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Towns + Events Near Glacier National Park

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Near the Park Explore Small Towns and Communities Near the Park

Explore Small Towns and Communities Near the Park

The beauty of Western Montana's Glacier Country is that the gorgeous landscapes and exceptional communities surrounding Glacier National Park offer as equally memorable an adventure as the park itself. Western Montana boasts charming small towns welcoming visitors with restaurants, breweries and distilleries, unique shopping, museums, galleries, and, best of all, the authentic warm welcomes Montana is known for. So, explore beyond the park—Glacier Country is well worth the visit, and, when the park is at capacity, it's the perfect place to discover your next unforgettable adventure.

The communities of Essex, West Glacier, Lakeside, Polson, Hungry Horse, Coram, Martin City, Columbia Falls, Polebridge, Bigfork, Whitefish and Kalispell are ideal towns from which to base your trip. Each community offers access to incredible outdoor recreation in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, expansive trail systems in the Flathead Valley, water recreation on Flathead Lake, on-mountain offerings at Whitefish Mountain Resort and incredible food and drink scenes.

On the east side of Glacier National Park, St. Mary, Babb, Browning, Cut Bank and East Glacier Park provide multiple launching points for exploring the Blackfeet Nation—complete with guided tours and incredible history—as well as central Montana.

Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY, now more than ever. Know before you go, plan ahead, stay informed, stay safe, be kind, be respectful, be patient and leave no trace. Call or check in advance to make sure the businesses you are interested in are open.

BABB

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Drink + Eat Local

Grab dinner at Two Sisters Cafe, an eye-catching roadside eatery that's been satisfying diners for more than 25 years.
Enjoy a big, juicy steak at the Cattle Baron Supper Club, a steakhouse born out of the Babb Bar, once one of the rowdiest watering holes in Glacier Country.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Shop for necessities and souvenirs at the locally-owned and nearly century-old Thronson's General Store.

Outdoor Adventure

Buy a tribal permit and fish Duck Lake, known for unusually large brown and rainbow trout.

Sweet Dreams

Spend the night in a tipi at Chewing Black Bones Campground.
Book a room at Montana's Duck Lake Lodge for easy fishing access to Duck Lake.

BIGFORK

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Visitor Information

Bigfork Chamber of Commerce | 8155 State Highway 35, Bigfork | 406.837.5888

Arts + Culture

Take in a show at Bigfork Summer Playhouse, the finest live professional repertory theater in the northwest.
Go on a gallery stroll; Bigfork boasts a surprising array of art galleries.

Drink + Eat Local

Taste award-winning craft brews at Flathead Lake Brewing Company.
Tour Whistling Andy Distilling and sample The Spirit of Sperry, their huckleberry-flavored vodka with a name inspired by Glacier National Park’s Sperry Chalet.
Pair your meal with Flathead Lake views on The Raven's lakeside deck.
Delight your palate with wine tastings and small plates at Woods Bay Wine.
Have a drink at 1908 Speakeasy, a rock-walled cellar bar that harkens back to the Prohibition era.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Shop downtown for unique jewelry, clothing and gifts.

Outdoor Adventure

Hike to the top of Mount Aeneas, or pick one of many other trails in the Jewel Basin.
See the "Wild Mile" of the Swan River by walking the 2-mile Swan River Nature Trail.
Go paddle boarding or kayaking on Swan Lake or at Wayfarers State Park.
Check with the Swan Lake Ranger District to find out more about nearby recreational opportunities in the Flathead National Forest.
Picnic at Carlyle Johnson Park or Sliter's Park, both in Bigfork
Rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards or mountain bikes from Base Camp Bigfork.
Challenge yourself on holes designed by golf legend Jack Nicklaus at Eagle Bend Golf Club.
Embark on a world-class fly-fishing trip with Wild Trout Adventures.
Fly over Flathead Lake and the Swan Range with Backcountry Flying Experience.

BROWNING

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Blackfeet Tourism, Parks and Recreation | 16 Old Person St. | 406.338.7406

Arts + Culture

Learn about the history and culture of area tribes at the Museum of the Plains Indian.
Admire Plains Indian artwork at Lodgepole Gallery .

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Shop the unusual array of goods at Faught’s Blackfeet Trading Post and Western Curios.

Indoor Pursuits

Play more than 300 slots at Glacier Peaks Casino.

