , No Comment

All original footage filmed by DelisaProductions. Royalty free music.Take a tour of the natural beauty of Yellowstone. Filmed in July 2007. What you will see…
1. Midway Geyser Basin
2. Waterfall
3. Bison
4. Hot Spring
5. Osprey
6. Mammoth Hot springs (Upper Terrace)
7. Black Bear
8. Yellowstone River
9. Elk
10. Lower Falls
11. Upper Falls
12. Bighorn Sheep
13. Moose
14. Yellowstone Lake
15. Firehole River
16. Grizzly Bear
17. Kepler Cascades
18. The Grand Canyon Of The Yellowstone
19. Upper Terrace
20. Rabbit
21. Black Bear
22. Old Faithful


Glacier Park Going to the Sun Highway

♥ October 20th, 2008 , Tags : , , No Comment

The drive from St. Mary’s Lake, over Logan Pass (with a short hike to Hidden Lake) and to Lake McDonald. Last of the series on Glacier National Park, Montana. A Narrated Slide Show.


Northwest Montana Waterfalls

♥ August 20th, 2008 , Tags : , , No Comment

Fun at Pinkham Falls, Northwest Montana.


Yellowstone National Park Film

♥ March 20th, 2008 , Tags : , No Comment

Yellowstone National Park is the world’s first national park, and the birth of a great idea of preservation.
This short film covers a lot of the northern half of Yellowstone National Park, including Norris Geyser Basin and Canyon area, Gardiner, the North Entrance Arch, along with Dunraven and Tower Falls, plus more.
Also in film: Bison, Elk, and more wildlife.
Catch the stunning Yellowstone sunset at the end, amazing.
Yellowstone National Park is a magical place, go there if you ever get the chance.
Work there as well, you can work and play there in the park all summer, and make some money too.
I have worked three summers there, and met amazing people.
(I am not affiliated with website below, just wanted to post it for the ease of anyone curious about working in Yellowstone)
Visit this site:
www.yellowstonejobs.com


Montana Snowbowl

♥ January 21st, 2008 , Tags : , , No Comment

Skiing and Snowboarding at Snowbowl ski area near Missoula, MT.