Alison Lewis | The Last Best Blog

September 7, 2016June 30, 2023

Join The Resort at Paws Up to Help Montana Pets in Need

The Resort at Paws Up is opening up its ranch for the eighth time to benefit homeless animals and help the Humane Society of Western Montana maintain its 98% adoption rate. The annual Canine Classic at The Resort at Paws Up, a trail run/hike/walk for you and your dog, will take place on Sunday, September 25, 2016. Participants will zip through a course on the trail system of the beautiful private grounds of The Resort in Greenough, Montana. Hikers and runners can choose from a 2-, 5- or 13-mile hike or run.

All proceeds raised from the Canine Classic will go straight to the shelter to help with the care of animals. This year’s fundraising goal is $50,000. The funds will help with operational costs, including dog and cat food, vaccinations and daily care for each pet until adoption. Since its inception, the Canine Classic has raised more than $200,000 for the society.

Participants who choose to fundraise will earn one raffle ticket for each $270 they raise ($270 covers intake costs for one animal at the Humane Society). The winner of the race raffle will win a one-night stay for two at Paws Up, including dinner at The Resort’s award-winning restaurant, Pomp^®. This year, the person who raises the most pledges for the shelter will win a two-night glamping® getaway at Paws Up.

“The Canine Classic is truly the quintessential event for pets and their people in Western Montana,” said Emily Adamson, Director of Organizational Advancement for the Humane Society. “From the breathtaking scenery at Paws Up, to the pet-friendly environment and great Montana hospitality, participants get to experience the best of Montana with woman’s best friend.”

To register and/or sign up to collect pledges, visit https://runsignup.com/canineclassic or call 406-549-3934 (ext. 206). You’ll enjoy a hike or run followed by a complimentary gourmet BBQ lunch and beverages. Participants can also register an hour before the event at the race site. Several shelter dogs will be available to accompany you on your run or walk if you don’t have a dog. Those interested in running or walking with a shelter dog should call the Humane Society prior to the event.

Wine & Bitch Dinner

On Saturday, September 24, 2016, Paws Up will host its annual Wine & Bitch Dinner for Canine Classic participants and their pets. Hosted by The Resort’s Nadine Lipson and her trusty sidekick, Fenway, this unique event offers you and your pooch the chance to bond, relax and enjoy the finer things in life—together. Guests will be able to stroll through a pet expo featuring dog massage therapists, a photo booth and agility demonstrations. Later, a gourmet feast created by Paws Up Executive Chef Ben Jones will be served, complete with fine wine pairings, decadent desserts and scrumptious treats to slide under the table. After the dinner and after the Canine Classic, guests can enjoy music and art by Walter Salas-Humara of the legendary New York band the Silos.

For more information, visit www.pawsup.com.

September 6, 2016September 6, 2016

Where to Spend Thanksgiving This Year

Kick off the holiday season with something beyond spectacular—a family trip to The Resort at Paws Up. It’s the first Thanksgiving celebration at Paws Up, and we’re planning generous portions of fun activities and excursions. 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. Don’t forget we have horseback riding, ATV rides, paintball, archery, hiking, biking, spa town and so much more.

Of course, we haven’t forgotten the Thanksgiving feast. You and your loved ones will sit down to dine on one sumptuous meal after another filled with locally sourced holiday favorites. We often say our world-renowned executive chef is a culinary artist. You can count on every last bite to be delicious. Giving thanks will surely come easily at The Resort at Paws Up.

THANKSGIVING SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

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
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

Note: All Thanksgiving weekend activities, apart from dining and shopping, are complimentary. Space is limited. Reserve early. For delivery of an in-home Thanksgiving feast, please provide advance notice 48 hours prior to desired delivery.

Call Concierge Services at 406-244-7333 to make your plans now.

August 28, 2016August 29, 2016

An Authentic Cowboy Experience Comes to The Resort at Paws Up

Do you know what happens when you combine authentic cowboys, rodeo stars, Montana scenery, chic rustic accommodations and gourmet food and fine wine? We do. For the first time The ProRodeo Hall of Fame presents Cowboy Experience at The Resort at Paws Up on October 20–23, 2016.

