Best Of Columbia Falls to Essex... 2023
Hilary Hutcheson and Ebon Robinson of Lary’s Fly and Supply. Hutcheson was named best guide and their shop was named the best place to buy outdoor gear.
An arial view of the Hungry Horse Reservoir, best lake.
A hiker at Avalanche Lake, best hike in Glacier.
The Barstool Race in Martin City.
Super One on Highway 2 won best grocery market/farm store.
The Blue Moon on Highway 2, best bar for singles.
Tyler Gilfry won best athlete.
Cami Spencer, best hairstylist and FIKA Salon, best Salon.
Megan Crawford, best artist.
Skye Duncan, general manager of the Hucklberry Patch, best gift store.
From left, Ryan Presta, Donel Washburn, Don Bulleck, Laurie Jones, Leanne Roberts, Mac Cusick, Kinzie Ogden and Craig Walker of Gil's Furniture.
Lee and Wendy Plummer, Soup Spot, best food truck.
Jayden Walker with a scoop of huckleberry cheescake, Sweet Retreat, best dessert.
Smile Montana staff, from left, Dr. Ben Crockett, Erica Friske, Makayla Bridwell, Avalon Viau, Dr. Jesse Elledge.
Heather Peters and McKenna Rensel at Friske Bean, who won best coffee.
Brianna Erickson and Michael Lavin of PTA Physical Therapy Columbia Falls.
Chris Nagel, Dad Bod Desiel.
Kelly's Pub won best casino, from left, Lori Bradley, Jolene Begay, Karina Fonzalez.
Barbara Jenkins, best barber.
The boys and girls club.
Brienne Stekly, Columbia Falls Yoga, best yoga instructor. (JP Edge photo)
Montana Heritage Homebuilders was named best homebuilder.
Justin Harmon of Flathead Industries, best thrift store.
Les Kleinman, owner of Brooklyn Bagels, best new business.
Laurie Panasuk, Laurie's Deli, best sandwich, catering, and longtime local.
Deana Payne, branch manager at Whitefish Credit Union Columbia Falls, best employer and financial institution.
Best insurance agent, Lyle Mitchell with State Farm.
Matthew Hohnberg, best real estate agent with ReMax Mountain View.
Denise Romer, Columbia Falls Estate Planning, best attorney.
Dr. Hailey Axberg and Ryan Hyde of Glacier Family Chiropractic and Wellness.
Jana Price, co-owner of the Night Owl and Backroom restaurant, best family restaurant.
Martin Jimenez holds some street tacos from Vaqueros.
O'Brien Byrd at Obrien's Liquer and Wine, best wine selection.
Drew Jacobs with a brew at Gunsight Saloon, best beer selection.
Debbie Matson with MudMan won best waitress.
Shekinah King holds a cupcake, at Montana Coffee Traders in Columbia Falls was named best bakery.
Kenny Smith with a specialty burger at Backslope Brewing, best burger.
Casey Jensen shows off a Three Forks Grille signature steak.
Mike Scallen, Columbia Bar, best bartender.
North Fork Pizza staff from left, first row, Madge Walker, Jack Helgoe, Nicole Crittenden, Zach Farbstein; second row, Luke Harmon, Chris Hines.
Tien Windauer, Best Chef.
Amanda Terrell of Montana Coffee Traders in Columbia Falls was named best barista.
Callie Hulslander-Cooper, left, and Traci Staves of Persimmon Gallery in Columbia Falls.
Kendall Schneider and Alyssa Rufenach of Rose Petal, best florist.
Ruder Elementary second-grade teacher Heidi Freeman was named best teacher.
Gary Hanson and Joe the German Shepherd, a regular sight at Hansen's Hardware.
Andrea Fields of Station 8. It won best antique shop.
