Episode 101: Welcome to the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch

Innovator, entrepreneur, crafter, knitter, maker.  All those words and more describe Farmer's Daughters Fibers founder and owner Candice English.  Rebecca and Shannon hear how Candice went from full-time teacher to full-time business owner, what makes her work special, and why, even if you aren't into knitting, you'll want to stop in her shop when you're in Great Falls.

Learn more about Farmer's Daughters Fibers: https://thefarmersdaughterfibers.com

Big Sky Country Retreats: https://thefarmersdaughterfibers.com/pages/bigksyretreat

Sisters United: https://sistersunitedmt.org

Rebecca and Shannon are chatting with Peter and Rod from the Great Falls Astronomy Club!  Hear about the stargazing in and around Great Falls, what gear works best, what you'll see in the sky, and more.

Check out Great Falls Astronomy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1343945016381571

Great Falls becomes the Western Art Capital of the World for one week every March!  This year Western Art Week is March 13th-17th.  Started in 1969, Western Art Week features hundreds of artists from different backgrounds and styles.  This year 15 shows will feature work across Great Falls.  You can find a full list of shows and events here: https://visitgreatfallsmontana.org/western-art-week/

Jenn Rowell is the inventor of an independent online newspaper in Great Falls called The Electric.  Aside from being a news leader, Jenn is also the founder and creator of Great Falls' restaurant week, known as Feasting in the Falls.  On this episode, Rebecca and Shannon learn how to eat their way through Great Falls, plus more about Jenn!

Feasting in the Falls: March 1-9, 2024!

Feasting in the Falls: https://www.facebook.com/events/1089980172039798

The Electric: https://theelectricgf.com

Rebecca and Shannon are chatting about hiking, camping, and recreating in the Little Belt Mountains and Highwood Mountains with Bob Gliko, Recreation Management Specialist for the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. 

Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/hlcnf

Camping & cabin rentals in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest: https://www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hlcnf/recreation/camping-cabins

Friends of the Little Belts: https://www.friendsoflittlebelts.com

Rebecca and Shannon are talking with The History Museum executive director Kristi Scott about the fascinating history of The Ozark Club.  This entertainment hub on the south side of Great Falls drew a variety of well-known entertainers and became a place where all were welcome. 

"For nearly three decades, the Ozark Club helped to break down racial barriers and provided an exhilarating form of music that could lift the human spirit and put a joyful smile on the listeners’ face," said historian Ken Robison

Learn more about The Ozark Club: https://www.greatfallshistorymuseum.org/ozarkexhibit

Freezeout Lake, just 41 miles outside of Great Falls, becomes a hot spot for birders and wildlife watchers twice a year.  Migratory birds make this 12,000-acre Wildlife Management Area a stop along their journey each spring and fall.  Fish, Wildlife and Parks (Montana Chapter of the Wildlife Society) Biologist of the Year 2023 Brent Lonner joins Rebecca and Shannon to talk all things birds! 

Wild Wings: https://www.facebook.com/wildwingschoteau/

Freezeout Lake Story Map:  https://mtfwp.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=24465f5b7a17488da29b447fa2811107

The River's Edge Trail spans 53 miles, in and out of town, comprised of pavements, gravel, and dirt trails.  This crown jewel of Great Falls took a lot of dreams, sweat, hard work, and dedication to bring to fruition.  Rebecca and Shannon talk with the founders of the trail about its serendipitous start. 

River's Edge Trail: https://thetrail.org

Kaufman's Menswear Centre has been a staple in Downtown Great Falls for 130 years!  Rebecca and Shannon talk with owner Brian Kaufman about his great-grandfather, the start of the store, artifacts found in the basement of the building, and so much more. This episode provides such great insight into the development and history of downtown and the Great Falls community.

Kaufman's: https://www.kaufmansmenswear.com

Pro basketball player and Great Falls native Josh Huestis chats with Rebecca and Shannon about growing up in Great Falls, his time in the NBA, how he's giving back to Montana, and much more! He also shares what he called "the single most insane moment of my life." 

Learn more about Josh's work: https://www.joshhuestisfoundation.com