The Resort at Paws Up | The Last Best Blog

May 14, 2020

Six Experiences at Paws Up For The Under-Six Crowd

Why does it always seem like all the best rides are for those who meet a height requirement? Here at Paws Up, we don’t limit the fun to those who measure up to a sign. Here are just six examples of how we put the biggest smiles on our smallest guests.

1. PONY RIDES

We would never make you go in circles on some sandy, worn-out path. Instead, our wranglers will show you a true adventure! You’ll say hello to your pony, get a boost up and then ride through beautiful trails. It’s 15 minutes of giggles and photo ops. Parents can tag along, too.

2. GARNET GHOST TOWN

Ever been to a real ghost town? We have one that’s practically in our own backyard! It’s just 20 minutes away, but it’s a step back in time to the early 1900s. Explore the general store, hotel, saloon and homes of this uninhabited town. But wait—you don’t believe in ghosts, do you?

3. THE ISLAND LODGE AT SALMON LAKE

Imagine having a whole island to yourself and your family with boats, fishing poles and a floating trampoline! Cool off with a blackberry lemonade. Or dip your feet into the clear, blue water and let the tiny fishies swim around your toes. At sunset, go for a nice pontoon ride. Ahoy, sailor!

4. CLEARWATER RIVER CANOE TRIP

Head out on the water with a family canoe trip. Relax in the middle while bigger kids or grown-ups paddle down a 3.5-mile stretch of the Clearwater River. Notice the stunning views of the Swan Mountains. See if you can spot an eagle. But make sure you get a turn to try paddling, too!

5. GO-KARTS

The race is on! You’ll go up to 20 miles per hour around a half-mile track side-by-side with Mom or Dad. Learn to steer around one corner after the next. If you’re under six, trackside bleachers provide the perfect spot to watch your favorite racers power their way to the checkered flag.

6. LITTLE DISCOVERERS AT THE KIDS CORPS OF DISCOVERY

Need to seriously get your wiggles out? Kiss your family goodbye for a few hours and join us at the Kids Corps of Discovery, where you can meet new friends, play games and try tie-dying and searching for sapphires.

August 15, 2018August 15, 2018

5 Best Culinary Events Worth Traveling to This Fall

From a mozzarella-topped Labor Day weekend to an extravaganza with California wine royalty, The Resort at Paws Up in Montana has a fall lineup of unique culinary events to please the palates of every food lover. Guests will have the chance to rub elbows with elite chefs, dine on delectable cuisine and enjoy the beautiful outdoors during a wonderful time of year in Montana.

Fish and Feast with Chefs Bianco and Perry Lang, August 31–September 1: Come along for the ride as Chef Chris Bianco and Chef Adam Perry Lang spend a weekend that combines fly-fishing on the trout-filled Blackfoot River with mouthwatering dinners along its shores and in the rustic, elegant Paws Up dining venues.

Cookbook Live^™: The Elements of Pizza, August 31–September 2: Master the art of making Italy’s most celebrated dish. Chef Ken Forkish, a James Beard Award-winning author, will share recipes from his cookbook with interactive demos and delicious samples. Guests will learn the secrets and skills behind his famous Portland pizzeria and bakery.

Montana Master Chefs^®: The Wonder Women of Food and Wine, September 27–30: This year, not only are the featured talents of Montana Master Chefs at the very top of their respective games, they’re also all women. Participants include Chef Renee Erickson, Chef Sarah Grueneberg, Chef Jayne Reichert, Chef Mindy Segal and Chef Julia Sullivan, with Alison Sokol Blosser, Merry Edwards, Violet Grgich, Lauren Oscilowski, Kristin Smith and Sarah Sorenson. *This event is currently sold out.

Cookbook Live^™: Kristen Kish Cooking, October 12–14: Guests are invited to join Top Chef winner Chef Kristen Kish as she shares the skills and creativity featured in her first cookbook. Witness her legendary techniques and learn why acclaimed Momofuku Chef David Chang calls her “one of the most talented chefs around.”

Wine Weekend with Chappellet, November 9–11: Guests will get to know one of the most celebrated family-owned wineries in Napa Valley right alongside Amy and Dominic Chappellet. The weekend includes wine tastings, dining on fine cuisine and breathtaking scenery.

