BUTTE, HELENA, AND SOUTHWEST MONTANA - Montana and Wyoming - page 359

SHOPPING
Eaton Turner Jewelry (1735 N. Montana Ave., 406/442-1940,
www.eatonturnerjewelry.com , 10am-5:30pm Mon.-Fri., 10am-5pm Sat.) is the oldest jew-
eler in the state and has been family owned and operated since 1885. History aside, this is
a special store and offers a great selection of jewelry, including local stones like Montana
and Yogo sapphires.
A wonderful independent bookstore, Montana Book & Toy Co. (331 N. Last Chance
Gulch, 406/443-0260 or 877/844-0577, www.mtbookco.com , 9:30am-6pm Mon.-Fri.,
9:30am-5pm Sat.) offers a diverse collection of books for all readers and children's toys.
The General Mercantile (413 N. Last Chance Gulch, 406/442-6078,
www.generalmerc.com , 8am-5:30pm Mon.-Fri., 9am-5pm Sat., 11am-4pm Sun.) is like a
step back in time. The Merc serves every variety of coffee and tea, including espresso from
vintage machines. There are all sorts of cozy nooks to sip a latte while perusing a book.
There are gifts and cards galore, but it's the atmosphere in the Merc that makes it so special.
Another unique destination in Helena is LizE Designs Artscapes (540 W. Main, 406/
431-6864, 10:30am-6pm Thurs.-Fri., 10am-4pm Sat.), which sells fine art, funky art, and
one-of-a-kind gifts. The shop is housed on the 2nd floor of the 1865 Kluge House, also
known as the Upside Down House. The structure is said to have been constructed from dis-
carded railroad trestles, and it makes a perfect home for this rare shop.
For a real taste of Montana, look no farther than The Parrot Confectionery (42 N. Last
Chance Gulch, 406/442-1470, www.parrotchocolate.com , 9am-6pm Mon.-Sat.), an abso-
lute Montana standard when it comes to candy shops and diners. They make 130 different
varieties of candy, and their reputation for hand-dipped chocolates has won them customers
worldwide. Try a cherry phosphate from the original soda fountain, and sit up at the bar
for a bowl of their secret-recipe chili. A local favorite since 1922, The Parrot should not be
missed.
RECREATION
Gates of the Mountains
Just outside Helena is one of the loveliest canyons in Montana. Named Gates of the Moun-
tains by Lewis and Clark in 1805 because of the 1,200-foot limestone cliffs that tower on
either side of the Missouri River, it has become a favorite recreation area for Helena resid-
ents.