Category — Lifestyle

Welcome to the first in a weekly post previewing the upcoming weekend. I will be posting this column every Wednesday evening.
The Fourth of July is a big activity weekend nationwide and the Bitterroot Valley is know exception. With so many things to do, I don’t pretend to cover all the possibilities. I will touch on a few things I would like to be doing or will be doing this weekend.

Fly Fishing

Much of the Bitterroot River promises to be blown out this weekend, with high, dirty water. The best bet is the upper waters of the West Fork or the East Fork. Try the West Fork just below the dam at Painted Rocks State Park. The East Fork should provide good opportunities from the Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness through Sula. [Read more →]

One of the delights of a Montana spring, the Morel mushroom. Some locals wait for their emergence because of the unique flavor. Others take to the mountains for profit. Either way the Morel mushroom is a staple in Montana life.

[Read more →]

The Bitterroot Valley is ahead of the times when it comes to food production. The fastest growing area of food production is locally grown, organic food.

The Bitterroot Valley is blessed with numerous suppliers of clean locally grown and produced food including, dairy, meat, fruits and vegetables. Statistics such as the fact that the average American meal travels on average 1,500 miles before it gets to the diner’s plate, have led to stronger backing for “grow locally” movements. [Read more →]

Hunting Wild Asparagus

One of my favorite early spring activities in the Bitterroot Valley is collecting bunches of wild asparagus. There is nothing quite as delicious as fresh wild asparagus lightly grilled over an open fire.

I’m sure you have noticed people picking asparagus along the road. Some of you may have wondered what these people were doing. The next time you come across someone picking alongside the road in early spring, make note of that spot for your picking next spring. [Read more →]

Hamilton Farmer’s Market Kicks Off Saturday May 3

The place to be from 9:00-12:30 is the Hamilton Farmer’s Market located on Bedford Street and Third. There will be music and childrens activities along with the usual Montana crafts, produce, bedding plants, bakery items and a host of other delicious locally made products.

Children’s Activities

Local day cares and kids’ programs will be hosting several activities. There will be face painting, flower pot painting, anklet weaving and planting vegetable starts. The children’s activities will be held on the museum lawn.

The Farmer’s Market will be held every Saturday through September 27, from 9:00-12:30. Come out and enjoy. Remember, Buy Local Buy Fresh.

See you there!

Saturday mornings from May 3-September 27 between 9:00 am-12:30 pm, Bedford Street and Third Street, near downtown Hamilton will come alive. There are organic produce stands, homemade baked goods and Montana made crafts. Local musicians fill the air with their songs. If you have never experienced the Hamilton Farmers Market, it’s about time you got yourself down there.

For vendors, the season kicks off with the annual organizational meeting 1:00 pm March 29 at the Corvallis Grange Hall, located on Dutch Hill Road about 200 yards west of Highway 93. For more information contact Laura Craig (406) 961-0004 E-mail: lacraig@onewest.net