In western Montana, Missoula County is where the mountains meet the minds. It’s home to the University of Montana, which gives the area a lively, hip vibe. Missoula serves as the county seat and is often called the “Garden City.” You’ll see why once spring arrives.

The Clark Fork River runs right through downtown, and on hot days, you might spot locals surfing the man-made wave. Hike in the Rattlesnake Wilderness, ski at Snowbowl, or fish in one of the many blue-ribbon trout streams. For a small city, the food scene here is surprisingly good.

Locals are a mix of old-school Montanans and new-age hippies, somehow living together in perfect harmony. Don’t miss the weekly farmers market, which is as much a social gathering as it is a place to buy fresh vegetables. And keep an eye out for the occasional bear wandering into town. It happens more often than you’d think.