Fishing and Stitching aren’t just hobbies, they are a lifestyle…
Winter 2025
Winter 2025
Life has changed in our world and schedules for traveling around has increased during this last fall. We have visited some old favorites and new ones but recently we were right in our back yard and were asked to meet at a local https://dantesgreatfalls.com/. I often do not find myself around the old school area of this restaurant but once I am there I remember why it is so great. We were served up to have a great set of seasonal cocktails and main dishes of steak and shrimp. But my real focus of this visit was a celebration we were meeting for. The Desert plate that was presented to us was amazing. Non on the group decide and so we all ordered a different dish. Everyone of us could not believe at how we loved them and it finished off a perfect meal. Sometimes we have to remember that traveling is great but we do have great home town favorites in our own town.
Stop by and say hello Sat June 15th 8-12:45
We took a quick trip to the lake to rest for a evening after the Summer Solstice Vender Fair and as we passed the Grand Union Hotel https://www.grandunionhotel.com/ we remembered we had stopped in and had a wonderful meal a few months back. Hoping that we could just grab and go as we wanted to get to the lake before dark our finding were that you could ask and they would even when busy deliver a great boxed charcuterie board and venison dumplings. The hostess was kind and tried to find out if they could do to go boxes as I guess we were the first. After a bit of time they were able to accommodate us and off and away we went. We loved the boxes which included a variety of cheeses, meats, nuts, bread and spicy sauces. Check them out if you get to Fort Benton as I am sure the beat of the restaurants will continue to evolve as the new owners find their way and they train their staff for accommodating the summer crowd. I hope they consider “to go” boxes as I am sure they would attract a few folks who appreciate the unique flavor offered at the restaurant that would include their boards on their beautiful float on the river.
Two days left before you get your chance to come and purchase one of these beautys.
Where has the time gone? Just like that it is June and we headed to Billings MT this weekend for a new event to our Bag Vender Fair. The Spring Fest for the Moss Mansion https://mossmansion.com/ . This was a excellent well put together event that we hope to be able to participate in next year as well. The weather was fantastic and so was the hospitality we received from both the Spring Fest and the Northern Hotel. https://www.northernhotel.com/ Where to start. We had brought our business trailer and were greeted at the front door for assistance on where to park. They had already marked a spot off for us and were glad to stand and guide for traffic. We were then welcomed by the the front desk staff who were smiling and very much joked with us as they quickly checked us in and off we were headed to our room. Our room was a two room on the 9th floor and wow! Spacious, clean and looked new. When we arrived back at the hotel later we were greeted by the well lit area and the door man. Our bed was extremely comfy maybe a bit to much for us as we did not want to really get up. We had to be a the event early and so we were down at Bernie’s by 600 and again were great by a smiley hostess/waitress/ cook. She was doing it all. Our meal was prompt and full of flavor. The best part this coffee shop has everything and caters to small portion meals which we love. As we checked out we were offered coffee and fruit flavored water and thanked for staying with them. Could not have asked for a better 5 star hotel in our eyes. We can not wait to return and try out the club and “TEN” restaurant. A big thank you for hosting us and we can not say enough great things and hope that you will check them out the next time you are in Billings.
I feel like I say this every spring and fall and I do, but I am always in awe when we make our annual Saco Bacon trip. We love staying at the Sleep Buffalo and it helps my hubby’s aging body. https://www.facebook.com/sleepingbuffalohotsprings/ Every time we go there is something new and or some addition to the resort. This time was no different and exceptional I might add as the restaurant was open. We made reservations in advance as to make sure we could get in. Did I mention the accommodations they made for us on a weekend was above and beyond. The friendly service and easy relaxing dining room filled with wonderful artwork complemented the dinner. They are serving specials and house regulars weekly. Check the menu and face book.
Back home we were grateful as our trip to Bozeman to set up for the Montana Handmade included more adventures of finding new places to eat and enjoy another local Montana restaurant. Our find this trip with the help of a daughter was the Bourdon and BBQ https://bourbonmt.com/ off North 7th. Here we found excellent smoked Brisket Tacos and a Smoked Chicken Salad Sandwich. Excellent find with a great atmosphere that is not over stuffy and our Bartender/Waiter was eager to help us and discuss multiple options for drinks. Make sure that you stop on in support a local.
Another trip around the sun this year and what better way to start it then a trip for rest and recuperation. A wing had to be fixed and we had already made plans to take one our bucket list items off the table this March. We actually ventured out of the state and take a short three day cruise. If you have never done this and think that you are unsure try it. You might actually find you like it. We did! Thanks to family who know the cruise ropes well we set sail and enjoyed some excellent meals, a private beach and a extremely roomy suite. Lets just say it is was exactly what the doctor ordered.
Our annual August trip to Saco and the Sleeping Buffalo hot springs brought new adventures this year. The hot springs has re opened the bar and is working on the dining hall as well. We were so lucky to try original drinks and pizza from them and enjoy the new surrounding area views. What a treat and the staff was so polite and helpful, cheery. I can not wait to go back and try the steak house part of this new addition.!
Spring and the start of the summer have gone by so fast! We have expanded our stand time this year and have been traveling the state more showing the original one of a kind bags off. The first part of June we were in Missoula and the Handmade outdoor fair. Needless to say the weather was not the best but met a lot of very nice people and the food was amazing at the local restaurants. Check it out! Top hat is the place to be! As July has rolled in we have spent some time at the Great Falls Farmers Market and will continue to be there this weekend as well. Come check us out and go to our bag page to see the latest bag that will make its first showing this weekend! Its a good one!
Winter 2022
We took a quick trip to Bozeman to celebrate Andrea’s Graduation from MSU Bozeman and decided a over night stay would be a great relaxer. Choosing the Sacajawea hotel in Three Forks Montana was something we had seen last summer while stopping in the local Quilt store to buy some fabric. A gem of a find and we could not have been more surprised at the wonderful hospitality they had and the great food they served in the restaurant. If you get a chance it is a must stop for everyone traveling through the area. Make your reservations in advance though they fill up fast. When we arrived they were hosting a Christmas party and when we left they were getting ready for a wedding. Clean, friendly and a unique experience. We received warm hand towels with scent and champagne as we checked in. along with complimentary snacks and drinks in our cottage. Amazing time!
Tackle Box Company 