Your three-day adventure begins and ends with four legendary cowboys honored by the ProRodeo Hall of Fame, including Paul Tierney, Larry Mahan, Monty “Hawkeye” Hens and Bud Munroe. These inspiring men will immerse you in the ways of the West with educational workshops, demonstrations, trail rides, sporting clays shooting and campfire stories under Montana’s starry Big Sky. You’ll share in the cowboy spirit and its way of life, and have an incredible time doing it.

The ProRodeo Hall of Fame and Museum of the American Cowboy exists to educate about rodeo, its history and its impact on Western American culture. Our goal is to share the cowboy spirit and its way of life while meeting legendary cowboys honored by the ProRodeo Hall of Fame. Enjoy horseback riding, cattle drives, fly-fishing, hiking, spa treatments, ATV rides, sporting clays, our rifle range and more.

Schedule

Thursday, October 20, 2016

All Day Welcome in the Reception Barn

Cocktails and Arena Activity: Mounted Shooting

Inductee Introductions in the Saddle Club

Cattlemen’s Dinner

Kick Up Your Heels with the Shane Clouse Duo

Friday, October 21, 2016

Breakfast at the Ranch Table

Up and at ‘Em Trail Ride

Larry Mahan: Conversation and Connection with the Horse

Paul Tierney: Rope ‘Em Cowboy

Monty Henson: Tales from Hawkeye

Bud and Jimmie Munroe: Two World Champions Under One Roof

Cocktails and RoughStock Whiskey Tasting

Larry, Monty, Paul, Bud and Jimmie: Legends Sharing Legends

Cowboy’s Banquet

Saturday, October 22, 2016

Breakfast at the Ranch Table

Up and at ‘Em Trail Ride

Monty Henson: Tales from Hawkeye

Bud and Jimmie Munroe: Two World Champions Under One Roof

Lunch at the Ranch Table

Larry Mahan: Conversation and Connection with the Horse

Paul Tierney: Rope ‘Em Cowboy

Sporting Clays with Bud

Trail Ride with Monty

Stockman’s Soiree

Auction—Bring Deep Pockets!

Cash Bar, Final Gathering

Sunday, October 23, 2016

Breakfast at the Ranch Table

Farewell

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

August 24, 2016August 26, 2016

Where to Go in September With Man’s Best Friend

It’s National Dog Day this Friday, and at The Resort at Paws Up, you don’t have to vacation without your best friend. We’ve always had a special relationship with man’s best friend. In fact, it was the canine’s friendly greeting that inspired our name. The Resort at Paws Up not only welcomes your best friend, we cater to him (or her) with the following amenities:

•The Last Best Doggie Bed

•Dog dish

•Dog collar

•Locally made treats

•Wag the tails massage

•Doggie room service menu*

•Hiking trail map

•Tennis ball

•Welcome card from the owner’s dog, Fenway.

(Additional pet rates apply)

On Sunday, September 25^th, we are hosting our eighth annual Canine Classic. Enjoy walking with your dog along streams and winding through the beautiful trails at our 37,000-acre wilderness. Choose a two-mile, five-mile or chip-timed half-marathon. And following your walk, run or hike, you’ll enjoy a gourmet barbecue with live music and plenty of prizes!

Since its inception, the Canine Classic has raised over $200,000. And all proceeds go to support the Humane Society of Western Montana. Join us this year and help us in “Saving Every Animal Every Time.”

Race entries start at $35 and include one lunch, a swag bag, and the chance to win prizes. Register now for the Canine Classic.

For overnight accommodations, please call 877-758-8644 or chat with us.

Also…we are always excited to present our annual Wine & Bitch Dinner hosted by The Resort’s Nadine Lipson and her trusty sidekick, Fenway. This unique event offers you and your best friend the chance to bond, relax and enjoy the finer things in life—together.

You’ll stroll through a pet expo featuring dog massage therapists, a photo booth and agility demonstrations. Then you’ll be treated to a gourmet feast created by Paws Up Executive Chef Ben Jones, complete with fine wine pairings and decadent desserts (our featured vintner is Montana Winery. Located in nearby Missoula, Montana, the Winery is committed to serving the community and supporting non-profit causes. The company donates a portion of their sales to organizations that range from the Prevent Cancer Foundation to Freedom Service Dogs of America.

You and your your two-legged guests will be entertained by Walter Salas-Humara, a Founding member of the band Silos. He has also shared the stage with Lucinda Williams, Lou Reed and other great musical artists. Tickets are just $98. Reserve your spot now.

For overnight accommodations, please call 877-758-8644 or chat with us.

