In a state known for its beauty and outdoor recreation, it may be a surprise that Montana is making a name for itself when it comes to capturing the flavors and feelings of the Treasure State.

Named America's “most beer-friendly state” by The Motley Fool, Montana has seen a major growth in the local spirits industry and Western Montana's Glacier Country will soon be home to 18 breweries, with the recent addition of Homestead Ales in Eureka, Kalispell Brewing Company in Kalispell and Lolo Peak Brewing Co. in Lolo.

“The secret is out that Montana is beer country,” said Racene Friede, Executive Director of Glacier Country Tourism. “During the last few years, our microbrew industry has taken off with breweries opening in both our larger cities and small towns.”

Western Montana is also home to eight wineries and four distilleries, Flathead Lake Winery in Columbia Falls, Montgomery Distillery in downtown Missoula and Glacier Distilling in Coram. Many of our wineries and distilleries use locally sourced grains and fruit (like Flathead cherries) to create their drinks. 

To go along with our libations, Western Montana has locally owned restaurants throughout the region with many embracing the “farm to table” model and serving a menu that's made up of distinct local flavors.

Anchoring the dining scene in Glacier Country is Missoula—Montana's second largest city. Many restaurants, including Scotty's Table, Biga Pizza and Burn's Street Bistro, make an extra effort to include local flavors—like Flathead cherries, mushrooms and greens—on their menu. In addition, The University of Montana's Catering Department creates menus that feature local food through the UM Farm to College Program, with a focus on sustainability.

Additional dining hotspots in Montana's Glacier Country include Bigfork and Whitefish.

For more on tasting Montana, visit www.glaciermt.com. For story ideas and information on Western Montana's dining and drinking offerings, visit our online press room at www.glaciermt.com/pressroom.

# # #