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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 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!

July 28, 2016June 30, 2023

9 Reasons to Visit Paws Up in August

If you’re still looking to embark on the ultimate Montana family adventure, you’re in luck. Paws Up, America’s premier luxury ranch resort, still has limited availability for both glamping® and our chic rustic homes. For anyone who loves the mountains, outdoor adventure, five-star cuisine, starry nights and the biggest sky in the West—and we don’t know a soul who doesn’t—The Resort at Paws Up is The Last Best Place. See below for what’s happening in August—there’s something for everyone.

1. DRUM CIRCLE MADNESS AND THE GREAT SCOTTS

July 30–August 6, 2016

Artists in Residency: Scott Besaw and Scott Schaefer

Make as much noise as you like. Sound like fun? Then join us for workshops, sing-alongs and up-close performances with two of our favorite returning musicians. Scott Besaw is usually entertaining audiences and instructing students at Chicago’s world-famous Old Town School of Folk Music. He was also a cast member of the original New York City production of Blue Man Group and a conductor for the award-winning Denver Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps.

Scott Schaefer has been rocking out the Chicago music scene for more than two decades as a sought-after lead singer. Having managed several independent record labels, he now hosts weekly live-music open- stage nights and spins vinyl as a DJ at several of the city’s best watering holes.

2. GETTIN’ PRIMITIVE FAMILY CAMP

August 7-13, 2016

Artist in Residency Gary Steele

Learn about the old ways from a honest-to-goodness mountain man. For one week at his self-built camp, you and your kids can show up and get hands- on instruction in primitive skills like longbow archery, orienteering, tracking, woodsmanship, knot tying, fire making, shelter building, ecology, edible plant identification and storytelling. You can also meet our resident mountain man at the Kids Corps of Discovery, at a luxury camp near you or on a Chuck Wagon Dinner ride.

3. NATIONAL S’MORES DAY

August 10^th, 2016

National S’mores Day is Wednesday, August 10, but you already knew that, right? Well, as the pioneers of glamping in North America, we thought it was appropriate to give this day the recognition it deserves. Move over, apple pie. America has a new national pastry pastime. Acclaimed pastry chefs will team with The Resort at Paws Up’s Executive Chef Ben Jones to prepare decadent desserts at dinner. You’ll even create your own gourmet s’mores from a selection of unique and special ingredients and compete with other guests for the title of S’more Savant. Live music around a glowing campfire will provide the perfect ambience for this all-you-can-eat s’morgasbord.

4. KNIT GRAFFITI

Artist in Residency: Suzanne Tidwell

August 14–20, 2016

For one very bright week, Artist in Residency Suzanne Tidwell brings her unique yarn-bombing skills to our expansive and beautiful landscape. You’ll get to watch as she knits and installs original works of art in unexpected places around The Resort. What’s more, she’ll help you and your kids create masterpieces of your own during special workshops and visits to various camps and events.

Suzanne Tidwell is a fiber artist working primarily in the Seattle area. She’s known for creating large-scale, site-specific fiber installations of vibrant color that transform undesirable and underused public areas into places people want to frequent. The somber tones and rich vegetation of the Pacific Northwest influence her brash and nontraditional work, which demonstrates that being exposed to bright color can have the same effect as experiencing a sunny day.

Note: All Knit Graffiti Workshops are complimentary. Space is limited. Reserve early.

5. BOUNTY ON THE BLACKFOOT

August 20, 2016

A Long Table Event Featuring Chef Brooke Williamson

Many chefs try but few can deliver a true farm-to-table dining experience. During Bounty on the Blackfoot, you’ll learn just what it takes. We’ve invited Brooke Williamson to demonstrate her signature talent—taking locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and turning them into mouthwatering masterpieces.

Along with Chef Ben Jones, she’ll stock up at the Missoula farmers market in the morning, and then return to create an unforgettable, one-day-only tasting menu before your very eyes. Everything will be based entirely on what produce, spices and proteins happen to be at their freshest that day. And at least one dish will pay homage to the Blackfoot Indians who grew, hunted and harvested their food on the land where Paws Up is located today.

6. CHUCK WAGON DINNERS

Five Nights a Week

Step aboard our old fashioned horse-drawn wagon and enjoy a unique ride to the Blackfoot River. Sit back, relax, and take in the joy of watching Montana’s famous Big Sky play host to the rolling hills, gorgeous backdrop and the local wildlife that call Paws Up Ranch home.

This scenic ride ends at the banks of the Blackfoot River, where you’ll enjoy an authentic chuck wagon dinner. The finest offerings are prepared before your eyes. Send your stomach on an adventure. From all-natural chicken, angus prime ribs, fresh corn and asparagus grilled over a campfire, to simple, yet scrumptious classics like baked beans and fresh fruit cobbler baked over the coals in a Dutch oven, you won’t walk away with an empty stomach.

Before and after dinner, enhance your authentic Montana experience by pitching horseshoes and enjoying the extraordinary talent of a local banjo player and cowboy poet.