August 21, 2016June 30, 2023

Where to Achieve Amazing Baking and Horseback Riding Skills in One Weekend

What do horseback riding, fly-fishing, ATV rides, pizza, cookies and pies have in common? We have the simple answer: Upper Crust at the Resort at Paws Up. Spend October 7th-10th getting your hands doughy during this one-of-a-kind kitchen adventure in Montana, which offers more than flour and sugar—glamping®, spa treatments, cattle drives and live music are also on the menu.

Join us this year to learn new skills in the kitchen as well as participate in outdoor activities on our 37,000-acre ranch, including fly-fishing, ATV tours, hiking, mountain biking, equestrian lessons, sporting clays, repelling, archery, go-karts and more.

The Resort also welcomes back the “pie whisperer” herself, Kate McDermott, along with Portland’s Ken Forkish and Chicago’s Mindy Segal for Upper Crust, a culinary weekend of sophisticated cookie, pie and pizza baking. During both events, guests will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with world-class chefs, bakers and winemakers as well as work up an appetite on adventures and excursions in the breathtaking Montana wilderness.

By day, you’ll be creating works of edible art from fresh local ingredients. And by night, you’ll be dining on the cuisine of Paws Up’s Executive Chef, Ben Jones, masterfully executed and paired with exquisite wines.

Afterwards, you’ll retire to the unparalleled comforts of your very own luxury vacation home.

Upper Crust Event Highlights

Friday, October 7, 2016

Welcome reception

Dinner featuring Executive Chef Ben Jones

Fire and Fondue in Tank

Saturday, October 8, 2016

Culinary workshops including kolachke and rugelach cookies,

American apple pie and pizza making a variety of wilderness adventures

Live entertainment in Tank

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Culinary workshops including thumbprint cookies, sweet cherry pie and pizza making

A variety of wilderness adventures

Live entertainment in Tank

Upper Crust is the perfect treat for anyone who’s passionate about homemade, just-out-of-the-oven desserts and pizzas and outdoor bucket-list adventure. Find out more here.

August 17, 2016June 30, 2023

The Oscars of the Food World Come to The Resort at Paws Up

For foodies and wine lovers, Montana Master Chefs is the event of a lifetime-and world-class cuisine and exquisite vino are just the beginning. Get up close and personal with a group of James Beard Award winners, finalists and nominees.

This bucket-list weekend at The Resort at Paws Up is served with an extra helping of breathtaking scenery, exhilarating outdoor adventure and pure relaxation. It’s all happening on September 29th—October 2, 2016.

We’re not sure what is the most fun part of this weekend. Watching the chefs face off in a fun cook-off challenge, sipping fine wine from renowned vintners, burning calories on a variety of wilderness adventures, or relaxing in luxurious accommodations.

It’s also a beautiful time of year for glamping®!

All these ingredients combine to make Montana Master Chefs a winning weekend full of new, unique adventures.

Like a rock-and-roll supergroup, the chefs are coming in from all over the country. There’s Chef Ashley Christensen, winner for Best Chef: Southeast; Chef Matt Jennings, nominated four times for Best Chef: Northeast; Chef Jamie Malone, semifinalist for Rising Star Chef of the Year and Best Chef: Midwest; Chef Steven Satterfield, semifinalist for Best New Restaurant and finalist for Best Chef: Southeast three years in a row and Chef Mindy Segal, nominated five times and winner of Outstanding Pastry Chef. These illustrious chefs will be working alongside Paws Up’s own culinary artist, Executive Chef Ben Jones, whose talent and inexhaustible knowledge of local culinary resources were on display when he headlined at the James Beard House in New York earlier this year. And just imagine what they’ll do for the Top Chef-style challenge.

Wait. There’s More:

Featured Wineries are:

Grgich Hills Estate, founded in Napa by Mike Grgich, was a winning vintner of the historic Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. The impressive wines of Grgich have been featured at White House State Dinners from Reagan to Obama. Violet Grgrich, Mike’s daughter, will be a featured guest of MMC.

Merry Edwards Winery was founded by Merry Edwards, winner of the James Beard Award for Best Wine, Beer or Spirits Professional in the United States. Merry’s husband and partner Ken Coopersmith will be joining us to share his wine expertise and passion.

