i know helena

It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL afternoon in Helena, Montana. I...

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 16:12:21 -0700

It was an absolutely BEAUTIFUL afternoon in Helena, Montana. I was actually working on research for a new project when I took this photo.

Learning the (Tow) Ropes

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 14:02:16 -0700

Winter getting to be too much? It’s time to mix it up with a trip to the Great Divide Ski Area.

The Great Divide is located just about thirty minutes outside of Helena. It offers 140 trails, six terrain parks and three mountain peaks. The Great Divide is family friendly and perfect for the beginner.

A hop on the bunny hill at the Great Divide could not be more affordable as it’s FREE! And, the Great Divide offers reasonable kids’ rentals at $15 for a day and $10 for a half day. On the Back Yard (which is the Great Divides name for the bunny hill), the wonderful Great Divide staff will be on-hand to help your little ones with the tow ropes and the pizza.

Pack a lunch or eat a cafeteria-style meal at the lodge. Or, just warm up with a cup of hot cocoa.

The Great Divide hours for this weekend:

Friday 10 am to 9 pm
Saturday 9:30 am to 6 pm
Sunday 9:30 to 4 pm

For the current snow report, lift ticket info and all the details visit their site by clicking»Here«

See you on the hill!

Baby It's Cold Outside - Ice Skating in the Capital

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 13:36:25 -0700

I’ve been anxiously awaiting the opening of the Memorial Park Ice Rink in Helena. This week it has felt cold enough for it to be open so I’m hoping that the ice is ice and not slush on opening day. Opening day coincides with the last day of school — Friday, December 21 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.

Two years ago we “discovered” the ice rink now it’s a must for my family! We all start feeling a little cooped up over the winter and a couple of days into the Holiday break we are going need to get outside. Sometimes the drive up the Great Divide seems a little too long and ice skating is a great outdoor alternative.

You can’t beat the warming house admission prices:

Ages 0-5 Free

Ages 6-17 $1.00

Ages 18+ $1.50

The Ice Rink does offer a limited amount of skates for your use at no charge, but they don’t have that many and encourage people to bring their own if they have them. If you’re just learning to skate a few walkers are available to help you “glide” along.

If you’re looking for a way to burn some of that excess holiday energy or to burn a few cookie calories, check out the Memorial Park Ice Rink this winter. A complete schedule of hours and promotions can be found here: http://www.helenamt.gov/departments/parks-recreation/recreation-programs-and-activities/winter-programs/ice-rink.

Ph 406-443-8774.

Creating Tradition

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 14:41:28 -0700

Looking back at my childhood during Christmas time, it becomes obvious that every single holiday tradition that was a part of my life involved family. With twenty plus cousins, four grandparents and endless aunts and uncles it’s no wonder every holiday activity involved family.

Our traditional family Christmas included a football game, the gift exchange that over the years grew to have close to a hundred rules to abide by, and the must have Lithuanian bacon buns. Now I’m a thousand miles away from those people who made my childhood something special. And, even if I were to return, half of them would no longer be there.

As my children have grown up so far away from most of my family, I have been determined to introduce traditions to them that will make their Christmas memories complete. I have now realized that it’s silly to work at traditions; they just naturally fall in place and this event has become our tradition.

This weekend we will be heading to the Lewis & Clark Library for Children’s Holiday Program with SANTA! This year the event, which is co-hosted by the Library and Downtown Helena, will also feature the Capital High Drama Students. I wonder if some of these students remembering attending the event as a child? It was in place December of 1991.

I look forward to children’s librarian aka Elf Candice sprinkling me with her elf dust. As she does, I anticipate the magic of the holiday and the magic of tradition will spread over me. One day maybe my boys will be taking their children to the Lewis & Clark Library for this event.

The Details:

Date/Time
Saturday, December 8
Children’s Holiday Program from 10:30 am to 11:15 am.
Clothing and Disposable Diaper Drive sponsored by Helena Family Fun from 10:00 am to 11:15.
Location
Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch
For More Information
http://www.lewisandclarklibrary.org

Ph. 406-447-1690 x. 124

Helena, Montana (by my son Shannen, age 7)1. It doesn’t...

Fri, 16 Nov 2012 13:39:00 -0700

Helena, Montana (by my son Shannen, age 7)
1. It doesn’t have lots of rain.
2. It has pine trees.
3. It has cold winter.
5. It is a fun town.
6. I like the summer.

