My favorite state is on fire. Ecologically, forest fires are good for clearing underbrush and enriching the soil, but I can't help but feel a sense of sadness for everything else that is lost. The first time I visited Montana I was 13, and upon reaching the northwestern half of the state I knew that I had found a place unlike any other I had been before. That sounds vague I know. Lots of people discover new places everyday what makes this state so special. Honestly, that is a question I have been asking myself the many years since I first visited.

Montana is beautiful. Dark mountains rise out of lush forests and cratered lakes. The Missouri River begins its decent here and is unmarked besides the two trickle of streams coming together in an open field. This is a serious improvement on the fast moving muddy river that makes its was through my current city. In a Montana summer you can still find snow to walk through in sandaled feet on top of mountain edges. This is the strongest I have ever felt about a place and I carry that with me. This is the force that compels me to write about travel to expose people to the feeling and bonding that travel can create. I'm not saying that everyone will feel the same about every destination that I do, but believe me Montana is worth checking out. In homage to my favorite state here are some areas not to miss when you visit. Just make sure it has had some time to regrow before you make the trip.

1. Beartooth Mountains
The Beartooths are located in the southwestern part of the state, and extend into Wyoming. One of the most spectacular features of this area is the Beartooth Highway. The highway is an architectural feat in and of itself built in 1936 and spanning 64 miles through rugged terrain. This is one of the most scenic drives I have ever been on. We only did part of the drive and ended up in Red Lodge, which is a quaint little town with good food and cool shops. There are many pull off areas along the road to get out and take pictures or just enjoy the view. This is one of those places that makes you realize how small you are in the world and how little in this world compares to a fantastic view.

2. Missoula
Missoula is like a gateway city to the northern Rocky Mountains, and is just a very cool city. When I was a junior in high school I visited Missoula and was dead set on attending college there. Although that didn't pan out I would definitely not be opposed to living there. Missoula is about 3 hours from Glacier National Park and 3 hours from Yellowstone National Park, and bordered by national forests. There are numerous opportunities to hike, camp, fish, bike, ski, etc. Add to that the 2 beautiful rivers that flow through town and the fantastic food, Missoula is a must visit choice for your Montana vacation.

3. Glacier National Park
I really did save the best for last. I have been to Glacier National Park 3 times and I swear every time I leave a changed person. I wish I could come up with something a little less cliched to say about it, but it really is true. I know that lots of people feel like this after a good vacation. They come back more focused, more certain of what it is that they want from life and how to live it. For me going to Glacier is the loudest my inner voice has ever been . Or maybe it was just that Glacier allows me to sit down and just listen to that voice for a while. The views are stunning, the water is the color of emeralds and wildlife flourish. Don't miss driving the Going-to-the -Sun road where you cross the Continental Divide.

One final suggestion for Montana, try something with huckleberries, like the chocolate, it is delicious.