MONTANA
Early fall is the sweet spot in southwestern Montana's social calendar-the summer onslaught is over but the snowbirds have yet to arrive. And the weather usually holds on long enough for all the outdoor activities that the region (as well as nearby Yellowstone) is famous for. The aspen groves along Bozeman's world-class mountain bike single tracks are turning golden. The cutthroat trout on the Madison River seem to fight especially hard on the hook, and the elk are coming down from the mountaintops in Yellowstone. After a few hard days of enjoying the great outdoors, raise a mug on the 23rd with the good people of Gardiner, Montana, at the annual Brewfest. Those hardy folks are celebrating the end of the parade of RVs clogging the north entrance to the park. Then soothe your muscles at Chico Hot Springs Resort, a discreet retreat with organic gardens and cabins overlooking Paradise Valley—and thank your good graces for perfect timing.

Chico Hot Springs Resort
Tel: 406 333 4933
Cabins, $169

Brewfest
Gardiner Chamber of Commerce
Tel: 406 848 7971