The Snowball

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:02:00 -0700

Yesterday I was able to get off work at three to pick up my two boys from elementary school. I got to the school a few minutes early so I just sat in my car admiring the snow-covered mountains against the fading afternoon light. Then, I saw a grandpa pick up a large handful of snow and make the most perfect snowball. He hid it behind his back and walked down the sidewalk to the doors and waited for the school bell to ring. When his grandson burst o ut of the doors at the end of the day, he was greeted by his grandfather throwing the snowball at his chest. The little boy was in shock. The grandpa was laughing. The incident was followed by a few more snowballs and then a big hug.

I know the grandpa violated a school rule or two, but rules-schmules! I will remember this whole scene playing out for a long time to come. What a fun Grandpa! What a great tone he set for spending the rest of the afternoon with his grandson. We all need some fun spontaneity in our lives. So whether it’s through travel or hitting your grandson with a snowball, I encourage you all to have fun and enjoy life!

Paul Kleffner

Fri, 25 May 2012 09:28:05 -0600

When I worked for Downtown Helena, I had the honor of helping to coordinate Helena’s 145^th celebration. As part of that experience, I got to interview four Helena residents who helped make Helena the wonderful place that it is. I had the pleasure of interviewing and getting to know Russ Ritter, Peter Sullivan, Don Fredrikson and Paul Kleffner. The spirit of Helena in these men truly changed the way that I felt about my adopted hometown of Helena, Montana.

This morning’s paper revealed that Paul Kleffner passed away on May 22 at the age of 95. What a man! What a life! The day I went to interview Paul was a sunny, bright spring day. I found Paul’s apartment at the Waterford and was greeted by two of his daughters. Paul shared his many Helena stories with me over the span of a couple of hours, pausing only to wave at the groundskeeper. I thought I’d share with you the article that I wrote about Paul in hopes that it captures just some of this man’s great spirit.

Paul Kleffner was giving a tour of his historic ranch and home that he and his family had occupied since 1943, The Kleffner Ranch. This particular group of visitors was from Texas and one of these gentlemen was fascinated with the fact that there seemed to be no mice in the barn which has a total area of 27,743 square feet. He asked Paul how this could possibly be. Paul replied, “Catfish.” The Texan questioned Paul, “Catfish?”

“Oh, yes,” replied Paul. “I have trained the catfish in the creek. First I would put a mouse pretty close to the edge. Of course, the catfish would easily jump out of the creek and catch the mouse. So, then I went a little further and a little further. Pretty soon, I had those catfish halfway up to the barn. Kept on working on getting them closer and closer. What do you know? Not a mouse to be found in this barn, thanks to the catfish.”

Paul was born on July 27, 1916, to John and Clara Kleffner. He grew up on the family farm near Belt where they raised cattle, grain and hay. There were a total of ten children in his family growing up and Paul is number five. He graduated from Belt High School in 1935, and Chillicothe Business College, Chillicothe, Missouri, in 1940. Paul likes it to be known that event during the Depression, Chillicothe Business College would guarantee that their graduates would find jobs. Paul insists that the very best education a farmer can have is that of business. There is never a day that goes by that a farmer will not use his business education.

While he was in college, Paul met Thelma Putnam at a dance. It was ladies’ choice, and Paul was shocked when the most beautiful woman in the room picked him to dance with her. Paul and Thelma worked hard to restore the Kleffner Ranch which Paul refers to as the Child-Kleffner ranch because “you have to give ole Child some credit too.” Paul and Thelma had seven children who reside in Montana and the western United States.

Paul has been an active member of St. Cyril & Methodius Parish since moving to Helena. He served as a 4-H leader for twenty years, was an active Kiwanian for fifty years, and was a member of the Helena Chamber of Commerce. Paul served on the Jefferson County Planning Board and the Soil Conservation Board. At the age of eighty, Paul audited several courses at Carroll College.

Paul says that he purchased the Child-Kleffner Ranch for $20,000 and was able to come up with the $2000 down-payment because he had a couple of blessed years leasing the land. Blessed he is, but if there was ever a time when you could say a positive attitude can get you far in life, all you have to do is to look at Paul. He took a dilapidated ranch that had originally been built by thirty stonemasons from Italy and through hard work, love of the land, love of life, love of people, and a constant smile restored it to beauty. Paul wants to be remembered as a man who can tell a great story. The catfish are only the beginning and the Kleffner Ranch is a standing legacy of great stories. Just ask Paul to share another with you.