Eats & Treats
Best Appetizers
Winner
Gunsight Saloon
Second
Vaqueros
Third
Backslope Brewing
Runner ups
North Fork Pizza
Outlaw Diner
Best Bakery
Winner
Montana Coffee Traders
Second
Mountain Momma’s Cupcakery-Stephanie McIntosh
Third
Uptown Hearth
Runner up
Jean Flynn @ Prairie Girl Farms Pie
Best Barista
Winner
Amanda at MCT
Second
Karsyn Friske Beans
Third
Triana Odd Fellows
Runner ups
Yvonne Wolfe Ghostland
Cassidy at Cowgirl coffee
Josie @ CMC
Best Breakfast
Winner
MUDMAN Columbia Falls
Second
Montana Coffee Traders
Third
Nite-Owl
Runner ups
Columbia Bar
Outlaw Diner
Best Burger
Winner
Backslope Brewing
Second
MUDMAN Columbia Falls
Third
Gunsight Saloon
Runner ups
The Back Room
Blue Moon Nite Club
Best Catering
Winner
Laurie’s Deli
Second
Back Room
Third
Porteus BBQ
Runner ups
MUDMAN Columbia Falls
North Fork Pizza
Best Chef
Winner
Tien Windauer - Tien's Place
Second
Three Forks Grille Matt
Second (tie)
Tonja Erickson, Backslope
Runner ups
Gunsight Saloon - Dan Rossi
MUDMAN Columbia Falls - Michael Rozell
Best Coffee
Winner
Friske Beans Espresso
Second
Copper Mountain Coffee
Third
Montana Coffee Traders
Runner ups
Odd Fellows Coffee House
Cowgirl Coffee
Best Community Service - Restaurant/Bar
Winner
Backslope Brewing
Second
Gunsight Saloon
Third
Back Room
Runner ups
MUDMAN Columbia Falls
Vaqueros
Best Dessert
Winner
Sweet Retreat Creamery
Second
Huckleberry Patch
Third
Wild Child Food Truck
Runner ups
Cup O’ Soul serving Farm to Table Ice Cream
MUDMAN Columbia Falls
Best Family Restaurant
Winner
Back Room
Second
MUDMAN Columbia Falls
Third
Gunsight Saloon
Runner ups
Laurie’s Deli
North Fork Pizza
Best Fine Dining
Winner
Three Forks Grille
Second
Belton Chalet
Best Food Truck
Winner
The Soup Spot
Second
Wild Child Food Truck
Third
Porteus BBQ LLC
Runner ups
406 BBQ
Wandering Gringo
Best Mexican Food
Winner
Vaqueros
Second
Tacos at Columbia Bar
Third
La Casita
Runner up
Wandering Gringo Cafe
Best Outdoor Seating
Winner
Gunsight Saloon
Second
Great Bear Cafe
Third
Meadow Lake Bar and Grille
Runner ups
White Raven Winery and Vineyard
Backslope Brewing
Eddie’s Cafe, Apgar Loop Rd, West Glacier
Glacier Grille & Pizza
Best Pizza
Winner
North Fork Pizza
Second
Stageline Pizza Company of Columbia Falls
Third
Glacier Grill
Runner ups
Stonefly Lounge
Pizza Hut
Best Restaurant
Winner
Backslope Brewing
Second
Gunsight Saloon
Third
Nite Owl & Back Room Restaurants
Runner ups
MUDMAN Columbia Falls
TIEN’S PLACE EXPRESS Fresh Oriental & American Cuisine
Best Restaurant for a First Date
Winner
Gunsight Saloon
Second
Three Forks Grille
Third
Backslope Brewing
Runner ups
Back Room
Great Bear Cafe
Best Sandwich
Winner
Laurie’s Deli
Second
Great Bear Cafe
Third
Sunflower Cafe & BBQ
Runner ups
Gunsight Saloon - Chicken Naan Wrap
Outlaw Diner
Best Steak
Winner
Three Forks Grille
Second
The backroom
Third
Paul Bunyan Bar and Grill
Runner up
Gunsight Saloon
Best Take Out
Winner
Tien’s Place
Second
Mudman Burgers
Third
Laurie’s Deli
Runner ups
North fork pizza
The Back Room
Best Waitress/Waiter/Server
Winner
