Missoula Valley, MT February 2026

We lucky few.

I remember sharing the news with coworkers in NYC, back in 2015: I was moving to Montana. "Montana? What's there to do in Montana?"

The response is funny to me now as a Rolodex of memories comes to mind. The real question is, "what isn't there to do in Montana?"

It's been almost 11 years since I moved here and the list of outdoor adventures I've had is a mile long, from horseback riding in remote areas—sleep ing with saddles slung on nearby tree branches while the steeds roamed free—to experiencing cold smoke on the mountain, and turquoise lake water with snow capped peaks in the distance. I've been dog sledding, cattle driving, ATV'ing, sapphire mining, and rodeoing. Home has offered real life picture windows, snowy Christmases, and grassy fields with horses swishing their tails at summer flies.

It's true. This place is the Last Best Place. Zeroing in on Missoula itself is a special treat because our businesses are so intentional, so customer focused. We want things to last, we want them to be meaningful. We want moments and people to linger a little longer, and I appreciate this common ground for our community. Missoula is a town where everything can exist at once, and as you'll read in this issue, it's a town where we aim to reimagine, explore, and love (deeply!). It's just such an honor to know this community in this intimate way.

Also in this issue is a story I wrote about a recent family trip to Field & Stream Lodge in Bozeman. I love when a getaway doesn't necessarily take you outside of Montana but gives you a whole new perspective or appreciation for this way of life. I'm a diehard print magazine fan so stepping into this relatively new space felt so magical. While the field trip is a fun one, I hope the main takeaway is to book a trip with the little ones in your life—nieces, nephews, grandbabies, or your own children. Traveling within our own state is a gift to be treasured as much as staying home here in Missoula.

Love you Missoula.

CHELSEA LYN AGRO, EDITOR

February 2026

PUBLISHER

Mike Tucker | MTucker@CityLifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Amanda Tucker | Amanda.Tucker@CityLifestyle.com

EDITOR

Chelsea Lyn Agro | Chelsea.Agro@CityLifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Rick Szczechowski | RrSzczechowski@Gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chelsea Lyn Agro, Marko Capoferri, Emma Trotter, Susie Wall

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsey Ragain

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick

inside the issue

Departments

The Potential of the Past

Becky Douglas and Gary Delp of Heritage Timber

yesteryear repurposed.

to

Family Field Trip (Montana Style)

Field & Stream Lodge Co. is an outdoor loyalist's delight.

The Heart Part of Running

The annual Heart Throb 5k unites our community in the name of love.

Becky Douglas and Gary Delp co-own Heritage Timber, a locally famous resource for reuse when it comes to lumber. Read about their story and learn about where you’ve seen their wood repurposed around Missoula on page 12.

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

business monthly

The Stables

The Stables is Missoula's newest fine fare restaurant, offering over 100 wine options, a full bar, craft beer, and delectable cuisine from chef Michael Kelly. On February 19th, The Stables invites you to enjoy an evening of smoke, spice, and Southern soul. It's a celebration of American whiskey in partnership with Bulleit Frontier Whiskey. Dinner begins at 6 p.m. Book now for any last minute spots at TheStablesMissoula.com

Scan to read more

Betty V Vintage

Have a fancy Valentine's dinner planned? Maybe it's your birthday month? Or special anniversary? Whatever the occasion may be, there's a one-of-a-kind outfit waiting for you at Betty V Vintage. Jewelry, clothes, shoes, accessories. Swing by the shop at 114 East Main Street to browse an impressive selection of vintage items.

Westside Lanes & Fun Center

It's February in Missoula. What better place to hole up on the coldest of days than inside with the sound of pins crashing? Westside Lanes & Fun Center is open every day with group rates and special events available. Visit their website to learn about pricing, joining a league, parties, and availability at MissoulaBowling.com

THE POTENTIAL

BECKY DOUGLAS AND GARY DELP OF HERITAGE TIMBER LOVE TO SEE YESTERYEAR REPURPOSED

PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK SZCZECHOWSKI

Rough sawn edges, nail holes, sun-weathered surfaces—reclaimed wood is a tactile reminder of where we’ve been, and, to an experienced eye, it’s also full of potential. What was once part of a timeworn barn or broken-down fence line finds new life through Heritage Timber, a local reclaimed wood company turning history into possibility.