7. BBQ AT THE YARD FOLLOWED BY WILD WEST SHOW & LIVE MUSIC

Every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Join us each Tuesday for BBQ at the Yard with Wild West Showstoppers (a sample menu includes anything from Poached Shrimp Cocktail and Snow Crab Claws to Korean Pork Sliders and Vegetable Crudité Jars), Light and Cool offerings (think crisp salads, fresh pastas, etc.) and The Main Event (featuring steaks, seafood, pork and/or chicken). We serve a special sweet offering for dessert and a Children’s Ranch Table is available for younger guests. Dinner will be followed by our very own comical Wild West Show starring the Paws Up staff as well as live musical guests.

8. Happy Hour at The Wilderness Outpost

Daily 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Enjoy happy hour at the Wilderness Outpost daily from 4 p.m-6 p.m. Our ultimate 11,000-square-foot rural boutique is the ultimate place to unwind and to find the best in western fashion and gifts.

9. Happy Hour at Tank

Daily 3 p.m.-6 p.m.

Tank is hosting happy hour daily from 3-6 p.m. We will have charcuterie and cheese to graze on, as well as a daily featured cocktail and wine specials. Select from tastings of our local Montana-made spirits which come from five different Montana distilleries, including Montgomery Distillery in Missoula and Roughstock in Bozeman.

July 25, 2016

Where to Shop at The Resort at Paws Up

What you typically see in hotel gift shops, you won’t see at The Resort at Paws Up. We don’t do the typical gift shop thing around here. Instead, we’ve constructed the ultimate 11,000-square-foot rural boutique. The all-new Wilderness Outpost is the antithesis of a multipurpose building, but it serves multiple purposes.

This is the place where you can check in for your horseback ride or river rafting excursion and the location where you’ll relax in our loft and enjoy coffee and organic snacks (sure beats a food court at the local mall). You can snag that pair of Frye boots you’ve had your eye on or purchase a masterpiece from renowned artists. It’s also the place to chill in the afternoon, with outdoor seating and happy hour 4 p.m. to 6 p.m in the summertime.

You see, the Wilderness Outpost (formerly called the Paws Up General Store) is all about sourcing items with a story.

Featured brands include iconic names such as Chaco, Filson, Lucchese, Old Gringo, Stetson, Will Leather Goods, Woolrich and more. Featured artists/vendors include Behring Made Knives, C.Martini Jewelry, Michael Haykin, Kendahl Jan Jubb, Jayne Piazza, T Bird Leather, George Van Hook, Diane Whitehead and Antonia Wolf. Every Friday, you’ll get a chance to meet and chat with one of these artists in residence as they proudly display their work. This is not Rodeo Drive. It’s Whoa Road—home to the most unique shopping experience you’ll ever have.

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 5, 2016

Get Hooked At The Resort at Paws Up with Ultimate Fly-Fishing

Fly fishing has been around for hundreds of years, but its popularity continues to increase. What is it about this sport that is so captivating? If you experience fly fishing at The Resort at Paws Up, you will understand after just one outing. Fly fishing gives you the opportunity to relax and spend time in nature, while also challenging yourself with a cool sport that’s perfect for families or individuals. And once you’re hooked, fly fishing may become one of the best excuses for travel.

Montana is known for its abundant fly fishing, and Paws Up itself hosts 10 miles of the Blackfoot River—arguably one of the most famous fly fishing rivers thanks to the movie A River Runs Through It. At Paws Up, we offer spin rods for guests who are more comfortable with this style, but only for independent fishing. All of our guided excursions are strictly fly fishing, and all of our guides are Paws Up staffers, so you’re guaranteed the best learning techniques, assistance and service. We offer a fly fishing experience to remember.

The quality of fly fishing during the next three weeks dramatically increases. “With the water levels continuing to drop and the river getting clearer, the fishing the next couple of weeks will be off the hook! Pun intended,” says Montana Outfitter Justin Capps. “The next couple of weeks we will see most of our summer hatches. With the salmon fly hatch winding down the fish will start to turn their attention toward other aquatic insects. Golden stones, yellow sallies, Pale morning duns, Green drakes and caddis will make up the majority of the bugs we will see. Also, hopper season is just around the corner. Grasshoppers will start moving toward the water for greener grass, and once there they will accidentally get blown into the water by the afternoon breezes. Trout can’t resist them, so it’s a win-win,” says Justin.

At The Resort at Paws Up, we also have an on-site stocked pond that children who are just learning to fish can visit. Spin rods are used here, and it’s always a huge hit. The Resort at Paws Up is an angler’s retreat located within the “golden triangle” of western trout fly fishing. It boasts legendary rivers on property or nearby—including the Blackfoot, Bitterroot, Clearwater and Missouri. So whether you’re checking off a few more Montana rivers from your wish list or are ready to pioneer into some true trout wilderness, this is the place for you.