The other day, my husband and I hiked Refrigerator Canyon, just...

Thu, 17 May 2012 10:10:38 -0600

The other day, my husband and I hiked Refrigerator Canyon, just outside of Helena. It took us about 45 minutes to get to the trail head from Helena. Take county road 280, otherwise known as York Road. At the York Bar, turn left onto a gravel road and head north about 8 miles to Nelson. At Nelson, turn right heading east toward Hogback Mountain approximately 5 miles. The trail head sign is large and easily seen from the road (on the left hand side).

The hike is a relatively easy uphill climb on a well-maintained trail. You begin in the canyon where it’s nice and cool. Being that it was the early spring, there were little waterfalls all around us. Keep an eye out for wildlife.

We hiked up to an area that provided a nice panoramic view of the area, where the video was taken. The round-trip hike was about an hour and half. I’m not sure how far we were from the “end” of the trail, but what we perceived as the top was a nice place to turn around.

I would definitely bring my kids (ages 7 and 9) on this trail. It is all up hill, but it’s rather gradual. The views are stunning no matter what your age!

When you’re done hiking, you can stop by the York Bar for one of their famous burgers and know that you’ve earned it!

Community Outreach Position

Sat, 05 May 2012 15:21:00 -0600

The Helena Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) is seeking an enthusiastic, outgoing Community Outreach Coordinator to work to develop community partnerships and build collaboration with others for new programs and projects designed to make Helena a destination of choice for targeted markets. Looking for a team player with great communication and organizational skills - project management experience a plus. This is a full-time position with full benefits, salary range starts at $16./hour and up - depending on experience. Submit your resume’, cover letter, and 3 work-related references to the Chamber office at 225 Cruse Ave. or via email to the TBID Director at cburwell@helenachamber.com. Complete job description below. Open until filled. EOE.

Position:

TBID Community Outreach Coordinator

Reports to:

Helena Chamber President/CEO

Functions:

Work directly with the TBID Director of Sales and Marketing to develop community outreach and marketing opportunities for the Helena Area and coordinate specific tourism promotion projects and programs as assigned, This position will offer technical support to current TBID projects. This is a non-exempt position.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Develop and maintain social media and current web site to reflect specific focus’ as assigned by the TBID.
Develop and maintain cooperative relationships with leadership of community groups & organizations that will be beneficial to the well-being of and growth of the TBID.
Develop these relationships into collaborations that are mutually beneficial to the TBID, the organiziations/businesses, and the Helena Community. \
Working with the community to develop the tools and the plan to market Helena as a destination that aligns with the goals and marketing plan of the TBID.
Support current TBID projects such as:
o Maintenance of www.helenamt.com (adding events/seasonal changes/etc.)
o Maintenance/Development of the new Helena Walking Tour smart phone app.
Working effectively with interns, temporary staff, and/or volunteers to help with projects or programs when necessary.
Ensure timely and professional communications on behalf of the TBID.
Organize and cultivate public relations and media exposure on behalf of projects and programs assigned to this position.
Represent the TBID at community, state, and regional meetings as required and approved by TBID Board.
Availability for attending meetings or events after hours and on weekends as may arise.
Other duties as assigned.

Send cover letter, reseume and three work-related references to cburwell@helenachamber.com.

Helena Showcase - Ideas for Meeting Planners March 15 from...

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 14:40:00 -0700

Helena Showcase - Ideas for Meeting Planners

March 15 from 4-6 pm

Holiday Inn Downtown - RSVP REQUIRED to HEIDI at 406-449-1270 or e-mail hobrien@helenachamber.com

The showcase is an opportunity for you to learn all that Helena has to offer your next Helena-area meeting or conference. Meet with representatives from Business such as:

Last Chance Ranch Wagon Ride Dinners
Tizer Botanical Gardens
Birds & Beasleys for Montana Made Gifts
Montana Shakespeare Company
Adventures Unlimited for Outdoor Team Building
Blackfoot River Brewery
Museums
Most Helena Hotels & Conference Facilities
MANY MORE ATTRACTIONS

Exploring Helena with Emily

Fri, 12 Aug 2011 11:35:00 -0600

Over the last few days, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting my cousin from Arizona. She’s 18, headed to college at the end of the month and was willing to fill in for our summer sitter for a week. It has been fun and interesting to show off Helena to her. Hosting someone in Helena always helps me to appreciate what we have and rediscover what I’ve taken for granted.

