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THE UPGRADE LIST

Big Sky, Montana

Big Sky has plenty of space for outdoor adventure—and no shortage of elegant resorts and fine dining surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning scenery. Pack your bags as local business owners Natalie van Dusen and Deejay Newell offer tips for lodging, dining, and places to explore.

Montana's Big Sky country has miles of unspoiled wilderness, crowned with a cloud-streaked blue firmament. Close to both bustling Bozeman and majestic Yellowstone National Park, Big Sky has modern and historic hotel properties; fine dining and artisanal foods of every description—and plenty of wide open outdoor space for fly fishing, mountain biking and beyond.

We’ve recruited two local hosts: Natalie Van Dusen and Deejay Newell, founder and bean ambassador, respectively, for Bozeman-based Treeline Coffee, to provide a curated itinerary to the area. Van Dusen and Newell embody Treeline’s mission—that coffee should fuel you to do the things you love, and they want to make sure your experience in Big Sky encompasses all the beauty and adventure that the destination has to offer.

As you plan your trip, remember that eligible Capital One rewards cardholders can use Capital One Travel to get their best prices on flights, hotels, and rental cars. So, set a price alert, and Capital One Travel will notify you when flight prices drop.1 Whether you're flying to Bozeman, renting a car to head to Big Sky, or finding your ideal place to stay, innovative features like price match guarantee help you book with confidence.

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WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

Treeline Coffee Roasters

624 N. Wallace Avenue, Bozeman

Natalie and Deejay's popular spot for creatively-brewed caffeination prioritizes traceability of the coffee it sells to the farmer that grew it, sustainability in growing practices, social responsibility, and, of course, a quality pour.

Horn & Cantle

800 Lone Mountain Ranch Road, Big Sky

A "fancy campout," one diner said of this rustic but refined outpost, devoted to serving up hearty fare that reflects the wild and rugged land around it: bison tenderloin, venison chop, smoked whitefish and a cornucopia of fresh farm-to-table vegetables.

Blue Buddha Sushi

99 Town Center, Big Sky

This sister location to a Lake Powell, Ari., hotspot prepares traditional sushi, sashimi, maki and rolls—with a contemporary creative twist—in an eclectic and relaxed environment. For the adventurous, try the multi-course, chef's-choice omakase service.

Ousel + Spur Pizza Co.

50 Ousel Falls Road, Big Sky

This family-friendly pizza and pasta spot serves handmade, hand-tossed pies topped with fresh veggies from local growers. Small plates and salads—with a creative cocktail list of Italy-inspired potables—round out the menu.

Steele Pressed Juice + Java

245 Town Center Avenue, Big Sky

The baristas are ace here, and the burritos are, too. Slinging artisanal coffee drinks and freshly-pressed fruit juice and smoothie concoctions, this hip hangout is the perfect antidote for your mid-afternoon slump.

WHERE TO STAY

Montage Big Sky

995 Settlement Trail, Big Sky

Surrounded by the Spanish Peaks range, and less than an hour from Yellowstone, this property's modern architecture and wood-and-stone design take breathtaking inspiration from the sweeping scenery that surrounds it.

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake

1380 Wisconsin Avenue, Whitefish

With Whitefish Lake on one side and Viking Creek Wetland Preserve on the other, this lodge and its connected condominiums offer family-friendly fun in a sprawling environment inspired by the classic wilderness properties of the past.

The LARK

122 W. Main St., Bozeman

A vintage 1960s motel got a 21st-century makeover, and the LARK was born. This hip, industrial hotel sits in the heart of Bozeman’s walkable downtown. Guests get to experience Bozeman like residents do, with complimentary access to a local gym and enthusiastic assistance from hotel staff in finding the perfect restaurant, food truck, or other attraction.

Kimpton Armory

24 W. Mendenhall Street, Bozeman

Dating back to the early 1940s, when it was built as headquarters for the National Guard, this Bozeman hotel now offers boutique accommodations and an array of amenities. A rooftop pool offers sweeping mountain views and the Armory Music Hall hosts local and national acts.

TIP: Venture X cardholders can elevate their stay at luxury hotels and resorts like Montage Big Sky from the Capital One Travel Premier Collection with a $100 experience credit, complimentary daily breakfast for 2, and other premium benefits on every booking.

WHERE TO EXPLORE

Big Sky Resort Bike Park

50 Big Sky Resort Road, Big Sky

Offering the region's only lift service for mountain bikers—via a fast six-person chairlift—this park gives access to more than 50 miles of rough and tumble trails winding through scenic peaks. Elsewhere in the region, there's plenty of other trail options for bikers of all skill levels. For more rides, check out the directory at MTBProject.com.

Gallatin River Guides

47430 Gallatin Road, Gallatin Gateway

An array of customized tours—complete with gear, guides, tackle, flies and more—gives anglers of all skill levels access to some of the most pristine waters and exciting fishing experiences available in the world. There are more than five rivers to choose from and tours are offered in all four seasons.

The Waypoint

50 Ousel Falls Road, Big Sky

Music, movies and other special events make this multimedia hotspot, formerly known as The Independent, a center of Big Sky's social life. Reopened in early 2022 after two years of being shuttered, the theater is now four conjoined venues—screening blockbuster films, indie flicks and live performances, with a restaurant and bar serving craft beer and cocktails.

Click here to explore more destinations through the eyes of an in-the-know local.

Visit Capital One Travel, where eligible rewards cardholders can choose from thousands of flights, hotels, and rental cars.

Footnotes

  • 1 Capital One Travel bookings include services such as price freeze, change a flight after you book, price prediction, price watch, price drop protection, and price match guarantee. Additional fees may apply. The availability of these services varies by account and they may not be available on all bookings. Terms apply. See travel.capitalone.com/terms-of-service/ for details.
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