What to do

Montana’s wide-open spaces make it ideal terrain for hiking, horseback riding, and biking. Here’s what we like to do in Big Sky Country:

Camping: Montana houses two spectacular national parks, Glacier and Yellowstone (of Old Faithful fame). Just stopping through? Try Glacier’s Going-to-the-Sun Road, a 50-mile drive through some of the park’s best scenery.

Fly fishing: Montana is home to the world’s best fly fishing, in a network of sparkling rivers and creeks. Hire a guide to loan you some gear and to show you where the locals cast. (For a refresher, skip the movie and read Missoula native Norman Maclean’s “A River Runs Through It”)

Ghost hunting: During a mining boom in the late 19th century, a number of small towns and mining camps were created in the western part of the state. While long since abandoned, many of these ghost towns have been preserved and are open for tours.

What to eat

Montana may not seem like a culinary destination, but that’s changing quickly.

A bounty of local produce and traditionally-raised organic beef, lamb, and elk, are attracting top culinary talent.

And beer lovers can sample suds from over 20 microbreweries. Saddle up at a local bar and order a Kettle House Cold Smoke Scotch Ale or local favorite Moose Drool.

For a treat, stop by Philipsburg’s Sweet Palace, the second-largest candy store in the country. Try the Flips: handmade marshmallows dipped in chocolate and covered with toasted coconut.

Where to stay

The Ranch at Rock Creek (theranchatrockcreek.com) offers the best of Montana recreation by day and fine dining by night.

Situated on 10 square miles of pristine wilderness just north of the Pintler Mountains, the Ranch offers fly-fishing, horseback-riding, hiking, sport shooting, and archery, as well as a full-service spa.

New to ranch life, Billy Crystal? No problem. The ranch provides all necessary equipment, from footwear to fly reels.