So, what to show off to Emily? It probably helps that Emily is easy-going, easy-to-please and fun to have around. One of the themes of her time here has been: “this isn’t something you do/see every day.”

We were able to pop in the Cathedral one afternoon. I think the Cathedral holds a wow factor for anyone. Even my young boys were in awe. We hopped on the Last Chance Tour Train – Emily enjoyed the mansion district and neighborhood feel of our community. As we were on the Tour Train, we really enjoyed having so many people taking the effort to wave at us. State workers walking the capital loop waved at us. Construction workers remodeling a house put down their tools and waved at us. People dining outside at Bert & Ernie’s waved at us. Shop owners stepped out of their doors and waved at us. Way to go Helena – thanks for making our tourists feel so welcome.

After the Tour Train we explored the Capitol Building and the Montana Historical Society. We took a trip to Park Avenue Bakery for a lemon bar and Birds & Beasleys for our free tour train gift – thank you Sandy and Birds & Beasleys that was really generous. And, just so you know, Emily and I didn’t get free gifts just because I’m in tourism – everyone who rides the tour train then goes to Birds & Beasleys with their ticket gets a very generous free gift. Emily and I got huckleberry jam and the boys picked out antler whistles.

One evening we headed up to a top secret location and picked huckleberries – not something you do every day - with the Hoffman family. The dogs followed us around dropping balls at our feet and we enjoyed the fresh mountain air and the fading wildflowers. After the picking we enjoyed some Big Dipper ice cream topped with the huckleberries – yummy!

On Wednesday, Emily headed to Alive@Five and was impressed by our sense of community. She said that where she’s from they don’t have that kind of social community event and she really enjoyed it. As dusk settled in she headed up Mount Helena with Greta (cousin her age) and they toured Helena together as Greta pointed out all the “cool” locations that the younger people appreciate - apparently the Murdock’s Parking Lot is a good place to go if you’re in high school – who knew?

One evening we were invited to an ice cream social at the Little Red School House thanks to our friends at Montana Marketing and the St. Peter’s Foundation. Emily was able to experience this awesome Montana event location and to hear the Helena Barbershop Singers – again not something you see every day.

On today’s agenda is lunch at Café Zydeco where Greta works and then a trip out to the Hauser Lake. Tomorrow before Emily heads out will head over to the Great Northern Town Center for the Kids Summer Fest. If we had more time I’d take her to so many more places…

Geocaching Helena

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:14:00 -0600

Over Spring Break of this year, my boys and I discovered a new passion – Geocaching. “Geocaching is a real-world outdoor treasure hunting game. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online.” –Geocaching.com

Since March, the boys and I have geocached all over Montana, parts of Wyoming, Idaho, Washington and Utah.

Before geocaching, when I would tell the boys on a Saturday afternoon, we’re going on a hike. I would get mixed responses, but now I tell them we’re going on a geocache and they get all excited to go on a treasure hunt. They argue about who gets hold the smart phone and seriously discuss which trade items they want to take and what to leave behind in a cache.

Since beginning our geocaching adventures, I can honestly say that I’ve discovered a whole new Montana and for that matter a whole new Helena – I paid attention to the police memorial at the Capitol Complex, I took a serious look at the outside of the St. Helena Cathedral and I discovered this brick structure downtown that I’m sure I walked by a couple hundred times of the years, but never really “saw.”

If you’re interested in geocaching, check out www.geocaching.com. Plug in your zip code (Helena’s is 59601 if you’re interested in caching here) and you’ll get a list of all the geocaches in the area. There are about 1.5 million geocaches world-wide.

Call 406-449-1270 for more info!

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 09:48:07 -0700

Call 406-449-1270 for more info!

Cross County Ski in Helena, Montana

Thu, 02 Dec 2010 08:55:01 -0700

The Helena Valley has received a beautiful start to the winter season. Over the last couple of weeks the Montana skies have “let it snow”! It’s the perfect conditions for the outdoor enthusiast in all of us, to bundle up and breathe in some fresh, crisp air.

Come into town on Friday, stop by the Base Camp or Montana Outdoor Sports to rent the gear you’ll need tomorrow for your cross-country ski outing. The experts at either of the stores would be happy to help match you to the gear that you’ll need. And, if you happen to forget your gloves, they’ll hook you up with a great pair.

