Some People Just Don’t Realize How Lucky They Are
We have often written about those small towns spread across the United States that seem to hold the spirit of different times within them. Those little bundles of serenity that are the total opposite of large, busy cities like New York or Los Angeles. It always surprises us to see how eager people are to run away from those unique places and towns only to move to multi-million cities. Of course, this kind of thinking might seem logical to us, but who knows how those people feel. Being born and growing up in a small town, no matter which one it is, probably creates a dream of seeing and experiencing the world in all of its glory. The lights of the big cities never stop glowing, which is why people are attracted to them like flies most of the time.
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By Wesley Fryer
But, we began to wonder – when you consider all of the advantages that modern technology and globalization are bringing forth every day, one can relatively easily see and find out everything they want to or need to know about their place of fantasy. For example – we find it hard to believe that there are people in the world today who don’t know where the Empire State Building or the Statue of Liberty are located. But, we’re also curious about the other side of that equation – what about the place you’re leaving behind? What are you giving up, or should we say, risking by moving to a larger place? There are many things to be gained by such a move, no doubt about it, but you would be wise to consider what you might lack in your new home.
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By Justin Brockie
In the past, we’ve tried to bring you some of the most remote and desolate places that we thought would be interesting to visit. Some of them might be called lonesome, but if you ask us – being lonesome is not the same as being lonely. We feel that it’s a good thing for a person to be alone every once in a while, just for clarity of thought. The place we’d like to tell you about this time is neither lonesome, nor lonely. It is swarming with life, as a matter a fact. So, what is the big deal, you ask? Well, Missoula, Montana might not be the most densely populated, neon-engulfed, “woo-hoo-look-at-me” place in the world, but it is one of the most charming and impressive around.
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By Wesley Fryer
If It Were Up To Us, You Know The Place Would Still Be Called Hellgate
Often referred to as the ”Hub of Five Valleys”, Missoula is the county seat of (surprise) Missoula County in the state of Montana. The reason why it’s called the Hub of Five Valleys is because of the fact that it’s located at the convergence of five mountain ranges. In other words, it has a home in western Montana, near the confluence of Clark Fork and Bitterroot Rivers. The population of the City of Missoula was estimated at almost 68,400, with the Missoula Metropolitan Area being a home to approximately 111,800 people. In fact, Missoula has been Montana’s second most populous city as of 2000. Additionally, this town is also where a public research university can be found. You might have heard of it; it goes by the name of University of Montana.
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By Justin Brockie
Back in the day, Montana was a part of Washington Territory. The Hellgate Trading Post was founded in 1860 in that territory. What does a place called Hellgate Trading Post and its date of foundation have to do with Missoula, you naturally ask? Well, the two are, in fact, one and the same. You see, this settlement was gradually moved five miles upstream and renamed Missoula Mills by 1866. Later, the “Mills” part was removed and the settlement became known as simply Missoula. Settlers who were west bound on the Mullan Road got their supplies from those mills.
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By Wesley Fryer
The economy of the settlement was further stabilized in 1877, when Fort Missoula was established for the protection of the settlers. Additionally, the local lumber industry had started to grow and mature rapidly since 1883 due to the arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway. Some ten or so years later, the legislature of the new state of Montana chose the City of Missoula as the new home of the first university in the state. When you add to that the foundation of the headquarters of the US Forest Service in 1908, it becomes obvious why the university and lumber represented the backbone of the local economy in the following century.
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By Keith Tyler
Missoula, Montana – A Small Town With A Big Appetite For Fun
When it comes to the fun stuff you can do in this retreat in the Rocky Mountains, Missoula’s got plenty to offer. White-water paddling, biking, skiing, world-class hiking – you name it and it’s probably just a couple of minutes out of town. One example would be the Lolo National Forest – a genuine playground that offers tons of options when it comes to fun. The best part is that you can choose what you want to do on the miles of trails completely on your own.
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By Wesley Fryer
Did you know that the Adventure Cycling Association has a home in Missoula? If you’re into mountain-bike-touring, the A.C.A. will gladly hook you up with some of the most incredible cross-country road-bike tours, as they maintain and map many of them. On a similar note, Yellowstone National Park is five hours away, while Glacier National Park is only three. Also, if you like fly-fishing, you’ll feel right at home here. The Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitteroot and Rock Creek Rivers are the homes of large rainbow trout and brook populations.
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By Mikal Kenfield
The Caras Park in downtown Missoula is simply a must-see. Located in the city’s centre and by the waterfront, Caras Park is where a number of city festivities are often held. Some of them include the Garden City BrewFest, First Night Missoula, the International Wildlife Film Festival etc. Also, a number of famous artists have held intimate concerts in this park. Some of them are B.B. King, Ziggy Marley, Santana, Chris Isaak, Jewel etc. So, there you have it; whether you want to be alone or right in the middle of the crowd – you can do both at this charming place!
Attribution Some Rights Reserved By U.S. Department of Agriculture
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