Helena is the town you wish you grew up in—riding the carousel, picking out candy at the Parrot Confectionary, skiing Great Divide and taking family road trips to Boulder Hot Springs. But, it’s not too late…just try feeling mature while zooming over 200 miles of snowmobile trails or ice-skating on your own 35,000-acre rink at Canyon Ferry Lake.
Plus, you’re never too old for Helena’s most timeless draws—good steak at the Marysville House (in a near-ghost town!), coffee and board games at the General Mercantile and brunch in the community living room known as the No Sweat Café. And, when you must act like a real adult, Helena will indulge you. Cross-country ski MacDonald’s pass, then catch a live play at the Grandstreet Theatre and supper at Lucca’s Italian restaurant before tucking in (at a sensible hour!) at the decidedly grown-up Carolina B&B.
Blackfoot River Brewing CompanyWant a great Montana microbrew and a chance to support a local charity. The Blackfoot River Brewing Company makes great beer, is always welcoming and support local non-profits. Every Monday is Community Monday and proceeds from the night go to ...
Canyon Ferry LakeMy friend Hailey and I used to go to this beautiful little cove on the east side of the lake and drink wine and eat dinner. Love love loved it!
Canyon Ferry SkatingWe took my mom here, who trained as a figure skater in her younger days, to skate on the “biggest rink in the world!” Canyon Ferry’s conditions make it excellent for smooth black ice, and also for ice boaters ...
Carolina B&BThere are several good B&Bs in Helena but we think of this one as the “hidden gem.” It’s a very traditional, very accommodating B&B with the sumptuous antique decorations and antique bedframes and drapes and wallpaper like ...
Great DivideGreat Divide is unbeatable on a good powder day. With lots of untracked tree-skiing, a good vertical drop, and plenty of terrain, this place is truly a hidden gem. The large sun-deck is perfect for a post-skiing drink on a ...
Great Divide Ski AreaWhen the snow is right I head to Great Divide. With fresh snow this is a great, generally uncrowded way to get some fresh tracks. The key to great skiing in Montana is to be flexible and follow the snow ...
Great Northern CarouselI am not ashamed to admit that, at the age of 25, I love this place! I am a nanny for two families, and I bring the kids here at least monthly, if not more. I grew up in Spokane ...
Lamplighter MotelGreat local motel, historic section of Helena, build in the 30's to help railroaders, small private cottages and even whole houses to stay in. Friendly family staff, interesting guests including hikers and bicyclists experiencing the continental trail running Canada ...
Lucca'sWe went to Helena to for the Governor’s Arts Awards ceremony and, since the ceremony was on a Friday, decided to make a weekend of it and booked a room at the Holiday Inn downtown on the walking mall ...
Macdonald PassIt's close enough to town to be accessible immediately after an amazing storm, but just far enough away that you feel completely removed from the rest of the world. You can hear the wind, see the sky and if ...
Marysville HouseThe food and atmosphere are amazing!
Myrna Loy Theatera historic venue for great films and fantastic performing arts.
No Sweat CaféIt’s like hanging out in your friend’s living room on a lazy, maybe somewhat hazy, weekend morning while they cook everyone their favorite breakfast personally…everyone being 30 or 40 friends. So take that as the good and ...
Park Avenue Bakeryfresh breads, exquisite pastries, desserts, and tasty lunches are offered by friendly staff. http://www.parkavenuebakery.net/
Riley's Irish PubA great place to grab a micro brew and play darts. In the heart of Helena, great food, comfortable atmosphere, and good service. There is always something fun happening here.
Sanders Helena Bed And BreakfastGrand Marnier French Toast. Need I say more? Ok probably. I was braced for cuteness overkill when my wife begged for a B&B stay…but my fears were quickly put to rest. When we showed up, Bobbi (the hostess ...
Saras Blue Ribbon Porkiesi recommend saras because the porkchop sandwiches are homemade. they also make homemade eggrolls..,the service keeps you coming back....they are located at 2104 N. main helena ,MT.
Silver StarHuge plate of ribs...you can literally eat on them for 3 days. Highly recommended!!!
Sweetgrass BakeryNot only best cinnamon rolls there propably the best for you. Pizza is tastiest in town, and the jalepeno rolls yummy!!!
The Dive BakeryThis is a great little bakery. The bacon croissants are really good also. They bake the bacon inside the croissants.
The Parrot ConfectioneryCaramel Apples, fond memories, and family traditions! My kids and I had a tradition each Fall of riding the trolley to The Parrot to get caramel apples and jelly beans. As soon as my kids bounced through the door they ...
The Staggering OxThe people here are very nice and the atmosphere is friendly. They also have great sandwiches and records hanging down from the ceiling.
The Suds HutHuge fireplace in the middle of the restaurant. Good food, great beers on tap and if you're a sports fan, lots of big screens to keep tabs on your favorite teams!
Windbag Saloonsituated in a former bordello, the windbag saloon offers a great selection of food and beverages such as the bag bitter, exclusive to the windbag and brewed by the local blackfoot brewery.
