October, 2016 | The Last Best Blog

October 31, 2016October 31, 2016

The Best Christmas Vacation Ever

At The Resort at Paws Up, we do the holidays right. Christmas on our 37,000-acre ranch is a truly magical time when doubters are transformed into believers and family bonds are fortified—all against a backdrop of pristine white. From Santa’s workshop (his Montana branch) and an old-fashioned tree trimming party to a gingerbread house building contest, horse-drawn sleigh rides and even an in-home visit from Kris Kringle himself, you’ll be singing an epic yuletide carol.

Our family-owned ranch resort is perfect for multigenerational trips with its incredible collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom homes. Ranging from 1,100 to 3,250 square feet, each home features scenic views and is impeccably appointed with rustic furnishings and amenities such as fireplaces, hot tubs, expansive wraparound decks and more.

YOUR CHRISTMAS PACKAGE INCLUDES:

Accommodations for five nights
All daily meals, snacks and nonalcoholic beverages
Your family’s own personal Santa
Christmas Eve dinner in Pomp with a distinctiveChristmas menu
Christmas night dinner feast
Decorated Christmas tree in your home
Horse-drawn sleigh rides or wagon rides
Choice of one half-day activity per person, per day*
Gingerbread house building contest
Holiday DVDs available for viewing
Christmas Eve kids party in Trough, a visit fromSanta, cookie decorating and other activities

Paws Up signature Christmas stockingPlus, all taxes and resort fees, airport transfers from Missoula International Airport and on-property transportation *excludes dogsledding and hot air balloon rides

ALSO: LET’S RING IN THE NEW YEAR TOGETHER.

Stay and join us for an incredible evening of live music, games, bonfires and fireworks. The Resort at Paws Up celebrates The Last Best Night of the Year in spectacular style. You’ll feast on a five-course dinner that will make even your New York friends envious. You’ll enjoy a concert by Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Seth Glier. And then you’ll retire to your own vacation home, complete with a hot tub and a sumptuous bed. Then wake to a lavish breakfast buffet.

For those who yearn to explore the great outdoors of Big Sky Country, we feature unforgettable adventuress like dogsledding, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, tubing, private indoor equestrian lessons and even ice skating – all in winter wonderland full of peace and magic

October 23, 2016October 24, 2016

How 10 Paws Up Horses Got Their Names

Have you ever wondered how horses get their names? Here’s an inside look on the names choices of ten horses at The Resort at Paws Up.

Traveller was named after General Robert E. Lee’s famous horse that he rode during several battles in the Civil War. Traveller was a tall grey horse, but he wasn’t a draft horse like our Traveller is. Lee’s Traveller actually outlived Lee by several months before the horse died as well.

Little Joe was named after the old country song “Little Joe the Wrangler.” The song is one of the most iconic cowboy songs of all time. It was first recorded in the 1900s and has been covered by such famous Western singers as Chris LeDoux and Marty Robbins.

Rojo means “red” in Spanish, so our horse Rojo was named for his beautiful copper red coloring. Wranglers refer to this type of horse as a sorrel horse. Horses come in all shapes sizes and colors, and wranglers have a different name for almost every type of horse.
Kodiak was named after the Kodiak bear. That type of bear and Kodiak have the same coloring. However, Kodiak has a much better temperament than most bears. He is a sweetheart and loves anyone who gives him a good ear rub!

Biscuit has kind of a silly name. He was born a twin, and rumor has it that his twin’s name is Gravy. We don’t own Gravy, however, so we can neither confirm or deny this fun story.

Tuffy is an old ranch horse who is one of the most mellow and kind horses we’ve ever met—right up until you get him around cows. Then, he remembers the old days, and every now and then he will try to teach the cows a lesson or two.

Spook was raised and trained by our very own ranch manager Kyle Kelly. Spook has a little ghost on his forehead. He is one of our best horses, and we use him as our go-to kids’ horse!