MUDMAN Columbia Falls - Debbie Matson
Second
Alex at Laurie’s Deli
Third
Cindy at the Back Room
Runner ups
Robin, Vaqueros
Amber at the Nite Owl & Back Room Restaurants
Health & Fitness
Best Alternative Health
Winner
Glacier Family Chiropractic & Wellness
Second
Brienne Stekly Massage Therapy
Third
Arrowleaf Massage & Bodywork
Runner ups
Michael Lavin, Pta
PTA Physical Therapy - Columbia Falls
Best Chiropractor
Winner
Glacier Family Chiropractic & Wellness
Second
Dr. Alex True Potential
Third
True North Dr. Todd Schleusner
Runner ups
Dr. Kent-True North Chiropractic Center
Whitefish Chiropractor Columbia Falls
Best Dentist
Winner
Smile Montana Dental Center
Second
Dr. Evon Heaser, Three Rivers Dental
Third
Dr. Buffington
Runner up
Dr. Seheult
Best Healthcare Worker
Winner
Dr. Hailey Axberg at Glacier Family Chiropractic & Wellness
Second
Mike Lavin at PTA Physical Therapy
Third
Danielle Perry, PharmD at Sykes Pharmacy C Falls
Runner ups
Tyler Ladenburg
Laura Hall
Best Massage Therapist
Winner
Brienne Stekly
Second
Arrowleaf Massage & Bodywork
Third
Cedar Grove Massage
Runner ups
Lahnie Lamb @FIKA
Garrett at glacier massage
Best Mental Health Professional
Winner
Wake Troy
Second
Katie Lundbohm
Third
Kelly Ewalt
Runner ups
Colleen Johnson
Rhea Simonson Snowy Owl
Best Physical Therapist
Winner
Mike Lavin at PTA Physical Therapy
Second
Tyler Ladenburg, DPT at OrthoRehab Physical Therapy
Third
Jinise Trueblood - Healthy Beginnings
Runner ups
Nick Emerson
Dulcie berube
Best Physical Therapy Facility
Winner
PTA Physical Therapy - Columbia Falls
Second
OrthoRehab Physical Therapy
Third
Berube Physical Therapy - Columbia Falls
Runner up
Healthy Beginnings
Pediatric Therapy
Best Place to Work Out
Winner
Columbia Falls Yoga
Second
Iron Fitness
Third
Yoga Hive
Best Yoga Instructor
Winner
Brienne Stekly, Columbia Falls Yoga
Second
Shelle Kuntz, Yoga Hive
Third
Sarah Downen, Columbia Falls Yoga
Runner ups
Lisa Snedeker
Rachel Haskovec-Raley, Columbia Falls Yoga
Night Life
Best Bar for Singles
Winner
Blue Moon Nite Club
Second
Gunsight Saloon
Best Bartender
Winner
Mike Scallen, Columbia Bar
Second
Kristi at Stonefly Lounge
Third
Angie at Vaqueros
Runner ups
Drew at Gunsight Saloon
Clay at Meadow Lake
Best Beer Menu
Winner
Gunsight Saloon
Second
Backslope Brewing
Third
Super 1 Foods
Runner up
Stonefly Lounge
Best Casino
Winner
Kelly’s Pub &a Casino
Second
Vaqueros
Third
Ferks Casino
Best Cocktails
Winner
Gunsight Saloon
Second
Columbia Bar
Third
Stonefly Lounge
Runner ups
Meadow Lake Bar and Grille
Dew Drop Inn
Best Happy Hour
Winner
Columbia Bar
Second
Vaqueros
Third
Gunsight Saloon
Runner ups
Packers Roost
Kelly’s Pub & Casino
Best Place for Live Music
Winner
Gunsight Saloon
Second
Blue Moon
Third
Columbia Falls Farmers’ Market
Runner ups
Columbia Falls Community Market
Glacier Lanes
Best Wine Selection
Winner
O’Brien’s Liquor & Wine
Second
White Raven Winery and Vineyard
Third
Super 1 Foods
Professional Services
Best Attorney
Winner
Columbia Falls Estate Planning - Law Office of Denise Romer, Esq.
Second
Breck Law Office
Third
Chisholm & Chisholm, PC
Third (tie)
North Fork Law Offices, PLLC
Best Auto Service
Winner
Dad Bod Diesel & Mechanic Services
Second
Columbia Falls Auto Clinic
Third
Muffler Alley
Runner ups
Lauria Racing & Repair
OHS’ Body Shop
Best Barber
Winner
The Barber’s Chair
Second
K2 barber
Third
Rhonda’s Barber Shop
Best Builder
Winner
Montana Heritage Home Builders
Second
Ruis Construction
Third
Hader Squared Construction
Runner ups
CJ Construction
Spoon Lake
Builders-Pete Umbriaco
Best Customer Service- Professional Services
Winner
Columbia Falls Estate Planning - Law Office of Denise Romer, Esq.
Second
Whitefish Credit Union - Columbia Falls Branch
Third
Beargrass Gift and Drug
Runner ups
Park Side Credit Union
Hanson’s True Value
Best Employer
Winner
Whitefish Credit Union
Second
Park Side Credit Union
Third
Montana Heritage Home Builders
Runner ups
Sykes Pharmacy Columbia Falls
Glacier Bank
Western Building Center Columbia Falls
Best Financial Institution
Winner
Whitefish Credit Union - Columbia Falls Branch
Second
Parkside Federal Credit Union
Third
Glacier Bank
Runner up
Freedom Bank
Best Hair Stylist
Winner
Cami Spencer, FIKA
Second
Rita Becker, FIKA
Third
Novalee Hutchens
Runner ups
Tina Wassam
Lisa DeWaters
Best Housekeeper
Winner
Gina Crouch
Second
406 Cleaning Of
Columbia falls
Third
Tade Cleaning
Runner ups
Rachel Leavitt Perron-Queen Bee
Marcy Porter
Miriam Vogel
Best Insurance Agent
Winner
Lyle Mitchell - State Farm Insurance
Second
Farmers Insurance - Shaine Reece
Third
Jeremy Myers: Allstate Insurance
Best Lodging
Winner
West Glacier KOA Resort
Second
Meadow Lake Resort & Condos
Third
Glacier Outdoor Center
Runner up
Sky Eco - Glacier General Store and Cabins
Best Mechanic
Winner
Dad Bod Diesel
Second
Hanson’s Performance LLC
Third
Glen Weaver and Muffler Alley
Third
Lauria Racing & Repair, LLC
Best New Business
Winner
New York Bagels
Second
Wild Wanderer
Third
Columbia Falls Ace Hardware
Runner ups
Persimmon
Toastie
Best Pet Care
Winner
Glacier Animal Hospital
Second
Columbia Kennels
Third
Happy Dog Grooming and Boarding - Ellen King
Best Property Management
Winner
Trailhead Realty Group
Second
Square one property management
Best Real Estate Agent
Winner
Matthew Hohnberger - RE/MAX Mountain View
Second
Brittany Buckallew - RE/MAX Mountain View
Third
Amy Schwartzenberger -Engel and Volkers Western Frontier-Columbia Falls
Runner ups
Jesse Plevel- RE/MAX Mountain View
Patti Singer Engel & Volkers
Best Real Estate Office
Winner
ReMax Mountain View
Second
Engel and Volkers Western Frontier-Columbia Falls
Third
Trailhead Realty Group
Runner up
PureWest Real Estate-Meadow Lake
Best Salon
Winner
FIKA Salon
Second
Posh Nails
Third
Envogue Salon
Runner ups
Planet Hair Studio
Shear Perfection
Best Social Media to Follow
Winner
Glacier Family Chiropractic & Wellness
Second
Whitefish Credit Union
Third
Brittany Buckallew - RE/MAX Mountain View
Runner ups
Wild Wanderer
Park Side Credit Union
Shopping
Best Antiques
Winner
Station 8
Second
Wild Wanderer
Third
Hungry Horse Antiques
Runner up
Scout and Gather
Best Convenience Store
Winner
Mike’s Conoco
Second
Town Pump
Third
Smiths fuel center
Best Customer Service- Retail
Winner
Hanson’s Hardware
Second
Beargrass Gift and Drug
Third
Montana Coffee Traders
Runner ups
Columbia Falls Ace Hardware
Genesis Kitchen
Best Florist
Winner
Rose Petal Floral and Supplies
Second
Forage and Floral
Third
Two Kay’s Flower Farm
Runner up
Smith’s Food and Drug
Best Furniture
Winner
Gil’s Furniture and Mattress Store
Second
Monaco
Best Gift Shop
Winner
Huckleberry Patch
Second
Beargrass Pharmacy
Third
Rose Petal Floral and Supplies
Runner ups
Forage and Floral
Wild Wanderer
Best Gift Shop for Kids
Winner
Huckleberry Patch
Second
Bear Grass Gift and Drug
Third
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
Best Grocery Store/Farm Store
Winner
Super 1 Foods
Second
Smith’s Food and Drug
Third
Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply
Runner ups
Canyon Foods Supermarket
Hanson’s True Value
Best Thrift Store
Winner
Flathead Industries Thrift Store
Second
Klothes Kloset
Best Artisan/Maker
Winner
Megan Crawford
Second
Schwartz Boards Woodworks
Third
Judy at Montana Earth Pottery
Runner ups
Bill Sorenson at Wild Bills Custom Creations
Sea Salt & Ginger Studio
The Arts
Best Gallery
Winner
Persimmon Gallery
Second
Coyote
Best Local Artist
Winner
Megan Crawford
Second
Allen Jimmerson
Third
Glacier Round House Pottery
Runner ups
Callie Cooper
Barak Evans
Emma Snedeker
Haakon Ensign
Best Local Author
Winner
Megan Crawford, Montana Woman Magazine
Second
John Fraley
Third
Bill Sorenson
Best Local Musician/Band
Winner
Tommy Edwards
Second
MyTrueFreedom
Third
The Gray Goo
Runner up
The Flip Wilsons
Best Local Photographer
Winner
Megan Crawford
Second
Eric Fellegy, Going To The Sun Photography
Third
Leah Lamberson Photography
Runner ups
Tequila Helland,
Erin Braaten, Dancing Aspen
Holly Pierce, Cherry Creek Images
The Great Outdoors
Best Campground
Winner
West Glacier KOA Resort
Second
Lake McDonald
Third
Fish Creek Campground
Runner ups
Blankenship bridge
North American RV Park
Best Community Park (not Glacier)
Winner
River’s Edge Park
Second
Marantette Park
Third
Riverside
Best Golf Hole
Winners
Glacier View Golf Club
Mini Mountain Mini Golf
Runner up
Golfing to the Sun Mini Golf
Best Hiking Trail in Glacier Park
Winner
Highline Trail
Second
Grinnell Glacier
Third
Quartz Lake Loop
Best Hiking Trail outside of Glacier Park
Winner
Columbia Mountain
Second
Jewel Basin
Third
Cedar Flats
Best Lake
Winner
Hungry Horse Reservoir
Second
Lake McDonald
Third
Lake Five Resort
Runner up
Strawberry Lake Trailhead
Best Mountain Peak
Winner
Heavens Peak
Second
Teakettle
Best Outdoor Gear
Winner
Lary’s Fly and Supply
Second
Glacier Raft Company
Third
Sky Eco - Glacier General Store and Cabins
Runner up
Glacier Outfitters
Best Outdoor Guide
Winner
Hilary Hutcheson
Second
Glacier Raft Company
Third
Wild River Adventures
Runner up
Glacier Adventure Guides
Best Place for Dogs
Winner
River’s Edge Park
Second
All Day Dog Adventures LLC
Columbia Mountain Kennels
Best Summer Activity
Winner
Rafting
Second
Camping
Third
Fishing
Runner ups
Hiking
Boating
Best Swimming Hole
Winner
Lake 5
Second
Bailey Lake
Best Water Sports Shop/Rental
Winner
Glacier Raft Company
Second
Sky Eco - Glacier General Store and Cabins
Third
Wild River Adventures
Runner ups
Glacier Outfitters
Glacier Water Rentals
Best Winter Activity
Winner
Cross Country Skiing
Second
Ice fishing
Third
Snowmobiling
Uniquely Columbia Falls Area
Best Athlete
Winner
Tyler Gilfry
Second
Justin Windauer
Third
Maddie Moultray
Runner ups
Colten McPhee
Tyler Jones
Best Columbia Falls Event
Winner
Columbia Falls Farmers’ Market
Second
Columbia Falls Community Market
Heritage Days Celebration
Runner ups
Christmas parade
Sunday Market
Best Hiking Trail in Glacier Park
Winner
Avalanche Lake
Second
Highline Trail
Third
Iceberg Lake
Runner ups
Sperry Glacier
Grinnell Glacier
Best Hiking Trail outside of Glacier Park
Winner
Columbia Mountain
Second
Jewel Basin
Third
Cedar Flats Trails
Runner up
Coram bike trail
Best Local (More than 5 years)
Winner
Laurie’s Deli
Second
Backslope Brewing
Third
Montana Heritage Home Builders
Runner ups
The Nite Owl
North Fork Pizza
Best Local Newbie (Less than 5 years)
Winner
Sweet Retreat Creamery
Second
Beargrass Pharmacy
Third
Cronin Quality Coatings
Runner ups
Cup O Soul/Farm to Table Ice Cream
Wild Wanderer
Best stop on Sun Road
Winner
Lake McDonald
Second
Big Bend
Third
Virginia Falls
Runner up
Sunrift Gorge
Best Thing to do on a Rainy Day
Winner
Coffee and breakfast at Montana Coffee Traders
Second
Bowling at Glacier Lanes
Third
Take the dog for a tour of Murdoch’s
Runner ups
Go to Packers Roost for a beverage
Columbia Falls Library
Best Tourist Attraction (Business)
Winner
Polebridge Merc
Second
Huckleberry Patch
Third
Glacier Raft Company
Runner ups
House of Mystery
Brash Rodeo
Favorite Coach
Winner
Michael Hader
Second
Cary Finberg
Third
Jessie Schaeffer
Runner ups
Jim Peacock
Kelly Houle
Favorite Community Project
Winner
Cabin Fever Days
Second
Columbia Falls Estate Planning Annual Coat & Blanket Drive
Third
Land 2 Hand
Runner ups
Columbia Falls Community Garden
Clean the Falls
Favorite Nonprofit
Winner
Boys and Girls Club
Second
Land to Hand Montana - Columbia Falls
Third
Columbia Falls Chamber-Commerce
Klothes Kloset
Runner ups
Glacier National Park Conservancy
Wildcat Athletic Endowment Association
Favorite Teacher
Winner
Heidi Freeman
Second
Cassie Ladenberg
Third
Ciera Finberg
Runner ups
Mr. Miller
Leslie DiMaio
Favorite Volunteer
Winner
Steve Melby
Second
Nicolas Ream
Third
Ben Schaeffer
Runner ups
Sam Kavanagh
Kayla Hartley
