Local stores get national exposure

Several local businesses and places are featured in National Geographic magazine’s new online Web site “Where The Locals Go Montana.”

In addition to the expected — Glacier National Park and the Bob Marshall Wilderness — local businesses that made the list include The Shops At Station 8 in Columbia Falls, Norm’s News in Kalispell, the Belton Chalet in West Glacier, and the Montana Fur Trading Company in Martin City

Recent content for the Web site was produced by National Geographic photographers assigned to capture the best of Montana during June and July. The content includes photos by Montana-based photographer Ami Vitale.

The Web site was launched in March in partnership with National Geographic Traveler as a season-by-season guide to the state’s off-the-beaten-path attractions. Montana was the first U.S. destination area to get its own “Where The Locals Go” online hub.

Among the featured businesses and sites:

Best of Montana year-round

Shopping —The Shops at Station 8, in Columbia Falls

Food and drink — Norm’s News Soda Fountain & Candy Shop, in Kalispell

Places to stay — two choices, the Belton Chalet, in West Glacier, and The Lodge at Whitefish Lake, in Whitefish

Museums — Hockaday Museum of Art, in Kalispell

Family activities — Whitefish Mountain Resort

Scenic drives and trails — two choices, the Amtrak Empire Builder and the 400-mile-long Montana Scenic Loop that circles the Bob Marshall Wilderness complex

Nature and wildlife — four choices, Glacier National Park, the National Bison Range, in Moiese, Wild Horse Island State Park, in Flathead Lake, and Lone Pine State Park, in Kalispell

Best of Montana in summer

Shopping — Montana Fur Trading Company, in Martin City

Places to stay — two choices, family camping at Lake Mary Ronan State Park, and the Good Medicine Lodge, in Whitefish

Outdoor recreation — a backcountry trip to the Chinese Wall in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex

Festivals and events — The Event at Rebecca Farm, in Kalispell

Best of Montana in winter

Outdoor recreation — guided snowshoe walks in Glacier National Park

Scenic drives and trails — sunrise or sunset snowmobile tour, Swan Mountain Snowmobiling, in the Flathead Valley

Festivals and events — Whitefish Winter Carnival and World Skijoring Championships, in Whitefish

Food and drink —Montana Coffee Traders, Whitefish

Family activities — Base Camp Bigfork Dog Sledding, in Bigfork