RED LODGE

When the promise of rustic adventures lures you to Cheyenne, Wyoming, you’ll find some surprises that will make you want to stay awhile. Like historical 1800s buildings transformed into upscale restaurants and flashy cocktail lounges, most adorned with colorful murals. Inside, chefs create world-class cuisine and mixologists sling artfully crafted spirits sure to please even the most discriminating palate. And when it comes to where to stay, you can go as rugged or as comfortable as you want to get.

There’s more to living the legend—come out west and experience it for yourself.

Red Lodge BY MEGAN HILL

Situated in south-central Montana, Red Lodge is an unknown gem waiting to be uncovered. The small town packs a big punch when it comes to amenities, shopping, events, restaurants, and more. All these aspects combine to give it a personality worthy of a big city.

The area around Red Lodge was once home to the Crow Indians, who stayed in the area each summer to worship, rest, and hunt. The permanent town as it’s known today was established in 1884. The Rocky Fork Coal Company opened the area’s first mine nearby in 1887, drawing scores of European immigrants to work in the mine. That brought on a boom for Red Lodge—downtown became a lively collection of 20 saloons.

The Great Depression ended much of the mining activity here, but local entrepreneurs turned to another lucrative industry—bootleg liquor. Sold as “cough syrup,” the town’s major export kept “patients” happy from the Midwest to California. Tourism and recreation also rose to prominence, and by the mid-20th century, those industries, along with ranching, replaced coal mining as the major sources of income.

Today, with a population of just over 2,000 people, Red Lodge has a great community feel. You won’t find big box stores and chains

in this town at the edge of the Beartooth Mountains. Instead, visitors will find world-class outdoor recreation, a slew of small businesses, and a historic downtown loaded with genuine warmth and hospitality.

Downtown is extremely walkable and safe. The quaint collection of buildings holds independently owned shops, restaurants, and saloons—making it the quintessential western town.

The outdoors is the main draw here. Red Lodge is surrounded by a million acres of outdoor recreation areas. In winter, Red Lodge Mountain delivers plenty of powder without the crowds or long lift lines. The ski area usually opens around Thanksgiving each year and runs through mid-April.

In summer, the Beartooth Highway leading to Yellowstone National Park is the main draw. It’s often rated as one of the most scenic drives in the country, and is especially attractive for motorcyclists. But there are plenty of other activities nearby: climbing, fishing, camping, hunting, rafting, biking, and horseback riding are all just a few steps from town.

Red Lodge is often looked at as a pass-through for visitors heading to Yellowstone. But the enchanting town tends to romance all who come through. And they end up wanting to stay.

Red

Lodge

Red Lodge is a hub of outdoor activity, thanks to its setting near the Beartooth and Absaroka Mountains, and Yellowstone National Park. While Yellowstone is often the major reason travelers head to Red Lodge, there are plenty of reasons to linger here.

Among some of the top attractions in and around town is the Beartooth Highway. This spectacular road is one of the most scenic drives in the United States. It travels 68 miles from Red Lodge to Yellowstone, reaching 11,000 feet at Beartooth Pass. Along the way, views of mountains, alpine lakes, and valleys are sure to impress.

Red Lodge Mountain ski resort is another top attraction. It’s an unpretentious spot to hit the slopes in winter, or hit a round of golf in summer.

At the Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary, visitors can spot animals native to the area. The sanctuary is the first in Montana to receive accreditation from the American Sanctuary Association for its care of wild

animals that are sick or injured. Wildlife here includes bison, bears, and mountain lions, and the grounds are beautiful.

Situated in a 1909 red brick building in town, the Carbon County Historical Society & Museum shouldn’t be overlooked. Here, visitors can view historical artifacts and photos of the area. The museum also offers a Historic Red Lodge Walking Tour.

At the Carbon County Arts Guild & Depot Gallery, set inside the town’s former train depot, visitors can walk through for free and view monthly rotating art exhibitions, many of which revolve around works from local artists that draw inspiration from the town’s scenery.

And there’s plenty to eat and drink in town. Walking down the main drag of Broadway Avenue, you’ll find a hefty collection of saloons, restaurants, and shops. Browse clothing and outdoor stores, art galleries, and gift shops between stops at watering holes and restaurants.

