The travel bug has hit once again! & we took it all the way to Bozeman, Montana -- every Yellowstone lovers dream. Let me just tell ya, it was GORGEOUS. The mountains are absolutely stunning, the cutest side barns surrounded by cattle, and the best part was how generous the locals were. Montana was hit by their first snowstorm of the year when we were there (so unfortunately some of our activities were cancelled), BUT it made for the most magical winter wonderland to photograph. Sharing some hotspots from our trip on where to stay, where to eat, and what to see/do!
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed right in the heart of downtown Bozeman just near Montana State University at the BRAND NEW, AC Hotel and it was STUNNING! The amenities are endless with a full fitness center, three restaurants (European-inspired breakfast at AC Kitchen, cocktails and tapas at the AC Lounge, and a Neapolitan rooftop hotspot at AC Benchmark), meeting spaces, and the best views from your cozy room! This AC Hotel Bozeman is modern style and caters to travelers who are craving to explore the town. Book your stay for your upcoming trip!
The RSVP Motel Bozeman is ICONIC in the town and is Bozeman's #1 rated hotel! We were immediately greeted with a glass of champagne, so it's safe to say we fell in love with the RSVP. Our room had a lofty mountain feel splashed with vintage pieces from around the world! The owners, Hillary and Haylee Folkvord, transformed the previous Rainbow Hotel that was inspired by all of their worldly travels! There is also a cafe attached to the Motel, The Farmers Daughters, which is not a coincidence considering the owners upbringing on their family farm. The RSVP Motel Bozeman is a MUST visit when in town, so book your stay!
WHERE TO EAT:
The AC Benchmark, located on the 6th floor of the AC Hotel Bozeman, is a full rooftop bar and lounge with the most gorgeous view of the Gallatin Mountain. They offer a variety of classic starters such as charcuterie boards, Neapolitan pizzas, and a premium selection of unique cocktails + craft beer! It was the perfect vibe before heading out downtown.
The Rocking R Bar is Bozeman's local hotspot! They have a variety of entertainment such as pool tables, dart boards, games, sports bet kiosk, and of course an array of food and drink selections! The Rocking R Bar provides a laid back atmosphere in the afternoon, then transforms into an electric night time hub with a live DJ, dancing, and more! If you're looking for a fun night out in Bozeman, the Rocking R Bar is the place to be!
The Farmer's Daughters Cafe, located in the RSVP Motel Bozeman, has the yummiest lattes and breakfast burritos for a morning pick me up. Their lounge space is the perfect spot to meet an old friend or catch up on some work! Highly recommend The Farmer's Daughters Cafe for your morning stop!
Here are some additional food & drink hotspots in Bozeman: South9 Bistro, Copper Whiskey Bar & Grill, Plonk Bozeman, Cateye Cafe, Treeline Cafe, and Montana Ale Works!
WHAT TO SEE/DO:
We took a little road trip to check out Big Sky! It is about 1 hour outside of Bozeman and is one of the most scenic drives that I have ever been a part of. Big Sky is known for its legendary skiing and super easy access to parks nearby. There are SO many outdoor activities to be a part of regardless of the season. There are also several delicious restaurants with yummy food and drinks, and a nearby downtown area for shopping. Check out Big Sky's tourism website for more things to do in the area!
YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK:
Everyone already knows that Yellowstone National Park is a MUST VISIT! It was the first national park ever and covers 2.2 million acres -- WOW! There are so many beautiful sites to cover within Yellowstone National Park so carve out an afternoon and take your camera along to the best park in the nation!
SKIING + SNOWBOARDING:
Skiing and snowboarding are among two of the most popular winter sports/activities in Montana! It is one of the major attractions for both locals and tourists. If you're an avid skier or snowboarder, it's totally worth spending the day on the slopes in Bozeman or Big Sky!
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK:
Glacier National Park is so unique! It is covered in an array of glaciers, valleys, and beautiful lakes! If you're an outdoor enthusiast, I'd highly recommend taking a backpack and exploring the Glacier National Park to soak in the sights!
HIKING:
Hiking is one of my all time favorite outdoor activities! Here are some top hikes in Bozeman: Drinking Horse Mountain Trail, M Trail, Baldy Peak Summit, Sypes Canyon Trail, Bear Canyon Trail, and Emerald Lake Trail!
Soaking in the Hot Springs on a snowy day in Bozeman -- PERFECTION! These natural hot springs have been located right in the heart of the Gallatin Valley for over 100 years. The Bozeman Hot Springs has 9 different pools, so come and relax while spending time with friends and family!
FALL/WINTER ACTIVITIES:
Once you really get into the thick of Winter in Bozeman, you can look into super fun activities such as Dog Sledding, Snowmobiling, Sleigh Rides, Snowcoach Tours, Ice Climbing, Skijoring, Ice Fishing, "Fat" Biking, Museum visits, catch a MSU Football game and more! Check out more about what to do seasonally in Bozeman from their Tourism crew here!
SPRING/SUMMER ACTIVITIES:
When I plan my next trip, I will definitely be going in some warmer weather so I can take advantage of all there is to do! For the warmer days in Bozeman, you can look into Horseback Riding, Fly Fishing, Rock Climbing, Canoeing, LOTS of Hiking (my personal fav), shopping downtown and more!
If you've been itching to get out west, I'd highly recommend visiting the Bozeman + Big Sky area. It was the most quaint countryside town that felt like a little slice of heaven!
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING THIS TRIP POSSIBLE:
HERTZ: We drove the most gorgeous Red Dodge Durango on our trip to Bozeman! It was perfect for the snow and was so relaxing to ride in. The Hertz customer experience in unmatchable. Check out Hertz for all of your car rental needs!
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Till next time, Montana! Stay tuned for my Jackson, Wyoming Travel guide coming soon!
XOXO
- Amber