Plan a Norris staycation this sunny season!
This long wet spring may be making you and yours frantic to get outside, but with the kids still in school or the river running high, some of your favorite campsites may not fill the bill. Come to the Norris Campground – it’s nearby, each site has a unique view, they’ve got full hook-up and primitive sites for tent campers. Hike the wild rock formations around Norris, throw a line in the Madison River, visit the Lewis and Clark Caverns or historic Virginia City, then head back to your campsite for a soak and poolside dinner.
The 50 Mile Grill is open and serving the finest in locally procured proteins; Chef Abe is creating stellar specials – smoked pork tenderloin with marinated onions and a special sauce, grilled asparagus and a quinoa/brown rice side was served last week. There’s something for every eater in your group, from carnivores to vegans. The No LoOse Dogs Saloon serves a wide selection of craft beer and offers an extensive wine list, as well as lots of non-alcoholic options.
There’s no better place to enjoy the long June days than soaking in the Water of the Gods. And if your visit happens to fall on a weekend, you can also add to the experience with the finest in regional acoustic live music – poolside – every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 7pm.
Tom Kirwan will have soakers thinking about summer with a show on Saturday, June 1st. He performs a blend of folk country and Americana. Tom’s songs evoke nostalgia of long-ago dreams and people, while weaving stories of human longing both past and present.
Aaron Williams returns on Sunday, June 2nd. From rock/reggae band In Walks Bud, Aaron will be playing a variety of tunes including rock, folk, and reggae. Norris-goers love when he takes the Poolside stage. A special Monday night of music brings Williams back for a second night on Monday, June 3rd.
Todd Green entertains on Friday, June 7th. Known for his acoustic light rock musical style and passion for vinyl records, Green has lived in the area for more than thirty years. Expect to hear 60s–80s rock classics including favorites from America, The Eagles to David Bowie, Pink Floyd and everything in between.
A crowd favorite returns to the Poolside Stage on Saturday, June 8th – The Lucky Valentines. Their music has been described by fans as “stirring” Americana, “straight from the heart.” Married in 2010, they have been playing music for the whole of their life together. Crafting songs rooted in honest, raw emotion and blending sounds from alt-country, rock n’ roll, indie, and folk, they span themes of joy and pain in the face of life’s trials. They borrow inspiration from their own experience, observation, and the beautiful, lonesome landscape and history of Northern Montana. Their independent release Lion in the Garden is a collection of songs that explore betrayal, loss, and joy.
The fun continues with Cole & the Thornes on Sunday, June 9th. The Mountain reggae and gypsy-infused soul band began with an infectious restlessness and a heart engraved with longing adventure. The band released its debut, Map Maker, last spring. The album is a collection of songs filled with funky grooves, sultry vocals, and empowering lyrics that capture the true meaning of being in the now. The Thornes have performed throughout the state, playing with popular reggae bands HIRIE, Sol Seed, and TreeHouse.
On Friday, June 14th, Neil Filo Beddow takes the stage. He plays original folk rock for the soul, and describes his guitar style as the “West Dakota stutter.” His lyrically scrambled iambic pentameter can be politically bent, spiritually seeking, and tongue-in-cheek humorous with just a twist of serious.
The Tone Benders follow on Saturday, June 15th. The group focuses on roots-oriented folk/rock and country/blues originals sprinkled with tasty cover renditions spanning a musical variety – from Western swing, New Orleans barrel-house, Muscle Shoals R&B, Tin Pan Alley songcraft, Celtic murder reels, and Sammy Cahn/Johnny Mercer torch ballads.
Michael Trew closes out the weekend on Sunday, June 16th. He’s an alternative rock and folk artist whose influences range from John Denver and Genesis to R.E.M., Eurythmics and Moody Blues. Trew will be performing original alt-folk music and select flower-power gems, employing vocals, guitar, keyboard and flute. His solo album, Waiting in the Wings, is available now.
Norris Hot Springs is a fantastic food destination featuring a wildlife-accented pool for soakers and adjoining campground – perfect for getting out of town without having to go the distance! Menus, directions and details about the tree planting initiative can be found at www.norrishotsprings.com. Summer hours are 10am to 10pm daily, closed Tuesdays. •
