Six Harvest-Inspired Activities for Your Montana Meeting

When you visit Montana, you’ll likely hear someone mention the word harvest, whether it’s in passing or a deep conversation with someone in agriculture. Harvest runs from July-October and is the time of year when farmers gather or put up their crops. As we’re in the business of helping with meetings and events in Kalispell, harvest season inspires us to think about how your meeting and its attendees can harvest – and make the most of – their time in Montana.

Here are six harvest-inspired ideas for your next meeting.

Take a cooking class. Located here in Kalispell, Waters Edge Winery & Bistro perfectly pairs wines from around the world with amazing tapas. And while they offer a relaxing setting for sipping wine and whetting your palate, Angela – the owner – also offers hands-on cooking classes, food and wine pairings and more. The tasting room can host groups of up to 80 people, with customizable activities for smaller groups.
Wine and dine. Over the last few years, Kalispell’s culinary scene has grown by leaps and bounds. Today you’ll find restaurants and chefs who take great pride in delivering top dining experiences, while also incorporating as many local products as possible. Bite into a KM wagyu burger – with wagyu from Western Montana Farms – at Mercantile Steak. At Waters Edge Winery & Bistro, savor a sandwich made on bread from Ceres Bakery. Enjoy bao buns – topped with cucumbers, sesame seeds and cilantro from Hope Harvest Farms – at Freestone Restaurant. Be sure to taste made-right-here craft beverages at Bias Brewing, Sunrift Beer Company and MontaVino Winery.
Attend an autumn festival. Kalispell plays host to several fall events. A few to put on your radar for your next meeting: Festival of Flavors at the Wachholz College Center (September 14), the Kalispell Farmers Market (Saturdays from May-October) and Picnic in the Park at Depot Park (days vary).
Visit a local flower farm. Montana’s Flathead Valley is one of the richest agricultural places in the state and we’re fortunate to have so many farms, from flowers to vegetables and lavender. Tours are available at most farms, with u-pick opportunities as well. Local farms with hands-on offerings include Two Kays Flower Farms, Purple Mountain Lavender, Longview Lavender Farm and Plant Land.
Scenic hikes. With our location in northwest Montana, it’s no exaggeration to say there are hiking trails in every direction. Many of the trails offer incredible views of surrounding terrain, including the trail system at Lone Pine State Park high above the valley floor. Additional trails include Foy’s to Blacktail Trails, Columbia Mountain Trail and Trail of the Cedars in Glacier National Park.
Explore downtown Kalispell. Our delightful downtown is a great place for meeting attendees to connect with Kalispell, while learning about its past and present. Hop on the Montana Trolley and tour downtown’s three museums, followed by a private dine around. Create a custom scavenger hunt and send your group out to explore local places, with ideas that include finding purple boots at Western Outdoors, a fall-inspired oil from Sage & Cedar and a mini pumpkin pie at Ceres Bakery.