At M-80 Chicken’s downtown restaurant, the counters, flooring, and walls all feature reclaimed wood sourced through Heritage Timber. One wall, made up of multicolored, skinny pieces of wood leaving open a jagged shape, particularly catches the eye.

“This is pretty rustic, but all you have to do is mill it or plane it or sand it and it can really change the color and the texture." - Becky Douglas, co-owner of Heritage Timber

“They were using really short lengths, which is thrilling,” said Becky Douglas, co-owner of Heritage Timber. “I love that they did that in such an artistic way.”

Becky emphasized the versatility of reclaimed wood.

“This is pretty rustic, but all you have to do is mill it or plane it or sand it and it can really change the color and the texture,” she said. “It doesn’t have to look like a barn.”

The price points can also be versatile. There are two basic types of wood Heritage Timber sells—used wood, which is cheaper than new wood, and antique wood, which is more expensive. The lumberyard in

Potomac, open to the public by appointment, showcases a wide selection of both.

“You will find very neatly stacked pieces of wood by dimension and length, and stacks are at least 10-12 feet tall,” Becky said.

Sometimes, a buyer will stop in, find what they are looking for, and be on their way.

“Other times, it’s a two year process,” Becky said. That’s particularly true when Heritage Timber is operating among a lot of different stakeholders, such as a building owner, a rental tenant, a builder, and an architect. “There is a lot of conversation that happens. That could mean 10 to 15 emails, multiple visits to

the yard. Every client is different in how we feel that out.”

Radius Gallery is an example of a project that involved multiple stakeholders. Look closely at the floor, and you can see the past.

“You have a very light look, but there’s depth,” Becky said. “The nail holes have a story and tell me where it was placed in the building. They chose the inside, so you can see the nail scarring.”

Heritage Timber’s inventory is almost entirely sourced from their deconstruction projects—some 500 buildings since it was founded in 1994, including the grandstands at the Missoula County Fairgrounds

“We so fell in love, not only with the beauty of the wood, but that it had another life. It’s wood but it was once trees, from here. I love that it’s from Missoula, it’s of this place.” - Caroline Byrd

and the Johnson Street shelter. The goal is always to honor history and preserve as much wood as possible for reuse, whether that’s for building construction, interior design, or a smaller project.

Ryan Hollingsworth of Missoula Bench Builders estimates that he gets at least 60% of the wood he uses in his business from Heritage Timber.

“I’ll be delivering a five-by-threefeet dining room table with a matching bench with a timber-framed base, all out reclaimed wood from Heritage Timber,” he said. “I source all my reclaimed wood from them for building furniture, from cabinetry and tables to beds and dressers.”

Ryan has history with the company, having worked for the founder, Gary Delp, for seven years before starting his own business. And Becky married Gary after meeting on the board of Home ReSource.

“I always say if more people were like Gary, the world would be a better place,” Ryan said.

Becky and Gary are, in fact, quite focused on making the world a better place.

“It takes a lot of effort to go from a tree to a home,” Becky said. “If we can help to eliminate a lot of those steps, we decrease the pressure on the forest, and we save up

to 90% of the embodied carbon for every piece that gets reused.”

Ideally, though, reusability would factor in long before Heritage Timber arrives for a deconstruction project.

“We build for today, but every building is going to get remodeled or removed at some point,” she said. “When the inevitable rebuilding happens those materials can get reused. That can be sophisticated and beautiful. It’s that simple.”

Caroline Byrd, a conservationist and Rattlesnake homeowner, recently went through one of those inevitable rebuildings. She remodeled her home, which now features a timber entry, back porch, counters, and windowsills all made with Heritage Timber’s reclaimed wood.

“We so fell in love, not only with the beauty of the wood, but that it had another life,” Caroline said. “It’s wood but it was once trees, from here. I love that it’s from Missoula, it’s of this place.”

“Remodels are great because it’s like reuse,” Becky said. “You’re reusing the home.”

Caroline added, of Heritage Timber and the reclaimed wood options it makes available to Missoula artists and dreamers: “It’s such a gift to all of us.”

LOVE POTION #9

ANNA BARNES

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY

A PINK COCKTAIL PERFECT FOR CELEBRATING VALENTINE’S DAY

WHO NEEDS FLOWERS AND CHOCOLATE WHEN YOU CAN HAVE FLOWERS AND COCKTAILS?

