Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Perhaps the most anticipated event of the year is the
Northwest Montana Fair &
Rodeo
(fairgrounds, 265 N. Meridian Rd., Kalispell, 406/758-5810,
www.nwmtfair.com
)
,
usually held in mid-August and kicked off with a parade. The nearly weeklong event in-
cludes plenty of local agricultural exhibits, a carnival, three nights of professional rodeo,
and a variety of entertainment, all of which attract visitors from across the region. For year-
round entertainment, check out the
Glacier Symphony and Chorale
(140 S. Main St., Kal-
ispell, 406/257-3241,
www.gscmusic.org
)
, which produces an interesting range of musical
events.
In winter, the area celebrates the snow with festivities like the
New Year's Eve Rockin'
Rail Jam and Torchlight Parade
(Whitefish Mountain Resort, 406/862-2900,
www.skiwhitefish.com
)
and the
Whitefish Winter Carnival
(
www.whitefishwintercarnival.com
)
, a silly and fun event held annually in early February.
Despite its small size, Whitefish has a remarkably savvy theater crowd with offerings
from both the
Alpine Theatre Company
(600 2nd St., 406/862-7469,
www.alpinetheatreproject.org
)
, a highly respected repertory theater company, and
White-
fish Theatre Company
(1 Central Ave., 406/862-5371,
www.whitefishtheatreco.org
)
,
which offers eight community plays annually plus concerts, professional dance, improv per-
formances, workshops, camps, and films.
Western Outdoor
(48 Main St., Kalispell, 406/756-5818 or 800/636-5818, 9am-6pm
Mon.-Sat., 10:30am-4:30pm Sun. summer, 10am-6pm Mon.-Sat., 11am-4pm Sun. fall-
spring) is one of the most popular shopping attractions. This Western goods store boasts
more than 3,500 pairs of boots and close to 1,500 hats in every size, shape, and style ima-
ginable. If you've always wanted real cowboy duds, the salespeople here are very attentive
and will do their best to make sure you are outfitted properly.
Think Local
(140 Main St., 406/260-4499,
www.thinklocalartblast.com
, 10am-5:30pm
Tues.-Sat., extended summer and holiday hours) showcases amazingly diverse works by 51
local artists including photographers, painters, rope- and barnwood artists, and copper jew-
elers. There's also a coffee shop in the back to make your time spent browsing all the more
enjoyable. A perfect winter shop in Kalispell is
Montana Kite Sports
(405 3rd Ave. E.,
406/459-6898,
www.montanakitesports.com
), which introduces the sports of “power kit-
ing” and ice boating to the willing. Hours here can change with the weather, so call ahead.
In addition to sales, you can take a lesson! For art lovers, Kalispell's
Glacier Gallery
(1498
Hwy. 35 E., 406/752-4742,
www.glaciergallery.com
, 10am-5pm Mon.-Sat.) offers an in-
