Plentiful bounty abounds in Missoula, nicknamed the “Hub of Five Valleys.” Located along the Clark Fork River in western Montana near the confluence of the Bitterroot and Blackfoot Rivers, the city sits at the convergence of five mountain ranges.
Start the day with a hike after a good night’s rest at the new, modern AC Hotel by Marriott Missoula Downtown, which blends Spanish style with local art. The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula — Edgewater sits downtown and offers views of the tranquil Clark Fork River.
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Missoula —Edgewater.
In downtown Missoula, the seven-mile Ron MacDonald Riverfront Trail System follows the banks of the Clark Fork River along the path of the Old Milwaukee rail tracks. Mount Sentinel, also known as “the M,” is the most popular hike. The 1908 landmark is a ¾-mile walk. With another mile of effort up to Mount Sentinel, Mount Jumbo, Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and the Bitterroot Mountains come into view.
After working up an appetite, grab a canelé, a French pastry with a custard-like center and caramelized crust, at Le Petit Outre. To wash down the delectable bites, head to Ducrey Chocolate Maker for hot sipping chocolate made from the 75% dark chocolate bars handcrafted in-house.
Good Food Store.
On Saturdays through October at the Missoula Farmers’ Market, discover the best and freshest foods of western Montana. The Good Food Store is another source for locally produced and organic foods. Procure some bread and cheese, and head to Ten Spoon Winery to sip wines made from French-American hybrid grapes and Flathead cherries.
KettleHouse Brewing Co.
For the beer aficionado, KettleHouse Brewing Co. offers Cold Smoke, their flagship dark ale with a coffee finish. Near their Bonner taproom, when possible, catch a concert at their new outdoor amphitheater on the banks of the Blackfoot River. Western Cider ferments spirited refreshments from heirloom apples grown in an orchard 30 miles outside Missoula.
Upon returning to town, step into the new $37-million, four-story Missoula Public Library designed by Chris Martison and Traci Lesneski.
Scotty’s Table.
In the evening, Wally & Buck serves up smash burgers made from local Oxbow Cattle Company beef, while Scotty’s Table showcases the best of Montana’s farmers, growers and producers in the lower level of the historic Wilma Theatre. Afterwards, take in a movie or performance at the Wilma. Toast the day’s end with a cocktail back at FINN in the DoubleTree.
