Typically when people think of traveling to Montana, Summer and Winter are their prime seasons. But there is something special about Spring in Montana if you're looking to relax without the tourism crowds.
Most of these were all recommendations from a local!
During the early Spring season, most of the wild animals have come out of hypernatkion with their cubs and are very hungry. In addition, there is likely still snow that has not melted yet. Therefore, hiking is not at its prime during the Spring Season. However, I recommend coming during summer months for hiking!
I recommend stopping at Wonderland Cafe and Lodge, which is located right outside the Montana entrance to Yellowstone National Park. Their Elk Chili was absolutely AMAZING! 100/10 rating. There are also spots to stop and hike, such as the Mammoth Hot Springs. It's stinky fri the sulphur but incredible to see!
It's actually a hotel that was built around one of Montana's most famous all natural hot springs. The hotel is beautoful and there is also horse back riding available! But you can pay to visit the hot springs by themselves for a day and it's definitely worth going!
Many horseback riding locations were not yet open for the season in early May, but Chico Lodge was so that was awesome! But there are many locations to check out horseback riding in Montana.
Bozeman is about 40 minute drive from Livingston so I recommend taking a 1/2 day to explore the town of Bozeman and the remainder of the day in Livingston Montana. Bozeman has great options for coffeee and breakfast, then you can head back to Livingston to shop around the town and have dinner.
One thing that Montana does not lack in is rivers, streams, and fly fishing shops. My family has been taking me fishing since I was a little girl, and our favorite thing to do is simply walk into a fly fishing shop and ask the locals fro their recommendations. I do recommend packing and bringing along your own fishing rods to save you some money, then you'll just have to rent out a time slot on someone's private property to fish their stream. But the views are spectacular!
Since we were traveling, my brother and dad were the only ones who brought their fly fishing rods. However, the day prior we had gone to a local cheese shop to pick out some charcuterie-type options to snack on through the week. We ended up bringing a large blanket from the AirBnB we were staying at, along with those cheese and crackers, and us girls had our own little picnic while watching the boys fish and front row to the spectacular mountains. Best decision!
One of my favorite parts about visiting new locations is to check out their agriculture! Right outside of Bozeman, we found Mark Huyser who also sells incredible meat. He was very generous with his time, has an awesome generations-old story, friendly to talk to and learn from. You can learn about his farm here!
We also checked out a local shop (The Spur Line) similar to Tractor Supply (for those in NC) where we got my dogs some toys. There was also a little local goods and flower shop next door (Wood Rose Market). We found local eggs, meats, grains, and more at this garden shop and it made us fall in love with the town!
Now, it’s time to grab our aprons and begin baking deliciousness! ’till next time! xxL
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“"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