Cherokee was named after the American Indian tribe. He is a black-and-white paint horse with a proud face. At the time that horses were brought to the Americas by Europeans and through until the mid-20th century, paint horses and Appaloosas were considered to be of a lesser quality and not desirable by most prominent horse owners. Thus, horses like Cherokee would have been sent or sold to outlying settlements or traded to the natives much more readily than a solid colored horse. The horse tribes of the Western plains especially took a liking to these “paints” and prized them as mounts.

Doc is another of our cow horses from the Angus ranch days of Paws Up, like Tuffy and Spook. Most horses, being herd animals, are prone to get attached to a particular group of horses. Doc is not. Like his namesake, Doc Holliday, Doc is more of a maverick. He’s just as happy on his own miles from the herd as he is in a pasture with other horses.

Cactus is another of our fantastic kids’ horses. He was named Cactus because of his compact size—he’s obviously not a Saguaro—and the C-shaped white marking on his forehead.

October 11, 2016October 21, 2016

Bison Tenderloin with Cherry Demi-Glace

The Resort at Paws Up is hosting its first-ever Thanksgiving celebration with plenty of options to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Bison Tenderloin with Cherry Demi-Glace is just one of our main course options. Of course, there will be plenty of turkey and an amazing crab-stuffed rainbow trout option, plus an array of sides, desserts and, of course, wine and spirits. Enjoy the recipe for our bison tenderloin, and feel free to pass it along to your family and friends.

Bison Tenderloin with Cherry Demi-Glace

If you can’t find fresh cherries, purchase cherries in the freezer section of your grocery store. Thaw before using.

Ingredients

1 pound bison tenderloin, sliced into 4-ounce portions

2 tablespoons grapeseed or canola oil

Salt and pepper to taste

8 ounces ruby red port

4 ounces fresh cherries, pitted (*see note above)

Directions

In a large skillet, sear tenderloin in hot oil over medium-high heat. Season bison with salt and pepper; cook until medium-rare, turning bison on its sides to keep the cooking even, about 7 to 8 minutes or until desired degree of doneness.

Simmer the port and cherries 45 minutes to 1 hour over medium-low heat, until the port and cherry sauce takes on a syrupy consistency. (Don’t overcook as the sauce can scorch very quickly.) Serve bison and demi-glace over roasted asparagus and potatoes, if desired. This recipe serves four.

From a petting zoo with pony rides and family game nights to owl watching, hayrides and concerts, plus football and parade watching, there are plenty of options to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Take a hike, horseback ride, ATV ride or enjoy a spa treatment.

Here’s our schedule for November 23—27th:

Wednesday November 23, 2016

Cookie decorating in homes
Petting zoo visits and pony rides
Lighter, leaner lunch options available
Game night in the Bull Barn
Fireside s’mores on The Yard at the Cook Shack

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Extended breakfast hours
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade watching in the Village
NFL game watching with snacks in Tank
Petting zoo visits and pony rides
Owl Prowl bird watching excursion to Jones’ Pond
Hayrides through the Wilderness Estates
Lighter, leaner lunch options available
Thanksgiving Day Festival with apple bobbing, sack races, archery and more on The Yard at the Cook Shack
A grand and glittering Thanksgiving Dinner at Pomp or a private feast delivered to your home and whisked away afterwards
Cookie decorating awards ceremony
Family movie night and wildlife presentation in the Bull Barn
Fireside s’mores on The Yard at the Cook Shack

Friday, November 25, 2016

Resort tour, with visits to the Morris Ranch House, Blackfoot River Lodge, Elk Creek and Cliffside Camp
Petting zoo visits and pony rides
Hayrides through the Wilderness Estates
Tie-dying T-shirts on the Bull Barn patio
Lighter, leaner lunch options available
Black Friday sale at the Wilderness Outpost
Happy hour and whiskey tasting and demonstration with the Rattlesnake Creek Distillery
A special dessert menu including pumpkin pie flambé, an ice cream station with toppings such as flambéed cherries, Bananas Foster and house-made goat cheese pumpkin cheesecake
Pajama party and movie night in the Great Angus Hall
Live musical performance from the Beargrass Bluegrass Band in Tank
Fireside s’mores on The Yard at the Cook Shack

