A few days ago, Big Sky, Montana appeared on a list of best places to visit in 2023. I highly recommend Big Fork as another list-worthy Montana mountain town. Pair a stay at Bridge Street Cottages for a perfect getaway.
Bridge Street Cottages, nestled between stately trees along a winding road offer a bit of seclusion in close proximity to Big Fork’s offerings. It’s a small town that buzzes with tourists for good reason.
Boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, cafes and a few bars offer high end browsing and dining where the Swan River flows into Flathead Lake. This is where a day of boating, hiking and shopping can be topped off with a night of entertainment. The Big Fork Summer Playhouse is a summer draw and excellent. This is where locals and visitors meet up for professional caliber entertainment. When I saw a matinee on my Big Fork getaway, I felt like I was part of the local scene and wished I had more time to come back for a later production.
Although my Big Fork stay was only two nights, Bridge Street Cottages is a place to settle in for awhile. Downtown is just a few steps from the door of any one of the property’s 13 cottages. This is where you’ll find the summer playhouse and the vibrant art scene. Walk through town and you’ll hit the hiking trails through Flat Head National Forest. Cross the bridge out of town and you’re next to the lake.
Each cottage has its own upscale vibe. Horseshoe Cottage, is a one bedroom and living area beauty with a cowboy theme. Opening the door was a blast into tasteful. The red leather couch set the tone for warmth and style continued throughout. Red is one of my favorite highlight colors, and cowboys are iconic Montana. There is the lamp with the horse shoe, horse head silhouette and other cowboy themed décor throughout. My favorite was the vintage poster advertising The Garden Bar, a local watering hole. The poster served as a color tie-in to the bedroom with its red bed spread and blue pillows.
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The living space with its included kitchen was truly a place to settle in and feel like at home–but better. Even the plates in the plate rack above the counter were color coordinated. This attention to detail from the bark basket with red berries to the rag rug in the kitchen and the blue valances on the windows are splendid. Even the rag rug in the kitchen and the bed skirt in the bedroom compliment each other. The flat screen TV above the gas fireplace is added coziness mixed with entertainment.
The bathroom, with its country cottage vanity sinks and details is as tastefully done as the rest. On the practical side, the cottage has all one needs for a few or several days stay. The kitchen, equipped with sleek black modern appliances, includes pots, pans, dishes, a Keurig coffee maker, a microwave and utensils.
Cottages that range from single room suites to a cottage with two bedrooms have porches for enjoying the outdoors. There are community BBQ grills and laundry facilities. Also, housekeeping is daily.
Rates rates depend on the season. A bedroom suite is $17o for the night and the two bedroom cottage is $425. The one bedroom cottages are $220 or $300 depending upon the view. Views of the Swan River cost more. Book online with the property. You can also check rates at Expedia or your favorite booking site for a better rate.
Another list-worthy Montana town among my favorites is Philipsburg. Stay at The Broadway Hotel or outside Philipsburg where The Ranch at Rock Creek is also splendid.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
