I was born and raised in Montana and appreciate the magnificence of our beautiful state. However, I find I often get caught up in day to day life and don’t take advantage of low-cost or free activities right here in our backyard. I’m embarrassed to say that I have never been to the Pictograph Caves, have only recently visited the YAM, and have never attended the Winter Carnival in Red Lodge (and I’m dying to see the Cardboard Classic). Fun, low-cost events are happening in our community, and I’m missing out…mostly because I forget about them. Here’s my solution:
For events that are on a specific date, I set a computer reminder, subscribe to email lists, and subscribe to their Facebook feed, so I’m reminded about these activities. Great sources of information can be found from Chamber, media and community websites to help you build your reminders. There are also event websites like Billings365.com and redlodge.com that you should check out.
For activities to visit any time, I resort to an old-fashioned method. I write the activity (Moss Mansion, Beartooth Nature Center, Natural Bridge in Big Timber) on a slip of paper and put them in a mason jar. When I have a free weekend and am looking for a low-cost option, I pull a piece of paper out of the jar and go! It has helped me to experience our great state and keep my budget in check. Give it a try!
