Local stores get national exposure
<p style="margin-top: 5px;">The Shops at Station 8, on U.S. 2 in Columbia Falls, was cited by National Geographic magazine’s new online Web site “Where The Locals Go Montana."</p>
Several local businesses and places are featured in National Geographic magazine’s new online Web site “Where The Locals Go Montana.”
In addition to the expected — Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness — local businesses that made the list include The Shops At Station 8 in Columbia Falls, Norm’s News in Kalispell, the Belton Chalet in West Glacier, and the Montana Fur Trading Company in Martin City
Recent content for the Web site was produced by National Geographic photographers assigned to capture the best of Montana during June and July. The content includes photos by Montana-based photographer Ami Vitale.
The Web site was launched in March in partnership with National Geographic Traveler as a season-by-season guide to the state’s off-the-beaten-path attractions. Montana was the first U.S. destination area to get its own “Where The Locals Go” online hub.
Among the featured businesses and sites:
Best of Montana year-round
Shopping —The Shops at Station 8, in Columbia Falls
Food and drink — Norm’s News Soda Fountain & Candy Shop, in Kalispell
Places to stay — two choices, the Belton Chalet, in West Glacier, and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, in Whitefish
Museums — Hockaday Museum of Art, in Kalispell
Family activities — Whitefish Mountain Resort
Scenic drives and trails — two choices, the Amtrak Empire Builder and the 400-mile-long Montana Scenic Loop that circles the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex
Nature and wildlife — four choices, Glacier National Park, the National Bison Range, in Moiese, Wild Horse Island State Park, in Flathead Lake, and Lone Pine State Park, in Kalispell
Best of Montana in summer
Shopping — Montana Fur Trading Company, in Martin City
Places to stay — two choices, family camping at Lake Mary Ronan State Park, and the Good Medicine Lodge, in Whitefish
Outdoor recreation — a backcountry trip to the Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex
Festivals and events — The Event at Rebecca Farm, in Kalispell
Best of Montana in winter
Outdoor recreation — guided snowshoe walks in Glacier National Park
Scenic drives and trails — sunrise or sunset snowmobile tour, Swan Mountain Snowmobiling, in the Flathead Valley
Festivals and events — Whitefish Winter Carnival and World Skijoring Championships, in Whitefish
Food and drink —Montana Coffee Traders, Whitefish
Family activities — Base Camp Bigfork Dog Sledding, in Bigfork