How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Bozeman, Montana
There’s no shortage of places to visit and explore when your home base for the weekend is Bozeman, Montana. We tapped Susan Weiss, founder of Emerson Bailey, who recently opened a design gallery in Bozeman. She says, “With beautiful mountain views and rich history, each place we go feels like the discovery of one of our European antiques: thoughtfully curated, unique, and exciting.”
Here, her tips for enjoying a perfect weekend eating, drinking, shopping and exploring around Bozeman, Montana.
Friday Afternoon
After you touch down at the Bozeman International Airport, snag a rental car and head straight to the Kimpton Armory Hotel. The hotel is right in the heart of Bozeman and is the area’s first and only 4-star hotel. Weiss says, “The Kimpton Armory Hotel is a wonderful revival of the area’s historic Armory building. While settling into your room you will notice the pairing of modern and past elements that successfully honors the rich history of Bozeman. The rooms welcome you to enjoy a seamless transition from home to vacation, as each space is special in telling the building’s story.”
Once you’ve unpacked, pop into the hotel’s Sky Shed rooftop bar for a drink and some fresh air. With cocktails like “I’ll Be Your Huckleberry” (made with huckleberry vodka, lemon, crème de violette and simple syrup), local beers on tap, and a solid wine list, there’s something for everyone.
Weiss adds that the indoor-outdoor design of the rooftop bar will instantly put you at ease. “The interior design of the Sky Shed does a wonderful job of welcoming the outdoors in, allowing you to take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding four mountain ranges through the modern yet airy glass-enclosed space,” she adds.
After you’ve stretched your legs and had a post-flight refreshment, it’s time to do some shopping. Weiss recommends heading to District Loom for an incredible selection of antique and vintage rugs. She says, “Heather Cade is a wonderful source for rugs from all around the world. She has everything from one-of-a-kind antique Agra rugs to contemporary flat weave rugs. And if it looks like they don't have it, Heather will find it for you.”
For a really fun—and perfectly curated—home decor shop, head to Architect's Wife, located in the historic Montana Motor Supply Building. “The expert curation by Abby Hetherington and her team is home to a lovely mix of unique vintage and modern pieces that lean into a European sensibility,” Weiss says. “It gives a distinct-yet-modern mountain design aesthetic.”
Next, make a pit stop at Urbaine Home in the Cannery District, “which is becoming the de facto design district in Bozeman,” according to Weiss. She adds, “You can tell that each of the brands carried at the boutique is selected with intention. From Blomus and Foscarini to Pendleton and Aldo Bernardi, they have it all.”
Lastly, pop into Emerson Bailey, Weiss’s design gallery, which is known for its world-class curation of rare Swedish antiques, mid-century vintage and contemporary design, and fine art. Whether you’re looking for a Gustavian chair, folk art bowls or Scandinavian art, you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind treasure to bring home.
After an afternoon of shopping, treat yourself to something sweet at La Châtelaine Chocolat Co., a French chocolaterie. They have two locations, but Weiss says her favorite is the one on Rouse Avenue in Bozeman “where you can truly get the full experience.” She adds, “The owners Shannon Hughes Grochowski and Wlady Grochowski have a passion for their French culture and culinary artistry. Not only are their creations delicious but they are the most stunning chocolates I have ever seen!”
With truffle options like beer and peanut dark chocolate, English pudding milk chocolate, and lemon-lavender white chocolate, it’s honestly impossible to choose just one (so don't; get a selection to snack on all weekend!).
Friday Evening
Feeling peckish? Weiss says her go-to spot is Blackbird Kitchen on Main Street. She says, “With their carefully curated daily menu I have been known to eat there multiple nights in a row!” After a packed day of travel and shopping, their seasonal menu featuring locally grown veggies is just the ticket. The restaurant also features a chic and natural design that feels perfectly at home in the mountains. Weiss says, “While enjoying your meal it is hard not to admire the design of the space. I personally enjoy sitting on the beautiful handmade wooden stools created by local craftsman Bud Martin.”
