2022 Bozeman Travel Guide
Last fall, Trevor Noah announced that his "Back to Abnormal" comedy tour would be heading to Bozeman, Montana in April. As a big fan of both "The Daily Show" and Montana, I instantly booked tickets and encouraged a few friends to do the same. A few weeks prior to the event, Trevor ended up rescheduling the show in order to host the White House Correspondents Dinner that same weekend, but my family and I were already committed to the trip so we decided to go anyway and I'm so glad we did. Our long weekend in Bozeman was one of the best trips we've taken in a while and we can't wait to go back. Over the course of a few days, we visited with some friends who moved to Bozeman during the pandemic, checked out all the local shops on Main Street, dined around town, stopped in on a local comedy show, and even visited Yellowstone National Park. Here is my travel guide on the best places to shop, eat, stay, and play in Bozeman, Montana.
How to Get There from Seattle
According to Google, the drive to Bozeman from Seattle is approximately 10 hours and 53 minutes via I-90 East. If we had more time to dedicate to this trip, driving might have been a more cost-effective option for our family, but since we only had a long weekend to spare, we decided to forgo the drive time and maximize our time in Bozeman instead. Non-stop flights from Seattle run about $415 per person on Alaska Airlines and there's generally a morning, afternoon, and evening flight option available.
Once we arrived in Bozeman, it was really easy to rent a car from Hertz and get on our way. If you're a AAA member, you'll save money on fuel, car seats, and adding additional drivers to the car.
Where to Stay
Located in the heart of downtown Bozeman, the Kimpton Armory Hotel offers convenient access to everything on Main Street including coffee shops, boutiques, restaurants, and more. We've stayed at many Kimpton Hotels before and have always had a great experience, so I'm pleased to report that this hotel provided all the usual amenities and services that we've come to expect. The rooms were clean and spacious, there were multiple restaurants on-site, and valet parking was quick and easy.
Where to Eat
The first night we arrived, we met up with friends for drinks at Tune Up, the basement bar at the Armory Hotel. Last Best Comedy was hosting an open mic night and we enjoyed drinks and laughs as a prelude to our dinner up at the Sky Shed, the hotel's rooftop bar complete with fire pits and relaxing mountain views. Everything is great on the Sky Shed menu, but we really liked the Furikake Fries, Fried Chicken Bao Bun, and Coconut Curry.
On our second night, friends of ours that moved from Queen Anne to Bozeman during the pandemic took us out on a date night to Brigade. Known for sourcing local ingredients and putting them together in a creative way, Brigade has some great options on the menu including regional charcuterie boards, black truffle gnocchi, and wild mushroom ragu. They also do a happy hour every day from 3-6 p.m. where you can get $3 martinis, oysters, and draft beers.
If you're looking for coffee to power up your day, don't miss Wild Joe's on Main Street. They serve a great selection of locally roasted coffees and they also offer grab-and-go sandwiches and drinks and snacks for kids. My daughter loved the "Fluffy" which is a foamy steamed milk drink with chocolate, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles, of course.
While in town we also checked out Revelry, located just steps away from The Armory Hotel. I liked that they had unexpected things on the menu like the house-smoked trout and avocado toast, frites & fondue, and coal-fired beet and cranberry salad. The beer and cocktail menu was great, too.
The Armory Hotel actually has 3 restaurants on-site, and on our final night we dined at Fieldlings. It's the fancier of the three restaurants and the menu features fresh ingredients from local purveyors. We liked the house-made ricotta served with grilled sourdough bread and the beef short rib rigatoni.
Bozeman Food & Drink List
Revelry - 24 N Tracy Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715
Brigade - 233 E Main St Suite 201, Bozeman, MT 59715
Fieldlings- 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 (Located at The Armory Hotel)
Sky Shed- 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 (Located at The Armory Hotel)
Tune Up - 24 W Mendenhall St, Bozeman, MT 59715 (Located at The Armory Hotel)
Wild Joe's Coffee - 18 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
The Hideaway (Liquor Store/Dive Bar/Casino) - 1625 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59715
What To Do
Yellowstone - Bozeman is located about 1 hour and 45 minutes away from Yellowstone National Park. If you've never been, it's definitely worth the drive. On our trip, we saw a ton of animals including deer, bison, elk, wolves, birds, and even mountain goats. It was really fun for the kids to try and spot animals with their binoculars and they kept a running list of everything they spotted. The north entrance of the park is located in Gardiner, Montana and the entrance fee is $35.