Outdoor Adventure

Stop at the viewing area on U.S. Highway 2 to look for free-roaming bison on the Blackfeet Nation Bison Reserve.
Listen to traditional stories and learn about the landscape on a hike led by Iron Shield Creative’s Blackfeet guides.

COLUMBIA FALLS

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Drink + Eat Local

Stop for lunch, dinner or drinks at Backslope Brewing.
Swing into White Raven Winery for a wine tasting.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Stop and smell the roses at Rose Petal Floral.
Explore the curious finds at The Shops at Station 8.
Stock up on flies and supplies at Lary’s Fly & Supply.

Family Fun

Take on a treetop adventure with unforgettable views from Glacier Ziplines.
Don't miss out on family fun at Montana's largest waterpark, Big Sky Waterpark.
Experience the anomaly for yourself at Montana Vortex and House of Mystery.
Looking for a good old-fashioned swimming pool? Visit Pinewood Park Aquatic Center.
Enjoy the large playground at Marantette Park.
Cast a line in the Family Fishing Pond or stroll along the Flathead River at River’s Edge Park.

Outdoor Adventure

Trek to the summit of Columbia Mountain or make your turn around point at one of three waterfalls along the way.
Explore trails in the Flathead National Forest.
Go hiking, backpacking or rock climbing with Glacier Adventure Guides.
Go green at the "must play" Meadow Lake Golf Course.
Enjoy picturesque Montana fly-fishing and rafting on the Flathead River.
Rent a jeep from Glacier Jeep Rentals and explore the backcountry.
Bike the 3-mile Columbia Falls River Trail along the Flathead River.
Contact the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District for more information on recreational activities in the Flathead National Forest.

CORAM

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Drink + Eat Local

Savor handcrafted whiskey and spirits "so close to Glacier you can taste it!" at Glacier Distilling.
Enjoy tapas and delicious dishes made with local ingredients at Josephine's Speakeasy, an eatery housed in an old homesteader cabin.

Family Fun

Crank up the fun level! The Amazing Fun Center has a maze, go-karts, mini-golf, bumper boats and bankshot basketball.

Outdoor Adventure

Get an adrenaline rush at Glacier Highline, an aerial adventure park boasting 50 activities.
Bicycle 7 miles to West Glacier on the Gateway to Glacier Trail.
Rent e-bikes, paddleboards, kayaks, or floatzillas from Sky Eco Rentals.
Explore Hungry Horse Recreation Area on an ATV or UTV from Glacier Ridge Runners.
Contact the Hungry Horse/Glacier View Ranger District for more information on recreational activities in the Flathead National Forest.

CUT BANK

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Visitor Information

Cut Bank Area Chamber of Commerce | 59 Golf Course Road | 406.873.4041

Art + Culture

Step back in time at the 14-acre Glacier County Historical Museum and Archive with the option to spend the night in a historic caboose, oil worker's house or homestead house.
Learn about the Cut Bank Army Airfield's role in World War II at the Airmen's Museum.
Take a stroll around town to view the murals that celebrate Cut Bank's history.

Drink + Eat Local

Savor a pint of craft beer—brewed with local barley—at Cut Bank Creek Brewery.
Grab a cup of coffee from Folklore Coffee Bar, inside Rose Petal Floral, Café and Supplies.

Family Fun

Take a selfie with a 27-foot-tall penguin statue that claims Cut Bank is the “coldest spot in the nation."
Buy tickets for a scenic roundtrip train ride on Amtrak's Empire Builder from Cut Bank to Whitefish, skirting the southern border of Glacier National Park.
Release some pent-up energy on the playground at City Park.

Outdoor Adventure

Hike the Cut Bank Trail System along the scenic Cut Bank Creek Coulee.

EAST GLACIER PARK

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Visitor Information

East Glacier Park Chamber of Commerce | 909 State Highway 49 N. | 406.226.4403

Art + Culture

Visit the John L. Clark Western Art Gallery to view works from internationally renowned wood carver and local Blackfeet tribesman, John L. Clark.
Wander around the architecturally stunning Glacier Park Lodge, a historic hotel built in 1913 by the Great Northern Railway.

Drink + Eat Local

Chow on buffalo tacos at Serrano's Mexican Restaurant, a classic East Glacier Park eatery.
Moose-watch from the deck of Summit Mountain Lodge & Steakhouse while enjoying local beef and views of Glacier National Park.