For reservations and further details, visit www.pawsup.com or call 877-588-6783. The Resort at Paws Up is also on Facebook, Instagram (@theresortatpawsup) and Twitter (@Paws_Up).

December 27, 2017

Our Top 5 Wintery Hiking Trails

We’re going to let you in on one of our best-kept secrets . . . There isn’t a more serene or breathtakingly beautiful time to visit Paws Up than the magical snow-filled months of winter. Our lucky cold-weather guests have access to mile after mile of pristine trails to snowshoe, hike or take romantic walks on while enjoying the glittering scenery.

We’ve turned to Nadine Lipson, part owner, part trail guru at The Resort, for her top-five seasonal hikes. Her recommendations span from the heart-pumping one-mile Sacagawea Trail to the Sunset Loop, a 13-mile hike offering incredible views of the Blackfoot River and Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex. Pick up a trail map and get pointed in the right direction at the Wilderness Outpost. And when you’re through taking in the gorgeous vistas on your wintery wanderings, come inside for a warming cocktail beside the roaring fireplace in Tank as a reward for a job well done. We’ll see you there.

1) The Canine Classic (5 miles)

2) The Anaconda (4 miles)

3) The Trail to Jones’ Pond (5 miles)

4) Sunset Loop (13 miles)

5) Sacagawea Trail (1 mile)

October 12, 2017October 12, 2017

Lemon Meringue Pie Recipe and Our Next Cookbook Live

Join The Resort at Paws Up on November 3–6, 2017 for our fourth Cookbook Live event with pie expert Kate McDermott. This flaky and fun-filled baking weekend brings to life McDermott’s book Art of the Pie, which was nominated for a James Beard Award. By day, you’ll create works of edible art from fresh local ingredients. And by night, you’ll dine on the masterfully executed cuisine of Paws Up’s Executive Chef Ben Jones. It’s the perfect treat for anyone who’s passionate about succulent, homemade, just-out-of-the-oven pie. We hope to see you in a few weeks. In the meantime, enjoy this divine Lemon Meringue Pie recipe in your own home.

Lemon Meringue Pie
Makes One 9-inch Shallow Pie

1 pre-baked single Art of the Pie® crust or pre-baked dough of your choice

For the Filling

1 cup sugar
1/3 cup cornstarch
pinch of salt
1/2 cup lemon juice
1-1/4 cups warm water
1 tablespoon butter
3 egg yolks, fork beaten
zest of 1 large lemon

For the Meringue

5 egg whites
1/3 cup sugar
pinch of salt
1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar

Procedure

For the Filling

In a saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch and salt.
Add the water and constantly stirring with a whisk, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 2 more minutes while continuing to whisk. Don’t be afraid to whisk vigorously as it gets thicker.
Take 1/4 cup of the hot mixture and stir it into the fork beaten egg yolks. Return this to the saucepan, bring to a boil, and cook for 3-4 minutes more while stirring constantly.
Stir in the butter, lemon juice, and zest and cook for another minute.
Immediately pour into the pre-baked pie crust.

For the Meringue

In a clean and cold bowl, beat the egg whites with an electric handheld beater or a stand mixer.
Add the pinch of salt, and the sugar while you mix. Add the cream of tartar and mix a bit more.
Lift the beaters out when you can see soft peaks in thick foamy waves. That’s when it’s done.
Put the meringue on the hot lemon filling starting at the edges first. Make sure the meringue reaches all the way to the edge of the crust so there are no gaps.
Then add the rest of the meringue in the middle so that the filling is completely covered.
With the handle of a spoon or the blade of a knife, pull up some soft peaks.
Place in a preheated 375F oven for 6 minutes.
Remove from oven and let cool completely before serving.

September 24, 2017September 25, 2017

10 Reasons to Celebrate Christmas at Paws Up

This holiday season, leave behind the hustle and bustle for something truly magical: Christmastime in Montana. At The Resort at Paws Up, you’re in for a warm and adventurous holiday weekend. We have elves to take care of everything. Here are 10 reasons to spend Christmas at Paws Up in pictures and words.

