The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Shopping’ Category

Why Consider Caregiver Jobs in Missoula Montana

If you are currently in the health care field (or hope to be) and you want to offer your services in a caring community set within the Northern Rockies, come to Missoula.... more

Shop Until You Drop In Missoula

By CINDY CUMMINGS - Missoula has plenty to offer any shopper. Don’t be surprised if you have one too many bags to carry after you are done.... more

30+ Things for Kids to Do in Missoula, Montana

By LINDA McCARTHY - I am amazed at how many free and low cost things there are to do with kids in Missoula, Montana. My daughter and I compiled a list of more than 30 Things to Do With Kids in Missoula:... more

Support Someone’s Dream on Small Business Saturday

Saturday, Nov 28 marks the fifth annual Small Business Saturday. Downtown Missoula businesses are participating in the event that saw $14.3 billion in consumer spending nationally last year. ... more

Downtown Flower Baskets Scheduled To Go Up May 14

By Tom Aldrich for the Missoula Downtown Association Missoula’s beloved Downtown Flower Baskets will be installed this Thursday, May 14 beginning at 5:30 p.m. A total of 98 baskets will be moved from Pink ... more

Wayne and Kathleen Newton Set Up Shop in Lakeside

By JUSTIN FRANZ-Kat’s Korner is one of several new shops and restaurants that have popped up in the small community of Lakeside and Wayne Newton, 72, said it’s no surprise the town is growing.... more

Vote With Your Fork

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - One of our very core rights as human beings is challenged in this country on a daily basis. That is the freedom to choose the food(s) that we wish to raise, buy and consume.... more

How to Eat Local & Stay Healthy

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON -Eating local means contributing to the local economy. A dollar spent locally generates twice as much income for the local economy. When businesses are not owned locally, money leaves th... more

Frugal Foodie: Intentional Leftovers

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - In times of economic struggles, often people cut their food budget, sacrificing the pleasure and fulfillment of true nourishment. But you don't have to.... more

Ten Can’t-Miss Events in the Flathead This Summer

By MOLLY PRIDDY - Here’s a list of 10 of the most-popular events in the Flathead in the summer, so mark your calendar before it fills up.... more

Edible Weeds–If You Can’t Beat ‘Em, Eat ‘Em!

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Fields of the pretty yellow flowers in the lawn; are they really so bad? Dandelion leaves, flowers, stems and roots are all edible if you have an organic yard!... more

Heirloom Winter Farmers’ Market Back in Full Swing

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - The Heirloom Winter Farmers’ Market is back on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, January through April at the Missoula Fairgrounds.... more

December in Downtown Missoula: The Best Place to Be for the Holidays

By LINDA McCARTHY - Downtown Missoula is a special place during the holiday season with exceptional shopping, dining and entertainment for everyone in the family. CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS!... more

Shopping on ‘Small Business Saturday’ Builds Local Economy

By LINDA MCCARTHY - Downtown Missoula is rolling out the red carpet for 'Small Business Saturday' which encourages people to shop at small, locally-owned, bricks and mortar stores the Saturday after Thanksgivi... more

A Return to the Ninemile Schoolhouse…an Heirloom Legacy Continues

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Missoula's Heirloom Foodie is re-opening the Ninemile Schoolhouse and and renting the historic landmark for writers retreats, weddings and more. ... more

I Am An Egg Snob…

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Until recently I thought my chickens' laying lives were over. Imagine my surprise when I discovered over a dozen eggs hiding behind a pile of outdoor furniture. These yolks are the dar... more

The Politics of food, Being an AG-Tivist

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Why HB574 is Important: When it comes to fresh milk and dairy products, I want to be able to support the farmer(s) of my choice and procure the foods that I believe to be healthful for... more

Maiden Missoula Review: The Montana Chocolate Company

By LEAH LEWIS - Valentine's Day is almost here! The Montana Chocolate Company has hand-dipped milk, dark, and extra-dark bites of goodness for your sweetie.... more

Heirloom Market Celebrates Official Grand Opening January 26th

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - On January 26th, the Heirloom Market is holding its official Grand Opening at the Missoula County Fairgrounds. Come celebrate with us!... more

Maiden Missoula Review: The Naked Missoula Calendar

By LEAH LEWIS - This Christmas, support a great cause and get everyone you know the fabulous, slightly scandalous “Missoula: The Way Nature Intended” calendar.... more

‘Twas the Retro-Fabulous Month Before Christmas

By JACLYN BAIRD - I've squeezed in some lovely retro fashion photo shoots with my talented photographer Brian Johnson of Ayres Photography in the past few weeks!... more

Say Hello to the Missoula Street Style Fashion Blog

Meet Jaclyn Baird, the owner of MaudeLady Vintage, a Missoula boutique and vintage fashion shop. She's eager to help you show off your own Missoula street style.... more

Maiden Missoula Review: Powder Tails

By LEAH LEWIS - Ski season is almost here! I know what you’re thinking: My butt's gonna be so wet on the chairlift. Good news! Powder Tails has your backside.... more

Maiden Missoula Review: Whistling Andy Distillery

By LEAH LEWIS - If you are ready to really wow the guests at your next cocktail party or back yard barbeque, pick up a bottle of Hibiscus Coconut Rum from the Whistling Andy Distillery in Bigfork.... more

Daddy’s Little Helper

By BOB WIRE - Man, I haven’t been right since I fell out of bed this morning. Fortunately, that's nothing a quick phone call to Dr. Nick can't solve.... more

I Shop at Walmart. Don’t Tell My Friends.

