Montana is a State of Mind (Part II)

A Dispatch from Big Sky Country

Zero Footprint Travelers

Next to agriculture (surprisingly, considering Montana’s wild west image), tourism is the highest grossing industry in Montana, largely due to the popularity of the majestic Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. The vast majority of visitors come from the U.S. Western states and only 2% are from overseas. Stately lodges with sprawling vistas and picture-perfect dude ranches have their share of high-end clientele but, things are changing.


Environmental and economic woes, globalization and the Internet brought a new kind of world traveler. Sustainable tourism, or geoturism, is giving communities like Troy a chance to shape their own brand of hospitality with smaller investments. Now, who are the geoturists? From a marketing perspective, they are visitors who strive to enjoy the local bounty and fully embrace the spirit of the community. From the host’s perspective, enthusiastic guests easy to please.

Geoturists are respectful nature admirers rather than adventurers. No need for expensive Survivor-type expeditions followed by even more expensive search and rescue missions. Hiking, bike riding, kayaking and similar activities will suffice. Looking to be inspired and moved by nature, geotourist are also aware of the current economic, social and cultural issues hosts face. The #1 rule of geoturism is that being a guest is a privilege. Spending money in a place is not a license to demand, impose, disregard or abuse in any way. As clichéd as it is, the goal is to be a part of the solution not the problem.

Real World, Real People, Real Food

Generally speaking, geoturists seek authenticity above all. Defining the authenticity is what’s most confusing. One thing is certain, this particular kind of traveler does not look for historical re-enactments. With all due respect to Lewis and Clark, we now live in the 21st century and wander around using GPS. Expecting hosts to remain untouched by societal changes would be equally unrealistic and quite selfish. Everybody is entitled to enjoy the fruits of progress. Finding a balance between the old and the new, development and conservation, is as authentic as it gets today.

When it comes to food, geotourists’ idea of fine dining is a simple meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients. They see cooking as a form of relaxation and are not squeamish about catching, or at least foraging, their own dinner. As pleasures of the table include good company, sharing a meal is preferred. A farmers market and a bistro-type restaurant/bakery cover both gastronomical and social needs of such visitors.


The geotourists look for unpretentious comfort with amenities like quality linens and towels, natural bath and body care and, increasingly, well-equipped kitchens. Wi-Fi access is a must for people who otherwise live on the Internet in spite of their professed longing for an unplugged vacation. Ideally, getting online is reduced to finding local businesses and things to do.

Arts and culture? Not too much fuss either: visiting a county fair, music festival, a craft workshop, learning about the old days and ways from locals themselves over a drink. Chefs and authors like Anthony Bourdain, Alice Waters and Michael Pollan are the most prominent advocates of a slower, if not slow, more direct approach to food and travel.

Next: Troy for Beginners