On Saturday, you’ll need to fuel up. Start the day with a great breakfast at Steve’s Cafe. Steve’s was voted Best Breakfast in Helena and a quick glance and their great menu is sure to have your taste buds tingling. How about a homemade sausage sampler featuring Italian, Mexican chipotle and chicken apple sausage? Or delicious huckleberry pancakes with huckleberry syrup? Now that’s sure to give you the jump start you need to ski your heart out.

From Steve’s you’ll head over to the Bill Roberts Golf Course. The golf course is located at 2201 N. Benton and is open free to the public as a cross country ski area in the winter season. The course is groomed for both traditional and skate skiing. A map of the course can be found on the Base Camp’s web site. Just click “Bill Roberts XC Ski Trails” in the right hand column and a PDF of the trails will pop up. The average skier can budget about one hour to make the complete full loop, but there are many other options and ways to ski the area so have fun and enjoy!

Folfing the Phantom

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 10:07:00 -0600

As I’m working on promoting Helena to a larger audience, I have to remind myself that I need to break out of what I do every day and explore all the awesome things that Helena has to offer. More often than not, most of what I do in Helena are things that I can do with my two boys. Fortunately, I have a really cool job that forces me to go outside of my norm.

As I was looking at what to feature in the outdoors section of 24 Hours in Helena, I noticed that I’ve never really looked at folfing. And, the Helena area has a few folf courses so I’d better get on it.

So what is folfing? “Short for Frisbee Golf, a game played following the same rules as golf, but using specialized frisbees or ‘folf discs’ instead of clubs and balls, and posts or baskets as targets instead of holes. Folf is far better than golfing because the equipment is cheaper, most courses are free, and you don’t have to wear silly outfits. Also known as disc golf.”

I’ve played folf before. When I worked in Yellowstone National Park, Canyon had a very rustic folf course and I’ve also played a few times with my husband on a course that he created. I’m not all that great, but folf is a wonderful chance to get out hike around in the mountains. For our “date night”, we headed out to the South Hills’ Phantom Course to play a game of folf.

To get to the course, take the South Hills exit. Turn right onto Saddle Drive at the round-about. There’s a large parking area near Mendocino Drive. I live in the South Hills and it usually seems that there are at least a couple cars in the folf lot. The course is opposite of the parking lot, on the south side of Saddle Drive.

The first hole is pretty easy to find and the other holes wind through the area from there – going up and down the hill – so you get a good workout and a beautiful view. I recommend that you plan to walk ahead and scout out the posts – they are tough to see from the “tee”. I was glad that my husband had done the course before. And still, we did have to ask some other players where one hole was located. The Base Camp (outdoor store in Helena) does have a great map online of this course and others in Montana that you can download and print before you go - probably one of those things I should have looked into before I got out there!

We did talk to a couple people on the course who just moved to Helena a couple of years ago. One thing that they mentioned is that folf in Montana is different than in other areas because there are so many trees “in the way”. There is not often a clear shot to the hole. So, I guess if you’re coming from another community this is an obstacle you should be aware of.

You can pick up your folf disk right here in Helena at Bob Wards (3323 Dredge Drive, phone 406.443.2138) or at the Base Camp (5 W. Broadway, Downtown Helena, 406.443.5360). You’ll find that there are all sorts of disks that you can invest in – drivers, mid-range, putters. You can make the sport as affordable or as expensive as you’d like! But, it is easy to keep in cheap.

Helena looks forward to hosting your folf experience. Check out the South Hill’s Phantom Disk Folf Course or talk to the staff at the sporting goods stores. I’m sure they’d be happy to recommend their favorite course in town.

Once a year, my boys and I board the Last Chance Tour Train and...

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 12:35:35 -0600

Once a year, my boys and I board the Last Chance Tour Train and tour Helena in this open air train without tracks. Some people just can’t believe that we ride the Tour Train every year, but how could we not. Honestly, every single time I’ve been on the Tour Train I’ve learned something new. And, when my family is in town visiting, it is just one of those activities that we absolutely must do.

This year I learned that instead of advertising on billboards, they used to paint ads on the side of rocks. And, if you look really hard, you can still see a couple around Helena. Don’t worry the Tour Train guide will be sure you see it!

Better yet, the Tour Train “forces” me to sit down and take in beautiful Helena, Montana. I drive a bit of the Tour Train route almost every day on my way to and from work, but with the blinders of routine, I forget to really look at how unique our community is. The beautiful Capitol, statues, mansions, historic downtown… sometimes it all disappears, but the ride on the Tour Train helps me to discover it all over again.

Be sure to have your trip to Helena include a ride on the Last Chance Tour Train. You’ll be treated to a unique view of these attractions: The Mansion District, Reeder’s Alley, Last Chance Gulch (downtown), the St. Helena Cathedral, the Old Fire Tower and more! Best of all, all along the route, your tour guide will share fascinating stories about the people behind these historic landmarks.

Catch the train at the Montana Historical Society Building at the corner of 6^th Avenue & Roberts. The train runs seasonally Monday-Saturday. Visit www.lctours.com for tour departure times and more information. The folks at the tour train can be reached by phone at 406.442.1023.

All Aboard!

More flowers from the same hike.

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 12:36:00 -0600

More flowers from the same hike.

Helena has received a record amount of rain this spring and...

Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:50:26 -0600

Helena has received a record amount of rain this spring and summer. No one who I know can ever remember the mountains around Helena being so moist…we’re not complaining about the rain. First of all, having a reduced threat of forest fires (at least for the time being) is a blessing for our forests, our lungs and our tourism industry.

The most apparent benefit of the moisture is that obviously, our forests, even with the spotted beetle bug kill, are so incredibly green, richly beautiful emerald green. If you’re looking for that lush, stunning and cool mountain experience this summer, Helena has what you desire.

Over the 4^th of July weekend, I headed up to the McDonald Pass area with my family. McDonald Pass is only about 20-30 minutes outside of Helena and is part of the Helena National Forest. It’s a beautiful drive west on Highway 12. At the top of the pass there is a camping area that you can hike around. The cross-country ski area at the top of the pass also doubles as a great area to hike in the summer months.

On a hike with my kids, I started to notice all the beautiful flowers…and so many flowers. More variety than I’ve ever seen before. So, we said, we’d take a picture of all the different flowers, and we did. I hope you enjoy my photos and a little bit of the beauty that awaits you in Helena, Montana.

My Mount Helena Hike

Wed, 26 May 2010 14:17:40 -0600

My Mount Helena Hike

Why Helena?

Thu, 06 May 2010 09:32:00 -0600

Experience. Discover. Live!

Summer is fast approaching and even though the Rocky Mountains are a bit evasive with the occasional spitting snow, it is Spring in Helena. Last week when I hiked the south hills of Helena, I encountered four different wild flowers. I’m not a big wild flower person. I only know the names of about ten different flowers and I only know them because my kids have asked me. A couple of days later, I took my boys up on the same trail and we were able to find six different types of flowers together. Well, six if dandelions count and five if they don’t. We brought the wild flower book up on the trail with us and we were able to learn some new names and we got to experience some beautiful spring colors together.

There’s always something new to discover, isn’t there? It really seems endless. As I’ve traveled around the northwest doing travel shows this winter, not only have I been able to discover the places that I was at - I was also able to get a glimpse of all these travel booths at the shows and I’ve realized that I have a whole lot more to discover out there. At these travel shows, some people come up to me and they ask: “Why Helena?” Fair enough question when I’m across the aisle from Aruba - where the answer to the question is obvious with white beaches and crystal blue water. The “why come to Helena” goes hand in hand with the words discover, experience and live. When you come to Helena, you’ll be able to have an experience and you’ll be able to discover something and this combination will make a lasting impression because you’ll be able to live in a new way.

The weekends of May 21-23 and June 11-13 are both showcase weekends in Helena and offer chances for you to discover something new about yourself. Something that is yet untapped and something once discovered you’ll always remember is waiting for you here in Helena. Classes during these weekend range from mountain biking to gourd carving. There really is an amazing array of opportunities - all listed and explained on our web site.

There’s also a Triathlon 101 class one June 4 & 5. I mention this because it’s not on a showcase weekend, but it would definitely be a new learning experience. I never thought I was the Triathlon 101 kind of girl, but last night I had a dream that I was doing a triathlon … so maybe my subconscious was telling me that it was time to have new experience and discover something new about myself. I hope that you’re able to take the time a check out the web site or at least I hope that you’re able to pull out the wild flower book and discover the big amazing world that awaits you in Helena, Montana - Learn to Live!

For lodging information and additional travel information visit: www.gohelena.com.
For May events in Helena visit: www.travelhelena.com/events.html.
And, if you just need a good old-fashioned phone call, please call me at 866-9HELENA and I’d be happy to answer any of your Helena questions.