Visit Gilroy

A TALE OF THREE TRAILS

Gilroy, California is a popular destination for foodies and wine lovers from around the world—and a great place to choose your own culinary adventure! Start your Gilroy getaway at the California Welcome Center Gilroy (conveniently located at Gilroy Premium Outlets) to pick up helpful maps and brochures as well as fun souvenirs.

1: FOLLOW YOUR NOSE ON THE ROAD TO GARLIC

Of course, Gilroy is best known as the “Garlic Capital of the World,” and you can follow the Road to Garlic to find all the very best garlic shops, restaurants and experiences in town. If you’ve only got time for a quick stop, have lunch at Garlic City Café in historic downtown Gilroy and be sure to try the garlic soup (and garlic ice cream!). You can snap a selfie in front of the garlic mural on Monterey Street and take a stroll down the Gilroy Historic Paseo to learn more about the city’s long love affair with the “stinking rose.” If you’ve more time to explore, visit Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park to take a spin in the Garlic Twirl ride, have some genuine Gilroy garlic fries, and say hello to Gil and Roy, the park’s garlic bulb mascots. For dinner, you can visit this historic Milias Restaurant, whose chef Adam Sanchez launched his culinary career after winning the 2001 Great Garlic Cook-Off; or Mama Mia’s Ristorante Italiano, which features Gilroy Garlic Festival favorites on their menu all year long. Be sure to visit Garlic World and the Garlic Shoppe to stock up on gourmet goodies and garlic gifts to bring home!

2: ENJOY AUTHENTIC MEXICAN FOOD ON THE GILROY TACO TRAIL

These days, foodies are flocking to town in quest of new culinary adventures along the Gilroy Taco Trail. If you’re hungry for tacos, burritos, enchiladas and other authentic Mexican fare, look for Gilroy Taco Trail decals in shop windows or pick up a Gilroy Taco Trail map to plan your taco tasting tour. The Gilroy Taco Trail includes over 25 different casual taquerias and sit-

down restaurants located in downtown Gilroy, First Street, and other areas in the city. Some truly hardcore fans have even taken on the challenge of eating a taco at every stop in just one day for the ultimate Taco Trail triumph!

3: TASTE YOUR WAY ALONG THE WINE TRAIL

Take a tasting tour along the Santa Clara Valley Wine Trail to discover award-winning wines, scenic vineyard views, and a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The Santa Clara Valley is one of California’s oldest wine-growing regions and is now home to over 30 family-owned boutique wineries in and around Gilroy. Head out to Hecker Pass Highway to sample wines at Solis Winery, Fortino Winery, Sarah’s Vineyard, and Hecker Pass Winery, all conveniently located within a mile of each other. Continue your wine tour at Kirigin Cellars, which has producing wines for over one hundred years. And head to the east side of town for a visit to Satori Cellars, which has bocce courts and a casual, friendly neighborhood vibe. Stop by Clos La Chance to enjoy the grand, gorgeous views—and groove to live music in the grove.

From garlic and tacos to wine and vineyard views, there’s far too much to experience in Gilroy in just one day! Book a budgetfriendly hotel room and stay long enough so you can explore all three trails—and more. Plan your great Gilroy getaway at

VisitGilroy.com.

Join the Summer Splash Party at Gilroy Gardens

Water Oasis at Gilroy Gardens is the coolest place to play all summer long! The original Oasis features a peaceful lagoon, gentle flower showers, and lots of places for little ones to explore and play in water. The Water Oasis Expansion features bigger water slides, a giant tipping bucket, and lots of super-sized splashy fun for bigger kids (and grownups too). There are also colorful cabanas and comfy lounge chairs so you can just “chill out” under the palm trees while the kids splash and play.

Water Oasis is included with regular Gilroy Gardens admission, so you can also enjoy the park’s gorgeous gardens and over 40 fun rides and attractions, including the only-in-Gilroy Garlic Twirl, a South County Backroads vintage car ride, the beautifully restored Illions Supreme Carousel, and the thrilling Quicksilver Express Mine Coaster. You can even paddle duck and swan boats across a peaceful lake, walk right through a tumbling waterfall, or climb aboard the Bonfante Railroad vintage train for a ride through the entire park.

Be sure to look for the world-famous Circus Trees throughout the park. These “living masterpieces” were originally grafted and shaped into whimsical forms like the Basket Tree, Arch Tree, and Four-Legged Giant nearly 100 years ago. This truly is a magical place where fun grows on trees! For tickets and membership information, go to www.gilroygardens.org.