A Side of Sweet

Bitterroot Valley & Hamilton, Montana Travel

A travel guide for beautiful Bitterroot Valley and Hamilton, Montana. Our favorite restaurants, breweries, places to stay and things to do.

There’s so much to do in the Bitterroot Valley and it’s super easy to explore, as the towns are all very close together. We ventured as far down as Hamilton, which is still only an hour outside of Missoula.

The Bitterroot Valley offered a great balance of outdoor activities and opportunities to relax. We hiked, biked, ate and drank to our hearts content. We visited the first week of September and the timing was perfect. The summer crowds had dispersed, and the weather was warm during the day and crisp at night.

Here’s what we loved…

Plonk’s Cherry Sour Old Fashioned

An amazing Cherry Sour Old Fashioned cocktail recipe made with cherry infused bourbon. So easy to make, and it’s vegan and gluten free.
Pretty much everyone we talked to about recommendations for Missoula recommended Plonk Wine Bar. Even people on social media reached out to make sure we stopped in! Plonk has an amazing cocktail menu, in addition to an impressive wine list. They also have a great rooftop patio that is worth visiting if you are visiting Missoula in the summer or early fall.

By far, my favorite thing that we tried was their Cherry Sour cocktail. Made with cherry infused bourbon with muddled fruit and bitters, the cocktail is similar to an old fashioned…. Read More »

Best Vanilla Cake with French Macarons and Meringues

The absolute BEST Vanilla Cake and Vanilla Frosting recipes. This pale green cake is decorated with french macarons, meringues, and gold leaf which makes it perfect for a wedding. Beautiful Wedding Cake Inspiration - Best Vanilla Cake and Vanilla Frosting for a Pale Green Cake with French Macarons and Meringues

I have a little cake inspiration for you today my loves!

Am I the only one who gets the itch to make a cake every few months? I don’t consider myself a cake decorating expert by any means. Every cake is a learning experience for me. Every time I make one, my decorating technique improves a bit. … Read More »

11 Things to Do in Missoula, Montana

A travel guide for beautiful Missoula, Montana. Our favorite restaurants, places to stay and things to do in Glacier Country Western Montana.

Last month, Pat and I had the chance to spend five days exploring Glacier Country and the Bitterroot Valley in Western Montana. The first stop on our adventure was Missoula, Montana. Missoula is a charming town that is a starting point for many of the outdoors activities that make Montana so famous. It’s also a lively college town. What I didn’t realize though, was how great the food scene is in Missoula! There are tons of restaurants and places to eat, many that rival my favorite San Francisco restaurants. Add to that bed and breakfasts, cute boutiques and great breweries and you might never leave!

Here are some of my Missoula favorites to check out when you’re in town…. Read More »

10 Minute Light & Moist Scones + Gibson Mansion

Gibson Mansion’s famous scone recipe. In just 10 minutes, you can have light & moist scones with the mix-ins of your choice. I used blackberries and white chocolate chips.

One of the highlights of our Montana trip was the two nights we stayed at Gibson Mansion Bed & Breakfast in Missoula. Built in 1903, Gibson Mansion is beautifully-decorated and carefully restored. It’s truly a gorgeous and comfortable place. It was the perfect place to start to an amazing trip.

Driving up to the mansion, I was struck by how beautiful the exterior was, and inside was even prettier! The furniture and decor leant to the Victorian-era vibes but were not garish or overdone. The guest rooms also feel like you are being transported to another era, but still have all of the modern luxuries that you’d expect with a 5-star experience. Our hosts, Tom & Nancy Malikie, really thought of everything, from soft sheets, to fresh flowers in the room.

One of the highlights of a stay at Gibson Mansion is Tom’s gourmet cooking. Breakfast has been elevated into an art form, with everything from perfectly-risen soufflés to fresh fruit. The highlight though, is Tom’s scones…. Read More »

Things to Do in Bernal Heights San Francisco (with Interactive Map)

The Bernal Heights neighborhood is full of hidden gems and some of the best views in San Francisco. Here are my favorite restaurants, shops and things to do! Best Scenic Views in San Francisco - Bernal Heights Peak Trail

Bernal Heights might be my favorite San Francisco neighborhood. It’s tucked out of the way in the southeast part of the city, leaving it off the tour bus beat and even off the radar of many San Francisco residents. Bernal Heights has everything – amazing views, cute houses, pretty parks, incredible food and cute boutiques. There is one gem after another, just waiting to be discovered.

Warning, this post is absolutely massive. It was a true labor of love and I hope it inspires you to check out the Bernal Heights neighborhood. If you’re not in San Francisco, bookmark or pin it for your next vacation!… Read More »