This Valentine's Day, whether you plan to treat a loved one, treat your girlfriends, or treat yourself, I can promise you'll want to serve up this perfectly pink cocktail; one I like to call Love Potion #9. It looks as fabulous as it tastes. You can't beat the bright, fresh grapefruit juice and the bubbles add a lively kiss on top. Each sip is dreamier than the next. Cheers, here's to love!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 1.5 oz rosé

• 5 oz fresh grapefruit juice

• 5 oz simple syrup

• 1 egg white

• 3 oz bubbles (champagne or sparkling wine)

THE HOW-TO:

1. Pour the rosé, simple syrup, egg white, and grapefruit juice into an ice-filled shaker.

2. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, until chilled.

3. Pour into a coupe glass using the strainer.

4. Top with champagne or sparkling wine.

5. Garnish with edible flowers and grapefruit peel.

6. Enjoy!

FIELD & STREAM LODGE CO. IS AN OUTDOOR LOYALIST'S DELIGHT

FAMILY FIELD TRIP (MONTANA STYLE)

ARTICLE & PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHELSEA

LYN AGRO

“TREASURED FOR ITS APPEAL TO AND INCLUSION OF HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN, OUTDOORSMEN OF ANY NATURE WILL BE BLUSH-CHEEKED BY THE WARM NOTES OF THE VINTAGE ATMOSPHERE.”

Aside from the obvious and applicable name of the magazine that launched in 1871—Field & Stream—fitting into the Montana cityscape, there’s an accessible and nostalgic nature to stepping foot in this firstever lodge of its kind. Located in Bozeman, just under three hours southeast of Missoula, Field & Stream Lodge Co. is a real-life depiction of what lies inside those coveted pages of this richly illustrated and storied magazine.

Treasured for its appeal to and inclusion of hunters and fishermen, outdoorsmen of any nature will be blush-cheeked by the warm notes of the vintage atmosphere—porcelain cross handles in the washrooms, cherry jam reds, shades of navy, and a peculiar green that makes one want to burst through the entry doors and skip off to have an outdoor adventure. The low lighting, high rafters, and collection of artwork and memorabilia adorning the walls make it feel like a tangible story—a new chapter written here in Montana, where, arguably, the ideal reader rest their bones.

“THE LOW LIGHTING, HIGH RAFTERS, AND COLLECTION OF ARTWORK AND MEMORABILIA ADORNING THE WALLS MAKE IT FEEL LIKE A TANGIBLE STORY—A NEW CHAPTER WRITTEN HERE IN MONTANA, WHERE, ARGUABLY, THE IDEAL READER REST THEIR BONES.”

Field & Stream magazine has had a longstanding albeit rocky timeline of survival, with its print magazine ceasing in 2015 and going digital-only in 2020. Their retail store closures by Dick’s Sporting Goods occurred over a cluster of years. In 2024, though, Morgan Wallen and Eric Church purchased Field & Stream magazine, igniting a rebirth of sorts, like fireweed sprouting up from charred terrain. The Lodge is a new joint venture between Starwood Capital Group and AJ Capital Partners. With the country largely seeking out Western apparel, way of life, and outdoor adventure as a means to escape the blistering effects of city life, the many indulgent (and necessary) luxuries of a simple life have buoyed this famed name for a second chance of sharing the magic that this life inspires.

As a millennial woman with a young family, Field & Stream Lodge Co. has certainly reeled me in as a new-age reader and fan. I’m a horsewoman married to a fly-fisherman, with two rambunctious boys who will surely bounce along tall riverbank grass

looking for the next honey hole and—surely—be too loud and splish-splashy in their attempt to hook something for a netted moment of glory. The glory, though, is in the story of being a river wader and trail forger. Just as the editorial content of the new bi-yearly magazine houses, the sentiment of being an outdoorsmen is hidden in the struggle, the fight, the hunt, etc. Readers are enamored by the close call or the should’ve been moments—the pursuit, the journey, and the fleeting adrenaline rush of really living. The more moments one gets like this, the more it becomes a portrait of a life.

