MISSOULA AND WESTERN MONTANA - Montana and Wyoming - page 284

credible selection of Western paintings and bronzes by masters of the 19th and 20th centur-
ies, as well as contemporary local artists with an emphasis on Glacier National Park.
The streets of downtown Whitefish are filled with bars, restaurants, spas, and art gal-
leries. Several galleries line Central Avenue, including Stumptown Art Studio (145 Cen-
tral Ave., 406/862-5929, 10am-6pm Mon.-Sat., noon-5pm Sun.), a marvelous gallery to
buy, learn about, and even make art. Samarah Fine Art (15 Central Ave., 406/862-3339,
10am-6pm Mon.-Sat., noon-5pm Sun.) is a gallery that represents about 30 artists from
across the state working in various traditional and contemporary media. Both galleries par-
ticipate in the popular Whitefish Gallery Nights ( www.whitefishgallerynights.org ) the first
Thursday evening of each month May-October. Fourteen galleries are involved, each spon-
soring a different artist each night of the event. It's a great way to view art, meet the artists,
sample good food, and experience the community.
The Imagination Station (221 Central Ave., Whitefish, 406/862-5668, 9:30am-6pm
Mon.-Sat., 11am-5pm Sun.) began about 20 years ago when the owners realized that they
missed the toys of their youth. Their classic toy selection has grown over the years and
is a lot of fun for adults and children alike. They also stock their store with the latest
wooden toys from Europe, have a good selection of educational toys, and like to keep a lot
of puzzles and board games on hand as well. Like a toy store for grown-ups, The Shops
Under One Roof (205 Central Ave., 406/862-7253, 10am-5:30pm Mon.-Sat., 11am-5pm
Sun.) is a labyrinth of wonderful antiques and design shops.
If you have the time, a stop at Kettle Care (6590 Farm to Market Rd., Whitefish, 406/
862-9851 or 888/556-2316, www.kettlecare.com , 9am-5pm Mon.-Sat.) is well worth the
visit. This business is committed to producing fine all-natural body-care products while re-
maining conscious of their carbon footprint. The ingredients come from their certified or-
ganic farm and are created, packaged, and labeled for sale on-site. They have a small show-
room stocked with products; a trip to this store provides visitors an opportunity to see a
successful homegrown green business in action.
RECREATION
MM Whitefish Mountain Resort
When it comes to skiing in Montana, it doesn't get much better than skiing at the Whitefish
Mountain Resort (3840 Big Mountain Rd., 406/862-2900 or 800/858-3930,
www.skiwhitefish.com , all-day $69 adults, $54 teens, $36 juniors, half-day $60 adults, $52
teens, $29 juniors), which offers 94 trails, 12 lifts, 2,353 feet of vertical drop, and a 3.3-mile
run. When the snow conditions are just right, the trees all across the top of the mountain