Outdoor Adventure

Play the nine holes named after Blackfeet Indian chiefs at Glacier Park Lodge Golf Course, the oldest grass greens course in Montana.
See Montana from horseback. Glacier Gateway Trail Rides' Blackfeet guides lead riders to marvelous views along the edge of Glacier National Park.
Contact the Rocky Mountain Ranger District for more information on recreational opportunities in the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.

ESSEX

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Outdoor Adventure

Indulge your inner cowboy or cowgirl on a week-long cattle drive with Bear Creek Guest Ranch.
Take a horseback ride into the Great Bear Wilderness with Snowy Springs Outfitters.
Hike 4 miles round-trip to Stanton Lake in the Great Bear Wilderness.
Scan for mountain goats at the nearby Goat Lick Overlook.
Visit the Walton Ranger Station for more information on nearby recreational opportunities.

Sweet Dreams

Satisfy your need to sleep and eat at the historic Izaak Walton Inn. Spend the night in a caboose or railroad car and fill your belly at the railroad-themed Dining Car Restaurant.
Fall asleep counting the stars from your luxury sky dome at Clear Sky Resorts.

HUNGRY HORSE

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Art + Culture

Visit Montana's highest dam: Hungry Horse Dam and Visitor Center.
Drive the 120-mile scenic loop around Hungry Horse Reservoir.

Drink + Eat Local

Indulge in huckleberry pie at The Huckleberry Patch, Montana's first huckleberry cannery.

Outdoor Adventure

Camp, boat or hike: recreation abounds!
Take a stroll around Lion Lake. Look—and listen—for loons.
Head out for huckleberry picking, a quintessential Montana experience.
Kayak or stand-up paddleboard Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Contact the Hungry Horse Ranger District for more information about recreational opportunities in the Flathead National Forest.

KALISPELL

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Visitor Information

Kalispell Chamber of Commerce + Discover Kalispell Visitor Information Center| 15 Depot Park, Kalispell | 406.758.2811

Art + Culture

Visit Conrad Mansion Museum for a slice of history and railroad-glory-days architecture. The Mansion offers docent-guided and self-guided tours.
Discover Glacier National Park art and memorabilia at the Hockaday Museum of Art.
Take a self-guided mural tour to see Kalispell's street art.
Learn the local history through interactive exhibits for the entire family at the Northwest Montana History Museum.
Enjoy small-town charm and western hospitality with a self-guided walking tour of downtown Kalispell.

Drink + Eat Local

Enjoy Kalispell's array of culinary offerings, including breweries, restaurants and coffee shops.
Wet your whistle at Kalispell Brewing Company, Bias Brewing, SunRift Beer Company, MontaVino Winery, Sacred Waters Brewery or Rough Cut Cider.
Stroll through downtown and be greeted by mouthwatering offerings. Fill up on pastries at Ceres Bakery, pizza at Moose's Saloon, bison burgers at Hop's Downtown Grill, BBQ at DeSoto Grill, angus beef at Mercantile Steak or fresh sushi at Blue Samurai.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Visit downtown Kalispell's shops and boutiques for made-in-Montana items, cowboy boots, clothing, outdoor gear, jewelry and souvenirs.
Peruse downtown Kalispell's Main Street and don't miss Western Outdoor, The Toggery, Honey Home & Design, The Montana Scene and Sage & Cedar.

Outdoor Adventure

Plan to paddle or boat the waters of Flathead Lake, located a 10-minute drive from downtown Kalispell. Guided recreation is available on the lake, as well as numerous state and public parks that provide access to its glacial-fed waters.
Soak up Montana's agriculture scene with a visit to Bibler Gardens or Hurst Flower Meadow.
Saddle up and ride through Montana's mountains on a horseback trail ride with Artemis Acres.
Get a bird's-eye view of the entire valley at Lone Pine State Park, also an excellent stargazing spot.
Explore Foy's to Blacktail Trails at Herron Park—only 10 minutes from town. Dog and mountain-bike friendly.
Bike from downtown Kalispell to Flathead Lake on a nonmotorized “Rails to Trails" paved trail system.
Rent kayaks from Sportsman & Ski Haus and paddle Foys Lake, just minutes from downtown Kalispell.
Learn how to fly fish with True Water Fly Shop.

LAKESIDE / SOMERS

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Visitor Information

Lakeside and Somers Chamber of Commerce | 7191 U.S. Highway 93, Lakeside | 406.844.3715

On the Lake

Cast a line from a chartered fishing boat.
Play on the water with kayaking and SUP rentals/tours
Take a cruise with Far West Boat Tours.
Access the lake at Somers Bay, Flathead Harbor, Volunteer Park and West Shore State Park.

