After 2.5 years without a couples’ trip, my husband and I finally escaped for a whirlwind adventure to Montana. This trip was special—not just because it marked a long-awaited getaway, but also because we fully embraced the off-season charm. While ski slopes and tourist spots were quiet and closed, we found beauty in the stillness. There were no crowds, no lines, and plenty of opportunities to soak in Montana’s raw, unfiltered beauty. Here’s a look at where we stayed, what we did, and what we ate during our unforgettable trip. Enjoy!
Where To Stay
For this trip, we booked a cozy VRBO in Big Sky. Check it out here! The property was perfect for our needs, with stunning mountain views and a central location for our daily adventures.
While Big Sky was amazing, we’ve already set our sights on Sage Lodge for our next trip. Located in Pray, Montana, this luxury resort offers breathtaking accommodations AND a Michelin-starred restaurant that we had the chance to try (more on that below!).
To be honest, this was not our typical “sit and relax” trip. We drove hundreds of miles each day, chasing the most beautiful sights Montana has to offer. Below are a few of our personal highlights.
What To Do
Yellowstone National Park (North Entrance)
Since it was off-season, only the North and Northeast entrances were open, but that suited us perfectly. We explored Mammoth Springs, Roosevelt Tower, and the breathtaking Upper Falls, taking in Yellowstone’s majestic winter beauty.
West Yellowstone & Horse Butte Overlook
Stunning views awaited us at Horse Butte Overlook! It was a peaceful spot to pause and admire the snow-dusted mountains and wide-open skies.
Virginia City & Ennis
Virginia City felt like stepping back in time. Wandering the charming historic streets was a delightful change of pace. We also loved the drive through Ennis, soaking in the views of the Snowcrest Range.
Ruby Reservoir
Upper Ruby Reservoir was a highlight, offering pristine, glassy waters surrounded by towering mountains. While it was windy, the tranquility here was unmatched.
Gardiner & Pray
We wrapped up our trip with visits to Gardiner and Pray, two small towns with big charm. The beauty of Pray in particular has us dreaming of our next visit to Sage Lodge! If anyone has stayed before, we’d love to hear about your experience!
Montana’s culinary scene did not disappoint. We tend to be foodies when we travel together and definitely wanted to try some new dishes! Here’s where we fueled up during our journey:
What To Eat
- Corral (Big Sky) A casual spot with hearty portions. Perfect after a day of exploring.
- Sage Lodge Restaurant (Pray) A true highlight! This Michelin-starred experience was worth every bite. The ambiance, the flavors—it was everything we hoped for and more.
- Ousel & Spur (Big Sky) Cozy and welcoming, with amazing wood-fired pizzas.
- Blindside Burger (West Yellowstone) Quick, delicious, and just what we needed to keep moving.
- Virginia City Cafe (Virginia City) Full of charm, this little cafe served up a classic breakfast to fuel our adventures.
Montana Trip Recap
Here’s a sneak peek of the places where we captured some of our favorite moments!
While this trip came together in just two weeks, it reminded us how valuable these moments are. Exploring Montana in the off-season was a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. There’s something magical about being surrounded by such untouched beauty without the crowds.
We can’t wait to return to Big Sky Country—next time, perhaps for a more leisurely stay. But for now, we’re reliving the memories of an adventure we’ll never forget! Let this blog post be your reminder to book that trip with your significant other! Whether it’s a staycation, an overnight stay at a hotel, or a bucket list trip, find a way to make it happen and reconnect! You’ll be so happy that you did!
What’s your favorite off-season destination? Let me know in the comments below! And, for more travel inspiration, check out my blog post on visiting Jackson, Wyoming, in the off-season!
Shop My Favorite Montana Travel Pieces
Click the image below to shop these trending items! Both come at an incredible price! Plus, if you’re planning a trip to Montana in the winter months, HERE is our packing list! Hope this helps!
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