Philipsburg, Montana is our family destination almost every summer. This summer, my husband and I spent two nights at The Inn at Philipsburg in one of my favorite towns. Located in the Flint Creek Valley surrounded by the Pintler Mountains, Philipsburg is in the midst of scenic splendor. Plus, the painted buildings in the historic downtown have landed the town on best places lists and a spot on The Today Show.
The Inn at Philipsburg is a Town Staple
This tidy motel off Philipsburg’s main street is a constant fixture in this former mining town. When silver was discovered in the area in 1864, the town began. The county seat with a stately courthouse, an historic county jail and signage that marks the history of the downtown buildings, Philipsburg is a bit of a tourist town that remains laid back even on its busiest days. Locally owned businesses pull in people who live in the county as well as those from faraway places.
The Inn at Philipsburg is one of those locally owned businesses that has stayed for years. On every Philipsburg visit, I have thought we should check it out. This time we did.
Karyn Byhre, the owner, lives in a house on the property. Head to the house to connect with Karyn for check in. This is an easy process of filling out a registration form. With our door key in hand, as my husband chatted, I walked across the driveway and parking lot to our room. Room 11 has two queen beds and a well-equipped kitchenette.
A Kitchenette Room
A coffee maker, toaster oven, microwave, dorm size refrigerator and four burner electric stove top are the makings of a home away from home. Underneath the counter, there is a plastic box with dishes. Pots, pans, knives, a cutting board and other utensils are provided as well. So are paper towels, dish soap, a dishrag and enough coffee for one pot. We were given a 2nd packet of coffee for our 2nd morning.
In the bathroom, there is a walk-in shower, a medicine cabinet and a small dresser which adds to the feeling of home. Instead of white towels, this inn has blue ones. This is another welcoming touch. Two complimentary bottles of Montana Silver Springs Water and the local phonebook indicate the interest in promoting the local economy. Montana Silver Springs is in Philipsburg.
The rustic wooden headboards, bedside table, armchairs, and a large mirror with Native American designs create an ambiance of being in Southwestern Montana. The relax awhile, non-fussiness feel to the room was perfect. The satellite TV offered a bit of down time at night.
Because parking spots are right outside each motel room door, packing and unpacking a car is fast and easy. Within minutes of bringing in our belongings, we were settled-in comfortable. With food for breakfast and lunch tucked into the refrigerator and on the counter, toiletries in place in the bathroom and our suitcases placed on the two luggage racks, we were ready to head out to meet our friends.
Downtown Philipsburg
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Downtown Philipsburg is within walking distance from The Inn at Philipsburg. There you’ll find an eclectic mix of browse worthy stores. Antique stores, boutique shops, artisan stores and those that sell Montana made products mean there’s much to buy. Several eateries, bars and the Philipsburg Brewery mean you won’t go thirsty or hungry.
For groceries, Huffman Groceries is almost right across the street. Early one morning, I walked the equivalent of a few blocks to Sunshine Station on Highway 1 for a cup of coffee. The views along the walk from the inn in any direction are stunning. Although I didn’t sit on one of the vintage chairs outside our motel room door to enjoy the morning, I could imagine hanging out here would be a good way to pass some time.
In additions to the motel rooms, The Inn at Philipsburg is an RV park that includes spots for tent camping. There are bathroom, shower and laundry facilities in this part of the property. Because the inn’s property is so expansive, neither section encroaches on the other. Pink plastic flamingo lawn ornaments, old farm equipment and a barrel of what looks like gold are an interesting mix of outside decor. There are picnic tables for guest use.
If you are traveling with a dog, your dog is more than welcome. Room rates start at $65. Our room was $90. My husband booked this one. The only way to make a reservation is to call the number on the website. We paid with a credit card once we arrived. The Inn at Philipsburg’s website has links to various Philipsburg things to do.
If you do stay here, bring your own hairdryer and shampoo. Soap is provided. Also, there isn’t Wi-Fi but if you need to connect, there are several places in town with Wi-Fi for customers. The town library has computers.
Other Hotel Scoop writers can vouch for Philipsburg’s charm as well. Tim stayed at Broadway Hotel (I’ve stayed here twice) and Nancy stayed at the ultra-exclusive The Ranch at Rock Creek a few miles from town.
Post and photos by Jamie Rhein
