Early September at Norris Hot Springs
Only in Montana does a garden really come into it’s own in September. With a growing season that starts later than most areas, the truly perfect peas, beans, and veggies are showing up at peak perfection right now at the No Loose Dogs Café. The salad greens continue to volunteer for service and the tomatoes have really had a banner year. September is the last month to enjoy the 50 Mile Grill, and the pool is open 10 AM-10 PM through Labor Day daily, closed on Tuesday. After Labor Day, the pool opens 4 PM – 10 PM on Thursday, Friday and Monday, remains open 10 AM – 10 PM on Saturday and Sunday and closes Tuesday and Wednesday.
While the garden and its bounty make it feel it’s summer, the cool nights started recently, and the wildlife and birds remind us that the season will be changing soon. Norris has a returning pair of sandhill cranes who this year had two babies – sadly, something’s happened to one of them over the summer, but the remaining young crane has had flying lessons and will soon be taking it’s first long journey for winter.
The campground saw a big increase in visitors this year, with guests from all over the US and Canada and remains open through Labor Day. The word is spreading about the historic wooden pool on the side of the road miles from nowhere with a delicious, organic and sustainable fresh menu, craft beers and surprisingly wonderful wines available for lunch and dinner. The water is of course a huge draw, and the lure of the soothing Water of the Gods only gets more appealing as the nights grow colder.
The best in live acoustic music is also a big draw. Kicking things off on Friday, Sept 2nd are the Ennis City Ramblers. This local trio brings their music to the Poolside Stage, playing American folk music and cowboy songs. On Saturday, Sept 3rd,
Tommy Georges takes the stage. Tommy has been playing in the Rocky Mountain States for many years, opening for Poco, Hank Williams, Jr and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band among others. He and his wife Melissa recently released their new CD, “Free Range Cactus.” Rounding out the first weekend of the month on Sunday, Sept 4th is
Coty Hogue. Coty grew up in Philipsburg, Montana and has been called the “Emmylou Harris of a new generation.” Singing with banjo and guitar accompaniment she mixes traditional, contemporary and original songs, taking you on an Americana music journey. Her rendition of the traditional song ‘Going to the West’ charted #1 on the Folk-DJ radio charts and another, “Oh Wind” is featured in the independent film, Neon Sky. http://www.cotyhogue.com,
http://www.facebook.com/cotyhogue, http://www.twitter.com/cotyhogue,
Music the next weekend begins Friday, Sept 9th with Amber Ikeman. As much a storyteller as a songstress, Amber speaks to the wandering spirit in all of us. Born in Canada, raised in Florida and based in Bozeman, she recently released her debut album, “Free,” a collection of experiences from her 20,000 mile journey across the US. Her music includes flavors of new folk, americana, pop, blues with raw lyrics and touches of unpredictable edginess. Hear more at www.amberikeman.com. On Saturday, Sept 10th, Norris welcomes Jeff Carroll . Montana singer/songwriter Jeff Carroll’s music drinks deep from the well of Country Blues and American Roots tradition. It is clearly finding it’s own way down the hillside. For additional info please go to www.reverbnation.com/jeffcarrollmusic. Finally, on Sunday, Sept 11th, it’s The Acousticals. Western Montana’s all-original bluegrass ensemble features three of the region’s finest pickers and composers. The band dazzles with intricate instrumentals by mandolinist Chad Fadely and guitar whiz Richie Reinholdt, and upright bass player and folksinger Britt Arnesen contributes her own harmonic songwriting charm.
Norris Hot Springs has a website chock full of information on menus, operating hours, water information, history and a music calendar, in addition to the details of their designated driver program. Check it out at www.norrishotsprings.com or call them at 406/685-3303. Norris is located 34 miles west of Bozeman near the intersection of Highway 287 and Rt 84.
