Ennis, Montana.  It’s where we’ve evolved as true hunting widow wives and into hunting widow moms (whole new world!).  And through it all, Ennis has proven to be the perfect HW hostess.

It all started very innocently about 6 years ago – two unknowing HW’s.  We acquired property in the mountains outside of Ennis.  As kidless couples, our families enjoyed 4-wheeling, fishing, hiking and camping in the area.  We slowly meshed into a great schedule that accommodated our love for thrift stores, antiques, good eats, wine, entertainment and window shopping along side our hubbies’ insatiable passion for hunting.  And so began the evolution of the mission of the hunting widow.  As we added kids to the picture, the schedule and frequency (and amount of crap we had to haul around!) changed, but the enjoyment trudged on!

Ennis is a small town of about 1,000 residents.  It is tucked next to the Madison River at the base of the Madison Mountain Range.  It is one of the most beautiful spots you’ll find with Ennis Lake and the Gravelly Mountain Range finishing off the portrait.  It still embodies the small town feel with a board walk lined with shops, cafes, bars and fly-fishing shops.  We always have a great day in Ennis…

7:30 a.m. - Stock Up

We make a quick stop at Madison Foods on our way into town.  It’s a great little grocery store with a surprising selection of food, drinks and sundries.  Never fails we forget the sunscreen, water or some other necessity.  And the guys always stock up on snacks for their hikes.  8:00 a.m. - Family Breakfast

Our outings officially start with a family breakfast at the Ennis Pharmacy & Yesterday's Soda Fountain.  There you can get a home-style breakfast and chocolate malt for dessert.  We meet there first thing in the morning and then send the boys up to the hills for their hunt. 

9:30 a.m. -  Lattes!

One of our favorite Ennis shops has got to be Blue Heron Gifts and Antiques.  Everything we love through one door!  While we wait for our Lattes, we peruse their eclectic selection of books, amazing antique furniture and whimsical stationary and dishware.  My favorite is a notebook that has a black bear illustration holding a plant pot in one hand and a spade in the other.  The caption?  Hairy Potter!  The place is filled with beautiful, rustic and handmade home décor and gifts.  A must on your list. 

10:30 a.m. - Busted!

Usually, as we meander out of the Blue Heron, we look across the side street to the west to see our husbands leaving Shed Horn Sports [http://www.shedhorn.com/ ], ammo and who knows what else in hand!  Shed Horn is a gem of a sporting goods shop for any hunter or fisher.  One of the best selections of fire-arms in the state and lots of great outdoor clothing and gear with the nicest most knowledgeable staff.  We stop by to check out the camping gear and clothing. Amber drools over the new fly-fishing gear!

11:00 a.m. - Checkin’ out the Bling

We cross the street to hit Benjie’s.  Benjie’s is a little shop full of the coolest silver jewelry, gifts, décor, magnets, seasonal stuff, gift cards and so much more.  It takes over an hour to look around and usually one of us is leaving with a new silver ring, precious stone pendant, dangling earrings or kickass funny card.  I think I even left there one day with a designer mouse-pad and door mat.  Note to Moms – hit this one early in the day, with all the bling, it’s not a good place for cranky, tired, pretending-they-can’t-hear-you kids.

High Noon - Hit the DQ

We head around the corner and cross at the flyfisherman statue to Dairy Queen for lunch.  I cannot be within 50 miles of a DQ and not stop.  We get a pile of fries, some burgers for us, corn dogs for the girls and scheme the rest of our day.  And it goes without saying that we all walk out with a twisty ice cream cone in hand.

1:30 p.m. - Fresh Air

After lunch we usually trek down Main Street toward the east end of town.  On the way we pop into some of the shops to check out the new stuff for the season; West of the Madison has some great clothes and footwear, fun brands and some unique items.  We stop and check out the listings in the windows of the real estate offices, let the girls say “hi” to the moose statue, take a rest on the park benches and spend some time enjoying the fresh air (and working off the ice cream!)

2:00 p.m. - We Can’t Resist a Good Deal!

So we can’t be in Ennis and not go to the Nearly New Shoppe.  It’s at the East end of town and usually closes at 4:00, so we rush to be able to have time to browse.  We have been to a lot of thrift stores and the Nearly New Shoppe has the best stuff at the best prices.  Lots of name brand clothes in great condition, fun housewares and jewelry.  Just plain good treasure hunting.  It’s a non-profit shop benefiting the community through the MVWC (I think the Madison Valley Women’s Club).  In any event, the ladies there are a hoot and it’s a fun place to be.  The kids love it too. 

3:30 p.m. - Our Final Destination

The Antique Store.  I don’t even know what the name of the shop is, but it’s straight across the street from the Nearly New Shoppe.  Full of fun treasures; glassware, paintings, furniture, art, jewelry, collectibles, vases, western goods, and everything else you can imagine!  It has reasonable prices and tons of interesting stuff.  I’ve gotten several enamelware wash pans, a cute little shelf, a step stool and some great RedWing Pottery there.  As well as many other treasures strewn throughout my house or given away as gifts.

5:00 p.m. - Up to the Hills

By the time we get up to the property, the girls are napping in the back seat and the guys will have set up camp and headed out to spot for animals.  Our usual routine is to start a fire, grill some dinner and have an O’Doules.  When the girls wake up, they play in the giant screened in tent (we call it the Taj Majal!).  Flashlights and sleeping bags are incredibly entertaining to three-year-olds.  We finish up dinner and get the girls ready for bed – the big day has worn them (and us!) out.  The guys usually ride back up to camp just after dark.  They give the girls kisses goodnight and sit down by the fire with us.  We share our stories from the day, one more drink and we hit the hay.

The next morning we rise with the sun to the girls giggling and ready for another day. The guys fix their famous camp fire breakfast, cowboy coffee with grounds and all and we relax around the fire.  About 10am, we pack up the girls and head down the mountain.  The guys pack up camp and then head back out to spot for animals.  We girls stop and have lunch at the Bear Claw in McAllister. Yes, our weekend IS planned around meals!  And then head back to reality.  The guys will ride back together after dark tonight.

We’ve had a weekend full of all of the things we love; family, friends, good food, good times and the great outdoors.  The life of a HW is really a great way of life – if you make the effort to make it that way!  ~   

This is how we like to spend our weekend around Ennis, but there are a ton more things to do to suit the likings of anyone; skiing and boating on Ennis Lake, fly fishing, historic tours in Virginia City and Nevada City, Plays and Shows in Virginia City, Dining out, Bars and nightlife, bed and breakfasts, art galleries and so much more.  For more information here are some useful links to Ennis travel info. 

http://www.ennischamber.com/default.cfm

http://www.ennismontana.org/

http://www.gonomad.com/destinations/0502/ennis_montana_fishing.html