Distinctly Montana Magazine

W W W. D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA NA . C O M 123 DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE PLACE THAT'S WORTH THE TRIP? SEND YOUR IDEAS TO INFO@DISTINCTLYMONTANA.COM WORTH THE T R I P ! GET TO KNOW A COUNTY PHILIPSBURG GRANITE COUNTY GRANITE COUNTY encompasses 1,733 miles and has a popula- tion around 3,000. It's well worth taking the Pintler scenic route from Anaconda, the town that Marcus Daly built. Fifteen miles west is Georgetown Lake, hub of superb recre- ation all year long. The county seat is Philipsburg, which is located on Hwy 1, between Anaconda and Drummond, a scenic shortcut between Butte and Missoula. Mining once provided most of the jobs in this tiny county but after mines closed, the people turned to agriculture. A lone miner first discovered a vein of silver ore at Philipsburg in 1864 but only bragged about it, inspiring more ambitious miners to stake claims. In 1866, the Hope Mine, Montana's first silver mine was established and attracted a spur of the Northern Pacific RR. In 1885, the Bimetallic Mining Company became the largest silver mine. Four miles south was Granite, know as the "Silver Queen"; $30 million of silver was mined there in 1880s until the bottom fell out in the 1890s. Within hours of the mine's closing, 3,000 miners and their families reportedly descended on the banks, withdrew their money, and left town. Granite is now a ghost town. Philipsburg, known as the prettiest town in Montana, was once the center of silver mining; now it dwells in the heart of sapphires. You can buy Yogos in shops along Main St. The Sweet Palace is a famous candy store. And its brew pub, Philipsburg Brewing Company, attracts a crowd nightly. Stay at the Quigley Cottage for the best breakfast of your life. (look in archive for Philipsburg & Pintler pix) WHITEFISH The Garden Wall Inn combines luxury and outstanding breakfasts in all seasons. Rooms are individually deco- rated. Wake-up coffee brought to your room. Afternoon beverages and hors d'oeuvres in front of the fireplace. One of the 10 best value inns in the country, near the center of town. The colorful Philipsburg Main Street LIBBY Libby has a great new addition in AUNT T'S CRAFT & COFFEE CORNER, a family-run meeting place. Located at 417 Mineral Ave. Comfort- able, delicious menu with low prices. e Web site also directs you to nearby recreation and entertainment. www.aunttscraftandcoffee.com. Phone: (406) 285-1117. PAM W. BARBOUR PAM W. BARBOUR

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