Lone Mountain Ranch

In August my sweet husband and I celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary. Wow! Ten years. Where did the time go? With three major moves, two children and one on the way, it is easy to say “it feels like just yesterday…”, but, we’ve covered a lot of ground in ten years. Originally I thought we would take a big trip over to Europe – but then baby boy #3 decided it was his time to join our family. So, we decided to stay close to home, and took a trip over to Big Sky to check out Lone Mountain Ranch, a historic Montana guest ranch on the banks of the North Fork Creek.

Anytime I get to take a road trip through my native state, I am always in awe of it. The Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers, The mountains that open up to grand valleys with cattle and buffalo grazing in them. That Big Sky. It truly is the treasure state and everyone that knows me, knows that I am pretty damned proud to be 5^th generation strong and a member of the “Sons and Daughters of the Montana Pioneers”. I always love getting to visit properties that have historic pasts like Lone Mountain Ranch. So when my friend Jon Makhmaltchi of J.MAK Hospitality was promoting the ranch on Facebook, I was excited to learn more about this property in my own back yard!

We were warmly welcomed in the main lodge and then shown to the “Bald Eagle” cabin - into what my husband calls “the perfect cabin”. Simple and rustic, it was the original bath house when it was a private ranch in the 1920’s, but has since been renovated into a one room cabin with a queen bed, wood stove, rocking chair, desk and a full bath. It was perfect for the weekend. No TV or modern distractions, although wifi was available.

Included in rates are three meals daily, horseback riding six days a week, naturalist led hikes, a canoe trip, a Yellowstone National Park tour, mountain biking, Outdoor Youth Adventures Program, BBQ’s, evening entertainment and a complimentary shuttle on the weekly check in/ check out day.The Northwest corner of Yellowstone Park is only 20 miles from the ranch and where many of the ranch’s naturalist hikes and guided fly fishing trips take place. All day tours enter the Park in West Yellowstone which is 45 miles away.

 

We headed over to the dining lodge for lunch before heading out to explore. Sitting outside on the deck, looking out at the property and cabins, you cannot help but feel like THIS is what you would expect out of a summer vacation in Montana. Young children playing games and chasing each other around the lawn, the whole atmosphere emitting a very authentic camp-like feel. Fresh Rocky Mountain air accompanying an amazing lunch, and we were off to a great start.

That evening I was treated to a gourmet festival of flavors and new foods I had not yet tried. The pictures here are worth a million words, and the whole experience was wonderful. A big thanks to Chef Nick Steen and his kitchen. I’m always delighted when the chef himself (or herself) come out from the kitchen to present the courses, and I so appreciated it all!!!  

 

Ty's luscious rib-eye

The next day we hiked to Ousel Falls, an easy pregnant lady hike of just 1.6 miles roundtrip from the parking lot. The trail is a geologist's playground of shale and other ancient ocean floor evidence that follows the South Fork of the West Fork of the Gallatin River to Ousel Falls. There were numerous pockets in the river that begged to be swam in, and I was disappointed I forgot to wear my swimming suit. Next time!

Upon our return we did what married couples of 2.5 kids do when they get a couple of days away. We took a nap. And it was glorious. That night dinner was to be served at The Pavillion. A good ‘ol western BBQ… that I had to skip. Only one problem with this whole trip... *I* have been a huge Nancy this pregnancy. My appetite is pretty much nonexistent, and when I can eat, I’m like a French woman; I take three bites and am STUFFED. And unfortunately meat especially sets me off – so because of that alone – I am going to HAVE to come back to Lone Mountain Ranch to experience their famed winter sleigh ride dinners, and actually be able to enjoy the wonderful food that was so creatively crafted.

Our entire stay was just what we were looking for. Relaxing and quiet. We broke the “unplugged vacation” rule at night and watched a few episodes of “Nashville” that we were catching up on. Ty got up every morning at 6:00am and spent a few hours on the river, at “his church”, and I got to sleep in, a sweet luxury in itself when you have two young boys at home.

