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How to get here and other logistics

Hello!! 

We are so excited for your visit to Thousand Hills Ranch! A few things to know before you come:

  • If we are in town when you visit:

    • We would love to see you as much as possible while you are at the ranch, however we will need to work some during the week! If we took off every time we have guests, we wouldn't work all summer which is just not possible...but sounds lovely! :)

    • Our typical schedule during the week is that we will be working 9a-2p, 2-3 times a week, so please use this time to go explore and have your own adventures! We would love to help you plan fun things to do or please take a look at some ideas on this page.

    • Breakfasts and Lunches will be YOYO (you're on your own!), and dinners can be anything you prefer, just let us know! Here are some options:

      • ​YOYO​

      • Split up the days and each family makes dinner for the whole crew

      • Team up and split up who makes the main course vs sides each night 

  • If we are not in town when you visit:

    • Please enjoy the ranch! 

    • Please be very fire aware if you come out during the summer. We have burn bans typically from July-October given how dry and hot it can be and everyone near us is very fire aware since the property surrounding us had a terrible fire in 2008.  ​

    • A quick word about safety-we ain’t in the burbs anymore so know there is wildlife in our area. Specifically we have rattlesnakes, bull snakes (non venomous), black bears, mountain lions, mule deer, white tail, elk. Generally if you are exploring the property beyond the creek bed near the cabins, you should bring bear spray at minimum. It’s beautiful up top but also have to be smart! We in the wilderness! 

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How to get here:

  • Both Billings and Bozeman airports are equal distance from the ranch (roughly 1 hour), so feel free to take your pick. We typically fly into Bozeman for the direct flight from Nashville and pick up groceries before coming to the ranch.  

  • There are no ubers or driver options from the airport to the ranch (that we are aware of) so renting a car is ideal. Also, out in Montana, everything is so spread out so be prepared for a lot of driving. Most places from the ranch are a minimum of 30 min-1+ away. 


 

Where to shop for Groceries:

  • Bozeman (1hr 15 min from ranch): If you are brand specific or have obscure ingredients you need, I would recommend you get your grocery shopping down in Bozeman. Both Town and Country and Smiths do order online and pick up curbside. Here’s the difference between the two. 

    • Town and Country Market: much like a Fresh Market, good selection, good cheeses, has wine and beer 

    • Smiths: the west version of Kroger. Definitely your best bet for broadest selection of items 

  • Big Timber (20-25 min from ranch) is the closest town and has a few great options:

    • Big Timber IGA- you’ve been warned, but this place is the closest legitimate grocery store. Selection is ok, but if you are really brand specific, I recommend you pick up in Bozeman or Billings (both have Costco, Target, bigger grocery stores)

    • Earth Wise: this store is like a miniature Whole Foods. It’s where I buy most of my meat, cheese, and some specialty snack items

    • Pioneer Meats: Great place to buy meat and especially game, if that’s something you are looking for

    • Family Dollar does have some options and is a good place for cleaning supplies, craft stuff, random things!!

 

Where to shop for alcohol:

  • Big Timber (20-25 min from ranch):

    • The Fort: the Fort is Joe’s favorite place because it’s a gas station, convenience store, liquor store, and hunting store  all in one. What’s not to love?! 

    • Circle T Brewing: there’s a great brewery in Big Timber that has craft beer you can buy 

    • IGA has beer and a few wine options 

 

Where to shop for gifts and souvenirs:

  • Big Timber (20-25 min from ranch):

    • Thistle Creek: love this cute store for great candles, home things, 

    • Gusts: our go to for any outdoor gear we may have forgotten(jackets,shoes,etc) and a few toys 

    • Cinnabar Creek and Crazy Mountain are fun too

 

Where to eat near the ranch: 

  • Greycliff (10 min from ranch)

    • The Greycliff Mill is so cute for coffee and pastries and have bi-weekly community dinner that you have to reserve a spot for.

  • Big Timber (20-25 min from ranch): Big Timber is not a place for fine dining, but good casual spots! 

    • The Big Timber Bakery- I would stand by the bakery’s sandwiches any day. They are amazing! Open for breakfast and lunch and it’s a must! 

    • Thirsty Turtle- good selection of food, more bar-like feel. 

    • Iron Star Pizza- I like this place when the weather is nice, great patio area out back for kids to run around, and good pizza! 

    • Earthwise is doing sandwiches which are great for build you own (a bit healthier than the bakery) 

    • *WANT TO go to Cafe 191 in melville, mt 

    • Crazy Peak Boutique has decent sandwiches too 

    • The Grand- best place for dinner in my opinion. Has a good bar and great food. Do not sleep on the caprese salad!  

  • Absarokee (45 min from ranch)

    • Rosebud Cafe (ate here and good basic breakfast!Lunch too)-*Note this is one of the only places open near us for Sunday breakfast. Most places in Big Timber and surrounding towns are shut down on Sundays.

    • Wild Flower Cafe-menu looks amazing! Still have not made it here. 

  • Bozeman (1 hour 20 min from ranch)

    • Jam! Such a good spot for breakfast and lunch. Great selection and kiddo friendly 

    • Wild Crumb- this bakery is so well known in Bozeman because it is that good! 

    • Blackbird-delicious!  10/10 pizza and pasta are delish and great atmosphere 

    • MAP brewing- easy brewery, semi kid-friendly (no highchairs), good food and sit outside if you can

    • Ghost town coffee-great little coffee shop!!

    • Farmer’s Daughter- cute and healthy food 

    • Revelry-have not been but people love!! 

    • Dave’s sushi-Joe swears this is the best sushi ever! 

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Wifi and cell service 

  • There is no cell service on the ranch near the cabins so you will need to get on the wifi to make calls (there is cell service up top on the property)

  • The wifi network is THR main cabin and password is shouldhavebeenacowboy

  • Something to also keep in mind is that many of the places we recommend you visit while out here (i.e. Yellowstone, Crazy Mountains, Derby Gulch National Forest Access) do not have cell service. It is very normal in the national parks and other public land access points to not have cell service-something to be aware of. 

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Bathroom situation 

  • We are on a VERY delicate septic system so there should be nothing but toilet paper flushed down the toilet. No wipes (even flushable wipes!), tampons, etc can go down the toilet. Trust us on this-after all toilets stopped working, making an emergency call to the only septic expert in town, and $2,000 later, we know understand how important this is! 

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Lots of driving​

  • I say this to every guest, but they really don't seem to grasp until they get here, but there is a LOT of driving. Everything is a minimum of 30 minutes away and most note worthy places around us are around 1 hour away. You get used to it, but absolutely something to keep in mind. Also because Montana can be a bit unpredictable about gas station availability, if you plan to go exploring, we recommend you don't let the gas tank get below 1/2 tank just to be on the safe side. 

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Thousand Hills Ranch 

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