You get to experience a picture-perfect backdrop of snow-covered mountains.
You’ll rock around your very own decorated tree.
You’ll receive a surprise personal visit from Santa, right in your cozy luxury home with gifts and all.
You’ll experience bonfires with s’mores and downhill snow tubing with a snowmobile chauffeur, followed by hot apple cider.
You’ll participate in a gingerbread house decorating contest.
You’ll enjoy quality family time with bingo game nights and more.
You’ll warm up with indoor activities such as holiday crafts, movie nights and plenty of shopping at our Wilderness Outpost.
You’ll experience a family broomball game on the Paws Up ice skating rink.
You’ll enjoy the best Montana Christmas brunch and a glittering Christmas dinner with live music.
You’ll end each day soaking in a soothing hot tub and then relax by your roaring fireplace.

Enough said? Contact our live chat on pawsup.com now for more information.

September 11, 2017September 17, 2017

Blackberry Smash Recipe

At The Resort at Paws Up there are countless ways to get outside and get active. But after all that horseback riding, ATV touring and hiking, there’s no better way to cool down than with a fresh cocktail. Our bartending team gets inspired by the local, seasonal ingredients and Montana-made spirits. This Blackberry Smash recipe is just one of our many favorite cocktails which we wanted to share with you so you can create a little slice of Paws Up at home.

Blackberry Smash

Ingredients

A handful of blackberries

The juice of half a lemon

3/4 oz thyme simple syrup

1 3/4 oz Willie’s Distillery’s Big Horn Bourbon

Club soda

Directions

Muddle blackberries, lemon juice and thyme simple syrup. Add ice and bourbon, and shake well. Strain into a Collins glass, ll with ice and top with soda. Garnish with blackberries and thyme sprig.

August 1, 2017August 2, 2017

Get the Inside Scoop on Chicago Dessert Icon Mindy Segal

Walk into Mindy’s HotChocolate and you’ll find yourself transported into Chicago’s most famous pastry mecca. Before you even set your eyes on the restaurant’s chic industrial interior, you’ll catch yourself ogling a display case filled with deliciously crumbly cookies. James Beard Award winner and owner Mindy Segal is a Windy City institution, and we’re always excited to witness her fierce, urban creativity here in the wilds of Western Montana. To give you a taste of why we ask her back again and again, we had a short chat with the famous pastry chef.

PAWS UP: What’s your personal favorite menu item at Mindy’s HotChocolate?

CHEF MINDY SEGAL: Believe it or not, I love the hot chocolate ICED! My favorite is my most popular flavor, which is the “medium.” Hot chocolate served over ice with a shot of whiskey. Trust me, it’s the most adult chocolate milk you’ll ever drink!

PAWS UP: In a competitive food town like Chicago, what makes Mindy’s HotChocolate successful after so many years?

SEGAL: My team and I are always working on our craft and we are always changing and upgrading the menu to make it special for our guests. I also think that because I’m at my restaurant at some point every day, I stay connected with my guests and my staff.

PAWS UP: What inspires you?

SEGAL: For sure, the seasons (obviously), the farmers market and, above all, vintage plate ware (of all types)!

PAWS UP: How many times have you been to Paws Up?

SEGAL: I believe 6? Not sure—I stopped counting because I never want it to end!

PAWS UP: What do you like about it?

SEGAL: First of all, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking and a 180-degree shift from Chicago! And the staff is amazing and I always look forward to going back and seeing them.

PAWS UP: How do you keep the Montana spirit alive once you return home to Chicago?

SEGAL: I try to go hiking around the Chicago area to stay one with nature. My husband and I enjoy camping and fly-fishing, which of course is the spirit of the Blackfoot River!

PAWS UP: Can you describe the qualities of the perfect s’more?

SEGAL: A great graham cracker (we make our own), the PERFECT toasted marshmallow (I like a charred crust and a soft interior) and an elevated chocolate creation. We use toffee chocolate brittle; the added crunch and salt adds a nice balance to the sweet marshmallow. Not to mention, texture, texture, texture!!

And if your sweet tooth likes the idea of that, be sure to join us for Cookbook Live: Cookie Love, August 10–16, when Segal will be at Paws Up serving s’mores just the way YOU like them. Campfires were invented for just such an occasion.

