In Montana, towns with red-brick buildings dating back to the 1800s and a few guys walking around in cowboy hats are a dime a dozen. Or so we learned on our road trip through this state filled with vast spaces and spectacular scenery and western towns.
But Livingston is in a class of it's own. The western spirit runs deeper here as the downtown is still rough and tumble and set seemingly in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by majestic mountains, sitting right on a rushing river. There's no suburban sprawl here. No chi-chi restaurants. Just a downtown with a few dark bars and stores where you can pick up a pair of Wranglers and the surrounding neighborhoods of trees and bungalows.
We arrive in the evening after a day in Yellowstone. As we drive down the leafy streets, we notice that there aren't any people around. It's eerily empty. And then we drive by one road and notice tons of cars parked. We've stumbled upon Summer Fest, an annual weekend of barbecue and bluegrass. We decide to ignore our tight budget and pay $30 for all of us to get in. It's well worth it. Locals are kicking up their heels to the sounds of a banjo and noshing on barbecue. We stick around for three hours, until after the sun goes down.Best Western Plus Livingston Inn and Suites
It's easy to feel right at home at this Best Western, just a few blocks from downtown. The chairs in the lobby are comfy. There's a hot pot of coffee sitting on the counter. And a teddy bear, which my children enjoyed cuddling, sits on the fireplace hearth.Breakfast is free and the indoor swimming pool is heated.
The signs of Livingston
I fell in love with the old neon signs on the buildings in downtown Livingston. Here are a few photos of my favorites.
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