Trixie Navarre

Montana was our third state to visit, during our two week road trip. It was twelve days, two female road warriors, who are in their forties (my friend and I), four states, and a lot of eating. We definitely did our share of adventures, and adventurous eating!

There are many words to describe Montana such as marvelous, breathtaking, relaxing, and inspiring. For me, it was a feeling of awe that no human words could describe. There was a lot to see and do in the few days that we were in Montana. I felt that I had just scratched the surface of many new adventures that are in my future.

On our first day, we checked into our Airbnb cabin, went into town for dinner, and relaxed on our front porch. Then there was the day we went on a remarkable horse back riding trip through Glacier National Park. The day after that, we drove for hours along the “Going to the Sun Road” that stretches through the whole of Glacier. On our last day, we drove out of Montana and into Idaho, driving through the back roads, and along quiet highways.

I suppose you could consider my four days in Montana like an introduction to a long term relationship. As an Earth sign, Capricorn, I felt both energized and humbled with so much earthly beauty surrounding me. I may not move here since I am a city girl at heart, but I can definitely see myself living in Montana for a week or two.

Out of all the four states that we road tripped through, I do believe that my friend and I did the most canaigre through Montana. I think the mountain air and big sky, made us as the old saying goes, “Hungry as a bear”. From eating Native Fry Bread that I swear expanded in our stomachs, to sipping rum cocktails and watching mermaids swim, my “What I ate in MONTANA – A Food Journal – Road Tripping and Eating”.

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The Sip n’ Dip Lounge – Great Falls

A tiki bar in the middle of Montana, oh yes! Sip ‘n Dip Lounge has been noted as one of the coolest places to fly into for a bar, or something like that. We drove in from Wyoming on the way to Glacier National Park, and spent the night in Great Falls. I wanted to check out Sip n’ Dip that much.

The drinks were traditional tiki drinks, which were great to sip on while watching the Montana mermaids swim behind the bar. They also offer a full menu which was great since I was hungry after our long drive from WY. I ordered a small bowl of Ham and Potato soup which was good, nothing to get excited about. Although, it was a base of some type of food before I downed my large tiki drink.

The Sip ‘n Dip Lounge was such a cool place to visit. Check it out if you find yourself in Montana, especially if you dig tiki bars.

For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Sip ‘n Dip Lounge on Yelp

Four lounge information and locaiotn – The Sip ‘n Dip Lounge

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5th & Wine – Great Falls

Welcome to the coolest wine bar in Great Falls, Montana. Here is where you can enjoy upscale dining in a very comfortable setting, drinking luscious wines, and eat a hearty meal. My friend and I were in Great Falls for only one night, and in our usual fashion we try to locate one of the nicest restaurants in the smallest of towns. Great Falls is a big town really with a cool culinary scene, especially with 5th & Wine as a highlight.

On the table:

• Pinot Noir
• Cedar plank mushrooms
• Wagyu beef tenderloin, drizzled with a huckleberry demi-glace – celeriac puree – grilled asparagus

👩🏻‍💻 For my complete review and blog ➡ 5th & Wine – The Coolest Wine Bar in Great Falls, Montana

For my Five Star Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of 5th & Wine – formerly Wines By Wednesday on Yelp

For restaurant information and reservations – 5th & Wine

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Tracy’s Family Restaurant – Great Falls

Tracy’s seemed to be the popular place for breakfast in Great Falls. When we arrived, there was a line of people waiting patiently outside their doors. That’s okay because it was worth the wait, especially for their Chicken Fried Steak. I have not had Chicken Fried Steak this delicious since Del’s in New Mexico. Actually after eating it at Del’s in NM almost a decade ago, I have not eaten it again. I am glad I waited because the CFS at Tracy’s was excellent. The steak was thick, and the crispy batter was perfect. The southern gravy was very nice and flavorful for being white gravy.

We also wanted to try the waffle because our server suggested it. Since we really wanted the Chicken Fried Steak, we ordered the Kid’s menu waffle just to try it. Yes, it was good, but not as good as their CFS.

