Take a look behind the scenes and meet the talented women who work for Western Montana’s Glacier Country. Our team is immersed and knowledgeable in all things Western Montana, so we’re sharing some of our favorite things about this special place. Read on for insider tips and local know-how, and find a few reasons why we’re so passionate about our home.
Racene Friede, President CEO
What was your favorite thing from this summer?
One of my favorite things this summer was road-tripping across Montana, a state that really is a big small town. The breathtaking scenery combined with the countless little adventures along the way—whether it’s reading about history at a roadside pullout, grabbing an iced coffee or ice cream in one of the towns along the way, or stopping to visit friends and family—makes every journey unforgettable. Montana’s vastness is matched only by the warmth of its communities, and I love how I always seem to know someone wherever I go.
What are you looking forward to this fall?
This autumn, I’m eagerly anticipating all the things that make this season my absolute favorite. From the vibrant yellows, oranges and reds that paint the landscape, to the excitement of football games and festive harvest celebrations, there’s a magic that only fall brings. The crisp, clean air filled with the scent of autumn trees and the promise of Halloween fun make this time of year truly special.
What’s your favorite indoor activity?
Visiting museums and galleries is one of the first things I do when I travel. Art galleries and museums provide windows into different cultures, histories and backgrounds. Exploring artworks from various regions and time periods expands my understanding of the community and world at large.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
Bicycling is good for my soul. The combination of physical activity, fresh air and scenic views helps me live in the moment and breathe in this great place I call home.
What’s your favorite Western Montana food?
Although not specific to Western Montana, I love bread pudding, especially my mom’s. Whenever I see bread pudding on the menu at a restaurant, I always try it. And there are a handful of restaurants here with some fantastic options.
What’s your favorite new thing?
I love e-biking! Providing adjustable pedal assistance levels, e-bikes allow me to bike places like the Going-to-the-Sun Road during times when the road is closed to traffic, which is simply magical.
Debbie Picard, Director of Sales
What was your favorite thing from this summer?
This summer, my favorite thing was taking my granddaughter to Lake Como. Watching her play in the sand and splash in the water brought me so much joy. It was a special moment to share, and I couldn’t help but hope that as she grows, she’ll come to appreciate the incredible place we’re lucky enough to call home.
What are you looking forward to this fall?
This fall, besides my love for the changing seasons, I’m especially looking forward to the Great Northwest Oktoberfest in Whitefish. It’s a lively celebration that brings the community and visitors together for traditional German food, music and, of course, plenty of beer. The festival spans two weekends and offers everything from polka dancing to stein-holding contests. The fall weather and the festive atmosphere make it a highlight of the season for me.
What’s your favorite indoor activity?
Western Montana’s breweries have become a favorite of mine, especially in the cooler months. Whether it’s sampling a new seasonal brew or enjoying live music in a cozy setting, it’s a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Each town has its own unique breweries, so there’s always something new to try.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
In addition to fly-fishing, lately, I’ve been loving my e-bike rides through Western Montana’s stunning landscapes. One of my favorite routes is the Bitterroot Trail, which stretches for over 50 miles from Missoula down through the Bitterroot Valley. The trail is well-paved and offers scenic views of the Bitterroot and Sapphire mountains and the serene Bitterroot River and open meadows. However, every spring, I look forward to taking my e-bike to Glacier National Park for a ride on the iconic Going-to-the-Sun Road before it opens to vehicle traffic. It’s an incredible experience to pedal along this breathtaking route, surrounded by towering peaks and glacially carved valleys, without the usual summer crowds. The road is quiet, the air is crisp, and the views are nothing short of spectacular. It’s become a cherished tradition, offering a unique and peaceful way to experience one of Montana’s most famous landmarks.
What’s your favorite Western Montana food?
I’ve developed a newfound appreciation for huckleberries, whether they’re in a freshly baked scone, a sweet jam, or even a huckleberry-infused cocktail. These berries are a true taste of Montana, and I love finding new ways to enjoy them each season. However, I will leave the time-consuming task of picking them to someone else!
What’s your favorite new thing?
My newest activity is finding the vibrant farmers markets that pop up in nearly every town during the warmer months. From fresh produce to handmade crafts, these markets are a great way to support local farmers and artisans. It’s become a weekend tradition to browse the stalls, pick up some fresh ingredients and made in Montana crafts, and chat with the vendors.
Lucy Beighle, Director of Communications
What was your favorite thing from this summer?
This summer I took advantage of going to outdoor concerts, and it was hands down my favorite thing to do. We have such a rich array of options and venues, but my favorite was going to concerts at the KettleHouse Amphitheater on the banks of the Blackfoot River.
What are you looking forward to this fall?