Saturday, November 26, 2016

Resort tour, with visits to the Morris Ranch House, Blackfoot River Lodge, Elk Creek and Cliffside Camp
Petting zoo visits and pony rides
Owl Prowl bird watching excursion to Jones’ Pond
Kids crafts and photo center family fun projects
Lighter, leaner lunch options available
Sale at the Wilderness Outpost
Happy hour and hard cider tasting and demonstration with Brewmaster Lee McAlpine at the Wilderness Outpost
Mini Rodeo at the Equestrian Center
Appetizers and cocktails in the Saddle Club
Show in the Arena
Campfire music jamboree and s’mores on The Yard at the Cook Shack

Sunday, November 27, 2016

NFL game watching with snacks in Tank
Lighter, leaner lunch options available
Family movie night in the Bull Barn

To make reservations for Thanksgiving, please call 877-758-8644 or chat with us.

October 6, 2016October 6, 2016

Where to Experience the Most Epic Halloween Ever

This month the Blackfoot River Valley is more exciting and spellbinding than ever. That’s because, for the first time ever, Paws Up will be hosting a celebration for outlaws, ghosts, goblins and, of course, witches. We’ll have you hunting down zombies with paint guns, hiking through haunted forests, sitting down to spooky yet sumptuous dinners and disguising yourself in the ultimate costume showdown. You won’t be able to escape craft brews, s’mores or live music, either (sounds tough, right?)

Enjoy 37,000 acres of pristine wilderness while getting the bejeebies scared out of you.

Halloween Lineup

Friday, October 28, 2016

6:00pm–9:00 pm Dinner in Pomp—a la carte, please RSVP in advance.
6:30pm Meet at the Wilderness Outpost for your choice of activity.
7:00pm Option 1: Zombie Paintball Hunt
The zombie apocalypse has held all of us captive on shows like The Walking Dead, but here at The Resort at Paws Up, it has come to life. You and a team of other zombie hunters will embark on a wagon ride through the sinister woods of our 37,000-acre property. Zombies will limp after you as you hunt them with paintball guns. You had better be accurate or you might become their prey.
7:00pm Option 2: Haunted Hike
The woods are spooky, dark and deep, and it’s time to cowboy up. Let your imagination run wild as you tromp through the forest. Did you see a ghost? Or was that a headless horseman? Who can be sure? Hopefully you make it back to the Outpost alive.
8:00pm–Midnight: Music in Tank plus craft beer flight tasting, a bonfire and s’mores.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

8:00am–10:00am Breakfast at your leisure.
9:00am Meet at the Wilderness Outpost for your choice of activity.
9:30pm Option 1: Zombie Paintball Hunt
The zombie apocalypse has held all of us captive on shows like The Walking Dead, but here at The Resort at Paws Up, it has come to life. You and a team of other zombie hunters will embark on a wagon ride through the sinister woods of our 37,000-acre property. Zombies will limp after you as you hunt them with paintball guns. You had better be accurate or you might become their prey.
9:30am Option 2: Haunted Hike
The woods are spooky, dark and deep, and it’s time to cowboy up. Let your imagination run wild as you tromp through the forest. Did you see a ghost? Or was that a headless horseman? Who can be sure? Hopefully you make it back to the Outpost alive.
11:30am–2:30pm Lunch at your leisure.
1:00pm–4:00pm Free time: (Wilderness activities and spa services will be priced at reduced rates.)
6:00pm–9:00pm Outlaws and Bandits Dinner (a la carte) and Costume Contest
Come dressed as your favorite outlaw or bandit and win your dinner! If you receive first prize in the costume contest, your dinner and drinks will be on the house.
8:00pm–Midnight Tank open plus craft beer flight tasting

Sunday, October 30, 2016

8:00am–10:00am Breakfast at your leisure
11:00am Departure
All-day shopping available in the Wilderness Outpost

To make reservations for Halloween, please call 877-758-8644 or chat with us.