Tag: best family ranch vacations

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Take a Journey to Paws Up with Two New Short Films

Point your lens in any direction the next time you visit The Resort at Paws Up, and you’re likely to capture a stunning scene. It’s just that beautiful. But when seen through the eyes of an exceptional filmmaker, the majesty of Montana truly comes to life. Two new short films will take you on a journey you won’t soon forget: Ranch. Island. Resort. by Dan Goldberg and Across the Blackfoot by Stuart Thurlkill.

Ranch. Island. Resort. 

From fog-draped hillsides and a single canoeist plying calm waters to the gentle swirl of whiskey and nightfall setting on a quiet sliver of land, Goldberg’s contemplative video reveals the raw beauty of The Resort in all its glory. “We wanted to capture that serene, kind of ethereal, relaxing feeling Paws Up generates. Whenever I visit, as we land in Missoula, I feel my blood pressure dropping. I wanted this to come across in the video,” Goldberg said.

One scene stands out and demands your attention. “I knew I had to capture the bison as they were running at sunset. It’s a brief moment, but with the dust and the light filtering through, it’s pretty spectacular,” he said. And there’s stunning fly-fishing footage as well that takes the viewer underwater to catch a glimpse of a rainbow trout wiggling away after a catch-and-release. Yet as a former sous chef, Goldberg is a food photographer at heart: “We shot this epic dinner party at the Island Lodge with Executive Chef Sunny Jin. He did a full-on surf and turf thing with seafood paella, tomahawk steaks and desserts—it was chuck wagon dinner meets massive seafood spread.” In all, it’s only two minutes long, but this mini epic film manages to capture the total Paws Up experience.  Watch Ranch. Island. Resort. 

Across the Blackfoot

Allow yourself to be transported back in time to 150 years ago in Thurlkill’s latest opus for Paws Up, Across the Blackfoot. This minute-and-a-half-long film captures the heart and soul of what makes Paws Up a cherished slice of Montana. The vision of steely-eyed wranglers running a herd of horses down to the Blackfoot River and across its churning rapids feels so real because it simply is.

“We shot everything in 4K with all kinds of angles—we had two drones working and a body cam on a wrangler, an underwater camera, some super slo-mo stuff—we even put our iPhones to use,” Thurlkill said.

Because they were filming animals, there was an element of serendipity to it all. “We knew where the horses should cross, and then jump up to the other bank,” Thurlkill said. But editor/assistant Annie Lambiasse, shooting from the water’s edge, got a surprise when the thundering herd unexpectedly broke her way. The result was a very startled camerawoman, but also another great shot that added a moment rarely, if ever, seen on film.

Watch Across the Blackfoot.

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10 Reasons Paws Up Feels Like Your Own Private National Park

With 37,000 acres of pristine and undeveloped land, 100 miles of trails and 10 miles of the Blackfoot River, Paws Up may not be a national park, but it sure feels like one. Our Montana landscape is big enough for everyone to rush outside to enjoy it. In fact, you may even see more bison than bipeds. You’ll find ample opportunities to soak in the sun and drink in the fresh air. Here are 10 reasons why Paws Up feels like your own national park.

1. Knee-buckling views

From Yellowstone to Glacier and beyond, national parks share one thing in common: iconic and expansive landscapes that are simply unforgettable. The 37,000 acres at Paws Up qualify, big-time.   

2. Wildlife in abundant supply

Whether it’s hundreds of wild elk, herds of deer, a grizzly bear chewing on huckleberries or an eagle feasting on a creek-side snack, Paws Up teems with the hustle and bustle of local wildlife. 

 

3. Watery wonderlands

Few rivers are as revered, as canoe-friendly, as scenic and as full of trout as the Blackfoot River, which cuts through mile after mile of Paws Up. The Island Lodge at Salmon Lake and the Lake House at Seeley Lake further expand water recreation possibilities.  

 

4. Trees for all seasons

Coniferous trees dominate much of the landscape, with Douglas firs towering 80 feet skyward and shading alongside Ponderosa pines and western larch, whose needles actually take on a golden hue each fall.  

 

5. Trails that transcend the ordinary

After spending time on trails through nature’s living room, it’s hard not to be inspired in one way or another. Whether striking out on foot or on horseback, communing with the wilderness begins right off of your back deck.   

 

6. Accommodations rising to the spectacular

After the last s’more has come off the campfire, friends and families can return to accommodations that are every bit as distinctive as the best of the national park lodges and quite a bit more luxurious.   

7. A historical perspective

National parks typically have a story to tell. At Paws Up, at first blush it’s about cattle—the rich history of cowboys and ranching is everywhere. But it’s also easy to imagine yourself following in the footsteps or paddle strokes of Meriwether Lewis as he explored this region in 1806.  

