Summer enjoying downtown Billings.

 

 

Spring is a beautiful season in Billings. We are usually blessed with a fairly early spring. While we still might have a little snow here and there, March usually brings a consistent number of days pushing 60 degrees if not warmer. After a cold winter, there is nothing better than a sunny and 60 day.

 

The Historic Northern Hotel.

 

 

Downtown Billings is the perfect place to be when that weather hits. Cabin fever can be cured in 30 minutes of strolling downtown. Fortunately for me, I live downtown, so when our first gorgeous day hit, I grabbed the leash and Summer, my yellow lab, and we hit the side walk. The architecture of downtown Billings never ceases to amaze me. The mix of historic and modern buildings inspire me to think of the past and the future as I walk through buzzing streets. As I walk down North Broadway I see the Northern Hotel, built in 1902 and opened in 1904, this historic hotel has seen it all, Presidents such as Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, and a fire in 1940 that caused the Northern to be rebuilt in 1941. The Northern was open until 2006, when it was closed and sold. Fortunately in 2013 this iconic property was reopened after a complete remodel and is now one of our finest hotels in Billings complete with an amazing breakfast and lunch stop as well as a fine dining restaurant in the evenings.

 

Deviled Eggs from Ten at the Northern.

 

 

 

As I continue my stroll down North Broadway a stop in at Big Dipper Ice Cream is a must but if you are looking for lunch, the choices are endless, with Stacked, Hooligans, Montana Brewing Company, and Bin 119 all serving excellent lunch options. If you are in the mood for shopping, Joy of Living, Cricket Clothing, Lou Taubert’s and more are there to help with your retail therapy needs. Downtown is also full of unique coffee shops that all have their own great flare and flavor.

 

Looking down 2nd Avenue.

Ebon Coffee on 2nd Avenue.

A latte from Ebon Coffee.

 

 

With that first warm spring day comes all of the people who also had cabin fever. Downtown is buzzing with locals and tourists alike, all with a friendly smile as Summer and I walk around. So grab a friend or pet and some coffee and take a stroll through downtown Billings! You won’t be disappointed.

 

Historic Securities Building and Northern Hotel.