A big thanks to my mom and dad for watching the boys for the weekend. Another HUGE thank you to J.MAK Hospitality, Paul Robertson and the entire staff at Lone Mountain Ranch. We had a wonderful weekend and I look forward to visiting again. If you are looking for a vacation reminiscent of the “good ‘ol days” under a glorious Montana Big Sky, with friendly people and something to offer everyone, then Lone Mountain Ranch is your ticket to paradise. Ask me for more details on rates if you are interested in booking.

The Centennial Inn

Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to visit a very exclusive Montana property. Unique in its history, luxury accommodations as well as prime location. The Centennial Inn is located on 13 private acres on the Yellowstone River outside of Livingston, Montana. Once part of the 1964 Montana Centennial Train that traveled the country promoting tourism for the state of Montana, this train car has been tricked out into an incredible two bedroom luxury home on The Yellowstone River.

A trip planned to celebrate my mom’s 71^st birthday, this would be a special stay for her as she was actually the head entertainer for the Montana Centennial Train. Miss Kitty Ann Quigley entertained countless amounts of people that would gather to hear and see the wonders of the treasure state. She even had the opportunity to sing for President Johnson when the train made it to the New York’s World Fair. I am obviously very biased, but even those that don’t know my mom well, will tell you she was Montana’s sweetheart and has always made a huge impression on people wherever she went; she still does.

On the way over to Livingston we stopped in downtown Bozeman to do some window shopping, gambling and have cocktails and lunch. Downtown Bozeman is a vibrant glimpse into the old west, with eclectic and neat stores, excellent dining options and home to quite possibly my favorite cocktail of all time. The “f.g.c.” at Plonk. An acronym for “(Expletive) Good Cocktail” – it is a refreshing martini of house infused ginger vodka and muddled basil. Even the virgin version was heaven.

After a couple of hours exploring downtown Bozeman we jumped back in the car and headed down the road to Livingston. Quintessentially west, framed by the Absaroka Mountain Range, Livingston is a classic picture of Montana.

After some more gambling and walking around downtown, we headed the 4 miles down the road to check out our digs for the next two days. A code operated private gate opens up to a large field bordered by a beautiful grove of dancing aspen trees with The Centennial Inn sitting pretty like a picture in the middle. At this point I am going to let the pictures do the talking J

 
ALL ABOARD THE CENTENNIAL INN!!!!!!

I think the thing that was said most by Susie, myself and my mom as well as all of our husbands that came to visit us for the day was “I could live here!!!”, and it was so true. The Centennial Inn evokes a cozy feeling of home and comfort. It is perfectly appointed with antique furniture and luxury details, like the huge shower that doubles as a hot tub size soaking tub. The kitchen is fully equipped with a gas stove and there are even laundry facilities tucked smartly behind a pocked door in the hallway.

The 13 acres that The Centennial Inn sits on was immaculately groomed and so beautiful to explore. The aspen trees had just leafed out for spring, and the Yellowstone River was swollen and muddy (much to my fly fishing husbands disdain) with spring run-off just starting.  I counted at least four sweet bunnies hopping around the wheels of the train quite a few times too. The Centennial Inn is truly a slice of Big Sky heaven, and would be a wonderful option for a fun weekend get-away, or for guests wanting to stay close to the park. Please contact me for more details on how you can set up a stay in this historic luxury train car.

 

 

  

The California Luxe Life

I recently returned from a whirlwind four-day trip to Beverly Hills and Laguna Beach, California. I went out for business to meet with the CEO of the Virtuoso family I joined last March, to see some colleagues and friends, and to do some inspections that would cross some top hotels off my luxe travel bucket list; and let’s not lie – this mama of two young boys who works from home with the 2.5 year old – needed a break!

