The Resort at Paws Up

In May I had the opportunity to stay at the Resort at Paws Up, in Greenough, out of Missoula, Montana. A premier luxury ranch resort in the heart of the Blackfoot Valley, it’s just short road trip from Helena.  I decided to treat my mama to a mother/daughter mini vacation. So, we left the men at home with the babies and took off for a weekend of rest and relaxation, and great quality time together.

We stopped in Ovando to see one of my mother’s high school friends, who owns the Blackfoot Commercial Company and Ovando Inn,  an old time country store and a great overnight, budget friendly getaway. Owned by Howie and Peggy Fly, the B.C.C. is located in a 100 year old historical building that has been the site of the Elkhorn Bar and Cooper's Hotel. The Blackfoot Inn has five immaculately clean, non-smoking rooms, each with a private full bath; decorated in crisp quilts and historical photos. All are named after famous historical figures of the Blackfoot Valley: Smokes Denau, Harry Morgan, Charlie Young, Bessie Young and George Monture.

Continuing on to our destination we inadvertently took the back way in, along the Blackfoot River, which was running high with the spring run-off. It was a beautiful drive in despite the spring rain. What a grand time to visit! Spring in the Rocky Mountains was in full swing, all of the deciduous trees were budding out with their new leaves, the first of many wild flowers were blooming, and that awesome fresh mountain air was rich with all of the new life.

 

Checking in, I was greeted by a very friendly staff, who were all expecting me. We were escorted over to our Meadow Home “Danaher”, our 1,300sf cabin duplex that we would be staying in for the next two days. Although their most economic accommodation, it was still very spacious and was absolutely perfect for my mom and me. It had an open concept full kitchen, living room/dining room, with a full laundry room, master bedroom with master bathroom, and second bedroom and bathroom. We also had a private deck with a four person hot tub overlooking the Village at Paws Up, and the beautiful meadow.

 

After relaxing for a bit, and indulging a glass of wine that was so graciously left for us to enjoy, we headed over to Pomp for dinner. As the resort was pretty quiet before heading into their busy season, we were some of the only guests on the compound. Thus, we got the undivided attention of the staff and had such a great time getting to chat with them. Their service was superlative and personable. The food was incredible. Presentation was on key, quality was superior, and the ambiance was perfect with our table right next to the roaring fireplace.



        The next morning I woke up early to go on a guided horseback ride.  The entire weekend was very rainy, so I was lucky I caught a break in the clouds and got to get out and enjoy some of Paw’s Up 37,000 acres.  My horse, Cherokee, served me well and was an easy ride. We rode up to Jone’s Pond, saw lots of my all-time favorite flowers – the wild shooting star. My guides were local Montana girls, who before chatting too long with, we realized one of them lived right across from my mom’s childhood best friend in Ovando, and knew quite a few of my Quigley cousins. Have I mentioned how nice it is to be home in Montana?

 

I went around on a site inspection and had a fun time connecting with Jessica Billington, another Montana girl, passionate about our beautiful treasure state and The Resort at Paws Up. We found ourselves running from our vehicle to the cabins to avoid the (at times) torrential rain, but had a fun time, and I loved getting to know her a little bit as she showed me around. I am a true believer in the fact that it’s actually up to the staff to make a place look good (or not). They are the face of the business. I genuinely enjoyed meeting everyone at The Resort at Paws Up.

 

 One of the Glamping tents:

 

The Bull Barn:

As a travel advisor it is SO important to get the opportunity to actually stay at a resort. You can look at all of the pictures, and read all of the reviews in the world. Nothing is like sitting on that deck, listening to the chirping and chatter of all the wildlife, feeling that Rocky Mountain breeze, riding horseback on a spring morning, lounging in your private hot tub in the twilight of the day, Dining on gourmet fare and staying in luxury accommodations, all while being served like royalty. We had a lovely time at The Resort at Paws Up and it was a time my mom and I will cherish forever!

For more information about The Resort at Paws Up please see their website: http://www.pawsup.com/    and then ask me about the great Virtuoso perks I can pass along to you as a GET LOST Traveler and Elite Travel International V.I.P.