This fall I’m most looking forward to going to one of the many fall festivals we have in Glacier Country. Apple cider, crisp mornings, fall produce, sweater weather—sign me up!
What’s your favorite indoor activity?
If it’s fall, I’m a huge fan of hunkering in front of a fireplace with a good book. Or any time of year, I love all the art galleries and concerts we have in Western Montana.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
That’s a tough one, but one of my favorite things to do is take a kayak down the Clearwater Canoe Trail in the Seeley Lake area. The meandering water, the wildlife—it’s so beautiful and peaceful there. And one of my all-time favorite things I’ve ever done is llama trekking. Llamas are basically big Labradors—they’re so friendly.
What’s your favorite Western Montana food?
I’m going to have to say huckleberry pie. There’s nothing better than freshly baked pie made with that coveted berry, and I know how long they take to pick, which makes it even better! I’m a fan of Flathead cherries, too.
What’s your favorite new thing?
This is a general answer, but I love all the new restaurant options we have in Glacier Country. You can get a fantastic meal here, any night of the week.
Aerionna Skrutvold, Marketing Project Manager
What was your favorite thing from this summer?
I had a fantastic birthday weekend, in which I planned a family trip to Lake Koocanusa. We spent two nights on the lake. On Saturday we watched the Red Clay Strays at Abayance Bay in Rexford, a beautiful amphitheater on the shore of Lake Koocanusa. On our way home on Sunday we stopped at Kootenai Falls, and the view was awe-inspiring. I think it’s my new favorite waterfall in Western Montana.
What are you looking forward to this fall?
I have a young daughter and can’t wait to take her to a local pumpkin patch, dance to live music at a harvest gathering and go see the scarecrows at the Stevensville Scarecrow Festival.
What’s your favorite indoor activity?
I am a foodie and love a good meal! It’s so easy to find an amazing restaurant in Western Montana, and our craft beer and distillery scenes are on point, too. Going out for a meal is my go-to indoor activity with my family and friends.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
Born and raised in Montana, I’m an outdoor enthusiast and take full advantage of every opportunity each season brings. In the winter I snowmobile, in the spring I bike and run, in the summer I boat and fish, and during the fall I hike and hunt.
What’s your favorite Western Montana food?
As I mentioned, I love food. I am lucky enough to be a hunter and harvest my own wild game to feed my family. I think it tastes delicious, and I appreciate how healthy it is (lean and organic).
What’s your favorite new thing?
This past spring, I went e-biking for the first time and absolutely fell in love with it. It was so exhilarating to pedal fast up steep hills and conquer the mountain. An e-bike will be my next big purchase.
Kristi McNeal, Director of Operations & Accounting
What was your favorite thing from this summer?
This year, we’ve been focusing on our family and friends. The highlight of our summer has been taking the time for family, whether it is a week or a day. When we only have a few days, the Fort Missoula Regional Park has not only a beautiful trail system, but playgrounds that offer workout stations and connection to the Historical Museum at Fort Missoula, which showcases the diverse history of Missoula Country. It’s a park that appeals to our whole family.
What are you looking forward to this fall?
I’m looking forward to continuing our day trips, where we can escape the everyday and immerse ourselves in nature. The mountains, with their changing colors, always feel like a fresh start. And, of course, I also look forward to the cooler weather when I can curl up with a good book by the fire.
What’s your favorite indoor activity?
I’m a film buff; you can usually find me watching movies and TV series. One of my favorite TV shows is Yellowstone, which was largely filmed here in Western Montana. I own property where I camp in my RV, and it’s actually near “The Train Station” from the show.
What’s your favorite outdoor activity?
Outside, I enjoy reading while listening to the breeze in the trees. My favorite local bookstore is The Book Exchange, in Missoula, where you can browse thousands of new and used books, grab a chai latte, find a nook and stay awhile.
What’s your favorite Western Montana food?
Huckleberry desserts top the list for me. I have my go-to huckleberry picking spots each year to forage for these tiny berries. My reward is Huckleberry Delight—a family recipe with huckleberries, marshmallows and cheesecake.
What’s your favorite new thing?
Recently I’ve begun practicing yin-yoga. I appreciate the calm it brings to me mentally while I stretch. It’s a passion I share with many locals, making it easy to find fitness and yoga studios throughout Western Montana.
Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly; and help build an inclusive outdoors.
September 2, 2024
Related: About, Biking, Bonner, Concerts/Music Festivals, Events, Fall Fun, Family Fun, Fishing, Food, Glacier National Park, Hiking, Hunting, Indoor Fun, Libby, Missoula, Montana, Museums, Outdoor Fun, Road Trips, Seeley Lake, Spring Fun, Summer Fun, Vacation, Wildlife
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