Their doors first opened in May 2025, combining modern comforts with a 150-plus year legacy, and it’s clear that they didn’t go by anyone’s handbook or blueprints other than following their own intuition. This flagship property sits in a legendary landscape of rivers, mountains, trails, lakes—all beckoning the activities that each tend to lend depending on the season. Skiing at Bridger Bowl, fishing or rafting the Gallatin, Madison, and Yellowstone

rivers, hunting big game or birds in the several ranges in the surrounding area. The Lodge is a refuge when the adventure is over or waiting to begin. Rooms are cozy, wood grain forward, and on brand in a tasteful way that doesn’t take you out of the inspiring aesthetic.

On the main floor near the living room-like lobby, known as The Great Room, is Dry Fly Saloon—the ultimate all-day dining destination where anyone can belly up for a cold beer or a hot meal that feels like home. The bold design of a ceiling collage of magazine covers and the hidden river names found within the overhead table lights are subtle reminders that adventure is just a sleep or recharge away. With ample bar seating, a conversation isn’t hard to find. Meanwhile, my little family scrambles over a word search with a mug of crayons spilling onto the table. A steak with a thick ribbon of chimichurri is served to my husband and a flaky chicken pot pie is nested in a cast iron pan for me—a delight on a winter day!

The Honey Hole is right next door and a perfect after-hours pairing to dinner. Lighted games make for a kid-free indulgence and laid back, before-bed entertainment. Other notable amenities include the 1,300-square-foot indoor pool, an outdoor hot tub, and a 29,000 square-foot courtyard, lovingly referred to as The Backyard, where lights are strewn on tree limbs, lanterns illuminate the gravel paths that wind between fire pits made within old canoes—prompting any visitor to pursue adventure, even if imaginary while roasting a

“AS A MILLENNIAL WOMAN WITH A YOUNG FAMILY, FIELD & STREAM LODGE CO. HAS CERTAINLY REELED ME IN AS A NEW-AGE READER AND FAN.”

marshmallow from repurposed snowboard benches. For a child, the fenced space is a runway for roughhousing and firelight snacking.

Back in our adjoining rooms, a dark plaid carpet feels the footfall of our sleepy steps, and the sight of bunk beds revitalizes our adventurous spirits for one more round of lamp-lit reading before snuggling up in wool camp blankets. This 179-room oasis feels intimate and home-like—a familiar space even though we’re just passing through. Perhaps it’s because the feeling it evokes is a place I’ve been before—a base camp where all my needs are exceedingly met—and a place I hope to revisit time and time again.

ARTICLE BY MARKO CAPOFERRI

THE HEART Part of RUNNING

The annual Heart Throb 5k unites our community in the name of love

Running is a heart-intensive, and heart-healthy, activity. The positives are seemingly infinite, as well as profound.

A quick Google search will yield an endless stream of running’s cardiac benefits, including but not limited to: strengthening the heart muscle which improves blood and oxygen flow, and reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other related health issues. An article on the MedStar Health blog even states that “the heart becomes larger and more efficient than average as a natural response to intensive exercise”!

That’s the physiology, the hard science behind running and the human heart.

Now, there’s the other meaning of “heart,” the widespread cultural and metaphysical one that we associate with love and deep feeling.

It is this meaning that gave Run Wild Missoula the inspiration for the Heart Throb 5k, an annual running event that celebrates love in all its forms and gathers community around this celebration. And it is, by all accounts, a fun and enlivening occasion.

“The club used to do a few different types of February runs,” says Trisha Drobeck, Run Wild Missoula’s Executive Director. “Pre-Covid, it was Heart Throb, more geared towards a movie star theme, like good looking heart throbs, that kind of thing. There were pictures of the heart throbs as you moved along” the route.

“After Covid, when I came on board, we tried to make it just a little bit more meaningful,” she continues. “We partnered with the Western Montana Community Center [informally known as “The Center”].”

“Love and connection are at the heart of The Center’s work, which is why the Heart Throb 5K aligns so naturally with our mission,” says Miles Shuck, co-chair of the board at The Center, Run Wild Missoula board member, and this year’s volunteer director for the Heart Throb 5K. “The event brings people together in a spirit of joy, celebration, and community.”

“The benefits of this partnership extend well beyond the funds raised,” Miles continues. “Trisha is an extraordinary ally, and Run Wild Missoula has a strong, demonstrated commitment to intentional inclusivity. This partnership introduces The Center to people who may not have otherwise known about our work, and reinforces shared values, raises awareness of available resources, and helps foster a more welcoming Missoula.”

