Montana Guide
Montana Guide
Stay tuned for upcoming articles detailing what happens when you lose power in the middle of a snowstorm, in -10º weather, on top of a mountain with a looming (and very hungry) grizzly bear...
montana
nov. 2022
bozeman - livingston - big sky
Below is a recap of the places we (a few friends and I) stayed at and explored during 5 days in Montana!
There was so much more we would have done but we thoroughly enjoyed our time!
I’ve included a few spots we didn’t get around to but came highly recommended by locals.
STAY / DO — LIVINGSTON, MT
Mountain/Secluded Stay (2 nights)
We stayed in a very secluded Airbnb.
I would not recommend staying in a remote cabin in the mountains during inclement weather or going into the winter season after October… regardless of having 4-wheel drive (which we had)!
The views were wonderful but it was quite isolated and our host was not responsive in the face of late night power outages and severe winter weather.
The driveway is 10 miles long off the main road and up a very steep mountain.
I WOULD recommend a 1-2 night stay in the mountains for the secluded experience of feeling truly "off the grid" in nature. Plan according to the season -- avoid if snowing.
*Livingston is in between Gardiner, MT and Bozeman, MT making it the perfect location for day trips to nearby towns and Yellowstone National Park.
Day Activities —
-Drive to Gardiner and see Yellowstone National Park!
-Walk around downtown Livingston, pop into the shops, and grab a local beer!
-Day trip to Bozeman to shop and dine!
-Gallery hop in downtown!
STAY — LIVINGSTON, MT
Downtown Historical Livingston (1 night)
We stayed 1 night in the Murray Hotel.
This historical hotel was one of Anthony Bourdain's top 10 favorite hotels; located in the heart of downtown Livingston and has a staff-operated elevator that is 100+ years old!
The Murray hotel is a short walk to all of downtown's shops, bars, and restaurants. Staying here felt like a glimpse into the early days of westward expansion with the comforts of modern amenities.
DINE — LIVINGSTON, MT
-True North Café
order the cappuccino with maple syrup + the fluffy egg sandwich
-Campione
didn't get to try but would recommend making a reservation — looked amazing and very chic!!
-Livingston Bar + Grille
get a drink at the beautiful historical bar!
-2nd St. Bistro
didn't get to try but would recommend making a reservation
*also an Anthony Bourdain favorite
-Pinky's
also didn't get to try but locals said it's the best breakfast in town!
-The Old Saloon - (Emigrant, MT -- short drive from Livingston)
a real western-feeling bar! recommended by many!
DO — Yellowstone National Park
-Drive to Yellowstone National Park
enter through the Park's north entrance in Gardiner, MT
-Bears Brew
grab a coffee here at the park entrance before driving through!
-Wonderland Café in Gardiner, MT
just outside of the park entrance, great for a pre-park sandwich!
-Mammoth General Store
great stop for Yellowstone merchandise inside the park!
STAY / DO — BOZEMAN, MT
-The Armory Hotel (1 night)
This hotel was a treat!!! Beautifully designed and in a great location… also had a wonderful hotel restaurant called Fielding’s. Ask for a room facing the mountains!
You must eat breakfast at Fielding’s!
Day Activities —
-Intrigue Ink (boutique)
great local goods and a hand-printed selection of Montana-themed shirts, sweatshirts, hats, mugs, etc.
-Stroll through the other boutiques and galleries of downtown
-Drive to Big Sky, MT for the day!
DINE — BOZEMAN, MT
-Revelry
great pizza, pasta, wine/beer
-Brigade
cozy atmosphere, awesome cocktails, great bread (and homemade butter), modern/American fare!
-Bozeman Main Street Market
stop by for a coffee and a little local shopping (there are store tenants within the market)
DINE / DO — BIG SKY, MT
-BYWOM Bistro
we stopped here for a casual lunch of soups, sandwiches, and some incredible cocktails!
-Montana Supply Store
great shopping with a men’s/women’s selection and some awesome ‘Supply Store’ logo merch! I walked away with an awesome new hat and had to stop myself from buying their t-shirts and sweatshirts…
-The Montage
I would have hid here and stayed forever if I could have… we drove up the mountain, valeted the car (complimentary), and sat by the fire to enjoy some tea and cookies amidst the snow. What could be more dreamy! If you’re in Big Sky, you HAVE to pop by the Montage…
