The History Of The Ponderosa Pine
The ponderosa pine is Montanas state tree and an important natural resource for the state.Not only is the ponderosa important to the lumber industry, but it offers nutritional value to wildlife in many forms. Deer eat the needles, squirrels and many bird species, including quail eat the seeds. The crossbill has a bill that is specially adapted for reaching into the trees cones and the Clarks Nutcracker has adapted an entire life style around the pine tree. It even has a special pouch under its tongue that allows the bird to carry seeds for long distances. The Clarks Nutcracker is capable of hiding thousands of seeds in various caches and has an amazing memory for locating them later on. This adaptation allows the Nutcracker to breed in January or February because the young can feed off of winter stores. The Clarks Nutcracker actually feeds off of a variety of different pine trees, but at our elevation here on Blue Mountain, the availability of seeds comes almost exclusively from the ponderosa pine.
The Journals of Lewis and Clark have several references to peeled trees saw where the natives had pealed the bark off the pine trees to obtain the sap and soft part of the wood and bark for food. July 19, 1805 I made camp at 8 on this road & particularly on this Creek the Indians have pealed a number of Pine for the under bark which they eat at certain Season of the year. September 12, 1805
The History Of The Sagebrush
Sagebrush, which is part of the sunflower family, has long been associated with cowboy territory and like the tumble weed, has become a symbol of the West. There are in fact several different species of sagebrush and nearly all have held significant religious and medicinal value for Indian tribes within the Western region. The Kootenai tell of their cultural hero, Coyote, having smoked a type of sage as tobacco. Many tribes continue to use it in traditional purification rituals.
There are a number of sagebrush varieties native to Montana but only rabbit brush, a distant relative of true sagebrush, grows on Blue Mountains hillsides. In the Bitterroot Valley however, early settlers commented on this tall, dense plant which continues to thrive on some of the more arid hillsides and offers wildlife such as deer, elk and grouse an important winter food source.
Dinner: Four Or More Guests
This is a very special dining experience, served and prepared in our dining room or outside by the falls, weather permitting.
- A Western BBQ with choice of meat or fish, garlic-buttermilk biscuits, house salad, soup or other side and dessert, tea or fresh lemonade. $50.00 per person
- An ethnic dinner (Italian, Thai, or Mexican/Central American selection that includes a soup, salad, main course and dessert. $60.00 per person
- An exquisite multi-course Indian, Moroccan, Medieval, Scandinavian or traditional Christmas or Thanksgiving feast that includes a variety of main courses and side dishes. $75 per person.
We include a selection of non-alcoholic beverages with dinners. If you wish to bring your own alcohol, we will gladly provide the glassware.
If you are interested in dinner, call us or let us know in the special request section of our reservation page. Below are some brief descriptions of some of our Missoula Bed and Breakfast highlights. Additional details can be viewed on our Seasonal Specials page as well as our Photo gallery: Seasons and Seasonings page. You can always make ethnic dinner requests!