Sweet Pea Festival - If you're heading to Bozeman in August, don't miss the Sweet Pea Festival. This year, the festival is celebrating its 45th anniversary and the event will include food, music, art, flowers, dance performances, and more. This event is a great opportunity to check out the "Best Of" Bozeman and wristbands are available now.
Country Bookshelf - Bookworms and casual readers alike will love Country Bookshelf. It was founded in 1957 and continues to be a place where locals of all ages can come to find great books. It's even been named by Martha Stewart as one of the "Best Place to Find the Best Reads" and they also have a robust calendar of events.
Museum of the Rockies - A friend of ours recommended that we take the kids to the Museum of the Rockies, and with interactive exhibits and a full planetarium, it did not disappoint. Located on the campus of Montana State University, the museum has an extensive collection of dinosaur fossils and a T. rex skeleton. The gift shop is great, too!
Where to Shop
Downtown main street in Bozeman is brimming with bars, restaurants, and local boutiques. It was a fun place to shop and explore while we were in town. As is the case with many small towns, the customer service was amazing and it was fun getting to know the locals.
Heyday - Since 2007, Heyday boutique has been a great place in downtown Bozeman to shop for apparel, accessories, home goods, and gifts. The store is bright and airy and the team is eager to help you find exactly what you need, and maybe even a few things you don't, because when it comes to a well-edited assortment of must-have merchandise, they've got the formula dialed in. You can even shop online and enjoy $8 flat rate shipping.
Mōka - Located in the heart of downtown Bozeman, Mōka is a great place to visit whether you need a wardrobe refresh or a fun outfit to wear for a night on the town. They have great shoes and accessories, and even offer sizes for teens.
Jonah & Sage - Small town boutiques like Jonah & Sage are truly what make cities like Bozeman great places to shop. Locally owned & operated since 2001, the store is designed to outfit locals for whatever Big Sky Country brings their way. They carry a variety of brands including Commonform jewelry, which is lovingly handmade in Montana by my dear friend Stacy. I also love the fact that they have menswear, home goods, and gifts, making it a one-stop shop for everything on your list.
Bonnie & Clyde - If you're looking for contemporary clothing in Bozeman, don't miss Bonnie & Clyde, located in the Main Street Market. Nestled just past the cafe and coffee bar, Bonnie & Clyde is brimming with shoes, clothing, bags, accessories, jewelry, and more. I got a great pair of summer sandals here that I can't wait to wear once the weather in Seattle warms up!
The Last Word
Bozeman was a delightful, family-friendly place to visit and we will definitely be booking another trip soon. The friendly atmosphere and small-town vibe will always have a special place in our hearts. It was definitely a trip to remember!
If you visit Bozeman and check out any of the places on this list, please tag @Sydlovesfashion on Instagram so that I can ride along on your adventure, too!
Seattle Staycation: The Woodmark Hotel
It's no secret that it's a weird time to travel right now due to the ongoing pandemic. While that hasn't stopped us from safely visiting some of our favorite places, we've also sprinkled in some fun staycations around the city to mix things up. Over the weekend my family and I stayed at The Woodmark Hotel in Kirkland and had a great time waking up on the water. The hotel is located on Carillion Point overlooking Lake Washington and it's an easy 15-minute drive from Seattle. Underground covered parking is available for guests and once you're on-site, there's easy access to coffee, dining, and even a spa.
We started our adventure with a complimentary glass of bubbles upon check-in and then went up to find our room. The Kirkland Suite is a great option for families who want extra space. The room is 650 square-feet and features a separate living area with sleeper sofa, private balcony, master bedroom and bathroom, in-room fridge, and plenty of space to stretch your legs.
For dinner, we headed to the Beach Cafe which is located on the lower level of the hotel overlooking the water. The menu has something for everyone including craft cocktails and an extensive wine list. We ordered the truffle mac and cheese, bread basket, sliders with truffle fries, and chicken strips for the kids. Everyone loved their food and we're excited to go back again soon.
If you're traveling with people who love snacks, don't miss the chance to "Raid the Panty", nightly at 10 p.m. The Woodmark Hotel stocks everything you need for late-night nibbles including candy, popcorn, ice cream, and fresh local treats.
