Distinctly Montana Magazine

T Historic T THE GRAND UNION HOTEL IN FORT BENTON Overlooking the mighty Missouri River where steam- boats brought immigrants, miners, and cowboys to the Montana territory, the Grand Union is Montana's oldest operating hotel. Built in 1882, complete with sterling silver flatware, monogrammed linens, and gold leaf wallpaper, the hotel has endured a precarious beginning, foreclosure and abandonment. But the hotel's fortunes changed when car trouble in 1997 stranded owners, Jim and Cheryl Gagnon, on their way to visit family in Chester, Montana. Peering into the windows of the then-empty Grand Union with her com- mercial designer's eye, Cheryl could see possibility. The Gagnons took the structure down to its studs. Sadly, most interior furnishings had been sold at auction. So they set about to meet the contemporary traveler's needs in a setting that pays homage to the past. Wherever possible, original oak woodwork was retained and the hotel's signature staircase and railing kept intact. On the National Register of Historic Places, the Grand Union has 26 rooms. Both the hotel and the Union Grille restaurant have a coveted AAA three-star rating. Mon- tana's famed artist, Charles M. Russell, was a frequent visitor in his day. The Union Grille's chef, who trained at the New England Culinary Institute, prides himself on a menu of seasonal local foods that features buffalo, pheasant, veni- son, wheat, barley, and lentils. The hotel caters to river floaters, hunters, Lewis and Clark buffs and Canadi- ans headed south. "Our challenge is to bring folks to Fort Benton," said manager, Kernan Myers. The Grand Union, open year round, is located at 1 Grand Union Square and can be reached at 406-622-1882, 1-888-838-1882 or www.grandunionhotel.com. ucked away from the bustle of interstate exchanges, four historic inns have survived the ups and downs of Montana's notorious economy. Together, they're a blend of the old and new, of natives and newcomers, and examples of the ingenuity that make Montana so appealing. THE OLD HOTEL IN TWIN BRIDGES Cowboy Sushi is one of the signature entrees at The Old Hotel's restaurant in Twin Bridges, created by owners and chefs, Bill and Paula Kinoshita. Wanting to relocate to Montana from Hawaii in the early 2000s, the couple put ads in southwest Montana newspapers seeking work. The former owner of The Old Hotel was one who responded. When she wanted to retire, the threesome struck a deal. The result is Montana hospitality with a Hawaiian twist. The Old Hotel, a modest, utilitarian, red brick structure, might be older than the Grand Union. The Kinoshitas have documents back to 1879, but they aren't sure if it was built as a home, hotel, or boarding house. If not Montana's oldest, it might be the smallest hotel. There are only two second floor suites available. The kitchen and restaurant dominate the first. The Kinoshitas live on the third. Twin Bridges, population 500, and visiting sports- men have embraced the adventurous menu that changes weekly and features fresh food whenever possible. A small garden plot produces greens three seasons of the year. The Kinoshitas, ever the culinary explorers, serve Asian, Medi- terranean, and French food, alongside one menu item that never changes: the standard Montana rib eye steak. The Old Hotel, located on the corner of 5th and Main, has summer and winter hours for dinner and weekend brunch. Room availability is best off-season. For reservations, call 406-526-3266 or visit www.theoldhotel.com. 46 DISTINCTLY MONTANA • WINTER 2011

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