Ashley & Jude’s Wedding
Things To Do
Grab a Drink at Cranky Sam's
Cranky Sam's Taphouse is where we shared our first date and our first night of trivia. It has been one of Jude's favorite places to grab a drink at since it opened a few years ago. They primarily focus on on-tap beer, wine, and cider, however, they have a restaurant now as well (which we have not really eaten at enough to say if it is good or not).
Grab at Drink at Western Cider
Western cider is quite possibly the best cidery to exist anywhere in this region. They produce a variety of ciders that are available at almost any store, bar, gas station, and restaurant around Missoula. We especially like the Macintosh (the perfect balance of dry and sweet), Whiskey Peach (high percentage and full of flavor), Ranch Hand (a perfect balance and crisp taste), and the Fat Robin (a cherry-infused slightly sweeter cider). They have a wonderful outdoor patio space with trellised apple trees providing shade even on hot days. Their inside space is large and generally not too loud. Even if you don't make it to this tasting room, you really should try some of this cider somewhere your trip!
Eat at Thomas Meagher Bar
Thomas Meaghar bar (called "Mar bar") is one of Ashley and Jude's favorite places to eat. Their Irish-American fare never disappoints!
Eat at Tamarack Brewing Co
Tamarack Brewing has good food, good beer, a relaxed vibe, and a great location downtown. They can typically accommodate larger groups even and everyone is always happy with something on their varied menu! It is located right by Caras park so parking can most often be found on the river side of the building. If you are with a group and want somewhere everyone will be satisfied try here!
Eat Mexican at Plaza Azteca Missoula
This Mexican restaurant opened recently and our experience there was fun and tasty. They have high-tech robots that carry some food to tables as well as a tableside guacamole-making experience. The portion sizes are also large, though it is not the very cheapest of options. As a bonus, the employees do seem to be actually Hispanic for the most part and so the food does seem more traditionally prepared.
Eat Takeout by the River at The Notorious P.I.G. BBQ
The Notorious P.I.G (said as the letters not just "pig") is Missoula's best barbeque restaurant and they have a location downtown as well as one on the south end of town. They have a range of slow-cooked meats and tasty sides. If you go to the downtown location, get it to go and sit down by the river for a lovely picnic.
Eat Italian at Ciao Mambo
Ciao Mambo ("Chow") is one of our favorite places for special occasions. As a more upscale Italian restaurant, it does come at a price, but it can still be a lovely dining experience. Choose from a wide variety of dishes and wines.
Eat Brunch at Laughing Grizzly Restaurant
Laughing Grizzly is one of our favorite places to get brunch. There is prompt service, good food, large portions for the price, and an overall relaxed vibe. Its central location is worth the short drive from any part of town.
Eat Breakfast at Paul's Pancake Parlor
Pauls Pancake Parlor is one of Missoula's most popular breakfast spots. They have all the classic breakfast foods, relatively prompt service, and reasonable prices. You can expect a 30-45 minute wait on weekend morning peak times, but it can be worth it!
Eat Takeout from catalyst2GO
Catalyst offers a variety of grab-and-go foods, such as a salad bar, housemade soups, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, smoothies, and coffee. It is close to the river so you can easily take your food down to the riverside for a nice picnic.
Hike at Blue Mountain Trailhead
Blue Mountain is a very popular hiking spot just south of Missoula. This is where we had our first hike date and we have had many more special hikes there since. Enjoy countless trails - some more heavily used than others - with lovely views in the right spots.
Hike at Waterworks Hill (Hills North of Missoula)
The Waterworks Hill area, also called the north hills, is a wonderful way to see the city from above with minimal hiking elevation. Make the hike as long as you would like, but a short 10 minutes can get you up to a wonderful view. The city lights can help guide you late into the evening and even past sunset. You can access the trails from the linked website or from the Orange St interstate exit. Highly recommended!
Tour the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Take a short self-guided tour and see some amazing taxidermy and facts about elk. Witness a Grizzly bear up close and ask Jude and Ashley about their close encounter with one while hunting!
Explore Fort Missoula Regional Park
The Missoula Fort is a historical area with all sorts to see and plenty of walking paths and historic architecture.
Stroll Around the University of Montana
The University of Montana campus is lovely. Enjoy a walk around campus where you will see historic buildings, mature trees, and more. Jude attended UM from 2012-2016 and graduated with a BS in Wildlife Biology and a minor in Communication Studies. You can see his senior year project - an articulated deer skeleton - in the Davidson's Honors college building (ask for directions).
Stroll Along the Creek at Greenough Park
Greenough Park follows Rattlesnake creek near the mouth of the valley. It is a relatively flat walk through cooling trees and is always a relaxing space. It isn't too long of a walk, so plan on a pretty short time here.
Float the Clark Fork (Water Levels Permitting)
It is tough to say if there will be enough water so late into the season, but we are putting it here just in case! If nothing else, putting your feet in the river will be nice.
Go for a Drive to the National Bison Range
Take a nice drive north of Missoula for a wildlife-filled loop.
Go for a Drive to Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge
We went for a drive to Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge our first winter together. There are countless animals to see, especially waterfowl. The whole drive to get there and through the refuge itself are just so lovely.
Soak and Swim at Quinn's Hot Springs Resort
Quinns Hot Springs is where Jude and Ashley went for their first trip away from Missoula after a gracious friend invited them for an evening there for her own wedding celebrations. It is a very beautiful hot springs with very large pools and varying temperatures. It is $22 for a day swim and the drive there is quite beautiful. Highly recommended if you have an extra day to spend in the area.