We thought long and hard about which of our lodges and restaurants to feature in this issue, and while we don't want to play favorites, all of us here at ALA Headquarters are in agreement that the winner, on both fronts, is Montana’s very own Chico Hot Springs Resort.

 

Imagine coming home from a day of hiking to a soak in a natural hot spring-fed pool, a savory dinner and an hour of shuffleboard and live music at the Saloon, where actor, Dennis Quaid and his band are regulars. Now imagine topping it off with a restful night’s sleep in a heavenly log-hewn bed and waking up to a hot stone massage at the spa. Welcome to Paradise (Valley, that is), and to the Chico Resort.

Whether sleeping in the historic Warren Wing, the elegant Lower Lodge or the contemporary Fisherman’s Lodge, Chico’s comfortable, rustic-chic ambiance will make you feel at home the minute you step foot on the property.

Ask a Montana local and they’ll tell you that Chico’s Dining Room is hands down Paradise Valley’s best eating establishment.

Start your day off with one of the most lavish and scrumptious breakfast buffets imaginable. Dig into a fresh salad (plucked fresh from their on-site garden), a hearty homemade soup, a burger and an ice-cold beer at the poolside grille over a casual lunch. At night, feast on a plate of BBQ bison short-rib ravioli, a gorgonzola filet mignon, a side of the best macaroni and cheese you’ve ever tasted (a celebrity favorite, the servers tell us) and a slice of homemade cobbler, washed down with a glass of cabernet from one of the region’s finest wine lists.

There’s a reason celebs and locals flock to Chico to get their food fix – join us on one of our Montana/Yellowstone adventures and come see for yourself what all the fuss is about.

ALA Garmin GPS Giveaway!
Our Garmin GPS Giveaway ends this week! To get entered, simply become a fan on our Facebook on our Facebook Page

 

 

Travel + Leisure Award
In 2009, ALA was recognized as the #1 Tour Operator in the World by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine. To view the press release...click here >>

ALA Adventure Travel Blog
Where do trip ideas come from? How often does Dan travel? When is the best time to go to Costa Rica? Find out on our blog >>

In our next issue...
Go Green with Austin-Lehman: The Eco-Tourism Issue

Hike with homegrown guides to secluded backcountry vistas and watch as a spectrum of geologic zones unfold.

Hike, bike, raft and ride for six days in Yellowstone, America's first and most beloved National Park.

Experience Montana's gorgeous views as you venture into the Yellowstone backcountry on foot, bike, raft and horseback.

1. Mix pine nuts, bread crumbs, salt and parsley in a food processor and pulse until nuts are diced - set mixture aside.
   
2. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Dip one side of fillets in flour, buttermilk and pine nut crust.
   
3. Saute coated fillets with olive oil in a pan with crust-side down until nuts are golden brown.
   
4. Placed sauteed fish on a greased baking dish, crust-side up and bake for 8-10 minutes.
   
5. Present the halibut in a pool of Port Wine Butter Sauce, topped with fresh mango salsa.

* Serves 4