Montana’s MAGIC DRAW – Reader’s Choice: Bozeman

Landing at Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport is like dropping in the middle of a Hollywood Western. Breathtaking views of the snow-capped Bridger Mountain Range, wildlife displays, and bins to “drop off” bear spray before boarding, signal you’ve arrived in National Park Country. Grab gear, trail mix, and hit the road. Let adventures begin.

With a Who’s-Moving-to-Bozeman Boom (Bozeman has been “booming” for years), this former sleepy little town is highly caffeinated and thriving.

Dot.coms, start-ups, and a bevy of Go West Young Men and Women types flock to this town of approximately 60,000. With a central location, minutes from majestic mountains, rolling rivers, quaint towns, even some ghost towns, geysers, ranches and ranges, ski resorts, and miles and miles of jaw-dropping backdrop, Bozeman makes the perfect jumping-off spot for exploration. 

Ya gotta love Bozeman just for the coffee, food, and low-key vibe. It boasts some of the best restaurants on the planet (yes!), shops and theaters on historic Main Street, vintage western wear shops, rodeos, breweries, bakeries, a vibrant live music scene. Combine all that with proximity to epic skiing, fishing and fly fishing, hot springs, and trailblazing! There is much to eat, see and do in and around BZN. 

GETTING THERE

From St. Simons Island, fly from Jacksonville with plane changes in all the major hubs (ATL, DFW, CLT, ORD, DEN). Depart early and arrive early afternoon with plenty of daylight to enjoy an afternoon or early evening stroll around town. The drive to Yellowstone, either the North Entrance (Gardiner) or West Entrance (West Yellowstone) takes about 1.5 – 2 hours. The drive to Big Sky takes about an hour and follows the Gallatin River, through the Gallatin Canyon with breathtaking views on either side. The drive to the iconic Bridger Bowl Ski Area (Big skiers who want big terrain with zero frills), is a 24-minute drive. 

STAY

The Lark Bozeman: Located on Main Street, within steps to everything, The Lark is a casual favorite with an outdoor wood-burning fireplace. Think cool Montana basecamp. The décor is simple and rustic with fun welcome touches from coffee and granola to artsy Western ski magazines (Bomb Snow) in the lobby. During the spring and summer months, an Airstream ice cream truck serves up cones in the parking lot. 

Kimpton Armory Hotel: Bozeman’s first (and only) luxury boutique hotel is located off Main Street in the landmark Armory Building, an original Art Deco design to house the Bozeman National Guard. Newly renovated, this hotel offers stylish guestrooms and a rooftop pool with views of Big Sky Country. 

EAT & DRINK

Bozeman boasts a vibrant, dedicated, and passionate coffee culture. Opinions are as strong as the coffee, but Roly Poly, with two locations (one on Main Street and one in the Warehouse District) tops every list. For “originals,” stop at Wild Joe’s. Founded in 2008, this “old school” coffee house serves espresso, tea, coffee, pastries, and other eats. You’ll find it filled with Western characters from sunup to sundown, some just wanderin’ in from the saddle. 

For dinner, book a rez (30 days in advance) at Blackbird. Serving rustic Italian, offerings include marinated olives, kale salad, bubbling hot pizzas, meatballs with a lotta parm, fresh bread, olive oil to die for, and a super-curated wine and craft beer list. Little Star Diner is another absolute must-go. Family-owned and operated by husband-and-wife team Charley Graham and Lauren Reich, the “chef and farmer” use locally sourced, organic produce, and pasture-raised meats to create dishes such as pork tamales, fried flathead lake trout tacos, and lamb and beef Bolognese. 

Shan will leave you speechless. Quite possibly one of the best restaurants on the planet. No exaggeration. Chef-owners Jarrett Wrisley and Candice Lin left Thailand and landed in Bozeman after the pandemic. Lucky us. Pairing locally sourced lamb, beef and bison with traditional Chinese and Thai techniques and flavors, the sizzling menu includes Sticky Tamarind Ribs, Duck Rice, and Chicken Khao Soi, a coconut curry, crispy noodle dish with mustard pickle and lime. 

DAY TRIPPING & TOURING

Livingston, famous for the wind (widely considered Montana’s windiest town) and celebrities who find themselves there living their dream life (Jeff Bridges, Michael Keaton, Meg Ryan, Peter Fonda and the list goes on), this historic town makes for an easy day trip from Bozeman. Stroll among funky boutiques, record stores, and restaurants. Like Bozeman, this is a food town but on a smaller scale.

A bit further away, and if you really want to see something mesmerizing, take a 3.5 hour drive north to the CSKT Bison Range (formerly the National Bison Range).

This tribal-managed range, in the center of the Flathead Indian Reservation, is home to 350-500 bison. Take a scenic, self-guided driving tour for glimpses of Bison, rescued from extinction, roaming free as well as glimpses of other wildlife, and fingers crossed, no grizzlies.