NEARBY TOWNS: Almost every afternoon or evening we would go to some of the nearby towns for sightseeing, shopping, or eating.
HUNGRY HORSE (12 miles): A name like Hungry Horse must have a legend behind it. "This small Montana town got its name from a pair of prodigal horses that broke loose from a pack string just before the first big snow of the season in early 1900. They lasted through a month of hard winter and were found alive and skinny chest deep in snow drifts. From then on, what is now a small town in the shadow of Columbia Mountain, hemmed in by the Middle Fork and South Fork of the Flathead River, became known as Hungry Horse."
Huckleberry Patch - Busiest place in town. Finally, found a day to stop when the parking lot wasn't jammed packed. Very cute store! Lots of huckleberry items, very expensive.
Hungry Horse Dam - Charming spot in a deep canyon on the South Fork of the Flathead River surrounded by more than 25 mountain peaks. "At 564 feet high, it is one of the largest concrete arch dams in the US, and its morning-glory spillway, with water cascading over the rim and dropping 490 feet, is the highest in the world." Visitor Center closed because of covid. Awesome views along the walkway next to the road over the dam. Even though it's still pretty smoky, the scenery was spectacular.
On the opposite side of the dam, a giant map describes the entire 120-mile loop road of the Reservoir Recreation area. Another place to come back and spend lots of time. Drove a little way along the West Side Road admiring the views.
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Huckleberry Patch - Busiest place in town. Finally, found a day to stop when the parking lot wasn't jammed packed. Very cute store! Lots of huckleberry items, very expensive.
Hungry Horse Dam - Charming spot in a deep canyon on the South Fork of the Flathead River surrounded by more than 25 mountain peaks. "At 564 feet high, it is one of the largest concrete arch dams in the US, and its morning-glory spillway, with water cascading over the rim and dropping 490 feet, is the highest in the world." Visitor Center closed because of covid. Awesome views along the walkway next to the road over the dam. Even though it's still pretty smoky, the scenery was spectacular.
On the opposite side of the dam, a giant map describes the entire 120-mile loop road of the Reservoir Recreation area. Another place to come back and spend lots of time. Drove a little way along the West Side Road admiring the views.
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COLUMBIA FALLS: (19 miles):
Backslope Brewery--burger & butter chicken bowl--really good food; outstanding parmesan garlic fries!
A&W - love their root beer, reminded us of summer vacations. Couldn't resist pulling in every time we passed by here for a yummy root beer float. Popular place, always a lineup of cars.
Farmers Market: Glad we happened to be in town this day. Enjoyed the local baked goods, especially nutella banana sweet rolls. Fesh-picked melons from Dixon Farms. One called "sinful" which is sort of tropical like a honeydew--sooo good!
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Backslope Brewery--burger & butter chicken bowl--really good food; outstanding parmesan garlic fries!
A&W - love their root beer, reminded us of summer vacations. Couldn't resist pulling in every time we passed by here for a yummy root beer float. Popular place, always a lineup of cars.
Farmers Market: Glad we happened to be in town this day. Enjoyed the local baked goods, especially nutella banana sweet rolls. Fesh-picked melons from Dixon Farms. One called "sinful" which is sort of tropical like a honeydew--sooo good!
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WHITEFISH: (28 miles): Small mountain town in an idyllic location below the majestic Montana mountains. Historic downtown:
Railroad Depot across from a pretty park.
Stroll along Central Avenue lined with shops and restaurants.
Went here on a rainy day, and the weather never improved so we didn't go up to the Whitefish Mountain Resort.
The couple of recommended restaurants (Tupelo Grille Craggy Range, Abruzzo Italian Kitchen) were closed or full with long waits. Ended up driving to Kalispel for food.
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Railroad Depot across from a pretty park.
Stroll along Central Avenue lined with shops and restaurants.
Went here on a rainy day, and the weather never improved so we didn't go up to the Whitefish Mountain Resort.
The couple of recommended restaurants (Tupelo Grille Craggy Range, Abruzzo Italian Kitchen) were closed or full with long waits. Ended up driving to Kalispel for food.
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KALISPEL: (35 miles) large city with all the usual chain stores and fast-food restaurants. Came several times for repair items at Home Depot Home Depot, Ace Hardware, and WalMart. Horrible traffic in this area and very slow.
MacKenzie River Grill - Ate here twice. Pizza outstanding, one of favorites. Tacos good fillings, shells sort of tough. Burger just ok.
MacKenzie River Grill - Ate here twice. Pizza outstanding, one of favorites. Tacos good fillings, shells sort of tough. Burger just ok.
2025-02-10