10 Things I Love About Montana

So far, Montana has treated us really well. People are very nice and in a lot of ways, life here isn't much different. Sure, there are things I don't like about Montana (you can read my list HERE), but for so many reasons...I love it here. What do I love, exactly? Let me tell you.

1. Snow. One of the reasons we wanted to move out here was to have snowy winters, and that's what we got. Snow makes me happy. It makes me smile and feel like a kid again when we get out and play in it. Snow makes the town beautiful. It transforms boring streets and leafless trees into a winter wonderland. It's so beautiful and I love being where the snow is.
2. Skiing. With snow, comes snow sports and we've really fallen in love with skiing. It's the perfect combination of exhilarating fun and peaceful relaxation. When you're wanting something challenging you take the harder slopes, and feel accomplished when you make it down something new. But when you're gliding along an easy slope between an alley of snow covered evergreens and white mountain peaks in every direction...I can't help but feel relaxed and blessed to live in such a beautiful place. 
3. Mountains. The mountains here are spectacular. Helena has some big ones but if you drive a little ways away, they are enormous. Covered in snow and towering over towns, these mountains can quickly make you feel small. Everywhere you go, it looks like a postcard. Everything is so picturesque and takes my breath away. How lucky are we to live somewhere that I want to have my camera with me at all times, even on a quick trip the store. 
4. Wildlife. Everywhere you look, there is some type of animal. We think it's really cool to look into a field and see hundreds of elk, or mule deer or whitetails. Or maybe you'll see a herd of pronghorn antelope lying next to the interstate. Paul is impressed with the amount of water foul he's seen in ponds, in the air or in fields. I can see him silently planning his first Montana duck hunting trip in his head. The bighorn sheep are fun to see, and I'm hoping to see more moose. Fishing is suppose to be amazing here, and we can't wait to get our licenses so we can give it a try. We're kind of outdoorsy, so this environment suits us well.
5. Cowboys. It's not uncommon to see real cowboys around here. I don't mean boot wearing city folk who own one horse. I mean boots, hat, belt buckle and chaps wearing good ol' boys who literally herd their cows down the highway on a cattle drive. Farming and ranching is the way of life for many around here. They talk the talk and walk the walk. Rodeos are a big deal and the local high school even has a rodeo team. We can't wait to go to one this summer! It's definitely a difference in culture but it's really neat to see a completely different way of life. 
6. Humidity. Or maybe I should say lack of humidity. Montana's humidity on average is 20% less than Alabama's or Tennessee's. This means that the cold here doesn't feel as cold and the hot here won't feel as hot. We're really looking forward to the summer when, hopefully, we don't start sweating the minute we step outside. And, it's been nice this winter because sometimes, single digit weather doesn't even need a coat. 
7. No sales tax. That's right. None at all. I've never lived somewhere without sales tax so this was a little hard to get use to, but I'm not complaining. I'm still in the habit of rounding a $90 bill up to $100 which then makes me super happy when I only have to pay $90. Or, let's say something is a dollar...which it's really not back home...and all you have to do is hand over the single bill. No change! I love it. Now, we do have state income tax so I'm sure we're not actually saving any money but it still feels nice. Date nights are little cheaper, grocery bills are a little cheaper and if we ever buy a new car...it will be a lot cheaper! That 10% really adds up!
8. Speed limits. The speed limits are a little bit higher here, which hopefully means our chance of getting speeding tickets decreases. The interstate is 75 mph and the highways are 70 mph. The roads have been kind of icy so we rarely go that fast, but once summer gets here we'll be able to make good time on our way around the state. It feels a little strange to be going 70 on a 2 lane highway and not be breaking any rules but I suppose we'll get use to it. I've always been a little heavy on the gas pedal, so maybe this will save me a ticket.
9. No cops. Speaking of getting tickets, I'm not sure who would give us one since there are barely any cops here. We've literally only seen about 4 our entire time here, and they aren't even parked trying to give tickets. Just driving around. I'm not sure if they're just very lax or lazy but I appreciate that they aren't always on the hunt. One time, Paul ran a stop sign on accident with a cop sitting at the intersection! What's the chances, right? We nearly pulled over voluntarily, preparing ourselves for the blue lights but nope. He just kept driving. I'll take it. I like it even. 
10. Laid back lifestyles. People here are very chill. Jeans are a wardrobe staple and are acceptable at even the nicest restaurants. When we visited churches, I was the only woman not wearing jeans to the services and Paul was the only one in khakis. I haven't seen a woman in a dress but one time and it was a shocker. I'm assuming the cold weather has something to do with this, so I'm looking forward to seeing if these women switch it up come summer. Even their demeanor is different. You can tell that they don't live life by their watch or a busy calendar. They take things as they come, with a grain of salt and not a worry in the world. Taking advantage the outdoors, spending time with family and enjoying life is top priority. To me, they have the right idea. 

We really like a lot of things about Montana. It's beautiful and has tons of things for us to explore and discover. It's different though, and we sometimes miss some things about the south. The southern accents, the sweet tea and the Tennessee River. I guess no matter where you are and how much you love it, you'll always hold a special place in your heart for the place you called home for so long. 

Love and Happiness,

Bethany