Rombauer Vineyards was founded by a great nephew of Irma Rombauer, author of the Joy of Cooking. Wine Spectator magazine said, “Rombauer defines the California Chardonnay style that so many adore.” Paws Up is pleased to welcome Koerner “KR” Rombauer III as a featured MMC guest.

Our featured Distillery is Montgomery Distillery, and guests will enjoy music by Musician, Joshua Davis, Ali Solomon and Jon Floridis. Find out more here.

August 15, 2016August 15, 2016

10 Employees Who Experience National Relaxation Day Everyday

National Relaxation Day is today, Monday, August 15^th, and it should be exactly as it sounds: all about winding down, taking a few deep breaths and enjoying a quiet moment or beautiful space. At The Resort at Paws Up, our 37,000 acres offers scenic vistas and serenity at every turn. In honor of this day, we’re sharing the most relaxing part about The Resort at Paws Up from the perspective of a few of our employees.

“Seeing the many paws of our wildlife here on the Ranch. I find it mesmerizing to watch the elk herd move across a pasture and equally awesome to watch our bison move their enormous bodies with such grace. I can’t believe my eyes when I spot the many eagles perched in our trees, watching in amazement as they teach their young to fly. Fawning season just finished, and the new spotted baby deer are finally old enough to show their faces. It’s the beauty of nature that relaxes me. I can sit in one place for hours watching this show unfold.”

Kathleen Cochran, VP Operations

“Like most people in today’s world, our guests lead very busy lives. What makes Montana and our property so unique is the ability to unplug, unwind and just observe an amazing place. One of the best parts of my job is talking to guests—from the moment they arrive to their last day here—and observing how the stress comes off their shoulders as they tell me about sitting outside their homes and watching an eagle in its nest in their backyards, or how they had the best night’s sleep of their lives listening to the Blackfoot River from their tents.”

Jon Martin, General Manager, Guest Relations

“Watching the sunrise on the Pomp Deck at the Cook Shack is my Zen spot. My best dishes and menu ideas come from sitting there watching the light fill the valley.”

Ben Jones, Executive Chef

“The most relaxing thing to me about Paws Up is sitting in an Adirondack chair, listening to the Blackfoot River roar by, watching the fish rising, feeling the cold stones beneath my feet, smelling the elk steak on the grill and sipping my own Huckleberry Hound.”

Mindy Marcum, Executive Administrative Assistant

“There is no greater tonic for stress than an early-morning hike on the Sunset Hill Loop.”

Scott Schaefer, Special Events Manager

“Find your Zen at Spa Town at Paws Up by getting a massage beneath the moon and stars.”

Laura Russell, Spa and Wellness Manager

“I find it the most relaxing when I’m on a morning ride and it’s foggy. The forest gets really quiet and everything is still. The fog adds an otherworldly feel to the forest, and the gentle sway of the horses with the sounds of their breathing is enough to make anyone look around in wonder.”

Rachael Warnick, Wrangler

“For me, it doesn’t get any more relaxing than being curled up in front of a crackling campfire—a glass of red wine in one hand while the other twirls a marshmallow in the flames.”

Justyne Palermo, Reservations Manager

“The most relaxing thing about Paws Up is the early mornings. Nature is awakening and the light and air has an absolutely magical feel to it. Gathering my horse from the pasture at that time is my life medicine.”

Zia Reato, Wrangler

“Sitting on the porch at the end of the day, glass of wine in hand, watching an amazing Montana sunset. The colors are unlike anything else here, and you just watch the light melt away into a quiet evening.”

Jackie Kecskes, Youth Programs Director and Activities Manager

August 10, 2016August 10, 2016

National S’mores Day at Paws Up

Sure, other important things are happening in August, but National S’mores Day is an event we take seriously at The Resort at Paws Up. This year, we’re hosting our first-ever full Resort competition dedicated to the simple, rustic treat we love. The Paws Up S’mores Challenge: We’re taking gooiness to the next level!

Classic ingredients will be provided to all of our guests on property, but unique “secret” ingredients will only be available as part of a special geo-cache adventure earlier in the day.

Guests won’t have to travel far to compete in the preliminary rounds. Vacation home guests will line up on The Yard at the Cook Shack. Campers will convene at their individual campsites. And the top competitors will be selected to for the Championship round. Fans will be watching as four esteemed s’mores experts rank thier tasty, toasted treat on a scale from 1 to 10. The crowd will go be waiting patiently for samples.