June 15, 2017June 15, 2017

3 Summer Picnics Worth Traveling For

It may come as no surprise, but Montana’s culinary resources are as outsized as the landscape itself. Which means, when you take part in a Montana Long Table at The Resort at Paws Up you’re in for an ever-loving foodie kind of evening. Of course, that only partly explains why these events are so popular. There’s also the single, long table set up in a beautiful spot with sweeping views of the ranch and first-rate live music, often from acclaimed local artists.This summer Paws Up is offering three incredible Long Table Events where guests will come face-to-face with an abundant supply of foods and the artisans behind them as well as get to know them by name, hear their stories and have the opportunity to show appreciation for all their hard work.

Artisanal Picnic: June 17, 2017

When was the last time you dined outdoors on artistically prepared fried chicken, sausage garnished with foie gras and hand-cut duck fat fries? This year’s first Montana Long Table is a picnic like none you’ve ever seen. We’re bringing together three of the country’s most talented chefs: the masterminds behind Chicago’s Honey Butter Fried Chicken and cult food icon Doug Sohn of Hot Doug’s. And when it’s time to sit down and dine, you’ll be joined by the very ranchers, farmers and food artisans responsible for the food in front of you.

Note: This event is open to locals.

A Long-Standing Tradition: July 15, 2017

This July, pull up a seat as we celebrate the local food traditions of Montana. It’s a farm-to-white-tablecloth experience, starting with an authentic farmers market featuring local ranchers, farmers and food artisans as well as music from Montana’s own Dan Dubuque. Next, you’ll sit down to an exquisite dinner created by Paws Up Executive Chef Ben Jones. His close relationships with area purveyors always makes for a truly inspired menu. But don’t take our word for it—instead, take advantage of the unique opportunity to dine alongside the very people who made your meal possible. We hope you’ll join us as we pay tribute to all the incredible culinary resources Montana has to offer.

Note: This event is open to locals.

Bounty on the Blackfoot: August 19, 2017

This August, take a tour through Montana’s vast culinary traditions with one of the country’s most celebrated chefs as your guide. Join 2017 Bravo Top Chef winner Brooke Williamson as she creates a true farm-to-table tasting menu before your very eyes. She’ll visit the Missoula farmers market to select peak-season ingredients, then masterfully turn them into a one-of-a-kind dinner. By evening, you’ll sit down to dine on the banks of the legendary Blackfoot River with the local purveyors who helped make your meal possible.

February 6, 2017February 7, 2017

5 Reasons to Visit Paws Up This Winter

Winter is going by so quickly so be sure not to miss your chance to spend it in style at The Resort at Paws Up—an authentic working cattle ranch where adventure awaits at every turn. We will be hard at work with our pre-arrival department to create a custom stay for you and your family. Below, find our top five activities to enjoy this winter.

1. Kids Corps of Discovery

Our Kids Corps of Discovery offers half-day and full-day programs that include pony rides, field trips to the Blackfoot River, a petting zoo, horse painting, scavenger hunts and more for children. Older kids can enjoy geocaching, target shooting, the Grizzlyman Fitness Trail, archery and more.

2. Snow Tubing

Do you have the need for speed? If you like living in the fast lane but are tired of lift lines and toe-crushing ski boots, the surrounding hills and meadows of Paws Up offer ample opportunities for other snowy pursuits. Test the limits of gravity aboard one of our snow tubes. The Resort offers two kinds of tubing:

Downhill Tubing

Tubes in varying sizes are offered to guests for downhill tubing every afternoon between 2PM and 4PM. A tubing chauffeur drives guests back up the hill on a snowmobile after each run. (Helmets and goggles are provided at the top of the hill, but guests are encouraged to bring their own.) Guests may tube downhill at any other time of day without a chauffeur. Just remember: Extra calories burned climbing back uphill equal extra hot chocolate at the end!

Meadow Tubing

This style of tubing is slightly different, with tubes attached to a rope that is then secured to the back of a snowmobile that runs a course through the meadow behind the Wilderness Outpost. Guests should sign up in advance for a riding slot between 10AM and noon. One or two people can ride a single tube together, and guests are encouraged to bring their own helmets and goggles.