By BOB WIRE - Living in liberal Missoula, I’m aware that Wal-Mart represents all that’s bad about big box stores, and is evil incarnate. Of course, I shop there.... more

Frugal Living: Use Your iPhone to Save Money

By ERIN TURNER - When a friend told me about the money-saving couponing apps for the iPhone, I realized I was missing out on some major couponing technology!... more

Maiden Missoula Review: BijaBody Tea

By LEAH LEWIS - Missoula-made BijaBody Tea is delicious, amazingly good, and part of the proceeds go to global programs that help impoverished women.... more

Frugal Living: The Art of the Garage Sale

By ERIN TURNER - With its distinct neighborhoods and their close proximity to one other, Missoula's a great garage sale town. Here are some tips for hosting a great sale.... more

Frugal Living: Popcorn, the All-Season, All-Budget Snack

By ERIN TURNER - It may seem like a simple thing, but homemade popcorn (not microwave!) really is a perfect snack for all seasons, all ages, and all budgets.... more

Maiden Missoula Review: Body Basics

By LEAH LEWIS - You might remember Body Basics when it was in the back of Rockin' Rudy's. Now, it's on the Hip Strip, and their soaps and goodies are as fabulous as ever!... more

Frugal Living: Mouthwatering, Homemade Deli Meat

By ERIN TURNER - Last week, I made homemade deli-style sliced meat from an elk roast. Not only was it a Montana-style money saver, it was delicious!... more

Maiden Missoula Review: The Art of Good Food

By LEAH LEWIS - The bread, soup, and baking mixes from Missoula-based company The Art of Good Food can be summed up in two words: Easy deliciousness! ... more

Shopping (and Saving) at Costco: A Missoula Staple

By ERIN TURNER - In Missoula, Costco is about as popular as Grizzly football. You can definitely save money there, but you have to approach it wisely.... more

A Successful Frugal Living Pantry Challenge

By ERIN TURNER - With the close of February drawing near, our month-long Frugal Living Pantry Challenge is winding down. The result? We saved a TON of money! ... more

Frugal Living Pantry Essentials

By ERIN TURNER - During our Frugal Living Pantry Challenge this month, I’ve discovered some key items that are essential for a frugal pantry.... more

You Are What You Love

By ERIN TURNER - In honor of Valentine's Day, here's a list of the things I love about Missoula. Add your favorites in the comments!... more

The Frugal Living Pantry Challenge

By ERIN TURNER - Our family is doing a Frugal Pantry Challenge for the month of February.... more

A Year in Review

By ERIN TURNER - Today, I celebrate my one year anniversary of writing the Save It blog for Make It Missoula! What have you learned and what should I write about in 2012?... more

Liquid Planet’s Wine Passport Program: ‘A Journey in Every Sip’

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - Missoula oenophiles may be pleased to know that you can quite literally take your palate on a global expedition and get rewarded for it at Liquid Planet.... more

Cheap Homemade & Store-bought Snacks on a Budget

By ERIN TURNER - It seems every year about this time, my sons have some major growth spurts. In order to keep them full, I’ve come up with a bunch of easy, budget-conscious snacks.... more

In 2012 I Resolve to be Frugal

By ERIN TURNER. Happy New Year, Everyone! If you’re like me, I take the New Year seriously and try to make realistic resolutions which will improve my well-being, my house and my family. ... more

Why We Drink Champagne on New Year’s Eve

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - I don’t have a clear answer as to why millions of people ring in the New Year with a kiss and a glass of bubbly. But why get bogged down in the details, right? ... more

After Christmas Sales

By ERIN TURNER. I know, I know…the figgy pudding isn’t even finished yet and already I’m thinking about after Christmas sales! But hold on, you want to save money right? ... more

Extreme Couponing: Taking Stock of your Stockpile

By ERIN TURNER - I've given tips on how stock up and explained why it's crucial in the whole scheme of couponing. Come Christmas, stockpiling lets me be more generous to local charities, too.... more

Holiday Gift Ideas for River Rats (aka Kayakers)

By JASON SHREDER - Just in time for Christmas, here are my top 11 gift ideas that are sure to please that river runner in your family and guaranteed to get some use!... more

Why Should I Take a Couponing Class?

By ERIN TURNER - Recently, I was asked to teach a couponing class through an Adult Education program at the Missoula Lifelong Learning Center. Learn more about the benefits of a coupon class.... more

2011 Gift Guide for Beer, Wine, and Cocktail Lovers

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - It’s that time of the year when we appreciate what we have - in Missoula that means snow, ski hills, and good drinks. Here's a local gift guide for liquid connoisseurs.... more

Bob Wire’s Christmas Gift Ideas for Discerning Musicians

By BOB WIRE - Most musicians are pretty easy to buy for. One generous gesture would be to pay off his or her hefty bar tab. Trust me—they’ve got one. Somewhere.... more

Missoula Black Friday Sales – A Holiday Shopping Tradition

By ERIN TURNER - Black Friday either creates fear, disgust, or excitement in people. You either love it or hate it.... more