 

8. Knowledgeable folks serving your needs

From camping butlers who provide insight into local flora, fauna and the Blackfoot River to a Wilderness Workshop leader demonstrating primitive skills unchanged for hundreds of years, you’ll sense an ongoing reverence for the land.   

9. Long lines of cars. Well, maybe not.

Okay, so Paws Up isn’t totally like a national park. Because here, the only cars you’re likely to encounter are the Lexus luxury SUVs that guests get to use during their stay. This is a place of natural beauty you won’t be sharing with more than about a few hundred other guests. Ever.  

10. Easy access to Montana’s wilderness

Creating your very own national park experience doesn’t take an act of Congress—just a call to The Resort at Paws Up Reservations at 877-580-6343.

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Summer Berry Tart with Fresh Berries, Chamomile Glaze, Grand Marnier and Honey-Whipped Chèvre

Just in time for summer entertaining, our Executive Chef Sunny Jin created a recipe—Summer Berry Tart with Fresh Berries, Chamomile Glaze, Grand Marnier and Honey-Whipped Chèvre—to showcase the essence of summertime in Montana. “I was thrilled to use edible flowers plucked from the fields of The Resort at Paws Up and use them in a dessert big enough to share with friends and family around a fire,” says Jin. We hope you’ll try this recipe for a taste of Paws Up and Montana in your own home. We sat down with Jin to ask him about this recipe.

What was your inspiration when you created this recipe?

I’m consistently inspired by Montana and the flavor profiles of what grows naturally around here. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to incorporate them into dishes to further enhance the Montana experience of our guests.

Is this a new recipe or have you made it before?

This is a new recipe, based around and featuring the available ingredients from local farmers and from foraging the hills of Greenough, Montana.

Will this recipe be on the menu at Paws Up this summer?

We are still deciding what local delicacies will be on the summer menu at Paws Up. A favorite right now is our wood-fired huckleberry cobbler. The summer berry pie will be available upon request for our guests who would like to experience it. We like to make the magic happen here at Paws Up, folks.

What’s a cooking tip or two to use when preparing this recipe?

When I created this recipe, I built the pie in a manner that made me happy. There was no rhyme or reason to the placement of the berries or flowers, which grow abundantly in Montana. I would encourage our home cooks to use the same mentality of being inspired by the beauty of the ingredients and celebrating them. It’s not too often in baking that we don’t follow the rules of the measurements—for parts of this recipe you can!

Why did you choose this type of crust for this tart?

This crust was chosen to allow the real story to be about the berries. We could embellish all day, but sometimes using the simplest things is the best approach.

If you could share this tart with anyone in the world who would it be and why?

The one person who comes immediately to mind is Martha Stewart! She’s the epitome of baking and summertime entertaining (and entertaining in general) and aside from the idea that she’d like this recipe, I would love to have a conversation with her. Short answer, she seems cool. To anyone reading this: can you have her people call my people, please?

Summer Berry Tart with Fresh Berries, Chamomile Glaze, Grand Marnier and Honey-Whipped Chèvre

Makes 1 (8-inch) Tart

Ingredients

For the Glaze:

2 tablespoons chamomile, dried

1 cup water

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup glucose (light corn syrup can be substituted)

1 tablespoon Grand Marnier

Directions

  1. Gently steep chamomile, water and sugar in a small saucepan until sugar has dissolved.
  2. Remove from heat and let stand 2 minutes.
  3. Strain the glaze. Add the Grand Marnier and let cool. (This will be used to glaze the berries once assembled.)

Ingredients
For the Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup cold butter, cubed

1/4 cup granulated sugar

3 tablespoons cold water

1 egg

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Combine flour, butter and sugar into a food processor. Pulse the mixture lightly until only small clumps remain. Add chilled water and the egg. Gently pulse again until the dough just comes together.
  3. Turn the dough on a lightly floured surface. Knead until the mixture is smooth; shape into a disc. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Once chilled, roll dough out on a floured surface until about 1/4-inch-thick.
  4. Gently place dough over an 8-inch pie pan and mold to the shape of the pan. Use a butter knife along the ridge of the pan to remove excess dough. Prick bottom of the dough with a fork to avoid warping and rising.
  5. Transfer pie pan to the oven and bake 10 minutes. Rotate and bake for 10 minutes more or until golden brown. Bring to room temperature once cooked. Set aside.

Ingredients
For the Whipped Chèvre:

3 cups chèvre

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

1 cup powdered sugar

1/2 cup wildflower honey

1/4 cup Grand Marnier

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions

  1. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, whip chèvre on medium speed until creamy. Continue to whip until it the mixture has doubled in volume. Reduce the speed and slowly drizzle in the heavy cream.
  2. Add powdered sugar, honey, Grand Marnier and lemon juice and continue to mix until all ingredients are fully incorporated.

