In Downtown Bozeman, The Fun Starts At The Lark

Locals and visitors to this vibrant Montana mountain town should definitely check out what’s being cooked up in a vintage travel trailer near the refreshed retro-style hotel and at the cool coffee shop on property.

Welcome to Bozeman

If you haven’t been to this town in southwest Montana, what are you waiting for?

With the ultra-exclusive Yellowstone Club just down the road and an easy-to-access airport, Bozeman isn’t exactly a secret anymore. The region is home to the exceptional Big Sky ski resort and skinny ski fave Lone Mountain Ranch, as well.

Then, there’s the close proximity to the nation’s first national park and Chico Hot Springs and urban hikes and, oh, hey, how about those Montana State Bobcats?

In other words, Bozeman is a dreamy destination. Especially if you love to eat and drink. That was exactly my mission during a recent visit. And if I found the perfect pair of cowboy boots to buy? Even better.

Friday Night Feels

On a recent start to the weekend, musicians performed up and down Bozeman’s Main Street, part of the monthly summer art walk series. While a solo guitarist sang near The Lark’s welcoming outdoor living space, a crackling wood fire took the edge from a fall chill.

It was the perfect setting for an exploration of the Sundial’s compact menu. This stationery food truck offers a fresh take on Vietnamese street food. For instance, the outstanding bahn mi are slathered in a house-made aioli that makes the accompanying pickled carrots and jalapeño peppers pop. Diners select between lemongrass-seasoned grilled chicken, savory pork shoulder, gingered beef and onion or marinated and grilled tofu.

Those tasty protein options also appear on Sundial’s version of bun, the noodle and fresh veggie salad, a spicy-sweet chili dressing added after it’s served. Diners do the tossing before slurping.

And while we’re on the subject of slurping noodles, I was a little too early to enjoy the seasonal appearance of pho, but the shrimp in a rice noodle wrapper was a refreshing way to say so long to summer.

After dinner, wander across the street for a cocktail at the Bozeman Spirits distillery or head east for a few blocks and sip some of the best microbrew at Montana Ale Works, where they also offer an impressive lineup of casual meals.

Good morning

After a restful night at the lovely Lark — oh, my, those silky sheets are Comphy — start the day with an expertly made espresso drink at Treeline Coffee Roasters. The beans are roasted across town and if you get hooked while there, it’s good to know the company offers free shipping on orders of $30 and up.

If the weather’s warm enough, grab a table in the courtyard at the Cateye Cafe and be prepared for breakfast bliss. This beloved spot offers up a spectacular Benedict with biscuits instead of (boring) English muffins and the cutest kitty-shaped pancake in the 406.

Additional eye-openers can be found at the always jammed Jam!, Nova Cafe and the old school Western Cafe, where you absolutely must order the belt-busting chicken-fried steak and eggs.

Wake up late and hungover? Dave’s Sushi’s got the cure for that throbbing skull. Make mine a spicy fried chicken roll, please.

Back in the room

As much as I loved roaming around downtown Bozeman, I also thoroughly enjoyed spending time in my room at The Lark.

This sweet spot started its life as an old-fashioned motel that was given a major refresh in 2015. The guest rooms each have their own personality, thanks to the gorgeous artwork created by talented locals. Bravo!

The staff is incredibly accommodating, as well, offering suggestions on where to get your retail therapy fix. Unfortunately, there were all out of my size at Carter’s, the throwback store I found the cutest cowboy boots. Guess I’ll just have to come back for another visit.