For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Tracy’s Family Restaurant on Yelp

For restaurant information – Tracy’s Family Diner

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The Backroom – Columbia Falls

The fry bread, the braised chicken dinner or the rib dinner- that is all! Oh, and they have a full bar. The Backroom in Columbia Falls seems to be a casual place for locals, and a few tourists who wander in. The cuisine is pure comfort food, and the prices are great. It is not a fancy place, but they make up for it with the delicious food that they serve.

On the table:

• Vodka tonic
• Dinner salad
• Braised crispy chicken
• BBQ ribs
• Native American fry bread

For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of The Backroom on Yelp

For restaurant information – The Backroom

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The Huckleberry Patch – Hungary Horse

I am known not to eat fruit on it’s own, but I have no problem when it is made into a dessert. Until I visited Wyoming and Montana, I had never tried a Huckleberry. I have heard of it due to the fictional characters like Huckleberry Finn and Huckleberry Hound, but never tried one.

I was hoping to try a few fresh berries, but since the season was over I ordered a scoop of ice cream, and a slice of pie. Totally two different taste experiences, so I recommend that you try both. The scoop was very generous, and the taste was very sweet. I liked it but not sure if the true huckleberry taste was represented. As for the pie, it was very good and quite tart. The crust was light, and it was loaded with huckleberries. Like I said, just try both. I mean, why choose?

For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of The Huckleberry patch on Yelp

For store and restaurant information – The Huckleberry Patch

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Three Forks Grille – Columbia Falls

Columbia Falls is not a big city, it is more of a big town that is just outside the West Enterance of Glacier National Park. If you ask any local what their favorite nice restaurant is, more than likely the answer will be. “Three Forks Grille”. This restaurant is a casual upscale restaurant, that offers dishes made from local ingredients with an Italian twist.

On the Table:

• Dr. Loosen Riesling – Mosel Valley, Germany
• House salad
• Grilled rainbow trout with summer vegetables, and lentils
• 11 oz. Grilled ribeye with gorgonzola butter
• Sweet ricotta tart with seasonal berries

👩🏻‍💻 For my complete review and blog ➡ Three Forks Grille – The Most Popular Restaurant in Columbia Falls, Montana

For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Three Forks Grille on Yelp

For restaurant location and information – Three Forks Grille

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Trixi’s Antler Grill – Ovando

Trixi’s was not too bad considering they dropped the “E” from my name! 😉 If you are hungry, and in the area this is your best bet for a hot sit down meal, considering there really is not much else around.

The food is average, nothing special about it, and several items come from US Foods. We saw the truck being unloaded, and our server said their Biscuits and Gravy were frozen. My friend asked if they were made in house, and she was honest enough to say that they were frozen.

The prices were inexpensive but they only accepted cash or check, and they have an ATM on site. The ambiance is pretty cool like a Montana dive bar with buck heads, a bar, and a pool table. Our server was down to earth and very friendly. I’m sure they are known for their bar life rather than their cuisine.

For my Yelp review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Trixi’s Antler Saloon on Yelp

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Espresso West – West Yellowstone

We came here twice for coffee only because I knew that I could easily walk up and get coffee. It was okay, not anything great when it came to my Americano. By the second day, I think I just needed caffeine for the road. My Americano was pretty watered down, although I do understand that it is watered down espresso. It was just super watered down or the espresso was very light OR Both.

I also picked up a couple of pastries, their Banana Nut Bread, and Huckleberry Bar. Both were fresh and good, plus the lady behind the counter threw the ends for free. Other than that, the service was very friendly and the place had a line both days. It was a pretty popular place.

For my Yelp Review, Read Trixie N.‘s review of Espresso West on Yelp

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Picnic at Glacier National Park

There were a couple of times on our National Park road trip that we packed a picnic. It was an easy and convenient way to have our lunches on hand, especially with the crowds at the park restaurants. On this particular day, we had driven the full “Going to the Sun Road” in Glacier National Park, and decided to have lunch at Saint Mary Lake. This was the end of the road, as it was closed off to the East side of the park. It was perfect because after we lunched, we walked to the lake for photos, and drove back along the same road.

For our lunches, I had made croissant sandwiches with lettuce, tomato, red onion, cheese, and meat. We also purchased pasta salad from the market that went perfectly with our sandwiches. Since we love avocados, we brought a whole one to share. I do love a good picnic.

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Let the adventure begin…

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📸 All photos are taken by me and are my intellectual property – Trixie Navarre