The grand-prize winner of the Paws Up S’mores Challenge will receive a one-hour photography session from our official on-site photographer. And, naturally, we’ll add their portrait to the Paws Up Hall of Fame.

Here’s our lineup for Wednesday, August 10, 2016

9:00AM–12:00PM Ingredients-finding Geo-Cache adventure begins from the Wilderness Outpost

4:30PM–8:30PM Campsite competition at individual campsites around The Resort

6:30PM–8:30PM Vacation homes competition on The Yard at the Cook Shack

9:00PM Championship round at The Cook Shack fire pits

9:30PM Awards ceremony at the Cook Shack Stage

Afterwards, guests will enjoy a special musical performance by local favorites . How fun does sound?

August 8, 2016August 8, 2016

6 Tips to Building a Better S’more

National S’mores Day is Wednesday, August 10th, and all of us at The Resort at Paws Up are getting excited! There’s nothing like sleeping beneath the stars, listening to the sounds of nature—and calling your butler when you need an extra pillow. At The Resort at Paws Up, there is one dedicated camping butler for each luxury camp. The camping butler does everything from starting a fire and preparing scrumptious s’mores to providing entertainment and assisting with planning and scheduling your daily itineraries. “Ensuring our guests have an experience of a lifetime at the beautiful Resort at Paws Up is the best part of my job,” says Resort Manager Charles Daenen. “I love to get to know the guests while they are here, make a connection and take care of all of their needs,” says Charles. “At full capacity, we go through about three dozen s’mores per evening—fun for the entire family.”

Below are eight tips from Charles on how to make the best s’mores.

1. Use a variety of chocolate, including Hershey’s, Snicker or even KitKat candy bars.

2. Toast two marshmallows over the coals to a crispy, gooey state. Then sandwich them between graham crackers and a piece of chocolate. The heat of the marshmallows will melt the chocolate a bit for the perfect texture.

3. Instead of a coat hanger or s’mores stick, try a double-sided metal waffle-shaped s’mores maker to avoid losing your treat in the fire.

4. Use waffles instead of graham crackers for a softer, gooier s’more.

5. Add salted caramels with your choice of chocolate for turtle-like taste and texture. We like to serve bacon s’mores too.

6. Substitute Oreo cookies for graham crackers.

August 2, 2016

The Best Seat at The Resort at Paws Up

Throughout the history of what’s known today as Paws Up Ranch, horses have played as big of a role as humans. Captain Meriwether Lewis, of the Lewis & Clark expedition, arrived via horseback in July 1806. Countless miners and loggers and everyone from Paul Greenough to the Lindberghs (yes, those Lindberghs) relied on horses for transportation and all manner of ranch chores in Montana. It’s been no different with the Lipsons. Since opening The Resort at Paws Up, they’ve redefined the experience of horseback riding with one-of-a-kind equestrian adventures.

Whether you’re an expert rider or you’ve never been in the saddle before, The Resort’s wrangler will pair you up with a Paws Up four- legged friend that will be your perfect match for exploring more than 100 miles of wilderness trails. You’ll pass towering ponderosa pines, whose size and beauty are surpassed only by the views of the distant mountain ranges of the Bob Marshall Wilderness. You’ll ride over, through and around the remains of a famous Montana mining community.

You’ll also enjoy the history, the views and the conversations that are provoked by these inspiring Rocky Mountain trail rides. And this year, there are several additions to our equestrian program. A new evening ride will take you past our quaint line shack (where you’ll enjoy a glass of wine or a cold beer) to the top of Scout’s Point to take in a signature Montana sunset. Or if you prefer, you can enjoy a lunch ride to a gorgeous spot in the shade where you’ll indulge in a Paws Up style picnic. Kids can participate in lessons at the Saddle Club arena, complete with games, obstacle courses and more, and adult beginners can join instructional group trail rides. For advanced riders, the all-new, three-hour trail ride allows equine enthusiasts to cover terrain that no Paws Up guests have ever traversed. Explore the Lubrecht Experimental Forest, or travel back in time as you ride along a spur line of the old mining railways. For an authentic taste of Western ranch life, participate in a cattle drive where novice and advanced riders alike will saddle up with seasoned ranch hands and drive a herd of cattle across the majestic rolling pastures of Paws Up.

Here’s a look at some of our awesome Paws Up Wranglers. Come visit us soon!