Resort Events | The Last Best Blog

July 13, 2016July 13, 2016

What’s Cooking This Fall at The Resort at Paws Up

Summertime has been amazing in Montana, but it’s going by way too fast. Soon we will have beautiful fall foliage and cooler temperatures. If you’re looking for an autumn getaway, fall is an amazing time to visit The Resort at Paws Up with our sunny days, crisp nights and a variety of five-star culinary weekends. Paws Up has invited acclaimed chefs recognized by the James Beard Foundation to work their magic at Montana Master Chefs: James Beard All-Stars. From haute cuisine to iconic classics, guests will enjoy all the world-class dining and libations that these acclaimed chefs and guest vintners have to offer in a setting like no other on September 29–October 2, 2016.

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 (see below for more details). 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.

Here’s the Scoop:

Montana Master Chefs weekend will be held September 29–October 2, 2016.

As part of the weekend event, guests can partake in a myriad of wilderness adventures like horseback riding or fly-fishing and will enjoy one-on-one interaction with some of the finest chefs, distillers and winemakers in the United States. Montana Master Chefs 2016 will feature cooking demonstrations and multicourse dinners prepared by world-class chefs, including Chef Ashley Christensen of Poole’s and AC Restaurants, Chef Matt Jennings of Townsman, Chef Jamie Malone of Brut, Chef Steven Satterfield of Miller Union, Chef Mindy Segal of Mindy’s Hot Chocolate and Paws Up’s own Chef Ben Jones. The chefs will also compete in a lighthearted Master Chef Cook-Off Challenge.

We’ll be offering parings with Montgomery Distillery as the featured distiller and the incredible vintners Grgich Hills Estate, Merry Edwards Winery and Rombauer Vineyards to provide tastings and pairings throughout the weekend.

Guests will also enjoy live nightly private concerts by Joshua Davis, a folk/roots artist who finished third on Season 8 of NBC’s The Voice; John Floridis, a talented guitarist, singer-songwriter and composer and Ali Solomon, a captivating singer and cover artist.

Upper Crust is an all-inclusive weekend that will be held October 7–10, 2016.

This three-day event on the ranch will be held over Columbus Day weekend for baking enthusiasts for a weekend of luxury, adventure, gourmet food and wine and, most importantly, expert insight into all things dough. The weekend will feature hands-on instruction in a series of cooking and baking workshops. Don’t miss out!

When guests are not baking or enjoying their creations, they can choose from a variety of wilderness adventures: float down the Blackfoot River, spend half a day fly-fishing or explore the Paws Up land by horseback, on an ATV tour or on a guided naturalist hike. Each night, Paws Up’s Executive Chef Ben Jones will serve locally inspired dinner menus for a weekend of unforgettable meals.

July 10, 2016July 10, 2016

5 Things to Learn In Montana This Summer

This summer The Resort at Paws Up is offering inspirational Wilderness Workshops where guests can grow their artistic, equestrian and literary skills, as well as their outdoor expertise. The Resort’s newest offerings (which start today) include a writing course, an outdoor watercolor workshop, photography workshop, hands-on training sessions in woodsman skills and more. Our top picks include:

Gettin’ Primitive: July 10–16 and August 7–13

Learn about the old ways of the great outdoors from mountain man Gary Steele at his self-built camp, where guests receive hands-on instruction in “primitive” skills such as edible plant identification, fire making, knot tying, longbow archery, music making, orienteering, shelter building, storytelling, tomahawk throwing, tracking and woodsmanship.

Starry Night Photography and Champion Horsemanship: July 18—21

Aspiring cowboys and cowgirls join acclaimed ranch-life photographer and Cowgirl Hall of Fame member Barbara Van Cleve for a captivating photography workshop. Enjoy photographing all the incredible beauty Montana has to offer. Van Cleve, known for her spectacular nighttime imagery, will instruct guests on how to capture vivid, dreamy photographs under a starry, moonlit sky. Additionally, guests can take their horsemanship skills to a whole new level with an emphasis on mental toughness. Participants will focus on control as they wind through obstacle courses along scenic trails and practice their aims on horseback with mounted water pistol shooting.

Block Printing and Mosaics: July 24–30, 2016

Artist in Residency Jill Schulman will teach adults and children alike the art of block carving and printing, as well as mosaic making in this Paws Up Wilderness Workshop. Schulman is a renowned sculptor and ceramic artist who thrives on teaching her craft to others. No previous experience is required to take part in the workshop—just a willingness to think “outside the block.”

Schulman will demonstrate the art of block printing, and then workshop participants will design, carve and pull prints with their own linoleum stamps. In the afternoon, participants will make a mosaic, filling a stepping-stone with colorful tiles and other materials. These stones will then be installed on a special path at the Kids Corps of Discovery. All ages and skill levels are welcome.