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Location Of The Hotel
Featured amenities include complimentary newspapers in the lobby and a library. Planning an event in Missoula? This bed & breakfast has facilities measuring 1000 square feet , including a meeting room. Free self parking is available onsite. Take in the views from a terrace and a garden and make use of amenities such as complimentary wireless Internet access. Additional features at this Victorian bed & breakfast include concierge services, wedding services, and a fireplace in the lobby. Located in Missoula , Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast is within a 10-minute drive of University of Montana and St. Patrick Hospital. This romantic bed & breakfast is 0.1 mi from Bitterroot Valley and 0.9 mi from Splash Montana. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0.1 mile and kilometer. Bitterroot Valley – 0.1 km / 0.1 mi Splash Montana – 1.4 km / 0.9 mi Highlands Golf Club – 1.7 km / 1.1 mi Southgate Mall – 2.3 km / 1.4 mi Missoula County Fairgrounds – 2.3 km / 1.5 mi Pattee Canyon Recreation Area – 2.7 km / 1.7 mi Missoula Memorial Rose Garden – 3.1 km / 2 mi University of Montana Golf Course – 3.2 km / 2 mi Sousa Trailhead – 3.3 km / 2.1 mi Barmeyer Trailhead – 3.4 km / 2.1 mi Bitterroot River – 3.7 km / 2.3 mi Community Medical Center – 4.2 km / 2.6 mi Larchmont Golf Course – 4.3 km / 2.7 mi Fort Missoula – 4.6 km / 2.8 mi Historical Museum – 4.6 km / 2.8 mi The preferred airport for Gibson Mansion Bed and Breakfast is Missoula Intl. Airport – 12.6 km / 7.8 mi
The History Of The Syringa
The sweet smelling Syringa, which is Idahos state flower, is part of the Hydrangea family. Its species name, Lewisii, honors Captain Meriwether Lewis, who collected it in this area along the Bitterroot River in 1806. The Syringa is also known as Mock-Orange, Bridal Wreath and Indian Arrowwood. Its straight stems were used by Native People in making arrows, while the leaves, roots and branches were used for medicinal purposes.
In late June, the lovely orange blossom fragrance of the Syringa fills the mountain air as swallowtail butterflies sip its nectar. It is fitting that the Syringa Suite looks out over the Japanese water garden, where varieties of Japanese hydrangeas bloom throughout the summer. In late June, these splendid garden varieties are paired with our native beauty which covers the hillsides in white, like a fragrant blanket of soft winter snow.
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The 6 Best Bed And Breakfast In Missoula Montana
A hub of education, retail, outdoor entertainment, and arts, Missoula is one of the stars of the northern Rockies. The city is nestled at the merging of five valleys and stands out from other Montana cities due to its lush green flora, which has earned it the nickname Garden City.
In Missoula, travelers can find both tranquility and excitement. The wilderness is just steps from the thriving downtown scene which comes alive with eclectic specialty stores and world-class restaurants.
There are three distinct shopping districts in the city, while art and cultural attractions are weaved in between them in the form of museums, bookstores, and theaters.
Along with its outstanding natural beauty, Missoula is known for its first-class blue ribbon trout fishing opportunities. There are seven wilderness areas and three rivers nearby, paving the way for endless opportunities to experience wildlife and outdoor recreation.
In Missoula, you can design your own travel experience, whether that includes exploring the local culinary scene, hiking in the wilderness, or strolling through an art gallery.
No matter where you are, views of the surrounding mountains are never far away when you stay at one of the many bed and breakfasts in Missoula.
The History Of The Bitterroot
Blue Mountain is part of the larger Bitterroot Mountain Range, which to the east looks out over areas where the Bitterroot flower once flourished along the path of the Bitterroot River. In the Salish language, Spitlem Seukn means water of the Bitterroot and it was in this homeland, among the sagebrush and pines, that various tribes harvested the roots of this delicate, pink flower for both food and medicine. The Salish tell of their tribal spirit helper, Old Man Coyote, who was entrusted by the creator to look out for the welfare of the people. It was Coyote who taught early people how to use the resources of the land, bringing them bison as well as knowledge of healing plants such as the Bitterroot. A Salish legend tells of a starving old woman who was visited by a spirit bird. The bird told the woman that a new plant would be formed from the red of his wings and the silver of her hair. This plant would give her people strength, although its taste would bare a bitter reminder of a peoples tears born out of worry and hunger.
It is no wonder that such a plant is able to carry over its nutrient value and was prized by area people. The Flathead, Kalispell, Pend dOreille, Spokane and Nez Perce gathered in Missoula valley to dig the Bitterroot. The plant was sought early in the spring before the roots became woody and bitter.
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Explore Bed And Breakfasts In Montana
The state is a gem for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone else just looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and soak up the fresh air and natural features that the state has to offer. Montana bed and breakfast come in all shapes and sizes and with all types of varying natural views and offerings.
