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 83 POLEBRIDGE MERCANTILE AND BAKERY POLEBRIDGE Getting to the Polebridge Mercantile involves an epic drive either up the North Fork road out of Columbia Falls (around 35 miles) or the Camas Road out of West Glacier (27 miles, graveled the last six miles). Either way, you're in for jaw-dropping scenery compliments of Glacier National Park, Flathead National Forest, and the North Fork of the Flat- head River. It's worth the drive to Polebridge to pick up baked goods that the Merc has become famous for. We're talking huckleberry bear claws, sticky buns, cinnamon rolls, cookies, croissants, fresh-baked bread, pizza and pocket sandwiches. e Mercantile is also a source for groceries, firewood, automotive sup- plies, books, Polebridge-branded gifts (t-shirts, mugs, and hats), huckleberry products, beer and wine. e Mercantile was built by Wil- liam L. "Bill" Adair and his wife Emma in 1914 and was originally named Adair's. e name would be changed to Polebridge a few years later. ere have been a few owners over the years, including Dan and Deb Kaufman, who brought their baking talents to Po- lebridge. e recipes they crafted are still used today. e current owners, now in their 6th season, are focused on taking care of the good folks who make their way to this frontier outpost. eir goals include creating a family-friendly environment, farm-to-table fare with the addition of a greenhouse, and renewable energy with the installation of solar panels. Polebridge is a good choice for solace seekers, as it's off the grid, without cell service and Wi-Fi. While the road to Polebridge remains open year round, the Merc closes for a few months in winter. BLACKFOOT COMMERCIAL COMPANY OVANDO Fred and Leigh Ann Valiton are relatively new own- ers of the Blackfoot Commerical Company, having purchased this general store two years ago. Established in 1887, the building that houses this community anchor in Ovando has also been a saloon, a hotel, and a gas station. Fred had retired as an over- the-road trucker. He smiles as he says "Leigh Ann didn't want me just sitting around after I retired." Leigh Ann is in her 25th year teaching at the Ovando School (grades K-8th). e Valitons are passionate about supporting Montana businesses. Among the products are Two Creek Ranch beef from Ovando, Hi-Country Jerky from Lincoln, and huckleberry jams from Huckleberry Haven in Kalispell. Food staples, fresh fruit, over-the-counter pharmacy meds, baking supplies, frozen foods, along with household items keep both locals and visi- tors stocked up. An espresso bar, Wilcoxson's Ice Cream, homemade soups on Mondays served with a roll for $5 are all part of the scene, as is the only gas pump in town. A portion of the store has been set aside to showcase the works of local artists— jewelry, ceramics, photo cards, etc. Ovando is fortunate to be part of the Tour Divide Cycling Route that starts in Banff and ends in New Mexico, so their summer busi- ness sees plenty of bikers. Between the store (open seven days a week) and the attached Ovando Hotel with six rooms, it's a sure thing Fred isn't sitting around, nor is Leigh Ann when she isn't teaching. 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 • POLEBRIDGE OVANDO Take a tour around the Polebridge Mercantile www.distinctlymontana.com/store192 DISTINCTLY MONTANA | DIGITAL

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