For both downhill and meadow tubing, bonfire pits at each location will be lit during specified operating times to warm up after runs.

3. Dogsledding

This signature adventure is centered around man’s best friend. Horsepower has nothing on our paw power. Iditarod champion Alaskan Huskies pull guests through the wilds of Montana at the foot of the Garnet Mountains—one of the most handsome ranges in the Rockies. The Blackfoot Valley is home to some of the best dogsled racing in the United States. In fact, four-time Iditarod (also known as the “Last Great Race on Earth”) champion Doug Swingley lives and trains here, as do dozens of his best local competition.

4. Ice Skating and Hockey

Winter at Paws Up still means frosted pine trees, snow-covered meadows and frozen lakes. Turn circles around your companions at our royal ice rink, located across from Pomp and Tank & Trough—the perfect spot to thaw out with a golden goblet of gourmet coffee or sinfully rich hot chocolate. We provide the ice skates, hand warmers and hockey sticks. You provide the double toe loops and winning shots.

5. Sleigh Rides

Join the Paws Up wranglers and their majestic Percheron draft horses for an enchanting sleigh ride through frosted forests and over powdery hills. While your mind is devouring a smorgasbord of tasty historical and naturalistic facts—told in storybook style by your sleigh guide—and your eyes take in the dreamy Montana scenery, your palate will be treated to gourmet hot chocolate, exquisite coffee and delicious hot cider to keep you toasty-warm during the entire experience.

SPRING BREAK SPECIALS

Visit The Resort at Paws Up for the ultimate spring break vacation with your family. Book your spring break stay today, and take advantage of our special offers. Our Spring Break Package includes meals and one half-day activity per person, per day. Rates start at $562 per person per night (based on two adults and two children). Or you can enjoy a limited-time discount of 30 percent off lodging when you book a stay for dates between February 1 and May 26, 2017. (Blackout dates include all special events.)

January 18, 2017June 30, 2023

The Resort at Paws Up Introduces North Bank Camp

It used to be next to impossible to get this close to Montana’s unbridled nature while enjoying all the rich comforts of a luxury resort. Then the masterminds at Paws Up invented glamping®. And ever since, adventure seekers have been gazing out from our well-appointed tents and casting their eyes over a pristine landscape, complete with the rush of water just 50 feet below.

To help ensure our guests can reserve a stay and enjoy the experience they crave, we’re expanding our glamping options—and we’re doing it in a way that keeps the wilderness intact.

Sneak Peak

On a beautiful site about a half-mile downriver from the chuck wagon dining area, the new North Bank camp will offer beautiful views of the Blackfoot River. It’ll encompass the same safari-style tents as our other camps and include the same uncompromising amenities, such as rustic chic décor, sumptuous bed linens and en suite bathrooms with heated floors. Each tent will have a private deck overlooking the majestic river. And like the other camps, North Bank will be the perfect jumping-off point for any number of exciting outdoor activities.

What makes the new camp different is its size. According to Brian Bandy, project manager for The Resort at Paws Up, while the other camps have four double tents and two single tents, the new camp will have four doubles and two triples, and the triples will have two full baths instead of one. This means North Bank will ideal for larger families and groups wanting to buy out an entire site.

To accommodate more people, North Bank’s Dining Pavilion will be about 30 percent larger than the pavilions at the other camps. It will also feature sliding glass doors, so guests will be able to take in the magnificent view while dining.

Of course, in keeping with the Paws Up aesthetic and our strict environmental principles, Bandy pointed out, “Whenever we build a camp, we’re concerned about the Blackfoot corridor; we want to make sure nothing looks out of place. We do as little excavation as possible. We don’t remove trees, and we do as little trimming as possible.” In other words, anything Paws Up creates needs to be in harmony with nature. Guests can look forward to seeing the finished North Bank camp in late May 2017.

What’s new this year in all our camps? Paws Up is installing complimentary Wi-Fi, not just in the pavilions, but in the tents as well. To plan your stay at North Bank or any of our other incredible sites, don’t wait. We’re already taking reservations for unforgettable stays under Montana’s Big Sky. Click here for more.