It’s cold and snowing in Montana. To which I give a hearty “woo hoo!” because that means winter season is nearly here. Which also means that this girl had to wear her snow boots this week and has been perpetually chilly. But no complaining here! Instead, while I wait for my body to adjust to the stellar winter we’re about to have, I’m going to bundle up and spread the love…in the form of small business shout-outs.

Small businesses have a legacy in Montana…One founded upon hard work, long hours and a mix of blood, sweat and tears. Some have stood the test of time and have been passed along generation to generation, while others may still be gaining their footing in Big Sky Country. But whether they’ve been here for years or are just settling into their own corner of Montana, I love ’em just the same, as they often bring that extra dose of heart and soul to an area, street corner or town.

Here’s my list of some (please note this is not an all-inclusive list) of my favorite small businesses that call Montana home…and why they sparkle in my eyes.

The Toggery, Whitefish
It’s the perfect combination of outdoor apparel and cuteness.

Tupelo Grille, Whitefish
Two words: Bread pudding.

The Montana House, Glacier National Park
Open year-round, this shop is the ending to my perfect winter day in the park, filling my need for hot tea and treats.

Elk Camp Art Gallery & Showroom, Eureka
A brand new shop, this gallery features artists and craftsmen from the heart of the Tobacco Valley.

Kettlehouse Brewery, Missoula
They have two locations in Missoula with great beer, but for this girl they sparkle because they work with Big Dipper Ice Cream to create beer-flavored ice cream treats. Yes, please.

Hidden Legend Winery, Victor
A family owned winery, Tim uses local honey and berries to make their (award-winning) meads. PS: I love local honey.

Monte Dolack Gallery, Missoula
Monte’s work manages to inspire and calm me, all at once.

Lincon’s Silver Dollar Bar & Gift Shop, Haugan
A childhood favorite pit stop, there are more than 50,000 silver dollars on display.

To the small businesses, and their stalwart owners, thanks for being a part of Montana.
TT

PS: SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26
Saturday, November 26 marks the second annual Small Business Saturday, with many stores across the United States offering discounts, deals and specials in their shops to encourage consumers to shop locally.

Here are a few deals from around Montana for November 26…
*Whitefish: Purchase a $25 gift card at The Naked Noodle and get 10 percent off meal purchases.
*Augusta: Allen’s Manix Store is offering 15 percent off non-grocery items (excluding guns). Just down the street, Latigo and Lace is offering 15 percent off on T-shirts and additional selected items.
*Missoula: MSO Hub is offering 15 percent off (excluding clearance and non-profit organization items). And just a few doors down, MkLAREN Boutique is offering 20 percent off storewide.

November 18, 2011

Related: Events, Flathead Corridor, Missoula, Shopping, Whitefish

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