Montana in Full Bloom: Wandering the Wild, an Honorable Harvest, & Handmade Joy

Summer in Montana is a season of wild beauty, bountiful harvests, and joyful annual events. From the pristine silence of designated wilderness areas to the lively bustle of farmers markets and the sweet abundance of Flathead cherries, the land calls us outdoors—to explore, to gather, and to give back. In this blog, we continue to honor the Wild, celebrate the bustle and energy of summer markets, and showcase a few handcrafted Montana-made goods inspired by our local harvest traditions. 

Protecting Montana's Wildest Places

Montana is defined, in part, by its vast open landscapes, towering peaks, and quiet places where wildlife far outnumbers humans. Our state is home to millions of acres of protected public lands, including designated Wilderness areas where human impact is minimal, wildlife can roam freely, and the land remains untouched by roads or permanent development. These wild areas are vital for biodiversity, climate resilience, and the preservation of Montana's unique ecological heritage. At The Last Best Store, we share a deep passion for this land and all its peoples—past, present, and future. That passion drives our commitment to protect and honor the place we call home, not only through our products but through our partnerships and priorities.

We proudly partner with Wilderness Watch, a Missoula-based nonprofit dedicated to safeguarding the nation's 112-million-acre National Wilderness Preservation System. Their work ensures that wilderness areas across the country—including many beloved landscapes in Montana—remain truly wild. They serve an important role in assuring that federal land management agencies abide by the 1964 Wilderness Act and other laws that protect the integrity of our wilderness heritage. Their efforts are a powerful reminder that the freedom to explore wild places comes with a shared responsibility to protect them.

You can support Wilderness Watch by shopping for apparel and accessories (coming soon!) in their fundraising collection on our website, and by signing up for updates on their website or keeping an eye out for action alerts. Every voice—and every purchase—helps protect the wild places we all love.

Get Outside!

From alpine lakes and mountain ridges to forested trails and winding rivers, Montana is a dream come true for outdoor enthusiasts. Glacier National Park stuns with its glacial valleys and high-altitude vistas, while Yellowstone National Park offers geysers, wildlife, and geothermal wonders. The naturally sculpted geological formations of the badlands and powerful storms rolling over the vast prairies in the east give even greater depth and dimension to the nickname Big Sky Country. Meanwhile, thousands of miles of trails across state parks and public lands invite locals and visitors alike to hike, bike, paddle, and fish beneath that big sky.

Montana’s natural beauty is more than just scenery—it’s an inseparable part of who Montanans are. Despite the durability and prevalence of the post-Enlightenment separation of Nature and Culture, we recognize that humans are embedded in nature, just like the birds, bears, rivers, and trees around us. It is therefore little surprise that the work of many of the Montana artisans in our store reflect an appreciation and identification with the natural processes of our home state. Whether it’s fine art prints depicting serene landscapes, earrings shaped like pinecones, or foods featuring Montana natural delicacies each item tells a story of place, season, and the quiet magic of a Montana summer.

Gratitude in Abundance: Markets and the Cherry Harvest

Montana in the summer is more than a sight to behold—its bounty reminds us that abundance is a gift, and a mindset. Foragers scouting for morel mushrooms in May-June and huckleberries in July-August advocate for ethical and sustainable harvesting; our growing season may be short but local farmers (and farmers' cooperatives) help us to remain connected with the land and our local food system. As Robin Wall Kimmerer writes in Braiding Sweetgrass, the “honorable harvest” asks us to take only what we need, never waste, and give something back. That approach to stewardship—grateful, respectful, and reciprocal—feels only natural when we’re enjoying fresh cherries, hiking through blooming meadows, or trading stories at a local market.

Every summer, western Montana comes alive with weekly farmers markets bursting with local produce, artisanal foods, and handmade goods. We love being part of the summer buzz and currently vend at the Missoula People's Market every Saturday and at the Seeley Lake Market every Sunday. We are also excited for the upcoming Flathead Cherry Festival in Polson, where we will be vending July 26–27. This beloved event celebrates the world-famous cherries that thrive along the shores of Flathead Lake and brings together local artists, growers, and families for two days of community and cherry-filled fun. Beyond the festivities, the Cherry Festival plays a vital role in supporting the local economy, helping small businesses and creators share their work with thousands of visitors, and showcasing the best of what Montana has to offer.

Sweeten the Season: Explore Our Cherry Collection

Our Cherry Collection captures the joy and gustatory delights of the Flathead cherry harvest. From luscious cherry jam and tangy balsamic vinegar, to cherry coffee and mostarda these Montana-made goods offer a delicious taste of summer. But the collection doesn't stop at flavor—you'll also find cherry wood patch hats and bookmarks, cherry-inspired jewelry, and lotions that emulate the warmth of an afternoon spent lakeside.

Each product is crafted with pride by Montana artisans, celebrating the creativity of Montana and the abundance of the season. Whether you're craving a taste of the harvest or looking for the perfect summer gift, our Cherry Collection is full of treats worth sharing.

Dark Montana Cherry Aged Balsamic Vinegar, by Key to The Mountain	Bitterroot Cherry Wood Patch Grey & White Trucker Hat, by Last Best Supply Co.	Flathead Cherry Moisturizing Goat Milk Lotion, by Windrift Hill

As summer unfolds across the mountains, streams, and prairies of Montana, we hope you’ll take time to step outside, breathe in the season, and connect with the land that connects us all. Join us at the Missoula People’s Market on Saturdays, the Seeley Lake Market on Sundays, or come find us at the Flathead Cherry Festival in Polson, July 26–27. And if you can’t make it in person, explore the flavors, scents, and stories of the season online through our Cherry Collection—a sweet celebration of Montana’s abundance, crafted with care. 

Whether you’re heading into the mountains or strolling through a weekend market we'll be there in spirit, savoring the season.

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Arielle Smith is a recovering academic, a mom, and an aspiring wordsmith who helps The Last Best Store to manage an assortment of projects, programs, and data. She harmonizes these and other intellectual pursuits with an eclectic range of creative activities including Dj'ing, spawning mixed media art and jewelry (Presents of Mind Design), and crafting botanical skincare products (Dr. Smith Botanicals).