Upon my arrival into LAX I was picked up by Major (yes, that was really his name– and he owned it!) from Empire CLS Worldwide Chauffeured Services. He delivered me safe and sound to my first destination hotel, the iconic Beverly Wilshire (A Four Seasons Hotel). A history-rich luxury hotel in the heart of Beverly Hills, just steps from Rodeo Drive - the hotel presents 395 fresh, contemporary hotel guest rooms – including 137 luxurious suites.  Now, I am going to be honest in saying I did not realize the movie “Pretty Woman” had not been filmed on site, and that it was actually filmed in constructed Hollywood movie sets. So, after my initial disappointment of not having Barney there to greet me or not recognizing the lobby, I checked into a lovely signature balcony room overlooking the Hollywood Hills and Wilshire Wing of the hotel. After freshing up I headed down to wait for my girlfriend and colleague, Lee Ann Howe, to arrive and join me for a fun girls night slumber party, Wilshire style.

After some shopping on Rodeo Drive we headed out to Mari Vanna’s; A Russian tea and caviar bar in Melrose Place. Hyatt was hosting an appreciation party headed up by my friend the lovely Nicole Vaziri, the global sales director for Hyatt. Shabby chic and romantic, Mari Vanna’s was like stepping into another world from where we were.

They offered infused vodka’s and specialty caviar, as well as a wonderful variety of delicious appetizers.  I finally got to connect with my virtual BFF, Katelyn O’Shaughnessy, a major up and coming millennial in the travel game who has developed the app “Tripscope” and is making major waves in the business. It was wonderful to see so many industry friends and meet new ones. It was one of many highlights of my trip.

After Mari Vanna’s we headed across the street to meet up with another industry friend and colleague, the airline guru, John Deker, for dinner at The Fig & Olive. Oh my gosh! What delicious Mediterranean food and fun company. We had a great time catching up and I was elated to have an adult meal where I didn’t have to manage children, or coerce anyone into eating their meal. THAT alone is a vacation in itself for a stay-at-home mom.

The next day I packed up and headed over to destination #2, The Beverly Hills Hotel & Bungalows. A favorite among celebrities and people wishing to avoid the prying eye, The Beverly Hills Hotel hit a home run with me. Remaining faithful to the original architecture and interior design, the hotel has been carefully renovated to preserve its supreme level of comfort and flair. Surrounded by 12 acres of lush gardens and exotic flowers, The Beverly Hills Hotel has 208 rooms and suites including 23 one-of-a-kind bungalows.

 

I arrived early and took the opportunity to mosey among the citrus groves and gardens and walk along the beautiful pathways between the bungalows. Again, I was in a different world. WAAAY different than my Montana mountains. With swaying palm trees, huge bushes of birds of paradise, flowing bushes of hot pink bougainvillea, azalea's , pulmonaria, and  all different colored bromeliads covered every bit of ground space; it was truly paradise.

 

To kill some more time as my room was getting ready - I went downstairs to grab a light something to eat in The Fountain Coffee room. A historical landmark, the 19 seat Fountain Coffee Room – complete with a vintage soda fountain - first opened in the 1940s. With a very informal feel, where everyone just belly’s up to the bar to watch the chef fry up eggs, and hash browns and other breakfast delicacies’, I was taking it all in when a woman walked in, and I thought “Gosh, she kinda looks like Kim Kardashain”. She sat right next to me, to which I said “hello”, and thought again “Yeah, she sure does”… as it was all sinking in, the waitress came over and greeted her by name and started up a conversation about Halloween and what our children dressed up as and before you knew it we were chatting about how she and Kanye have been trying for baby #2 for six months now. So, as far as celeb sightings go, I hit the jackpot getting to dine right next to Kim Kardashian, basically WITH her. Honestly though – celebrity status doesn’t mean much to me. It was neat to say I got to talk to her, and I loved the moment that hotel management came in and saw me dining and immediately thanked me for coming to stay with them and comped my meal, to which Kim looked at me like “WHO are you? Should I know who YOU are?!”. That was a pretty cool moment in my career. I also saw David Spade dining in The Cabana Café, and Josh Hutcherson who portrays Peeta Mellark in “The Hunger Games” while dining that afternoon. If I had any need to check off a celebrity sighting, I sure as heck accomplished that at The Beverly Hills Hotel.