Garnish:

1 pint each of fresh berries—strawberries, raspberries and blueberries

Fresh mint leaves (optional)

Edible garden flowers (optional)

Directions

To Assemble Tart:

  1. Spread an even layer of the whipped chèvre in the base of the tart shell.
  2. Arrange berries over the top until evenly covered. Brush the glaze over the berries. Finish with a light garnish of mint leaves and edible flowers. Enjoy!
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From the Grammys to Glamping Robbie Fulks Kicks Off Campfire Stars 

From the Grammys to Glamping, Robbie Fulks will be heading to The Resort at Paws Up for Campfire Stars at Paws Up on June 19–23. Robbie is a singer, recording artist, instrumentalist, composer and songwriter. His most recent release, 2017’s Upland Stories, earned year’s-best recognition from National Public Radio and Rolling Stone among many others, as well as two Grammy® nominations for folk album and American roots song. We were lucky to sit down with Robbie for a chat.

Your last record, Upland Stories, was nominated for two Grammys in 2017. Did that bring your career more exposure?

It’s definitely helped. I’ve been playing at more places where people are listening respectfully as opposed to throwing bottles at my head. (laughs)

Did you attend the ceremony?

I was there with the whole family. The bigger ceremony is telecast and that was the part I was expecting not to enjoy, but it was amazing. Beyoncé and Bruno Mars and all these people are great singers. It was like a positive presentation of the state of popular music today and the production was done very well.

You performed at Paws Up during Montana Master Grillers 2015. What were your experiences at Paws Up like?

It was super memorable. As far as gigs go, usually you travel someplace and you’re in and out, but at Paws Up, somebody picks you up and takes you out into the woods and you’re there for three or four days. And the amenities are unbelievable. You can hike. You can rappel. The food is unbelievable and the staff is really kind.

Do you have songs in mind that you will play during Campfire Stars?

No, not at all. The way that it works best for me is to go in and respond to the situation, to keep it in the moment. If you plan too much in advance, the audience can read it and it can seem scripted and gets a little bit robotic sometimes.

What would you tell young people at Campfire Stars who might want to start playing music themselves?

For me, music was a great thing to have early in life because it set up music as a verb, not as something that you just go and witness. It’s something participatory as well. It’s something that can be meaningful about where you live and what your ancestry is. So I try to reflect that now when I play.

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7 Reasons to Visit The Resort at Paws Up for Memorial Day Weekend

Are you still trying to make your Memorial Day weekend plans? The Resort at Paws Up will be serving up barbecue, beverages and live entertainment at Montana Master Grillers, a three-day event that celebrates the art of the open flame on 37,000 acres of stunning wilderness. Here are 7 reasons to visit this Memorial Day weekend.

1. Activities: Guests can eat and play to their heart’s content with more than 70 wilderness adventures, such as ATV tours, fly-fishing and horseback riding.

2.  The Last Best Grillers: Montana Master Grillers consists of America’s top culinary talent, including Tim Byres (a James Beard Award-winning author), Burke Holmes (of the Notorious P.I.G. BBQ—voted Best BBQ in Missoula, Montana), Paws Up Executive Chef Sunny Jin, Pat Martin (of Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nashville), Nicole Pederson (a Food & WinePeople’s Best New Chef nominee) and Steve “Nookie” Postal (the chef/owner of Boston’s Commonwealth and a finalist on Around the World in 80 Plates). Apart from outdoor activities and demonstrations, guests will also witness a competitive cook-off amongst the chefs

3. The Beverages: To accompany the phenomenal fare, Paws Up will host KettleHouse Brewing, Glacier Distilling and the Wagner Family of Wine. Each will provide designated pairings to amplify the complex flavor profiles of juicy meats.

4. Live Entertainment: We are thrilled for our amazing weekend musical lineup, featuring solo acoustic guitarist Dan Dubuque, singer-songwriter Andrea Harsell, high-energy duo the Timber Rattlers and Missoula-based bluegrass musicians the Lil Smokies.

5. Island Lodge Escape: New this summer, guests at Paws Up can discover the Island Lodge at Salmon Lake, a private retreat 15 minutes from Paws Up. Reserving the Island Lodge at Salmon Lake is like having your own private island where you can enjoy water sports, fine cuisine and breathtaking scenery. Full-day plus morning, afternoon and evening excursions are available.

6. Our S’moreologist: That’s right—the resident s’moreologist is really a thing at Paws Up. Our s’moreologist specializes in making perfect, decadent and delicious s’mores every time—and he’s more than happy to show you how it’s done—whether at the inviting fireplace in Tank or around a fire pit in the great outdoors.Our s’moreologist will lead you through each part of the time-honored s’more making process.

7. Spa Town®: Guests will enjoy spa treatments in pristine white tents where a traditional “spa” soundtrack isn’t required. The sounds of Mother Nature are all you’ll hear while you completely relax and rejuvenate.

For reservations, please call 877-588-6783 or visit Paws Up’s Live chat.