Still in Montana, having a fabulous time. We spent a day in Bozeman, which I found to be an absolutely charming little town. Not to outdo the NYT guy, but we covered quite a lot of ground during our short visit:
- Lunch at Pickle Barrel, a famous Montana chain of sandwich shops. I kind of liked the lack of options offered – only one kind of bread, no design-your-own million options, just “do you want everything on that or not?” My cheese and veggie sandwich was delightful.
- Wandering Main Street, browsing some stores and art galleries, and admiring the octopus-like Christmas decorations. While tempted by the delightful assortment of guns and hunting supplies on offer, we managed to resist making any purchases.
- Coffee at The Leaf and Bean. Comfy little espresso bar with an extensive tea selection, fresh juices, and cute gifts.
- The Museum of the Rockies, a short, snowy car ride from Main Street. Dinosaurs, bats, Native Americans, and Ansel Adams photographs. Lots of fun.
- Drinks at Montana Ale Works, a great bar, restaurant, and pool hall on Main Street. Loved the extensive beer menu. And since it was happy hour, pints of yummy local ales were $2.50. Which is about, what, a euro these days?
- Dinner and more drinks at Plonk. My friend Peter (who lives in Bozeman) described this place as the hippest spot in Montana, and I believe he could be right. My fresh basil ginger martini-like thing (I forget the name of the drink) was awesome. The food was fabulous, too.
Yes the Pickle Barrel. That was my treat 40 years ago when I was in graduate school at Montana State. You didn’t mention the big pickle you took out of the big barrel. Well, maybe that is a thing of the past with all the health requirments. This was 1965 so I don’t agree with the web page that says early 70’s. At that time it was a great place to work too! Last time I was there was 10 years ago but always a stop when in Bozeman.
Are you heading up to Big Sky by any chance?
Montana … One state I haven’t seen but hope to one day – have fun!
BB – We might go there this week. Depends on who has the best snow…
I happen to live in Bozeman, and I think it’s the greatest place on earth.
We have a phrase here in Montana to describe people like the friend who called Plonk “the hippest place in Bozeman.” We call them self-absorbed Bozeman recreationists. Their sole purpose in life seems to be admiring their own hipness.
And what “sole purpose in life” should I deduce you have, Anon?
Man I grew up in Bozeman..I miss it so much. One of the friendliest, most beautiful places on Earth. I still miss it to death each and every day.