P-burging

On our way back from Missoula on Monday, we stopped in Philipsburg.

Long the county seat of Granite County, Philipsburg has a rich history in mining and ranching. The roots of the area started as a booming mining town in the late 1800's. It's historic downtown is full of beautifully restored buildings from that era. Today these buildings are full of friendly shops, saloons, and other enjoyable establishments.

 Two whole blocks of touristy, shoppie, quirky, antiquey wonderfulness.

 And for all my kids that took piano from Mrs. Whitmore...come on kids...

"Like a fish in a....."

 Oddly enough, I did not find one fish in this store.

 The Sweet Palace is a sweet-tooth's dream come true.

There are 50 kinds of fudge, 72 flavors of saltwater taffy, 20 varieties of caramels, and myriads of other candies.  Our samples included Coconut Curry Cashews which were unlike anything I've ever had before.

We lunched at the only restaurant in town, "a proud Montana tradition since 2011".

Has it really been established long enough to even be called a "tradition"?

 My blue bag contains sweets for the children.  Yeah, that's it, for the children.

 Overheard from one of the residents:

"When the Graham girls are drunk, you don't even want to be in the room."

Makes me wonder what happens at night when they roll up the tourist sidewalks. 

 Off the beaten path, we found the jail.  

I wonder if the Graham girls are familiar with this building.

Curious parking ordinance.  

What a wonderful day walking together, enjoying each other's company, and laughing with one another.