Distinctly Montana Magazine

w w w . d i s t i n c t l y m o n t a n a . c o m 81 ALLEN'S MANIX TRADING POST AUGUSTA "If we don't have it, you don't need it" is the motto at Allen's Manix Trading Post in Augusta. Owned by Susie and Steve Ford, it's packed floor to ceiling with groceries, household goods, clothing, hunting and fishing supplies (including licenses), and Montana made gifts. It's also a state liquor store. Allen's has gained a reputation for having killer maple bars, featuring Steve's homemade frosting. A variety of pastries, muffins, and sandwiches on freshly made buns are tasty excuses to stop in. e Trading Post opened its doors in 1902. It has been in the Al- len family for 45 years. Prior to Susie taking the helm, her father and grandfather owned the store. Susie joined the family business in 1976 when she was 20 years old, so her passion for the place runs deep. "is store and I are friends. I feel its spirit. I know every inch of it, every creak, and every sound it makes." With a backdrop of the Rocky Mountain Front, the Trading Post sees a steady stream of folks headed into the mountains to recreate, along with the road-trippers bound for Glacier Park. CANYON CREEK COUNTRY STORE CANYON CREEK Step inside the Canyon Creek Country Store, located on Hwy 279 mid-way between Helena and Lincoln, and you'll be amazed at all that's going on. e cozy interior houses the oldest continually operating post office in Montana dating back to 1887. In addition to a small selection of groceries, there is a corner set aside for coffee, a variety of snacks, and Heat-to-Go sandwiches. During the summer, a 1950s style ice cream soda fountain with swivel stools is in full swing, serving up cones, floats, and sundaes, made with Montana's own Wilcoxson's ice cream. Popular with kids are the dime candy selections. An oak antique table serves as an invitation for customers to sit and chat. Dominating the scene from floor to ceiling and spilling over into side rooms are antiques and collectibles for sale. Antiques are the passion of Myrna Crawford who has owned the store for 16 years. "I'm a junk junkie," she says with a chuckle. One of her customers a few years back was Ron Crawford, who took a shine to the easy-going Myrna. ey tied the knot seven years ago and now share in the business of operating not only the store, but also the campground and trailer park that are part of the complex. Ron refurbishes old stuff and makes it new again. e country life suits them well. F I N D Y OU R A D V E N TU R E F I N D Y OU R A D V E N TU R E • SP I R I T A N D I N S P I R A T I O N • • SP I R I T A N D I N S P I R A T I O N • CANYON CREEK AUGUSTA

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