A Weekend in Bozeman, Montana
Bozeman is a booming city in Southern Montana that grew from about 37,000 in 2010 to almost 50,000 by 2019. I think one of the best things about Bozeman is the ability to have both a small city experience as well as impressive nature experiences too. There are wonderful restaurants, shops, breweries, museums, art and cultural centers, and so much more to enjoy. Bozeman is surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, which are loved by locals and tourists for mountain biking, hiking, trail riding, skiing, experiencing wildlife, and so much more.
WHERE TO STAY
RSVP Motel - “Where Stetsons and whiskey pair well with sun hats and a little bubbly”. We had a blast staying here! I absolutely love when renovated motel properties give a nod to the history of the place - and RSVP did just that when they kept the old Rainbow Motel neon sign on the property.
Our king suite was very spacious and included a cute kitchenette area next to the living room. The suite also featured a large private back patio with a gas fireplace that we enjoyed several times during our stay. RSVP has a delicious in-house health-focused cafe connected, called the Farmers Daughters where we started our mornings. I have a bit of an obsession with their Golden Lattes!
As with just about any great hotel experience, the staff at RSVP was top notch. They are genuinely so happy to help, and we were impressed with knowledgeable suggestions for spots around Bozeman. Their friendliness is something we will definitely remember fondly.
WHERE TO EAT + DRINK
PLONK - a great spot for wine, well-made cocktails, and delicious apps. Great happy hour! (every day from 3-5 pm and 10:30-midnight)
BLACKBIRD - delicious wood-fired pizzas and more, with wine and draft beers in a beautiful space. We actually sat at a table next to Machine Gun Kelly and his family while we at here, and while most people in the restaurant recognized him, everyone was respectful and didn’t bother him and his family. (maybe bc #covid, maybe bc the town is just chill?)
THE FARMERS DAUGHTERS - Bright cafe connected to the RSVP Motel with healthy breakfast and smoothie options, as well as delicious coffee drinks. (If you like turmeric get the Golden Latte with a shot of espresso)
COPPER - This basement bar has an extensive Whiskey list. The decor is darker and woodsy and has a great vibe to it. We stopped in for drinks, but the food and appetizers looked really good!
FEAST RAW BAR & BISTRO - if you are looking for an upscale meal, with top notch service go to Feast. Incredible Seafood, fabulous cocktails, and warm atmosphere.
OPEN RANGE - casual yet elevated steakhouse with an outdoor patio.
SOUTH 9TH BISTRO - A great spot in a remodeled Victorian home. They have Butternut Squash Ravioli with a sage-marsala butter sauce on the menu - YUM.
DAVE’S SUSHI - If you’re craving sushi - this is the place!
JAM! - Go here for breakfast or brunch!
TANGLEWOOD - share General Tso’s Cauliflower or the Delicata Squash Rings with some cocktails.
CRYSTAL BAR - we love a good dive bar and this one was a great socially distanced spot to end the night.
WHAT TO DO
Explore the fun shops on Main Street - there are SO many great shops in Bozeman, and plenty of outdoor stores as well if you want to get boots, a coat, anything while you are in town.
Highly recommend a stop at Head West - for Pendleton blankets, cowboy hats that can be customized for you, as well as a vintage shop in the lower basement level called Johnny & June. The staff was SO helpful and went above and beyond giving us recommendations for around town.
Hike to the ‘M’ - This is a popular 1.6-mile loop hike with beautiful views of the Gallatin Valley. The M was created by Montana State students in 1915. You can take two route options - to the left is an easier but longer hike, to the right for a steeper hike. This trail is close to Bozeman and very popular.
Hit up one of the many breweries:
MAP Brewing - gorgeous views from their back patio - perfect spot to grab a bite and a brew after hiking the M
Montana Ale Works - sustainable brewery and restaurant that also serves craft cocktails
Bridger Brewing - brewery with a rooftop patio across the street from Montana State University.
SHINE Beer Sanctuary + Bottle Shop - fun spot downtown with over 30 beers on tap and lots of outdoor space. There is a delicious burrito/ taco shop inside.
Nordic Brew Works - fun space and delicious food/ brews
Other fun things to do:
Ski at Bridger Bowl Ski Area
Soak at Bozeman Hot Springs
Visit the Museum of the Rockies
Hike Triple Tree Trail.
If you decide to take a day trip there are SO many options around Bozeman
Go on a Horseback Trailride! If going to Big Sky make a reservation with Jake’s Horse’s (we had an incredible ride with our wrangler Taylor!) If you are heading to Paradise Valley give MAERA a call!
Go rafting, ziplining, or tubing with Montana Whitewater
Tube Madison River, or rent paddleboards, kayaks, etc with Madison River Tubing.
Do a day trip to Yellowstone National Park!
BOZEMAN > PARADISE VALLEY > YELLOWSTONE > BIG SKY > BOZEMAN
If you can take a week off work, I highly recommend spending a couple of days in Bozeman, then head down to Paradise Valley, explore Yellowstone, then head north to spend time in Big Sky before returning to Bozeman to fly home. We had an incredible week exploring this area of Southern Montana! Instead of one giant blog, I broke it up into three:
