TAKING ON WHITEFISH, MONTANA

I was recently reminded of the importance of these types of girlfriend bonding trips as I set out with my besties to take on Whitefish, Montana. A truly authentic mountain town located in the northern Rockies. Nestled in the foothills of a ski mountain close to Glacier National Park was the perfect setting to remind us that the best gifts we could ever give each other is a lifetime of adventures together.

Our girl group is just different than most. We are some of the truly lucky ones who, for the most part, have known each other on some level since elementary school but most definitely have been best friends since high school. One of our constants has always been a strong sense of commitment to one another. Another is that we all share a deep passion for travel. We have always been more into chasing sunsets than men. We’ve done it all. We’ve traveled the world. We’ve lived in other countries. We’ve had plenty of girls’ vacations. But then we grew up a bit and started to have lots of commitments. We got married and had babies. Lots of babies! And we got busy with careers. And then worst of all, we got stuck in the middle of a pandemic. Our group is made up of entrepreneurs, educators, doctors, women starting businesses, independent working mothers and women being the change we want to see.

Following the summer of our 20-year class reunion, we realized we were in need of some serious girl time. We had a blast all being able to be together for one kid-free night, but it just wasn’t long enough. We have always known we are at our best when we are together — happier, more fun, most content. We crave the sense of freedom we experience from being with one another. We are those friends who are just able to pick up where we left off no matter how long it’s been. Yes, we know we get loud and sometimes obnoxious when we are together, but there is something magical about old friends, and when you get together, everything else fades to insignificance. We have lunches, coffee dates, play times with the kids. We get together for a drink from time to time and always have a group text message going, but a couple of hours of partially present conversations really does nothing for the soul. We knew we needed an escape, but I don’t think we really knew how badly we needed it until we were in it.

Burnt out beyond measure, one friend offered up a retreat in Montana and anyone who could make it happen jumped at the chance. We booked our flights six months in advance, and from that moment on something amazing happened. Just as the research said we would, we automatically had hope. We had something to look forward to that we knew was going to be great. For all of the tragedy and horribleness that some of us were going through for those six months, having this trip to look forward to undoubtedly carried us through.

As soon as we stepped foot into the car for the drive to the airport, the talking started and it never ceased. So much talking. Catching up on what was happening in our lives and telling stories and laughing with glimpses of who we once were. On the airplane, the comfort of familiar voices lulled some into happy dreams.

The next days in Montana were spent getting everything we needed to rejuvenate our spirits and replenish our souls. We took the chance to remember who we were as women, before we were mommies and wives. We stayed up late and didn’t worry about it because we slept in and had no alarm clocks. We didn’t cook dinner for anyone or do chores around our homes and it felt wondrous. We drank too much champagne in the hot tub and ate too many sweets. We had “deep dive” talks about everything with no fear of judgment and we gained knowledge and got advice from each other. We saw some of the most beautiful sights on a ski lift riding to the top of a mountain. We did scream therapy (we just screamed) and meditated and felt the sun warm our bodies while touching snow in our hands. We took pictures and made videos and remembered people we have lost and talked about new ventures in our lives. We kayaked in crystal-clear waters surrounded by nothing but snow-tipped mountains and each other. And we could not have asked for anything more perfect.

We laughed and we loved and we learned. We learned that what you used to teach children in a classroom can be carried over to leadership of a company. We learned that we all have the same hope that our own children are lucky enough to have friendship bonds like we have. We learned that it is absolutely worth it to come home to a mound of unwashed clothes and kids with rat’s nests in their hair, who missed you so much that they won’t let you go. We learned that we have all changed but we can still love each other so fiercely. We learned that we will always be there for each other no matter what life throws at us. We learned, once again, that maintaining these friendships is probably one of the most important things we can do in this lifetime. And we learned that the greatest legacy we can leave our children is the happy memories we have made with each other.

Take the trip. If it can’t be the mountains, make it a hill. But it needs to be somewhere where you and your girls can get away from your everyday duties enough to relax and remember who you were and who you want to be in a judgment-free zone. Life is so short and girlfriends are so important and you deserve it. Grab your girls, get that selfie stick, pop some champagne and do your thang.

When the mountains start calling … LISTEN! Grab your girl group and get going!

Best Of The Best

Magical Mountain Digs

VRBO: Mountain View

Hands down the best place to book for your girls vacay! Every part of this vacation rental is to die for: the picturesque views of the mountains right off the porch and from the hot tub; the shops and restaurants that are within walking distance; sitting around the fireplace having a glass of wine. The house is very spacious and private and just perfect for a girls’ getaway.

Get Your Grub On

All the drive-thru coffee shops! They are everywhere!

Mini drive-thru coffee houses all over the place. They are fast and have fabulous coffee and delicious treats.

Mother Chorizo’s

While Whitefish is known for its fine dining, you can’t miss out on some of the lesser-known but totally “worth the stop” food trucks. Mother Chorizo’s, located in the small town of Lakeside, is anything but your typical taco truck. They serve not only phenomenal tacos, but also a variety of quesadillas and flavorful rice. I recommend the cilantro-lime rice and carnitas!

Glacier Perks

While visiting the Lakeside area, be sure to check out this amazing café. Whether you are in the mood for a sweet pastry treat, a savory snack or some freshly brewed coffee, this place is a must-stop. The staff is super friendly and there is even a gift shop! And who wouldn’t love a coffee shop whose name was inspired by our favorite ’90s sitcom?

Buy Fabulous Souvenirs

Axehead

OK, this place and these owners are seriously extraordinary. Randy and Trina own a small boutique, but it’s not the size that matters here, ladies. It’s the quality of the goods this time. They sell handmade gifts made of full-grain leather, solid hardwoods and American steel. Definitely a must-stop while shopping downtown Whitefish.

Adventure Is Waiting For You

Big Mountain

Take a ski lift to the top of Big Mountain in the summer months. If you are into exhibitionism, it’s tradition to set the ladies free and throw your bra into the trees on the way up the mountain. The views are second to none and once you get to the top, enjoy the picturesque scenery from the restaurant/bar.

Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake is a crystal-clear natural lake that is a remnant of an ancient massive glacier-dammed lake, Lake Missoula of the era of the last interglacial. Surrounded by mountains, the almost perfectly transparent water is dreamlike. Kayak and SUP rentals are right in town, but call ahead to reserve your spot.

MUST-HAVES

(FOR A GREAT GIRLS’ VACATION)

• JOURNAL: Our squad has used journals for girl vacations many times. Add everything! Funny quotes, hashtags, receipts, plane tickets, brochures, pictures, journal entries. These are so, so fun to look at years down the road.

• SUN HATS: Matching hats are better and make for great photo ops.

• SELFIE STICK: You do not want to be caught on a mountain or in the middle of a lake with no one to take a picture of you with your girls and the beautiful backdrop.

• CHAMPAGNE: Pop a top and toast to your fabulous girl gang.

• ADULT MADLIBS BOOK: This is where the “laugh till you cry” part comes in.

• PORTABLE BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS: Good tunes just make good times better.

• FANNY PACK: Face it: they are just cool and your hands are going to be too busy snapping pics to be holding a clutch.