36 hours in Whitefish, Montana

Outdoor Thrills and Culinary Delights Converge in This Charming Mountain Town

BY HANA-LEE SEDGWICK

Tucked away in the Northern Rocky Mountains, Whitefish, Montana has evolved in the last decade from a hidden gem into a sought-after destination, attracting outdoor enthusiasts from near and far. Each winter, Whitefish — recognized as one of America’s top ski towns — transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering world-class skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and dog sledding. Once summer hits, Whitefish shifts into a playground for nature lovers, with miles of pristine trails for hiking and mountain biking, along with a stunning lake buzzing with boating, swimming and paddleboarding. The town’s proximity — just 26 miles — to Glacier National Park only adds to its appeal.

But there’s more to Whitefish than its outdoor adventures. The town itself has a vibrant community spirit that shines through in its charming downtown, filled with local boutiques, galleries, restaurants and bars. This blend of wild beauty, adventure and small-town hospitality is what inspired local entrepreneur Joe Hess to launch the Whitefish Food & Wine Festival, which debuted in September 2024. A celebration of the region’s burgeoning culinary talent and breathtaking landscapes, the festival was designed to support local businesses during the off-season months while offering visitors an immersive taste of what makes Whitefish stand out.

“I love to travel and have experienced incredible festivals in other cities, which made me think: why don’t we have something like this in Whitefish?” Hess says. “This community has a deep appreciation for good wine, and our food scene has really flourished in recent years. I wanted to create an event that not only draws visitors to experience Whitefish’s dynamic culinary offerings, but also showcases everything that makes this place special — from the local flavors to the endless outdoor beauty.”

With that vision in mind, Hess teamed up with friend Ryan Heil, founder of Axcess Entertainment, and four-time James Beard Award-winning chef Todd English to bring the Whitefish Food & Wine Festival to life. The three-day inaugural event featured 12 culinary partners, 112 wineries and more than 200 wines from around the world. Attendees were treated to a variety of experiences throughout Whitefish, including exclusive wine-paired dinners, multi-course brunches and adventure-filled outings, in addition to a two-day Grand Tasting. Hosted at the picturesque Haskill Creek Farm just outside of town, the Grand Tasting featured curated wine pairings, live cooking demonstrations, local music and a bespoke wine lounge.

With its mix of local cuisine, curated wines and laid-back mountain town vibe, the festival offered a perfect excuse to experience Whitefish during the quieter shoulder season. 

“We’re thrilled with the success of our first festival and can’t wait to come back even stronger next year,” Hess says. “We’re planning to expand the food offerings and extend the event over several days, making it an even more immersive experience for everyone.”

While we await the 2025 Food & Wine festival, there’s no reason to hold off on experiencing all that Whitefish has to offer. With its blend of culinary hotspots, inviting bars and endless outdoor activities, Whitefish is brimming with year-round charm. Here’s where to eat, drink and shop to get a true taste of this dynamic town.

Morning Fuel

Start your day with a caffeine kick at Wild Coffee Company, an inviting coffee shop and roastery in downtown Whitefish. Order a velvety flat white or warming Log Cabin Latte, plus a Hellroaring breakfast biscuit, then soak up the relaxed, community vibes. A short stroll away is Folklore Coffee, a small yet bustling coffee shop serving coffee, tea and indulgent sourdough cinnamon rolls worth every bite. If you’re on the westside of town, swing by Westside Market & Coffee Shop for a coffee, breakfast burrito or fresh pastry. 

For something more substantial, head to Swift Creek Cafe, a charming, family-owned gem known for its mouthwatering breakfast and lunch dishes, including apple pie pancakes and pork belly tacos. Just across the street, you’ll find Loula’s Cafe, a local favorite for its seasonal, hearty breakfasts and homemade pies. In the heart of town, newcomer Huck’s Place has quickly become a staple for fresh juices, smoothies and health-conscious breakfast and lunch options. Come evening, Huck’s transforms into a wine and tapas bar, serving up globally-inspired small plates like ceviche and spring rolls. 

Midday Shopping

Whitefish’s boutiques blend local charm with curated finds, making shopping the perfect midday activity. At Sprouts Children’s Boutique, peruse the selection of stylish clothing and thoughtful gifts for babies and young children, then brighten your day with a stop into Mum’s Flowers. This boutique floral shop offers grab-n-go bouquets and custom floral arrangements, as well as housewares and gifts — think vases and cookbooks to candles and kitchen utensils. An anchor in the Whitefish shopping scene since 1947, The Toggery is a classic outfitter that perfectly balances rugged outdoor apparel with chic, contemporary styles — you’ll find everything from hiking boots and Pendleton blankets to cozy sweaters for après-ski. Inspire your inner chef at Trovare, a place for high-end culinary essentials such as gourmet foods, olive oils and cookware, before stopping into Axehead to shop for quality handmade leather and steel goods.

Evening Eats + Libations

Although a newcomer to the Whitefish dining scene, having just opened its doors in 2023, Herb & Omni has already established itself as one of the hottest reservations in town. With its sleek, modern ambiance, seasonal dishes crafted from high-quality local ingredients and indulgent touches (caviar, anyone?), this upscale spot promises a refined dining experience that’s not to be missed. For a touch of Southern comfort, head to the inviting Tupelo Grille. This beloved Whitefish institution specializes in Southern fare with a Northwest twist, serving up classics like jambalaya and catfish alongside locally-inspired dishes. Just don’t leave without trying the famous bread pudding—it’s legendary for a reason. Another great option is Abruzzo Italian Kitchen, which has been delighting diners since 2017 with its authentic, scratch-made dishes, from wood-fired pizza to fresh pasta.

For a more casual ambiance, swing by Bonsai Brewing Company, just a few minutes outside of downtown. This dog-friendly brewery is known for its laid-back atmosphere and creative kitchen offerings, which range from poke bowls and lettuce wraps to hearty burgers. Another easygoing spot to check out is Thirty Eight Whitefish. Open seasonally, this inviting, open-air community hang out is home to a diverse lineup of food trucks, offering everything from organic Middle Eastern fare and sushi to BBQ and tacos. A full bar, cornhole sets and regular live music add to the lively setting, making it a perfect spot to wind down (or kickstart) the evening. 

Don’t miss stopping into Blackstar Brewery, an expansive three-level venue perfect for a casual evening out. The menu is packed with a variety of gastropub favorites, from wood-fired pizzas to hearty sandwiches and burgers, along with draft beers from the on-site Jeremiah Johnson Brewing Co. Time your visit right to catch the sunset from the scenic rooftop — you won’t be disappointed. And, of course, no trip to Whitefish would be complete without a visit to the iconic Great Northern Bar & Grill. This historic, lively hangout is a local institution, boasting 29 beers on tap, a full bar, classic homestyle fare and plenty of entertainment with pool tables, shuffleboard and regular live music that keeps the party going well into the night.

Where to Stay in Whitefish, Montana

The Lodge at Whitefish Lake - 1380 Wisconsin Ave., Whitefish,

The Firebrand Hotel - 650 E. 3rd St., Whitefish

Grouse Mountain Lodge - 2 Fairway Dr., Whitefish

Après Whitefish - 800 Spokane Ave., Whitefish

Hidden Moose Lodge - 1735 East Lakeshore Dr., Whitefish

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