She adds that she loves the restaurant’s “exquisite pizzas, burrata, homemade Blackbird bread, and beautiful selection of wine.” Don’t fill up too much, because Weiss says their ice cream sandwich “is not at all what you would expect.”
If you’d prefer sushi for dinner, Weiss recommends Izakaya Three Fish on Main Street “for an unparalleled Omakase experience.” The intimate sushi bar serves up seasonal nigiri, small plates, specialty cocktails, and other surprises (depending on what the chef selects), all with a thoughtful presentation.
For a nightcap, head to the speakeasy Devil’s Toboggan. Weiss says, “The dim lights and glam decor create a feeling of being transported to another place entirely. The cold brew martini was absolutely outstanding.” She adds, “If you are still looking for something fun to end your night with, try the Tune Up basement bar back at the Armory Hotel for some local live music.”
Saturday Morning
When you wake up, Weiss recommends heading straight to Wild Crumb Bakery for a “wonderfully warm, bright, and fun place to start your day.” She adds, “Every item on the menu is created from scratch, with the huckleberry scone being the most popular choice as Montana is known for their fresh huckleberries. My favorite is their croissants, which I later learned is a four-day-long process made with the richest French butter.”
After breakfast, it’s time to hit the road. Today is a “choose your own adventure” day. You can head to Big Sky Montage for a day of true indulgence, or head to Under Canvas in North Yellowstone for a glamping adventure closer to the national park—both are about an hour from Bozeman, so they make great day trips.
If you choose Big Sky, Weiss says a “must-do activity is a fly fishing adventure. The Montage can arrange a world-class guided fishing trip to areas unknown by most. You can enjoy a day filled with the most jaw-dropping views, an endless amount of Montana brown trout swimming through the waters, and beautiful bird sounds playing in the background. The day feels like the most perfectly set scene as if carefully curated for your personal enjoyment. The feeling of pure peace is overwhelming.”
If you opt for glamping at Under Canvas, check into your tent, drop your bags, and head right to Yellowstone National Park’s North Entrance (about a 45-minute drive). There, you can do a day hike or drive through the park to Roosevelt Arch or Mammoth Hot Springs. Make sure not to miss the incredible wildlife viewing in the Lamar Valley where you can see bison, elk, deer, bear and even wolves.
Saturday Evening
In Big Sky, Weiss says, “After a long day of exploration, try to fit in a spa treatment—I have loved every service that I’ve tried! When it is time for dinner you cannot go wrong with any of The Montage's restaurants. I love nothing more than ending my day taking in the beautiful view of the Spanish Peaks.”
If you opted for the Under Canvas experience, head back to camp to freshen up (don’t worry, each tent is equipped with hot water and a wood-burning fireplace to keep warm and cozy). Next, head to nearby Livingston for dinner at Campione, an under-the-radar Italian restaurant that will knock your socks off. Call ahead and sit at the bar if you can—it’s an unintentional tasting table since you have an open view of the kitchen, and it’s incredible to watch the chefs cook while you sip a glass of house wine. Don’t miss the bison short ribs if they’re on the menu; they’re fall-off-the-bone tender and are served with local veggies and focaccia.
Head back to camp for a nightcap and complimentary s’mores around the fire. Spending the rest of the evening admiring Montana’s glittering stars—the view really is out of this world.
Sunday Morning
Once you’ve grabbed some breakfast at the hotel (Wildflower Market at Montage and Under Canvas’s Ember are both great options), it’s time to pack up and head back to Bozeman. If you have time before your flight, Weiss recommends heading to her favorite hiking trail, Drinking Horse Trail, just 10 minutes away from downtown.
On the beginner-friendly, 2.5-mile loop you’ll enjoy “the most stunning views of the Gallatin Valley and the Story Hills while surrounded by a plethora of beautiful bluebonnets in bloom,” she says. We can’t think of a more perfect way to end your trip out west.
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