Via Oregon - September/October 2021 - 39

Missoula, Montana
At different points in its 155-year history, the city of
Missoula has laid claim to more writers, fitness professionals,
and breweries per capita than almost any other nationwide.
The sources behind its cultural prowess are simple:
The venerable University of Montana produces an outsized
crop of bestselling authors and Pulitzer Prize winners. The
nearby Bitterroot Mountains and river-laced forests inspire
writers and athletes alike. And nothing hits the spot like a
cold beer after a grueling day of workouts or writer's block.
Your travel curriculum might start with a saunter
around the UM campus, which functions as the state
arboretum, a living museum of trees from the eight forest
regions of North America, including Montana natives.
Pop into the Montana Museum of Art and Culture, made
up of two galleries on campus, to behold the state's largest
trove of art. Located just south of campus, the UM
Golf Course offers nine holes in summer or cross-country
skiing in winter, as well as a chance to spot deer and
take in the Bitterroot Mountain vistas. Overlooking the
fairways, the Iron Griz curiously serves finger-lickin'
sweet-tea-brined chicken, crawfish po' boys, and other
Southern-inspired vittles.
For greater perspective, hike the 7-mile round-trip
Reservation Divide Trail on Ch-paa-qn Peak for panoramic
views of the blue-green mountains, often swept by shadows
of soaring clouds. Missoula is especially thrilling in winter,
when a shuttle bus offers $3 rides for the half-hour trip to
Snowbowl for skiing and snowboarding. The resort also provides
gear rentals plus private and group classes for kids and
adults of all abilities.
After hiking or skiing, relax in a brewery. Tamarack
Brewing Company downtown pairs its flagship beers
with Montana-centric pub fare; try the bison tacos with a
Lakeside pale ale. Imagine Nation Brewing Co. bills itself
as a center for community transformation: Each purchase
of its aromatic beer helps fund positive change-based projects.
Sample an IPA with shawarma or sliders from one of its
rotating food trucks. Looking for breakfast or lunch? Caffe
Dolce, a bakery and restaurant in the Rose Park neighborhood,
turns out twice-baked pistachio croissants and sourdough-crust
pizzas in a sunny space with painted ceilings.
AAA | VIA 39
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY CAFFE DOLCE; COURTESY DESTINATION MISSOULA (2)
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