Missoula Top Ten

Our time in Missoula is coming to a close.  Winter is not our preferred season to be here, but we made the best of it.  And anyplace is fun with Chris.  :)   Here is my Top 10 list:

1. The Missoula YMCA - It is a large facility, complete with pool, dozens of treadmills and ellipticals, and an extensive group fitness/yoga schedule.  Each of the yoga classes I did was very good.  Thanks to Colleen, Missy, Carmen, and Youngee! 
2. The Good Food Store - Locally owned.  Awesome bulk food section, produce, and deli.
3. Big Sky Brewery - Makers of popular Moose Drool Brown ale.  Free tastings in their taproom!  For those of us who like their beer dark and substantial, the Slow Elk Oatmeal Stout and, especially, the Cowboy Coffee Porter were very good.  I am no beer expert; I just know what I like.
4. Kettle House Brewing - Smaller but with no less tasty offerings.  We tried all the darker ones, with Slow Ride Stout being my fave.  The Bongwater Hemp Porter was good, too, but I couldn't stop imagining that it was really made out of bongwater.  Ick.
5. Trailhead outdoor gear store - 'Cuz they had skinny ski rentals; I spent a nice morning skiing the groomed Pattee Canyon trails.
6. The dogs - Missoulians seem to have a healthy, laid-back attitude toward dogs.  Most of the dogs we encountered on the trails were well behaved, happy, and seemingly well socialized.  Each trailhead had doggie bags and leashes available to borrow.
7. Doublefront Cafe - Fried chicken in the Rockies?  Yep.  It was darn good.  So were the onion rings.
8. City of Missoula Parks and Recreation - They put out a wonderful map of parks, open space, and trails.  It would be great if more cities did this.
9. North Hills Trails - Other than the extensive multi-use paths, the North Hills Trails seem to be the first to melt out.  Yippee, we actually got to run a bit on dirt singletrack.
10. Black Cat Bakery - Sticky buns to die for.......................!

We will be back in Missoula in another couple of months, when most of the snow should be gone in the lower elevations so hopefully will get more trail time in then.  We are looking forward to getting back home to the land of dry trails and bare limbs tomorrow!!