In May of 2020, as we were all shut in and International travel plans were postponed, suspended, and ultimately canceled, I decided to load up the RV and do some exploring of this great country of ours!It is now 2021 and I have not been home yet!I feel extremely blessed that I happened to have a motorhome in storage, the ability to work on the road, maintain social distancing, stay safe, and still get out and about.
Traveling in an RV has become the “in thing” this year.It was amazing to see families sitting at picnic benches in the RV parks and campgrounds, with kids doing online schooling while dad and mom were working remotely.Getting the job done, but still being able to get outdoors, breathe fresh air, and still stay within their bubble.I chose my destinations and routes based upon many factors but ultimately where I felt the most comfortable.I stuck to cool small towns and no crowds, to areas where the weather was nice enough to enjoy a meal or cocktail outside on the patio with the fresh breeze and sunshine, and where I could stay in the RV and not be crowded up against a bunch of people.Normally I love to be near lots of people, activity, busy parks, trails, and restaurants, but times change - I decided to make the best of it.
My recent adventures have taken me through the high deserts of Arizona with beautiful mountain peaks and volcanic cinder cones ringing the quaint town of Flagstaff. Then off to the artists' colonies of Santa Fe and Taos New Mexico, surrounded by pristine National Forest lands, perfect for morning hikes and afternoon picnics. I discovered a few hidden gems here for my clients that include small boutique resorts with hot springs and private experiences for active travelers.
In this post, I want to highlight the time I spent in wide-open big sky country - Montana! I wanted to explore our Luxury Lodges in this area, and they did not disappoint. These are not the Dude Ranches we think of from City Slickers, these are true luxury experiences. Private cabins, over the top glamping, farm to table dining, outdoor activities, serene spaces, and social distancing by default. The private artwork collections alone are reason enough to visit Triple Creek Ranch, one of my favorites.
My first stop was at The Ranch at Rock Creek (click for details) located about 90 minutes southeast of Missoula, Montana on over 6000 acres of green meadows and rolling foothills.The Ranch is a perfect getaway for friends and family, with multiple types of accommodations and more activities and fun that you can shake a stick at!
Next, I was off to The Resort at Paws Up (click for details), one of the most popular of the ranches and Lodges that we send clients to - and larger and more diverse than the other two.Choose the type of accommodations that meets your needs, from multiple bedroom luxury cabins to the ultimate in over the top tent camping (glamping).When we talk about activities at a ranch your mind probably wanders to fly fishing, horseback riding, campfires, and other outdoor pursuits, but at Paws Up that can also include Hot Air Ballooning across the rivers and meadows, ATV riding, a ropes course, cooking, and wine events and much more.There is something for everyone here.
The third and last lodge I visited was Triple Creek Ranch (click for details).I know we are not supposed to have favorites, but Triple Creek Ranch was mine!Another short drive from Missoula, Montana to the South, and I was quickly surrounded by the forests, mountains, and river of this beautiful area.Triple Creek Ranch is a Relais & Chateaux all-inclusive property offering a luxurious guest ranch experience of refined rustic elegance and five-star service.All of this amidst the serenity of a forested mountain retreat.This is an adults only (over 16) ranch so it is perfect for that romantic getaway, friends retreat, or adult family adventure.The activities here are also abundant and the small size of the resort means all of the activities, dining, and events cater to smaller groups and more intimate service.
So if you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Montana and our collection of Lodges is the place to go!