July 3, 2016

Fourth of July Paws Up Style

June 28, 2016June 30, 2023

8 Reasons to Visit The Resort at Paws Up in July

What are the components of a magical month of July? My answer would be—hands-down—barbecue, watermelon, live music, epic fireworks, outdoor activities, fly-fishing, horseback riding, picnics, parades, pies (apple, peach, pecan—any variety, really!), kayaking, expansive starry skies, pristine weather (read: no humidity, light breeze), hiking, glamping®, relaxation, mountain air and family time. It’s quite a list, but you can find all of this and even more when you head to The Resort at Paws Up in beautiful Montana. Travel alone, with your family, grandparents, your dog, your favorite person or your best guy or girl friend. It will be an experience you will never forget, and definitely one you will want to repeat. July is an ultimate time to visit the resort, with eight amazing extra events to learn a new skill or just to relax and celebrate life.

1. Great Scotts: Stars at Night Concert Series

July 1–9, 2016 and July 30–August 6, 2016

What do you get when you pair two ultra-talented, cute guys named Scott from the Winder city and bring them to Montana? Join us for a special series of concerts (onstage and in a campfire setting) by Scott Besaw and Scott Schaefer. Scott Besaw has been entertaining music lovers at various Chicago hot spots and all over the United States for almost 30 years. In the past, Besaw has been a featured performer with the Blue Man Group, the Denver Blue Knights Drum and Bugle Corps, the University of Colorado’s Buffoons a cappella singing group and Chicago’s special occasion band Underwater People.

Scott Schaefer has enjoyed a notable presence on the Chicago music scene for two decades as the lead singer of numerous indie rock outfits and has managed several independent record labels in the Midwest. Scott Besaw is available for private guitar and drum lessons. The Great Scotts are also available for private performances. Fees apply to private lessons and performances.

2. July 4^thHappy Independence Day Paws-Up-style!

Celebrate the 4^th with us at The Resort at Paws Up with the ultimate American celebration. Enjoy a craft cocktail mixology demonstration, live music, a live wild west show, line dancing, float decorating contest, lawn games, gunny sack races, chair massages, parades, watermelon eating contest, fireworks and don’t forget s’mores!

3. Gettin’ Primitive with Artist in Residency: Gary Steele

July 10–16, 2016, and August 7–13, 2016

Learn about the old ways from an honest-to-goodness mountain man—Paws Up’s resident outdoorsman Gary Steele. For one week at his self-built camp, you and your kids will get hands-on instruction in primitive skills like edible plant identification, fire making, knot tying, longbow archery, music making, orienteering, shelter building, storytelling, tomahawk throwing, tracking and woodsmanship.

Designed for families to come together in an environment that fosters confidence, curiosity, enthusiasm, responsibility and self-esteem, the Gettin’ Primitive workshop is sure to ignite your kids’ imagination.

4. Montana Long Table: A Locally Sourced Summer

July 16, 2016

For one delicious July evening, we pay special tribute to the people who feed us. Chef Ben Jones and his talented team will prepare a unique multicourse farm-to-white-tablecloth dinner highlighting fresh summertime ingredients. And the close relationships Ben and his kitchen staff have formed with area purveyors will make this a celebration that’s truly inspired.

5. Starry Night Photography with Artist in Residency: Barbara Van Cleve

July 18–21, 2016 spectacular wines included.

Join acclaimed ranch-life photographer and Cowgirl Hall of Fame honoree Barbara Van Cleve for a unique and captivating photography workshop. The workshop will take place both indoors and under Montana’s Big Sky at night. Van Cleve is known for her spectacular nighttime imagery, and she will instruct all workshop participants on how to capture vivid, dreamy photographs under a starry, moonlit sky. With more than 50 solo photography exhibits to her name and a lifetime of experience

6. Champion Horsemanship with Barbra Schulte

July 18–21, 2016

Take your horsemanship skills up a notch with instruction from Barbra Schulte, a veteran professional rider and trainer and member of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame. With an emphasis on developing tough mental strategies, she’s helped elite riders all over the country reach their full potential. In this workshop, with her guidance, you’ll focus on control as you wind through obstacle courses along scenic trails, and you’ll practice your aim on horseback with mounted shooting (using water pistols). The workshop also focuses on providing riders with inspiration to overcome challenges they might have encountered in the past. A limited group size allows for intimate sessions, which are perfect for mastering new techniques.

7. Block Printing and Mosaics with Artist in Residency: Jill Schulman

July 24–30, 2016

Get your hands messy with Artist in Residency Jill Schulman as she teaches 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.”

8. Wild Writing with Writer in Residency: Laura Munson

July 29—30, 2016

For centuries, writers have been finding their inspiration out in the wild. And Montana may well be the place where your muse resides. So whether you’re a professional or a seeker with a pen, come find your unique voice under the nurturing guidance of an internationally successful author.

No matter where you are in your creative journey, you’ll learn how to discover your stories and get them onto the page. This custom Wilderness Workshop will give you a renewed feeling of empowerment through self-expression. It’s an adventure within, in the great outdoors.