Montana: An Insider’s Guide to Livingston & Bozeman

Winter: The cold smoke season

• Skiing Big Sky & Bridger: Big Sky Resort offers the big-mountain experience, but for a true local vibe, head to Bridger Bowl just outside Bozeman. It’s a community-run gem where the powder is legendary.

• The Lone Mountain sleigh ride: For the quintessential winter evening, book the horse-drawn sleigh dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch. You’ll be whisked through a snowy forest to a lantern-lit cabin for a family-style prime rib feast.

• Hot springs: Thaw out at Chico Hot Springs (Livingston) for a historic soak or embrace Mother Nature and visit the natural hot springs of the Boiling River, located at the North entrance of Yellowstone National Park in Gardiner. No spa can recreate the rugged, yet exhilarating experience of wading into the river while surrounded by snowy mountains—a real local hotspot.

Summer: The high-alpine season

• Hiking & national parks: Use Livingston as your base for the North Entrance (Gardiner) of Yellowstone. It’s the most dramatic way to enter the park. For local trails, Pine Creek Falls, Passage Creek Falls, and Suce Creek are musts.

• Ranch culture: Nothing says Montana summer like a rodeo. The Livingston Roundup in July, also known as “Cowboy Christmas” is as authentic as it gets. Be sure to stay for the fireworks!

• Fly fishing: The Yellowstone River is renowned for its world-class fly fishing and, each summer, travelers from around the world visit Montana to be able to say they fished on the Yellowstone.

• Horseback riding: To see more untouched landscape, trade the car for a saddle. Exploring the Paradise Valley on horseback is the best way to truly understand its scale.

The shopping edit: From Main Street to the ranch

Whether you’re looking for curated interiors or the gear the locals actually wear on the range, these are the essential stops.

• Head West (Bozeman): The go-to for an authentic but modern Montana look—think Stetson hats, turquoise jewelry, and rugged western wear.

• Meridian Boutique (Bozeman): An elevated boutique on Main Street that perfectly balances mountain soul with sophisticated, timeless style.

• Lucchese (Bozeman): The gold standard in handmade leather boots. A true investment piece for your wardrobe.

• Bob’s Outdoor (Livingston): A local institution since 1946. This is the place for high-quality heritage brands like Filson and Pendleton. It’s where you buy the gear that actually lasts a Montana lifetime.

• Catherine Lane Interiors (Livingston): A beautiful showroom specializing in “Mountain Interiors”—perfect for bringing a piece of Montana’s refined-rustic aesthetic home.

• Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Supply: To see where the locals actually shop, hit Murdoch’s. With multiple locations, it’s the place for everything from Carhartt workwear to ranching essentials.

Livingston

• Campione: A surprise in the heart of the West, Campione serves incredible Roman-style Italian food. It is a favorite among locals for its warm atmosphere and high-quality, comforting dishes.

• 2nd Street Bistro: Located in the historic Murray Hotel, this spot offers French-inspired cuisine executed with local ingredients. It is a refined yet comfortable setting perfect for a celebratory dinner.

• Gil’s Goods: This is the ultimate “insider” lunch spot. Whether you’re grabbing a wood-fired pizza, a gourmet sandwich, or a fresh pastry from the bakery, it’s the perfect place to fuel up.

• The Murray Bar: Don’t skip this legendary spot for a post-dinner drink or a casual meal. While famous for its “crossroads” atmosphere, they serve amazing burgers that are the perfect end to a long day on the river.

Bozeman

• Tutti Bene: This Italian spot is less than a year old but already the hottest table in town. It can take months to snag a reservation, so plan your trip around this meal if you can.

• Blackbird: A long-standing favorite for a reason, Blackbird serves incredible wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas in a bustling, hip environment.

• Sky Shed: Located on the roof of the Armory Hotel, this glass-enclosed greenhouse is only open during the cold months. With only a couple of reservations a night for small groups, it’s one of the most exclusive and “cool” dining experiences in the state.

• Wild Crumb & Fink’s: Wild Crumb is the best bakery in the region for sourdough and sweets. Right next door, their brother restaurant, Fink’s, serves up the best sandwiches and lunch in Bozeman.

• Shan: A standout addition to the local scene, Shan offers delicious and authentic Asian cuisine. It is a refreshing and flavorful break from the more traditional Montana fare.

• The Farmer’s Daughter Cafe: This is the perfect choice for a bright, healthy brunch or lunch. It’s located in the RSVP Hotel and offers a great atmosphere to start your day.

• Jam!: Famous for its creative twists on breakfast classics, Jam! is a Bozeman staple. Be prepared for a wait, as the lines for brunch here are legendary for a reason.

• Tanglewood: This spot offers a fantastic mixture of food with a menu that changes seasonally. Because they rotate their offerings based on what's fresh, the experience is different every time you visit.

• Open Range: A sophisticated take on the Montana steakhouse, Open Range offers high-quality meats and a great bar program right on Main Street.

• Plonk: This is Bozeman’s premier wine bar, offering an extensive list and beautifully crafted cocktails in a chic, upscale setting.

• Bozeman Spirits Distillery: For a more casual but equally high-quality drink, visit the distillery for refreshing cocktails made with house-distilled spirits.

• Ted’s Montana Grill: For a classic American experience, Ted’s is the go-to. It’s a reliable spot for bison burgers and a traditional Montana atmosphere.

Paradise Valley

• The Grill at Sage Lodge: Dining here offers stunning views of Emigrant Peak. The menu focuses on wood-fired cooking and hearty, upscale ranch cuisine that perfectly matches the landscape.

• Chico Hot Springs Dining Room: A historic Montana experience, dining at Chico feels like stepping back in time. It’s known for its fine dining menu and iconic desserts—best followed by a soak in the springs.