Wild Writing: July 29—30th

Learn writing skills from veteran writer Laura Munson as she leads the Wild Writing workshop. Munson is the author of New York Times bestselling memoir “This Is Not the Story You Think It Is.” Participants will leave with a renewed feeling of empowerment through self-expression in the heart of beautiful Montana.

July 3, 2016

Fourth of July Paws Up Style

June 9, 2016June 9, 2016

Where You Can Learn to Paint with Water and Wine

We love summer workshops, and last month our brand new Wilderness Workshop, Brushes with Greatness, offered participants a chance to paint alongside a true American master in a breathtaking Montana landscape. Artist George Van Hook is renowned for his impressionistic paintings. His five-day “plein air” watercolor workshop was hosted in a variety of inspiring outdoor settings throughout The Resort. Van Hook has exhibited his award-winning works on three continents and has been teaching art and presenting workshops for more than 30 years. Beginning painting at an early age, Van Hook also spent his formative years traveling overseas to study art and copy other artists’ master works at Europe’s legendary museums, including the Louvre.

Mark your calendars for Bottle & Bottega with Stephanie King-Myers and Nick Myers from June 21—26, 2016. One day in March 2009, Bottle & Bottega founder Stephanie King-Myers and her artist husband, Nick Myers successfully convinced a friend with no artistic skills that she could in fact paint, with the right inspiration. So with a glass of wine in one hand and a paintbrush in the other, the friend successfully created her first masterpiece, and the Bottle & Bottega concept was born! In their workshops, King-Myers and Myers offer a variety of art and media experiences, including canvas painting, mosaics, glass painting, live models and more. Now with three young children of their own, they love introducing families to painting so that together they can create lasting memories! Whether you’re the family Rembrandt or struggle drawing stick figures, Bottle & Bottega will bring out your inner artist. No matter what your skill level is, you’ll produce a painting to be proud of. Also, there’s plenty of wine to help get your creative juices flowing. Enjoy painting at inspiring locations on the ranch, some sunset sessions and some alfresco evening sessions at individual luxury camps. There will also be some vino-free sessions at the Kids Corps of Discovery, so family members of all ages will have a chance to express themselves.

June 1, 2016June 2, 2016

Why Paws Up is Winning in June

Did you know that Montana is known as “the last best place?” Visit us at the Resort at Paws Up in Greenough, and you will be in on the secret, too. June is an incredible time to experience our resort and all it has to offer. From Montana’s long sunny days and optimal seasonal weather to the abundance of outdoor adventure that awaits, it’s the summer vacation getaway you and your family will never forget. If that isn’t enough to entice you, then here are 6 wonderful ways that Paws Up is winning in June.

1. Kites over Montana (June-13—19)

Brett Morris and his wife, Diane, have been featured participants at various kite festivals for more than a decade, and they’ll be taking to the beautiful big skies at The Resort at Paws Up this month. Build your own kite, and learn a few new tricks. Or, just sit back and relax as Brett and Diane’s trick kites and quads decorate the sky—you won’t be disappointed! You will learn all about kite building and flying, plus experience demos. All workshops are complimentary.

2. BBQ-U at Paws Up (June 17—19)

Father’s Day Weekend means it’s time to earn an extremely tasty, different kind of degree—perhaps a 375F degree for the perfect burger, or a 140F degree for a succulent medium steak. As part of the first BBQ-U, Montana Master Grillers alums Sam Huff (Sam’s BBQ-1 in Georgia) and Danny Fischer (Baby Blues BBQ in California) will conduct outdoor grilling demonstrations that will transform you from backyard beginner to searing expert. You will learn the techniques to expertly cooking meats and veggies from these pros—and—just as grand—this “university” will take place in Montana’s majestic outdoors. For barbecue enthusiasts faithfully devoted to the way of the grill and the passion of the flame, BBQ-U is the must-attend event of the summer. All participants are sure to get an A for appetite along with advanced barbecuing skills.

3. Bottle & Bottega (June 21—26)

Whether you’re the family Picasso or you struggle just to draw stick figures, Bottle & Bottega will bring out your inner artistic talent. This fun, hands-on art session will be totally relaxed, friendly, and filled with step-by-step instruction. No matter what your skill level is, we promise you will produce a painting to be proud of—there’s even plenty of wine to help get your creative juices flowing. We’ll have outdoor afternoon sessions in some of the most inspiring locations on the ranch, and sunset and alfresco evening sessions at individual luxury camps. There will also be a handful of vino-free sessions at the Kids Corps of Discovery, so family members of all ages will have a chance to express themselves.