For brunch the next morning, visit Carillon Kitchen across the plaza which serves complimentary coffee and tea for hotel guests and also has a limited menu of breakfast items available. For a full brunch experience, make reservations ahead of time at Le Grand Bistro Américain. I've dined here on many occasions for brunch with friends and the food has been excellent EVERY time. The French Toast with maple syrup and vanilla créme fraiche is not to be missed.
In terms of activities, The Woodmark Hotel is centrally located next to Downtown Kirkland which has a great mix of shopping and dining options. Or, if you take Lake Washington Boulevard the other way, you'll find even more shopping, dining, and entertainment options at The Bellevue Collection.
The Woodmark is a great, pet-friendly hotel that is perfect for out-of-town guests or Seattleites looking for a luxurious staycation. One quick note, The Woodmark Hotel is currently renovating the lobby. From now until March 14th, guests should check-in from the lower lobby which is accessible through the parking garage.
Summer Getaway Guide: Kauai
Kauai is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I actually lived on the island for several years as a kid and it's always had a special place in my heart. My family loves it too, so we try and visit as often as we can. Kauai is Hawaii's fourth-largest island and is often called the "Garden Island" for its lush greenery. The island is less touristy than other islands and most things shut down by 9 p.m., so you're forced to relax and enjoy the scenery. After a crazy year of working from home while also homeschooling the kids due to the pandemic, we desperately needed this recharge. Read on for my guide on all things Kauai.
Best Place to Stay
We always stay at the Kauai Beach Resort when we visit the island. We've stayed there many times over the years and always had a great experience. The hotel is located in Lihue near the airport and has been a great home base for us when we visit. The rooms are spacious and if you can get a view with an ocean view, even better.
One of the best things about this hotel is that there are four swimming pools, including one with a water slide. We also loved the convenience of the poolside outdoor bar. For littles, there's a super shallow, sandy pool that has a great water feature.
The hotel also has a great gift shop/coffee bar that serves Starbucks coffee and pastries. It was a great way to start the day and pick up snacks before heading out on our daily adventures. The hotel also has a great bar and restaurant for dine-in or take-out. One of the things we loved about our recent visit was the fact that you can now order and pay remotely via your phone and pick up your food at the hostess stand once it's ready. Technology is the best.
We found ourselves at Shutter's Lounge multiple times on our trip. They do great fish tacos and Kalbi beef bowls. They also have a decent kids menu which was helpful since we have notoriously picky eaters.
Best Beach for Kids
Kauai Beach Resort is less than 10 minutes away from Lydgate Beach Park, a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. This beach is protected from the ocean by a rock wall, making it a great choice for kids and for those who want to snorkel. There are also lifeguards on-site and a shaded playground nearby that is great for kids who need a break from the sun. There are also on-site facilities including picnic areas and restrooms.
Best Beach on the Island
Hanalei Bay is the best beach on Kauai. Although it's not the easiest to get to at the moment due to recent andslides and subsequent construction, it's worth the drive. Located on Kauai's North shore just past Princeville, Hanalei offers clear blue water, white sand, and sweeping views of gorgeous green mountains. The historic pier was built in 1892 and still offers visitors a stunning backdrop for beach days and sunset picnics. Don’t forget to check Hawaii's DOT site for traffic info before heading out to stay up to date on lane closures and traffic revisions.
Best Beach for Spotting Sea Turtle
Poipu Beach is a great place to spot sea turtles on Kauai. We spotted them several times surfing the waves when we visited the beach and each sighting was magical! The drive to Poipu Beach from Kapaa is about 40 minutes by car and you get to pass through a beautiful tree tunnel on the way. Poipu Beach has a great swimming area with lifeguards plus a playground for kids. You can also get a legendary Puka Dog across the street from the beach.
Best Place for Beach Rentals
There are many great places to rent beach equipment on Kauai including sun umbrellas, bodyboards, coolers, beach chairs, inflatables, and more. We rented from Kauai Snorkel Rentals located at Coconut Marketplace in Kauai. The prices are great, $15 for a week-long body board rental, and the process was super easy. We simply showed up, picked out our gear, and brought it back a week later. This is a WAY better alternative to buying gear and leaving it behind at the end of the trip. We talked to locals about this issue and it sounds like island tourists are notorious for this. Please be mindful of the environment and the footprint you leave behind when you visit Hawaii.