 

From there I was notified that my room was ready. And oh boy – was I in for the royal treatment. A 525sf Deluxe Guestroom, gorgeous luxe bathroom, with a huge furnished balcony. Appointed beautifully and with fine details, I felt like a queen dancing around the room.

For lunch I got to meet with the lovely  sales directors Ceara & Aiko and another good friend/colleague, Mina Shaifee, for lunch at The Polo Lounge.  

We had so much fun swapping stories, and getting to know each other. One of my favorite meetings for sure. That evening Katelyn O’Shaughnessy and the CEO of Coastline Travel Advisors, Jay Johnson, came to have dinner and drinks with me in the Polo Lounge again. I had known when I signed on with Coastline Travel that this was the Virtuoso family I had longed for. Full of kind, and helpful people wanting to see you succeed. Jay was awesome; down to earth and the kind of real leader I want to be associated with. It was another super great night where I just had to sit back and take it in, reflect and be thankful for everything.

I was sad to check out the next morning, but it was on to my next adventure – Montage Laguna Beach. Armen from 1^st Choice Towncar & Limousine picked me up in style for the hour and a half transfer to Laguna Beach. I am a huge fan of Montage Deer Valley in Park City, UT – so I was very curious and excited about staying at Montage Laguna Beach for two nights, and it did not disappoint. Set on an oceanfront bluff with sweeping panoramas of the Pacific Ocean and striking Craftsman-style architecture, this 248-room luxury beach resort commands 30 lushly landscaped acres in the heart of the picturesque arts community of Laguna Beach. Immediately upon entering the lobby and through to the lounge – one takes in absolutely breathtaking, sweeping views of the ocean and Laguna Beach. My Ocean Coastal King room was beautiful, with a furnished balcony looking out to the grounds and ocean. True to Montage standards the guestrooms offer turn-of-the-century décor complete with custom dark wood furnishings, a muted color scheme and early California artwork and architectural detailing.

 

 After finishing up inspections I headed over to lunch at the Mosaic Bar & Grill where I was seated right next to Nick & Vanessa Lachey and their sweet son. I told Vanessa her baby bump was too cute and that she looked beautiful, to which she thanked me and told me I was “too sweet”.  I wandered around the grounds after that, taking in the fresh sea breeze, being absolutely amazed by the HUGE bushes of aloe vera plants, sweeping bushes of the gorgeous indigenous bougainvillea and the impressive chef’s herb garden. I went down and walked along the beach, with my toes in the sand, breathing in the surf and was so grateful for my life and career. I truly have the best job in the world and I’m so appreciative of all of the opportunities that have been presented to me.

 That night I went out to dinner with another colleague, Dave Petray. He took me to Javier’s in Newport Beach. Best described as “gourmet Mexican” I had Dungeness Crab enchiladas that were to die for. I may dream about that meal for some time. And then for desert we zipped over to Mastro’s Steakhouse & Ocean Club for their famous “Warm Butter Cake”. It was a culinary tour, and I was so appreciative of Dave showing me the hot spots in Long Beach. Super fun night.

 The next day I was excited to meet with one of my destination brides from Lander, Wyoming who now lives ten miles from Laguna, Amanda Dorf. We headed over to The Loft for an afternoon of wine and fancy cheese’s from their exquisite cheese gallery. We had a great time catching up and laughing. It was wonderful to see her for a few hours.

After she took off, and I was good and primed on wine – I went and changed into my swim suit and headed down to the beach to take a dip, and watch the sunset for my last night in California. I stayed until dusk burned off, and the stars came out.

After a lovely transfer with VIP Limousines & Coaches I was back to LAX and survived a treacherous day of canceled flights, and delays and finally made it home to home-sweet-Montana that evening. It was an awesome trip, filled with many highlights and I can’t wait to return.

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