“It’s the combining of two very vibrant communities in Missoula,” Trisha says. “We have one of the most amazing running communities. We have 2,500 members in our running club, which is one of the biggest in the Northwest. And then we have a very strong community here that’s very vibrant, very dynamic.”

- Miles Shuck

The spirit of inclusiveness extends all the way to how the event operates, because it is more of a “running event” than a “race,” after all. It’s intended to be a community gathering and not a test of physical strength.

“It’s noncompetitive,” Trisha says. “There’s no winners. We do give awards for best costume, best group costume, best dressed, but there’s no 1st, 2nd, 3rd place. We keep the entry costs super low, and it’s free for kids. We just want people to get out moving and having fun.”

Running brings people together, people who might otherwise have very little in common but find commonality in movement. It’s safe to say that running, and the community around it, really does enlarge the heart.

“I have seen so many friendships develop throughout my years of running,” Trisha says. “I would argue that your running best friend—your running BFF—those are probably the most important connections that have been made in the club.”

“I have definitely experienced the power of connection through running,” says Miles, continuing this thread. “When I was training for the Missoula Half Marathon in 2023, my friend Sara, an avid runner, offered to be my training partner. Sharing this big thing with her and having her share her wisdom with me, guiding me through distances I had never attempted, added a beautiful new dimension to our friendship.”

It’s no surprise. Name an activity and chances are there’s a community that has formed around it, and within that community, deep bonds have been forged. Sometimes, the deepest bonds.

“I would say that our club has a strong history of love connections,” Trisha says. “I have seen folks who have met each other in training classes. I’ve seen many proposals at the finish line of the Missoula Marathon. In fact, our former Missoula Marathon director officiated one of those weddings.”

“It spans the breadth of time,” she says. “That just happens, no matter what you’re doing, whether it’s running or something else. That’s probably part of the success of our club, is that it truly is a place to make social connections, friendship connections, a love connection, if you’re so lucky!”

"I’ve seen many proposals at the finish line of the Missoula Marathon. In fact, our former Missoula Marathon director officiated one of those weddings.” - Trisha Drobeck

Helping Patients Live Healthier Lives

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406.542.1600 | missoulaendo.com

705 S. Reserve St. · Missoula, MT

FEBRUARY 2026

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2ND

Illustrating Montana's Plants & Wildlife

Lifelong Learning Center | 6:00 PM

Ever get the hankering for some greenery in February? Us, too! In this Lifelong Learning class, illustrate native plants and animals using observational drawing and a variety of materials. Build your work through pencil, pen, and color. All supplies are included and all levels are welcome. Class fee is $67 and meets on Mondays for three sessions. Learn more at MissoulaClasses.com.

FEBRUARY 5TH

Mountains Dancing Country Swing & Line Dancing Lessons

Montana Moonlight Studios | 6:00 PM

It's time to get moving! Let's shake up our sleepy limbs from a long winter and get that blood flowing. Between 6 and 7 p.m., enjoy line dance lessons where you'll learn two to three novice-intermediate line dances. Between 7 and 8 p.m., learn modern country swing! This hour focuses on technique, timing, and connection. $10 each of $15 for both. No partner needed.

FEBRUARY 6TH

Leaf

& Quiet's Jazz Off the Rails

Leaf & Quiet | 7:00 PM

Cozy up on the coldest days of February inside Leaf & Quiet's lush plant-filled space for a night filled with live jazz, crackling fireplace glow, and a sense of community.

FEBRUARY 9TH

NFL Bingo at Tamarack

Tamarack Brewing Company | 5:00 PM

Haven't had enough football? Dust off your Superbowl enthusiasm for one more NFL round of fun at Tamarack.

FEBRUARY 12TH

Ski & Snowboard Tuning Basics

Lifelong Learning Center | 5:30 PM

February means being on the mountain as much as possible before we say a gentle hello to spring. Get the most out of your skis or snowboard for the rest of the season by learning how to properly tune edges and perform basic base repairs, hot waxing, and binding adjustments. Bring your board/skis and your boots if binding adjustments are needed. Class fee is $69.

FEBRUARY 14TH

Heart Throb 5k

Target Range School Gym | 10:00 AM

Lace up and run! The annual Heart Throb 5k is here and ready to see your best outfits and biggest display of community! Begins at 10 a.m.

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