How Can I Get Around Montana
Montana is a big state. This means that having a car or an RV is the most convenient and ideal option for your Montana getaway. However, if having a car during your time in the state is not an option, there are other options for traveling around the state, such as utilizing the train and the bus in the areas of the state where they are available, which is mainly in the bigger cities. The two biggest airports in the state are Missoula International Airport, Billings Logan International Airport, and Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. Car rental companies and RV rental companies are available at all major airports and cities.
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Top Tips For Finding Missoula Bed & Breakfast Deals
- If youre looking for a cheap bed & breakfast in Missoula, you should consider going during the low season. Youll generally find lower-priced bed & breakfasts in Missoula in May and September.
- Bed & Breakfast room prices vary depending on many factors but youll likely find the best bed & breakfast deals in Missoula if you stay on a Thursday. The most expensive day for bed & breakfast bookings is Monday.
- If you want to ensure you grab a bargain, try to book more than 90 days before your stay to get the best price for a Missoula bed & breakfast.
The Blue Mountain Experience
Be met at the door with a warm welcome, facility tour, complimentary beverages and snacks as well as suggestions for any of your dining or touring needs.
Wake up each morning to the song of wild birds and the aroma of freshly brewed Blue Mountain coffee. Enjoy a variety of gourmet specialties as you take in views of the Missoula valley, mountains, water gardens and wildlife surrounding our Missoua Lodging.
Feel well rested and ready for a day on the town or in the surrounding Missoula region, taking in the art, culture, shopping, sporting and other events offered.
Let us orient you to the area with a personal camp-side Montana Trails and Tales tour . While relaxing in either the forested picnic area or the Lodge, enjoy a personal storytelling hour as you are taken on a fascinating oral history of the area through story and song. Afterward you can locate the places talked about either on your own , with us, or with another locally established historian .
Prepare for your departure by using Missoula Lodging small library/study facilities to research the rest of your Montana travel route, or catch up on your computer work with the use of our high speed internet service. Before you go, choose a gift for yourself or someone special from our mini mountain store which includes locally autographed books, wildlife photographs, note cards, tea, preserves, and more!
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The History Of The Rose
The wild rose, of which there are several species in Montana, was considered as one of the choices for our state flower and is the national emblem of neighboring Canada. Like the Bitterroot flower, the wild rose was noted by The Lewis and Clark expedition at Travelers Rest, just a few miles south of here.
In general, the rose has been used both in America and Europe for its many health and beauty benefits. Among Native people, the wild rose was used primarily for medicinal and spiritual reasons rather than as a food source. The Nez Perce, for example, hung rose sprigs on a babys cradleboard in order to drive away ghosts. The flower was also woven into legends of Coyote, the spiritual helper of a number of tribes within the region.
From spring through summer, the gardens and hillsides of Blue Mountain Bed and Breakfast are in bloom with wild or domestic roses of one variety or another. Two of the most beautiful wild shrubs on Blue Mountains hillsides are the chokecherry and serviceberry. As part of the rose family, they welcome the spring with a bounty of white blossoms and are followed in pink by the wild rose.
Whether wild or domestic, the rose has been a symbol of love and royalty throughout the course of Western history, and within its symbolic beauty, it will surely bloom for gardener, poet, and lover for years to come.
Why Stay At A Bed & Breakfast In Montana
Theres not a more fitting accommodation option for your Montana getaway than a stay at a cozy, charming, and small-scale bed and breakfast close to nature. Bed and breakfasts are often private, small-businesses run by friendly innkeepers and offer an array of personalized offerings. They also come in all shapes and sizes: think cozy log-cabin, quaint cottage-style, or frontier-style vacation rentals with a mountainous backdrop. Whether you are staying in Bozeman, Glacier National Park, Missoula, Flathead Lake, Helena, or Whitefish, there is an option for you!
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Cougar Ranch Lodge And B& b Missoula $$
Located just to the north of Missoula, the Cougar Ranch Lodge and B& B boast six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The property stretches for 5,000 square feet and is surrounded by picturesque views of the Mission Mountains and Finley Creek.
