Downtown Kalispell, Montana
A view into Glacier National Park as seen from a pasture in Kalispell, MT.
When we are in Montana, our home base is Kalispell, MT. Called "the Gateway City to Glacier National Park", Kalispell sits in the Flathead Valley, and is home to a little over 22,000 residents and even more cows and horses. At least it feels that way. Pretty sure it's a fact. Being in a valley, Kalispell is obviously surrounded by the mountains (duh). And they are majestic! Kalispell, and the valley is home to some of the most amazing natural beauty I've ever seen.
One of many funky little shops that line Main Street in Kalispell, MT.
The downtown is -- like many of our stops along the way -- groups of historic brownstones and renovated turn-of-the-century buildings housing art galleries, western wear stores, plus many more "modern" clothing shops, restaurants, salons, home design shops and the like. Some of our favorites include:
THE TOGGERY: For outdoor and casual clothing. They carry a lot of the brands we love, including Kuhl (there are two dots over the "u", I don't know how to do that), Patagonia, North Face, Prana, etc., plus a huge selection of footwear, jewelry, belts, t-shirts and more. I think we went there three times to complete some of our Christmas shopping. Highly recommended. And they wrap. http://toggerymontana.com.
SPORTSMAN'S: For outerwear, casual wear, and sports gear of every kind. Want a concealed carry leather purse with turquoise and silver accents? You got it. Cammo of every flavor and design? Of course. Plus bikes, camping gear, everything for skiing, fishing. You name it. They, too, wrap. https://www.sportsmanskihaus.com.
WESTERN OUTDOOR: This place takes the western theme up a few notches. Cowboy boots and hats galore, more western wear than this New Hampshire girl could ever need, but I sure like looking at it! http://www.westernod.com.
And now for food options....
MONTANA COFFEE TRADERS: Coffee and breakfast like no other. Gotta love their slogan -- "How you bean, man?"! Huge omelets, eggs, pancakes, pastries, etc. And the coffee. It's really good. https://www.coffeetraders.com.
NORM'S NEWS: If your hometown ever had a lunch counter with penny candy and magazines from everywhere, then you will feel right at home here. Soda, hot dogs, ice cream served the old fashioned way. It will take you back. Nostalgic AND delicious. http://www.normssodafountain.com.
406 BAR AND GRILL: If you're looking for something a little more upscale in Kalispell, this is my choice. Small plates, full meals, great wine and cocktails. The bar is sure to have your favorite sporting event on. Great food and drink, great atmosphere. http://www.406barandgrill.com.
Bob enjoying his beef stroganoff (not as good as mom's) while I tackle a petit filet, garlic smashed potatoes and corn with jalapeño, red pepper and cilantro at the 406 Bar and Grill.
Last, but by FAR not the least, is Moose's Saloon, featuring beer by the pitcher, amazing pizza, fresh peanuts and I guess there are other things they offer, but I've never had them. It is first and foremost a saloon. Walk through the swinging wood doors and step into a dimly lit bar with sawdust and peanut shells on the ground. The jukebox is playing, there are video games, a few crusty cowboys at the long bar, plus locals galore. It is always packed. We wait for a table as usual, and eventually slide into a booth with red vinyl seats and wooden posts heavily carved with names and initials of former patrons. You order the beer at the bar, you order the peanuts and pizza at a window and wait. The pizza comes on a metal tray, with little metal plates like what I imagine they get in prison. The pizza is crispy and hot and delicious. Can't come to Kalispell without a trip to Moose's.
Swinging saloon doors, pitchers of beer, peanuts and pizza with a western vibe and 80's rock and roll on the jukebox. It just does not get any better. Plenty of choices set in nature's wonderland. Kalispell is a great town by any measure.