Why I Will Miss Missoula

It’s graduation season and this year I am one of the graduates. I am excited to be done sitting in lectures hours and for all-nighters in the library to be things of the past. But that means it is time for us graduates to find jobs, and for many of us we know that we will have to move out of this town that has been our home for the last four years. As I reflect on my time in Missoula, I can think of endless things that I will miss and it will be so hard to say goodbye. I am going to share with you the seven things that I will miss most about my favorite college town.

ONE: Football games

There is no better way to spend a Saturday morning in the Fall than cheering on the University of Montana Grizzlies. Half of the state meets in Missoula wearing their maroon Griz gear to tailgate, enjoy some football, and celebrate Griz Morning!

TWO: The river

The Clark Fork River runs right through town, which adds a lot of beauty and activity. Floating the river and surfing Brennan’s Wave are common activities for summertime in Missoula. There is also a path along the river that is populated throughout the year, no matter the weather conditions.

THREE: The food

Big Dipper, Five On Black, Biga Pizza, Plonk… Just to name a few. These are popular Missoula restaurants that I will greatly miss. Biga Pizza is great for a night out with the girls. A glass of wine and fantastic gourmet pizza is never a bad idea. Five On Black is a locally owned, cheap, and fast option for lunch or dinner. Plonk is perfect for when you are wanting to get dressed up and treat yourself to a fancy drink with friends. Finally, Big Dipper, definitely a Missoula favorite. Big Dipper serves the best ice cream in town.

FOUR: The downtown scene

Downtown Missoula has a lot to offer at all times of day. Great breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night spots for every crowd. There are some fun shops and galleries to explore during the day and plenty of bars for late night entertainment.

FIVE: Hiking the M

The hike to the M on Mount Sentinel is a must do for anyone who resides in, or visits , Missoula. From the top of the M you can look over the entire town. I will miss being able to sit up at the M and look over the University of Montana campus, and the town that has made my college experience incredible.

SIX: The events

There are always events going on in Missoula to bring the community together. First Friday, Downtown Tonight, Out to Lunch, Top Hat shows, and Brewfest are some of my personal favorites. With a wide variety of events, there is sure to be an event for everyone to enjoy!

SEVEN: The people

Missoula is a very accepting and welcoming community. Everybody in Missoula is encouraged to be exactly who they are and do what they love. I love that the people in Missoula are so friendly and treat each other with such kindness. While the scenery, beauty, and culture of Missoula are spectacular, it is the people I have met here that made this my home, and it is the people I will miss the most.