Billings Montana market update for July 2016
Don't Feed the Bears! Yellowstone...
If you've never been to Yellowstone...DO IT! At least put it on your bucket list, okay?
Yellowstone National Park sits on a 3,500 sq.-mile volcanic hot spot that covers parts of Wyoming, Idaho and...you guessed it- Montana. How cool is it that one of the largest and most beautiful parks in the world is practically in my back yard?
A quick 2 1/2 hour trip from Billings will get you to the place where people are traveling from all four corners of the earth to see. These photos don't even do justice to the sheer beauty you will experience as you walk on the windy wooden trails that take you past the crystal clear hot springs and gushing geysers. And of course, my family waited patiently to watch the very punctual Old Faithful makes its grand debut.
Yellowstone is also home to hundreds of animal species, so don't be shocked if you run into a herd of bison and possibly a grizzly bear or two (just don't look em' in the eye and you'll be fine). You'll also see breathtaking waterfalls roaring down the canyon walls of the of this incredible park. While you're there, make sure you stop at the rustic mountain restaurants to eat some good grub. Memories to last a lifetime!
Billings, Montana Real Estate: Relocation Tips
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions from people considering the move to Billings, MT.
Strawberry Festival - Live Music!
A talented local band set up shop on the sidewalks during this years Strawberry Festival. Gotta' love live music!
ZooMontana!
So this is a fun fact: Billings is the home of THE ONLY Zoo in Montana! The zoo consists of 70 acres of beautifully landscaped botanical gardens and natural parks that house wildlife native to Montana, the Rockies and other similar climate territories.
This year we visited the park during their 3rd annual Play Date at the Zoo (which is a free event for all!) and we had a BLAST. We love taking the kids for a stroll through the windy trails where they can see animals ranging from Clydesdale horses to Siberian tigers! Not only is the wildlife incredible- the gardens throughout the park are absolutely gorgeous.
After we've finished up with our animal sight-seeing, we always end our adventure with some playtime at the kids park, which makes a good night sleep for everyone ;)
Nicole Beeton - Realtor with Century 21 in Billings, Montana
Sharp Tooth!
I have had a slight obsession with dinosaurs since...well...as long as I can remember. I'm 31 years old and I still get a little giddy when I see a "long neck", so as soon as I heard that Jurassic Quest was coming to Billings I began texting my husband the info so we could get tickets- like asap.
Right when you walk through the entrance, huge ultra-realistic, life-size animatronic dinosaurs are there to greet you. Not only do you get to view these amazing dinosaurs in person, you get to ride them too! I'll admit, I didn't have the guts to get on one of them (in fear of embarrassing my children...or maybe just myself), but I definitely was able to experience the sheer joy and amazement through my kids.
After we saw the 50+ dinosaurs around the exhibit, it was off to the "Dino Bounce" area where small humans were found sliding down inflatable slides and running through mazes. My 2 year old was even able to drive a Jurassic Jeep while only slamming into the movable walls twentyish times- it was great. We ended the adventure with some reptile face paintings and a fossil dig that would make any paleontologist jealous. We will definitely be back next year!
The Strawberry Festival!
The Strawberry festival happens every year during the second Saturday of June and we are always looking forward to it!
Hundreds of locals flock to downtown Billings where traffic is put to a stop on Broadway and N 29th ST. The streets are filled with booths displaying beautiful Montana artwork, photography, clothing and a ton of handmade goodies. Local bands from the area will set up shop on the sidewalks and we get to listen, all while sipping on freshly squeezed strawberry lemonade. And hey, who doesn't love a big, juicy strawberry? (Like this guy, below!)
Tips for First Time Home Buyers
3 tips for all you first time home-buyers out there!
Did you know...
That deer, antelope and elk outnumber humans in Montana? My kids and I were going on our regular neighborhood walk the other day and found this gang lounging in the shade in our neighbors back yard- yeah...no big deal. LOVE the wildlife here, it seems like there is something new everyday. If you're into hunting, make sure you are only using a camera to shoot the neighborhood deer ;)