blog @ laughing horse lodge » Vacationing with your dog

Tuesday’s Tantalizing Travel Tastings at the Horse

Chef Kathleen — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:02:59 +0000

Join Chef Kate and crew every second and fourth Tuesday of the month as we explore various culinary regions of the world. You’ll enjoy a tempting six course tasting menu complete with unique beer or wine pairings in the intimate and fun atmosphere of the Horse’s dining room or garden. We begin June 22 with ‘Down Island’ Cuisine followed by explorations of India, Singapore, Argentina, South Africa, Turkey and Morocco. The evening commences at 6:30pm with a casual presentation of tasty morsels and convivial conversation regarding the region being explored. Bring you travel adventure stories! Dinner begins at 7pm. One seating only, limited to 24. Secured reservations required. $69 per person, $119 per couple. 406-886-2080.

A Heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to Old and New Friends from the Horse on Finishing Our 10th Year

Chef Kathleen — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:22:29 +0000

As the snow begins to sugar the mountain tops here in Swan Lake, I begin the task of closing the Horse for the long winter. First the gardens, so lush and beautiful this year, are cut back and a few tears fall as the last of those glorious hollyhocks are stuffed into the mulch bag – their seed pods carefully saved for gorilla gardening around the neighborhood. Those monstrous hanging baskets of sunrise pink petunias are delivered back to the nursery and the drip systems are drained. The herb garden – so prolific this summer – gives up the last sprigs of lovage, savory and tarragon to flavor the fall stew bubbling on the back burner.

The highway is quiet, the lake even more so. No jet skis, boats or swimmers – just flocks of migrants heading south stopping in for a quick bite and respite. This is my favorite time of year – full of gold light and the smell of winter on the air. The few visitors coming through the door are a hardy breed seeking stillness and ready for any weather Nature may send their way.

It has been an amazing season thanks to the many returning guests who over the years have become good friends. And so many new faces that portend an even rosier future for the Horse. It has been 10 years since the doors opened and what a wonderful ride it has been…fascinating visitors and guests, exciting stories of traveling adventures, quiet moments on sunset contemplations and the absolutely wonderful gratification of knowing that my staff and I have contributed in some small way to making special memories for you and your families.

Although the lodge will be closed November 1 thru April 30, we won’t be idle…upgrades and improvements will take place over the winter to make your 2010 stay even more comfortable. On behalf of Nikki, Cooper, Sampson and Juliet – thank you – for the hikes, the cookies and the new vocabulary (Sampson has incorporated a distinct New Jersey accent and now knows the main theme to Encounters of the Third Kind!)

For all our new and old friends – have a safe and exceptional winter. We’ll be looking forward to welcoming you back to the Horse next year. Kathleen

“Marley and Me” Autumn Escape in Glacier Country

Chef Kathleen — Tue, 05 May 2009 23:13:23 +0000

As the lengthening rays of the autumn sun caress the unspoiled mountain sides clothed in aspen and tamarack, Montana bursts into glorious color and slips quietly into the most relaxing season of the year – fall.

The isolated Swan River Valley in Northwest Montana beckons languidly, promising both kayakers and fishermen long lazy floats of unimaginable solitude and feisty, summer-fat trout on the line.

Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor.com, Laughing Horse Lodge offers a Marley & Me Escape to the unhurried splendor of Swan Lake, Montana. You and your pup will enjoy a bottle of wine with cookies; 3 nights lodging for two with breakfast and cookies; dinner each evening with cookies; complimentary kayaks or Hawaiian boards on Swan Lake; and all the peace you can handle – with cookies, of course. Package: $469. Available September 1 – November 1.

Flying Ears!