Best Place for Shave Ice
I could literally eat shave ice every day and I probably would if I lived in Hawaii. We loved Jojo's Shave Ice at the Coconut Marketplace in Kapaa and went back several times during our time. They offer so many delicious flavor combinations but our favorite was definitely the classic Rainbow (Strawerry, Banana, Vanilla) with Macadamia nut ice cream. Shave ice makes a great snack on a hot day and the small size was big enough to share.
Best Poke Bowl
If you're a poke fan, don't miss the fresh fish at Foodland in Princeville. For less than $10 you can get a rice bowl topped with fresh poke. Voted Hawaii's best for 9 years in a row, I promise you, this poke bowl is well worth the drive. I like spicy poke, Shoyu (mixed with soy sauce), and Hawaiian-style (mixed with seaweed and sea salt). Honestly, they're all good and if you can buy a bag of Hawaiian taro chips, the experience is even better. If you're heading to Hanalei Bay for the day, stop by Foodland to pick up a poke bowl for lunch on the way.
Best Date Night Restaurant
Every time we visit Kauai, we always make reservations at The Plantation House by Gaylords. This is a great restaurant for date nights, family dinners, and special occasions. The dinner menu includes fresh ahi poke, lobster gnocchi, sake short ribs, and truffle potatoes. The cocktails are good, too! If you head over for lunch, don't miss the Koloa Rum Tasting Room which is also located on-site.
Car Rental Advice
There's a severe rental car shortage in Hawaii due to low inventory and increased demand, so if you want wheels on your trip (you'll need them), I recommend that you book early. We rented from Avis on this trip and had a great experience. Our 4-door Jeep Sahara was so much fun to drive and provided more than enough space for suitcases, boogie boards, coolers, and more.
How to Plan Your Itinerary
Driving around Kauai takes time, especially during the summer months, so it's best to plan your day by choosing one main area to explore or dividing the day into morning and afternoon activities. Hanalei Bay is a full-day activity when you consider drive time and traffic revisions. Here are some of our favorite things to explore on Kauai that should absolutely be on your itinerary:
Hanalei Bay
Beach Park & Pier (the most gorgeous beach with white sand and clear blue water)
Hanalei Shopping Center - Lots of great local shops and restaurants
Bubba's Burgers
Plan a full day and take a picnic lunch to the beach. Rain showers and clouds generally pass quickly, so don't be worried if you see a few clouds in the sky.
Princeville
Princeville Center is a great place to shop and dine
Foodland has THE best poke bowls on the island
There's a great toy store for kids on-site
Keep an eye out for the Princeville Night Market
Poipu Beach
Beach Park & Playground
Sea Turtle Spotting
Puka Dogs
Baby Beach
Brennecke's Beach Broiler
Old Koloa Town (Stop by on your way to Poipu Beach)
The Shops at Kukui'ula (Located near Poipu Beach and a great place to stop for dinner after a day at the beach. The center also has Long's Drugs so you can stock up on anything you forgot at home)
Waimea Canyon
Great scenic drive when you need a break from the sun
The canyon is a 14-mile stretch with panoramic views
The road ends at Kokee State Park
Coconut Marketplace
Located in Kapaa with easy parking and plenty of gift shops
Don't miss Jojo's Shave Ice
Great dining options including Chicken in a Barrel, Bobby V's, and Island Country Market
You can also get beach rentals including sun umbrellas, snorkel gear, and more at Coconut Marketplace
Final Thoughts
If you're heading to Kauai, take a deep breath, enjoy the experience, and don't forget to pack your patience. The summer months are peak season for tourists and in addition to increased traffic on the roads, you'll also experience long wait times at restaurants if you don't have advance reservations. Kauai is experiencing the same labor shortages we are on the mainland, so please remember to be patient and kind. If you're staying at a hotel, don't forget to take out cash to tip your housekeepers. They are working overtime this summer and want to help ensure that your trip to paradise is an amazing one.
Sign Up for Clear
Make your SEA airport experience seamless by signing up for CLEAR before you travel. With CLEAR, you can move quickly through airport security at 40+ airports nationwide. It’s super easy to sign up and you can get 2 months free by using my personal referral code.