4. Montana Long Table: The Ultimate Backyard BBQ (June 18)

Looking for the best way to spend Father’s Day? Join us at a Montana Long Table to dine with ranchers, farmers and food artisans who make the cuisine at The Resort at Paws Up so special. Chef Danny Fischer and Chef Sam Huff, along with Chef Ben Jones, will create a five-star menu that dad will love. Along with amazing live music, this mouthwatering adventure may become your new favorite summer tradition.

5. Behring Made Knives, C. Martini and Diane Whitehead Trunk Show (June 18th)

Don’t miss this unique trunk show featuring custom handmade knives, hunting knives and cutlery from Behring Made Knives, as well as a variety of goods from C. Martini “wearable art,” custom couture pieces (no two are the same) and fine art by renowned wilderness artist Diane Whitehead.

6. Mexicana (June 28th—29th)

Spice up your June stay with a special culinary event featuring the talented chefs of Lindo Michoacán, Las Vegas’ No. 1 Mexican restaurant. In collaboration with our Executive Chef Ben Jones, they’ll rustle up all the flavors of one of the world’s most exciting cuisines.

Mingle with fellow guests and resort staff, learn some new culinary skills, taste signature cocktails spiked with Dulce Vida organic tequila, enjoy deliciously authentic Mexican dishes, and kick up your heels with live entertainment from our outdoor stage.

July 24, 2014July 24, 2014

Summer Wilderness On A Silver Platter

Summer isn’t nearly ending… at least not for adults.

And while the kids pack up their backpacks and head off to school, here at Paws Up it’s a time of culinary adventure. Educate yourself with exquisite tastes at “The Last Best Food And Wine Festival” or join the “Upper Crust” pie camp featuring Kate McDermott.

This summer’s Montana Master Chefs will be held September 25-28. Our featured chefs this year are Bravo TV’s Top Chefs: Chef Kelly Liken, Chef Brooke Williamson, Chef Ariane Duarte and Chef Elizabeth Binder. Witness the chefs in action during our annual ‘Top Chef Cook Off Challenge’ scheduled on Saturday! The weekend will be one of wining and dining, with featured wineries including Grgich Hills Estate, Merry Edwards Winery and Sokol Blosser Winery. Executive Chef Ben Jones will be assisted by the featured chefs in creating culinary scenery to rival the vistas of “The Last Best Place”.

Montana Master Chefs

Friday, Saturday and Sunday you’ll find yourself exploring our 37,000 acres of Montana land through wilderness and ranch adventures with chefs and featured participants. Choose from horseback riding, cattle drive ($100 additional charge), fly-fishing (half day – Montana fishing license additional), sporting clays, rappelling, ATV tour, river float, archery, or a spa treatment. Hot air balloon rides and helicopter tours are also available at an additional charge.

Fast forward to October 10-13 and The Resort at Paws Up will be hosting the Upper Crust camp, a sophisticated pie camp featuring Kate McDermott. By day, experience pie making and baking with Kate, wilderness adventures, and food photography lessons from New York Times photographer, Andrew Scrivani. By night, enjoy cuisine from Paws Up’s Executive Chef and Bravo Top Chef Robin Leventhal paired with exquisite wine, followed by complete relaxation in a luxury vacation home.

Upper Crust

It’s an event that promises to be both a learning vacation and a nostalgic experience of good old-fashioned American tastes. Upper Crust at Paws Up has earned a feature in New York Times and is stirring up excitement for pie bakers and pie eaters alike. Under Kate McDermott you’ll learn to bake unrivaled Huckleberry pie, made with fresh Huckleberries from the resort’s hills. Then there are the savory game pot pies destined to add flair to your homemade dinners. The event has our signature Paws Up style, meaning plenty of wilderness and ranch adventures, as well as a Food Photography Workshop. New York Times food photographer, Andrew Scrivani, will lead the photography workshop and will also be our “roving instructor” during Kate McDermott’s workshops to help guests document the art of pie creation.

And, with the kids back in school, it’s prime time for summer romance! Take a look at our Romantic Vacation Packages to start considering your couple’s getaway. Find yourself beneath the “Big Sky” in either a private vacation home or luxury tent. Couples staying at Paws Up can enjoy some fire & fondue for two and/or try the sunset horse-drawn wagon or sleigh ride. All after a couples massage, of course.

This is summer wilderness on a silver platter. Served with the freshest ingredients and paired with the finest wines.

July 11, 2014July 11, 2014

Paws Up Prepares For Celebration With Lindo Michoacan

Mexicana

In Mexico they say, “If you want good food, go to Michoacan.” In Las Vegas we say, “If you want good food, come to Lindo Michoacan Mexican Restaurant.” On July 22, the word in the Montana cuisine scene is “If you want good food, go to Paws Up for a taste of Lindo Michoacan.”

