Pops Place - Montana

09/04/2026

Ok... let's go to back then...

Back to the beginning...

Back to when there was nothing but potential...

Back to can-we-make-this-shine or should we just replace it?...

Back to scrubbing and hammering and making things happen...

This is the main floor bathroom of the unit currently known as Pops Place, which will become part of the Grizzly Den in the very near future.

In case you're wondering... Nearly EVERYTHING had to GO in here! We were able to keep the tub with some scrubbing from me and fiberglass repair work from Jeremy (and, yes, he might have also had to fix my "oopsie" hole in the bottom of the tub from an accidental step stool puncture situation 🙊). Although I didn't track each room to the cent, I believe this bathroom reno including decor came in right around $1,000.

09/03/2026

Phase 3 of Pops Place transformation from a neglected log cabin in the woods into a cozy mountain lodge is about to commence!

As we approach the precipice of big changes for our little inn, I figured this would be a fitting time to share some of our future plans, past improvements, and present spaces.

Plans first:
After the 2026 vacation season is in the books the Pops Place upstairs "vacation house" unit will split in two...

That's right... no more "big house" rental for us, we're moving into proper lodging, so if you want a log house to yourself, better book before Thanksgiving!

After Thanksgiving, just like George and Wheezy, we're movin' on up, clearing the way for not one, but two new units!

Grizzly Den, a cozy one bedroom suite at the back of the main "deck-level" of the lodge is scheduled to open in time for Christmas and Big-Mountain ski season.

The ground-level 2 bedroom apartment-style unit formerly known as the "office/owner's quarters" is slated for massive renovations. Over the winter it'll transform into the Kodiak Cave and open in time for next summer season!

Just think of it... 3 options, 3 price points, 3 times the fun for fabulous phase 3!

Now for some present spaces...

Take a look at our sleeping spaces. From Silvertip Suite, to the secret Narnia room, each area has been thoughtfully designed and decorated to maximize space, novelty, and that "deep-in-the-woods" feel!

08/30/2026

Pops Place has LOTS of bugs. Most are nice! This guy is a medium size dragonfly for the area. He landed next to me last evening and got stuck in the grass. I'm guessing he was just old and tired... but man is he pretty! Not sure what to do with him, but it didn't seem right to not pay him some respects.

08/28/2026

It happens sometimes that guests leave a lasting impression... sometimes by what they leave behind and sometimes simply because of who they are...

About a week ago we met probably our most favorite guests to date! (And that's saying something because we've met some amazing folks!) Not only have they become real-life friends, not just passing guests... they also left behind a super special bottle of wine.

I still don't think they understand the weight of this gift, but if you know, you know ;) 4-8-15-16-23-42

Sooooooooo cool!!!

08/27/2026

Tonight's Big Sky rainbow sunset is absolutely breathtaking! 😍

08/17/2026

Big huge thanks to Sweet Retreat Creamery and Park Side Credit Union for this tasty summer surprise! We absolutely love this place... Hopefully you'll get to see some of our guests (who we also love!) stop by and say hi!

🍦 FREE ICE CREAM ALERT! 🍦

Park Side Credit Union is treating you to ice cream!

Stop by Sweet Retreat Creamery TOMORROW, Monday, August 17th from 3:30–4:30 PM, grab your favorite flavor, and let Parkside take care of the rest! 💙

Parkside has been so kind to partner with us and bless our community with free ice cream. We are incredibly grateful that they chose to support our family-owned and operated business!

Don’t miss this! We’ll see you tomorrow!

08/05/2026

In real life we've had grandkids and grown kids visiting and lit track of posting. Here's just a bit of what you've missed...

07/26/2026

Yup! Stay at Pops Place too long and you too will hone your inner birder. Seriously, they're squawking about something!

07/25/2026

The irony of inn-keeping...

07/25/2026

Nothing to see here but four minutes of a gorgeous smokey sunset... You might hear some chipmunks squabbling and Friday valley vibes down below though!