Sweet Peaks. This is just one of my favorite places ever. Homemade ice cream with homemade waffle cones! What more do I need to say? Highly recommended as bribery material for kids’ smiles. If you’re visiting be sure to try the Huckleberry. No trip to Montana is complete without Huckleberry Ice Cream. But my favorite is the espresso, or the Chai, or the Pistachio, ok fine!! They’re all my favorite! Locations in Kalispell, Whitefish and Bigfork.
For baked goods that can stand up against the finest European bakeries stop by Ceres Bakery. My kids would eat their berry and cheese danish every day if it wasn’t the first thing to sell out every day!
Best burger in the valley is at Mudman Burgers in Columbia Falls. It’s pretty much a must stop on my way to Glacier. I prefer it without the chili but to each their own! They also have Huckleberry shakes and a food truck you might see around town. Stop and get a burger if you do. You won’t regret it. I also love their chicken sandwich and their breakfast sandwich and pretty much anything they make. I’m seriously so hungry just typing this right now and thinking about them.
Columbia Falls has my two favorite restaurants in the whole valley. Gunsight Saloon and Backslope Brewery are not to be missed! Gunsight has Old Fashioneds on tap?! and tater tots?! And EVERYTHING on the Backslope Brewery’s menu is phenomenal, but their garlic parmesan fries are worth the stop alone.
Closer to the park, Josephines has delicious and fun fare, and their proximity to Glacier Distilling Company is an added bonus. Free samples anyone?
For a fancy night out, stop by The Belton Chalet. Located right outside the west entrance of Glacier, this historic lodge is not to be missed.
For breakfast, lunch, or just a coffee, stop by Montana Coffee Traders. I have never had anything on their menu that wasn’t absolutely delicious. Locations in Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls. Great spot for souvenir shopping.
When I’m shooting a wedding at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, my husband loves to stop by and say hi and then have some fish tacos at the Tiki Bar on the beach. Good food, GORGEOUS setting.
Tamarack Brewery is just yummy, yummy, yummy. And their beer is the best. Once you have their spinach and artichoke dip, you won’t order it anywhere else ever. They have an absolutely beautiful outdoor patio that is perfect for a drive around the lake and dinner by the creek.
For some great pizza and a truly Montanan atmosphere, stop by Moose’s Saloon, and be sure to order some peanuts at the bar. It’s all about throwing the shells on the floor to feel like you’re in the Old West. Also, call me crazy, but order your pizza with sauerkraut, you won’t regret it.
