Summer season begins at Norris – a visit is good for your health!
The sun is shining, the daffodils and tulips survived the last snow, and you may be feeling like shedding the coat and getting outside. If you’ve had a sedentary season, you might also be feeling a little out of shape.
A recent SELF Magazine article offered suggestions that everyone can incorporate into their day:
– Drink water like you mean it
– Spend more time outside disconnected from any screen
– Get more sleep
– Eat your greens
– Find some gratitude in each day
A trip to Norris Hot Springs will soothe and feed the body and mind with natural springs full of minerals that reduce stress and encourage relaxation. The drive winds along the Madison River, through the gorgeous Madison Valley featuring mountain ranges, wildlife corridors and abundant birdlife.
Upon arrival, order from the 50 Mile Grill which offers the finest in locally sourced organic proteins from ranchers within as many miles. This ensures meals are fresh and haven’t spent months in a freezer somewhere. The greens are organic and local too, with many ingredients grown on-site – try the spinach, beets and goat cheese, the kale Caesar, or salad mix with blue cheese and apple. Abe’s smoked meat specials and salads are drawing people from all over. Also enjoy the rainbow trout or lamb kebabs – Norris has become a foodie destination! And be sure to ask a staff member about the wide selection of craft beer and delicious wine options. There’s something for everyone on the Summer Menu at Norris Hot Springs.
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.
Nathan North is back on Friday, May 17th. A Billings performer, Nathan uses loops to create complex and wonderful songs. He’ll be performing originals and notable covers.
Mathias is next up on Saturday, May 18th. The Bozeman-based singer/songwriter has been playing music under the big sky for nearly two decades. With powerful vocals and a percussive guitar style, he’s known for his dynamic live performances full of acoustic folk, rock, and funk tunes. Mathias recorded his debut album, Walk Alone, with the help of Emmy Award-winning producer Jeremiah Slovarp.
Travis Yost, a Norris favorite, closes out the weekend on Sunday, May 19th. Also known around town as Love is a Dog from Nebraska, Travis is a musician, engineer, and producer from Missoula. He’s performed all over the West as a solo artist, and with other performers including Tom Catmull, Stellarondo, and NextDoorPrisonHotel. Travis has guested on Eric Funk’s 11th & Grant and performed at Red Ants Pants. He’s shared the stage with James McMurtry, Alejandro Escovedo, The Decemberists, The Lumineers, Jason Spooner, Martin Sexton, Wartime Blues, Sallie Ford, Jason Isbell, Dale Watson, and Brandi Carlile – to name just a few. He performs thoughtful sad stories with happy endings, on top of guitar and looper acrobatics.
Country duo Sarah Harralson and Christine Bauer visit the hot springs on Friday, May 24th. After meeting in Tennessee a few years back, the pair has been writing meaningful lyrics with catchy country melodies ever since. Independent musicians in their own right, Harralson and Bauer are touring in support of their to be released joint album, West of Me. New singles “Love on Lease” and “Red Flag” are available now.
Missoula singer/songwriter Douglas Jennings Barrett follows on Saturday, May 25th. His live performances are marked by a spectacular combination of thought-provoking lyrics coupled with engaging melodies and rhythmic guitar playing.
Make way for Dan Henry on Sunday, May 26th. The Montana native is a singer/songwriter with a unique vocal style coupled with acoustic guitar and bluesy harmonica. He’s driven by a blues influence, but covers a wide range of music from folk and rock to reggae, and so much more.
Restless Pines close out the month on Friday, May 31st. The guitar and violin folk duo composed of Chad Ball and Sarah Crossman play original folk/roots and Americana music. The pair have played together in the Red Mountain Band for the last few years.
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.
Summer hours begin on Memorial Day – 10am to 10pm daily, closed Tuesday. Further information about the menu, directions and campground details, please visit www.norrishotsprings.com. •