This is an ideal place to stay if youre looking for a tranquil escape from the stress of life, with tall pine trees creating a barrier between the ranch and the adjacent highway.
The ranch offers several convenient services and amenities, including breakfast and kitchen facilities, a laundry, a shuttle service, music, and movie rentals. In the way of entertainment, theres a playground for children to enjoy, as well as a billiards table.
The peaceful grounds surrounding the lodge feature wooded hillsides and lush green meadows, providing the perfect opportunity for bird-watching, walking, photography, and fishing. Outdoor activities like hiking and skiing are just a stones throw away.
What Makes Us Unique
Elegant breakfasts along with the Inns lovely decor offer luxury and comfort, complementing the rustic, wooded surroundings of the Blue Mountains around Missoula.
Guest rooms have private baths with jetted tubs, king or queen beds, air conditioning, picturesque views and many amenities that make ones stay both memorable and relaxing .
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What Type Of Amenities Can I Expect When Booking A Bed And Breakfast Montana
Although bed and breakfast Montana fit in seamlessly with their natural surroundings, they also offer all of the modern conveniences and amenities that youd expect in a larger scale hotel. Spacious guest rooms, free wifi, air conditioning, and private bath are available at nearly any bed and breakfast you choose. Bed and breakfasts offer flexible cancellation policies and check-in times, as well as complimentary full breakfast and large communal areas and dining room.
Travel Tips For Staying In Missoula
Visitors can travel to Missoula via the Missoula International Airport, which is served by Allegiant Airlines, Delta Airlines, Horizon, Northwest Airlines, and United Express. Hertz and Thrifty Car Rental also offer hire cars from the airport if youd like to drive yourself into town.
Getting around Missoula is easy, with an abundance of parking spaces and a convenient bus service that doesnt charge a fare.
The main pedestrian walkway in Missoula is the Clark Fork River Trail, which runs parallel to the river along both banks. A relaxing walk along the trail is an ideal way to start off your adventures in Missoula and find your bearings around town.
Seeing the giant M on Mount Sentinel is a rite of passage for anybody visiting Missoula . The landmark looks over the city above the University of Montana. The hike up to the M is challenging, with 600 feet of elevation, but its less than a mile in distance and boasts spectacular views of the Missoula Valley.
Downtown Missoula offers endless things to see and do, from specialty stores to live music venues. Catch a family friendly musical act at the Top Hat Lounge or try the vegan donuts at Veera. Youll also find a lively nightlife in the city, with many casinos, bars, distilleries, and restaurants to choose from.
The Garnet Ghost Town is just over an hour away and paints an insightful picture of what the area was like in the days of the Old West.
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What Are The Different Types Of B& bs In Montana
Montana is home to several impressive bed and breakfasts spread throughout the state. Here are some of our top picks:
Lehrkind Mansion Bed and Breakfast is one of the top-rated bed and breakfasts in the state. The Queen Anne-style Victorian bed and breakfast is located in the heart of Bozeman and dates back to the 19th-century. Rooms are filled with antique furnishings and the lounges feature a grand piano and gramophones. The 7 charming, spacious guest rooms feature free wifi, air conditioning, private bath, claw-foot tubs, writing desks, and private patios. A full breakfast is served each morning in the dining room.
Cabin Creek Landing Bed & Breakfastis a top-rated, upscale, log-cabin-style bed and breakfast set in Marion, Montana. It features elegant guest rooms that emulate the comforts of home with decks, fireplaces, fine wood furnishings, fireplaces, free wifi, air conditioning, and private bath. A gourmet breakfast is served each morning in the communal dining room. Guests can enjoy the cozy lounge and an exercise room at this red lodge.
Coyote Bluff Estate is a luxurious log-cabin bed and breakfast located in Kalispell, Montana. The stunning rooms and suites feature majestic furnishings, twinkling star lights, private balconies, chaise lounges, plush bedding, and elegant décor. A delicious breakfast is served each morning. The natural, great location makes this top-rated bed and breakfast the perfect setting for a romantic getaway.
