Montana

Government shutdowns are very confusing events, and it's not always exactly clear what happens with things like National Parks. Different things have happened during different government shutdowns over the years. Not all shutdowns are the same. Administrations have important decisions to make about actually locking the gates.

Saturday, September 23rd will be one of the coolest nights of music that has graced Bozeman. That's a hefty statement but it's true when we're talking about the songs of Local Natives, and they'll be here this Saturday night at The ELM on North 7th.

If you're craving something musically different than just about everything else on the planet, Tallest Man On Earth is something you need to see and hear. Beautiful, interesting, immensely intricate, a bit folksy, and perhaps in several languages - boring it is NOT.

Montana corn and bale mazes are some of the best in the country, and Bozeman is home to perhaps the finest in the state. The Bozeman straw bale maze is opening on a Friday night to celebrate the new season with tons of fun activities.

There are tons of things we can talk about that used to be very "Bozeman", that aren't around anymore. What I absolutely miss the most about just a few years ago, isn't a store, a restaurant or even reasonable housing prices.

Take the 2-day musical trip with Umphrey's McGee this weekend at The ELM in Bozeman. Anyone who knows how fun this band is will tell you there's nothing better than one Umphrey's show, but two Umphrey's shows back to back.

Finding new ways to entertain guests who visit us in Montana is getting harder - especially without spending a fortune. Hiking, biking, fishing, and camping are still great options, but sometimes you want something a little more unique and unusual. The 'experiences' section on Airbnb is a good start to find these cool things to do.

When people are looking for advice online before they move to Montana, most Montanans aren't known for their pleasant and helpful tidbits of wisdom. Before anyone helpful can chime in, there has usually been a torrent of snarky and unhelpful comments made.

Check your freezer and tell your friends to do the same. This famous brand of "chicken strips dinner" is being recalled nationwide because they may contain pieces of plastic.

As Montana grows, Montana changes - and that applies to voting districts, too. You are going to receive a new Montana Voter Registration Card soon, and even if you've lived in the same place for years, you might be voting in a new location in upcoming elections. Gallatin County alone increased its total number of precincts from 32 to 46.

This is a head shaker, especially with how many helpful resources there are about living in Montana. So many people insist on holding onto false expectations, incorrect data, and far outdated imagery about what life is really like in Montana. It has always been hard to live here, but there's another set of challenges now.

Meeting new people in the Bozeman area can be hard, especially if you're not in college and going to parties. However, there are lots of events around the valley this weekend that are great opportunities to meet new friends. Practice that smile of yours and check out your options.