Distinctly Montana Magazine

d i s t i n c t ly m o n ta n a • fa l l 2 0 1 4 42 D isclaimer: I will probably get in trouble for writing this story. Like disclosing a treasured hunt- ing or fishing spot, letting people in on the secret of an amazing place to live can be a cardinal sin. Some people don't want more city folks moving to Bozeman, an intrusion they feel threatens the quaintness of this Southwest Montana mountain town. Others are enjoying the progress that growth has afforded this small city, with new develop- ments and downtown hotels in the works as I write this. But as a former city dweller (New York City), if I hadn't stumbled upon this gem and decided to plant my roots here, I can't imagine how my life would be anywhere else. In Bozeman I found a true balance that for me was the perfect fit: the juxtaposition between the great outdoors and a great little city. The balance lies in the proximity to outdoor recreation, with trails and ski hills within a short drive, and the vibrantly hip, yet not too hip, downtown and cultural opportunities that are tied to a university town. These perks are not lost on those who have devoted much time to make this juxtaposition accessible, such as the folks from the Gallatin Valley Land Trust who have worked closely with the city to create the "Main Street to the Mountains" trail network. Just like it sounds, it's a work in constant progress that connects trails from the Bozeman Public Library (a state-of-the- art library that's just another recent and amazing addition to Bozeman culture) on Main Street to a number of trails that lead to the foothills both north and south. Bozeman intersects at the corner of out- door recreation and culture—the combina- tion of the two have made this a dreamy place for someone like me and the number of other outdoorsy folks who call it home. Within this realm, I'm often struck by some of the common itineraries that encapsulate both and can be easily accomplished within a single day. by CorINNE garCIa COnTinUED

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