And what’s not to rave about? Lindo Michoacan has been rated #1 in Las Vegas for Mexican Restaurants. Their top chefs will be bringing their award winning recipes to The Resort at Paws Up this month. Javier Barajas Sr., Javier Barajas Jr. and Rigoberto Gonzalez will collaborate with our Executive Chef Ben Jones and his culinary team, creating traditional Michoacan tastes with Montana’s freshest agricultural resources.

Javier Barajas is the original owner of Lindo Michoacan. He learned to cook under Mother Superior, Sister Anita, while studying in the seminary at Michoacan. Javier took an interest in cooking early on, eager to help in the kitchen and was soon trusted with food preparation. His interest has translated into acclaimed skill. Javier’s passion has become his family’s passion inside the kitchens of Linda Michoacan in Mexico.

Beautiful Michoacan – “Land of Lakes and Fishermen” Birthplace of Javier. Michoacan is widely known for its rich and varied culture and most notably for its unique art and cuisine. A state with abundant natural resources. Michoacan is one of Mexico’s main producers of agricultural products.

The Resort at Paws Up will be celebrating the influence of Mexican cuisine in the west during this event on July 22. Rich tastes, unique spices and herbs, traditional dishes and historic value have come together for one day. In the days of the cowboys Mexico carried a lot of influence in American culture, as it continues to do today. Early ranches, or “rancheros”, have their root in what was formerly property of Mexico. Longhorn cattle, brought in from European immigrants, were kept on an open range and looked after by cowboys called vaqueros. Wide territory claims were given to larger livestocks. It wasn’t until around 1850 that beef became popular, raising profit for ranchers and demand for cattle.

Ranching was brought further north as beef became popularized. Even the upper regions of the West were brought into cowboy culture, eventually reaching Greenough Montana. The Resort at Paws Up is proud to carry on the traditions from the 19th century. In many ways Mexico introduced beef into the dishes tasted and adopted by ranchers in the region. Join us for our tribute to this culture within cowboy culture.

To accompany food from Lindo Michoacan’s chefs will be Salsa Loca – a Latin-jazz band based in Missoula, Montana. Salsa Loca specializes in a range of Latin and Afro-Cuban styles and they’ll be featuring a sizzling hot horn section and virtuoso Latin percussionists.

Sauza Mills will be amping up the evening with their signature tequila, agaves steeped before cooking to extract a natural, fresh, crisp agave flavor. It’s a process they call “Fresh Pressed Agave.”

All in all July 22nd at Paws Up is shaping up to be an exciting celebration! Vamanos!

March 26, 2014March 26, 2014

Embracing The Cowgirl Legacy At The Spring Roundup

Cowgirl Legacy

The American cowgirl rides and ropes, understands land and stock and confronts the elements. Celebrate cowgirls both historic and modern with the Spring Roundup at Paws Up – Montana’s premier luxury ranch. Experience educational workshops, trail rides, sporting clays shooting, photography, campfires, music and mingling unlike ever before with the Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees. This event is happening April 24-27 and is limited to the first 40 women, ages 18 and older, who register.

Frontier cowgirls broke convention and made countless contributions to western culture by ranching, trail-driving and rodeoing. Modern cowgirls are able to show who’s boss while they master outdoor activities like riding and shooting. Come on over to Montana on invitation from the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame for the ultimate immersion into cowgirl culture. We’re bringing together experts in the American West in order for you to bring home some sharpened skills along with wonderful Montana memories.

National Cowgirl Museum Mission Statement:

“The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.”

This is a unique opportunity to go deeper than the diaries, memoirs, letters and journals, by learning first-hand from leading figures of the American West on a wide range of cowgirl activities. Herd cattle across the land Lewis & Clark swooned over, test your aim at our sporting clays course, or opt for a myriad of other exhilarating wilderness escapades. The Resort at Paws Up believes in the adventure of free-spirited women everywhere, which is why we’ve teamed up with the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame for this phenomenal Roundup.

Here’s a taste of what’s in store during the Roundup:

Arrive at the center of a welcome reception and mounted shooting demonstration at The Saddle Club. Afterwards be treated to a mighty tasty Cowgirl Baroness Dinner and roast s’mores around a cozy campfire – all alongside Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees. Over the weekend ride with the most renown riders of the day and practice photography with a famed American west photographer. By night mingle under the stars and swap stories with American legends. Taste our chef’s refined rustic ranch cuisine of articulately blended culinary dishes made with the freshest meats, produce and ingredients available. Relax in a charming vacation home at the crossroads of incomparable luxury and unspoiled wilderness. Choose from an exciting line-up of events. And, most importantly, enjoy yourself!

As a guest staying in The Resort at Paws Up you’ll have the best amenities available to relax and rest up. We provide immaculate creature comforts so that you’ll be ready for all the events planned during the three-day Cowgirl Roundup weekend!

To mention just a few: