Missoula Author: ‘100 Things to Do in Montana Before you Die’

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - Missoula-based author Susie Wall has just released a new book entitled ‘100 Things to do in Montana Before You Die’, with a bucket strategically placed on the cover, representing your own ‘bucket list’.

I spoke with Wall on Tuesday, who admitted feeling a little limited by choosing only the top 100 things to do in Montana before you die.

Missoula Author Writes '100 Things to Do in Montana Before You Die'

“It was really difficult actually, for me to narrow it down to 100 things,” began Wall. “In the end, it just kind of came down to the time that I had to travel to everything, and if I hadn't been there before, and logistics. I tried to do a smattering of things all across the state and not focus on just the larger towns or the mountains. In the end, I hope I got a pretty good list but I could easily have written 200 to 300 Things to Do in Montana; there are just so many spectacular destinations and restaurants and art galleries here in the state.”

Speaking as one who never goes anywhere or does anything but work, it was fun to live vicariously through Wall as she described just some of the places people really should visit before they die.

Wall said She and her Husband Love to Take Road Trips Around the State

“I’ve lived here for almost 17 years and my husband and I just love to take road trips around the state, “ she said. “I was able, much to my delight, to discover quite a few things that I had never even heard of; like the Bair Family Museum, which is a stunning home site and art gallery way out in Martinsdale. And of course, I tried to fill it with things that locals know and love, like watching the mermaids swim and at the Sip and Dip Lounge (in Great Falls).”

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Wall said the mining city of Butte also has some fun spots to visit.

“I also discovered the Front Street Market in Butte, which is this incredible Italian grocery store that I didn't know was there,” she said. “A friend of mine suggested that I look into it for the book and I'm so glad I did. It's full of pastas and wines and Italian candies, just a delightful place to go and spend some money.”

Wall Focuses on the Small Montana Towns with Unique Attractions

Instead of focusing on the obvious tourist destinations like Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks, Wall said there are many small local markets and businesses that make Montana a unique place to visit.

“I'd also really encourage people to seek out the ‘mom and pop’ businesses here,” she said. “We have so many delightful small towns that are full of really hardworking people that run restaurants and art galleries and just really support their own communities, and I think it's really important to seek those out because you're not going to find them anywhere else for sure.”

Wall will be at the Missoula Public Library Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to meet the public and talk about her new book ‘100 Things to do in Montana Before You Die’.