We’re big fans of Chuck E. Cheese. I know it’s a big chain, but they’re as often run by real, local, hard-working people as any other business you might find, and they’re more professional than almost anyone you’ll find. The fun, value and professionalism in Billings is no exception. Continue Reading

Finding flavors of the best places from the coastal cities can be hard while traveling on the road, but one place in particular, the Best Western Kelly Inn in Billings, does all that and quite a bit more. They don’t just offer great rooms at prices you would expect, but a heck of a lot for kids. Continue Reading

I know it’s a national chain and all, and that we mostly stick to local Montana businesses, but we’d never been to a Fuddruckers before, and boy were we in for a surprise. The value is good, the food is great and the atmosphere is frankly second to none. Continue Reading

The Billings Fair isn’t the official state fair, but just like in so many other states, it doesn’t have to be the official one to be the biggest and best. It has the most attractions, most events, and the biggest names, so by my book, much as the Puyallup Fair trumps the official Washington State Fair, this one is the best around, and if you’re in town during its run, you should check it out. Continue Reading

One of the most fun things we did last summer was take part in the “Slice of Country” evening in Billings, Montana. Renee from Montana Fun Adventures Tours recommended it as one of favorite family tours, and we were glad we took her advice. Continue Reading

McKenzie River Pizza started in Bozeman in 1993, and thanks to great service and fantastic food, has grown to thirteen locations across Montana and Idaho. We had just come from an event at nearby Metra Park, and we were delighted by the fresh, all-natural ingredients, and the interesting menu selections. Continue Reading

If you like to see the junior sluggers slam them baseballs as hard as they can, and do so with the hopes of breaking into the MLB, there’s no better place to see it than in Billings at a Mustangs game, and not just because some of these guys are going pro in a year or so, but because it’s totally fun. Continue Reading

For those who still don’t have plans for the 4th of July weekend. Here’s your chance to take part in something memorable (on the 3rd.) Everybody does fireworks on the 4th, but it’s a great summer weekend to spend with family of all ages, and Pappy’s Cowboy Cookout Adventure has just the thing for you. Continue Reading

On our last trip through Billings, we took some time to take a quick stop in Cabela’s, the premier outfitter. They claim to have a fun environment for shoppers of every caliber, as well as supplies for every budget… and I have to agree, it’s a pretty fantastic place. Continue Reading

With over 14-years in business and a small chain of places to their credit, Guadalajara Mexican Restaurants strikes a fine balance between corporate food and unpredictable one-off stores. They boast a 95+% previous diner rate, and having eaten there myself, I’m not surprised as to why. They’re just plain great. Continue Reading

Z Pizza was voted among the top picks for Quick Service by Parent’s Magazine, and not just because they have free wifi and great prices. They offer a family-friendly environment with unique menu offerings, and our kids loved it, but as parents, so did we. Making the kids and the parents both happy is pretty unique, and Z Pizza did it for us. Continue Reading

This brand new facility in Billings is the biggest, best, and newest in Montana in terms of indoor water parks. At over 35,000 square feet, it’s a real behemoth. Beyond that, it’s fine and good fun, fully ADA compliant for easy pool access, and it even has its own mascot. Continue Reading

Jonathan McNiven would like to invite anyone and everyone to come on down to enjoy a complimentary covered wagon ride in Lockwood, Montana. This one-time event will be held May 8th from 9:00am to 2:00pm just across from S Bar S Building Center. Continue Reading

On two of our last three stops in Billings, we took the time to stop at IHOP. It’s not exactly exotic local fare, but it’s a familiar place with familiar food, and the kids quite literally eat it up. The food and service were both good, and the restaurant was clean and convenient, but it’s how management reaches out to kids that really puts them leaps and bounds ahead of any restaurant we’ve ever seen in Montana or elsewhere. Continue Reading

We published a review of KOA Campgrounds a few days ago, specifically as it pertains to the property in West Glacier. We enjoyed a number of thoughtful and detailed responses to the review, and as promised, I’ve taken them all into account and written this response which will hopefully clarify a few of the original points, as well as expand into new areas of consideration raised since it was published. Continue Reading

KOA, also known as Kampgrounds of America, has carved out a clever corporate niche in a world of otherwise independent providers. While you technically need nothing more than a few square feet upon which to pitch your tent, KOA has brought in a nationwide corporate brand, and in doing so, they’ve managed to successfully prey on consumers unaware that there is in fact an alternative. Continue Reading

For years now, IHOP has been the clearest face of Pancake Day, a quasi-holiday dating back at least 1,000 years. At first I thought this nationwide fundraiser for Children’s Miracle Network was little more than an easy-breezy publicity stunt for this house of pancakes, so ostensibly international. I was dead wrong. This is a serious charity drive, and it serves the children well, as the results surely show. Continue Reading

4:00 PM 10/9/09 – The American Private Police Force has pulled out of its deal with the Two Rivers Authority and will not attempt to run the Hardin Detention Facility. The announcement was made by Becky Shay during a press conference in Billings this afternoon. Continue Reading

Glenn Beck reported on this story on his show on the FOX News Channel this afternoon but apparently is not aware that the American Private Police Force in fact still has access to the Two Rivers Authority (TRA) Detention Center. Becky Shay told this writer on Sunday, October 4, 2009 that she has the keys and is in the middle of moving into the office at the jail. Continue Reading

It simply amazes when a truly good hearted people are taken in by a smooth talking convict whose mouth is filled with sticky sweet syrup while his heart is filled with black deceit. Miodrag Dokovich, or as he prefers to be called “Captain Michael Hilton”, has gone by at least 12 other aliases in his sordid past and is one fast and smooth talker. Continue Reading