Around the Lake

Visit Purple Mountain Lavender for the sights and scents of more than 1,500 lavender plants (35 varieties) and pick up some lavender oil, bundles, hydrosol or sachets.
Stop by an orchard to pick famous Flathead cherries, or find a roadside stand.
Bike from Somers to Kila on the paved Great Northern Historical Trail.
Stretch your legs at Lakeside Community Park.
Shred the trails at Legacy Bike Park (experienced mountain bikers only).
Contact the Flathead National Forest for more information on recreational opportunities near Somers and Lakeside.

Drink + Eat Local

Relax with a craft beer on Tamarack Brewing's creek-side patio.
Dine on food made from locally sourced ingredients at Beargrass Bistro.

Sweet Dreams

Get cozy in a cabin, motel or RV site at Edgewater Resort.

MARTIN CITY

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Outdoor Adventure

Take the East Side Reservoir Road #38 and drive part or all of the loop around Hungry Horse Reservoir.
Contact the Hungry Horse Ranger District for more information about recreational opportunities in the Flathead National Forest.

POLEBRIDGE

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Visitor Information

Columbia Falls Area Chamber of Commerce at Marantette Park | 233 13th St. E., Columbia Falls | 406.892.2072

Drink + Eat Local

Stop at the beloved Polebridge Mercantile & Bakery and try a huckleberry bear claw or stock up on trip essentials and Montana-made souvenirs.
Drink, dine and listen to live music on the lawn of the Northern Lights Saloon.

Outdoor Adventure

The Glacier View Ranger District offers many different hiking opportunities, including Demers Ridge/Glacier View Mountain.

Sweet Dreams

Stay at the off-the-grid North Fork Hostel & Square Peg Ranch and meet visitors from all over the world.
Rent the Ben Rover Forest Service cabin.

POLSON

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Visitor Information

Polson Chamber of Commerce | 402 First St. E., Suite 102, Polson | 406.883.5969

Arts + Culture

Visit the Miracle of America Museum and explore the vast collection—340,000 and counting—of Americana curiosities.
Stop in at the Polson Flathead Lake Museum for a look at how the first homesteaders settled and farmed in the area. Don't miss the Flathead Lake Monster!
At the Sandpiper Gallery and hand MADE Montana, shop for local art, pottery, jewelry and other gifts and handmade items.
Top off a day on the lake with a live performance by the Port Polson Players inside a 1938 log theater on the lakeshore.

Drink + Eat Local

If you're visiting in July, you can't miss tasting the famous Flathead cherries, grab them at a roadside stand, U-Pick farm or during the Polson Main Street Flathead Cherry Festival.
Please your palate at Flathead Lake Cheese, where you'll find delicious artisan cheeses handmade in small batches.
Try some of the finely crafted local beer on tap at Glacier Brewing Company.
Grab a bite to eat on the lakeshore at Finley Point Grill, serving up steaks, seafood and other mouthwatering entrees, and boasting a robust wine list.
If you're in the mood for burgers, you're in luck. Richwine's Burgerville is known for its 100% bull hamburgers, which they've been serving for more than 50 years.
For a taste of Thai, head to Hot Spot Thai Café.
For blues, booze and barbecue, mosey on over to East Shore Smoke House.

Outdoor Adventure

Relax lakeside at one of several city parks or rent watercraft from Riverside Recreation.
Take an aerial tour over the lake with Blue Goose Aviation.
Go kayaking at Finley Point State Park.

Family Fun

Skate the 7th Avenue Skatepark.
Play along the shores of Flathead Lake at Riverside Park, Sacajawea Park, Point Salish Park or Boettcher Park.

Sweet Dreams

Spend the night at any number of cozy lodging options in this lakeside community: Polson Motorcoach Resort, America's Best Value Port Polson Inn, Red Lion Ridgewater Inn & Suites Polson, Polson Flathead Lake KOA.

ST. MARY

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Drink + Eat Local

Eat hearty at Johnson's of St. Mary. The Johnson Family has been dishing up their signature American-style fare since 1950.

Outdoor Adventure

Walk the paved paths at St. Mary Overlook for marvelous views of the valley below.

Sweet Dreams

Find a place to rest your head at St. Mary Village.
Camp overnight and take a swim in the pool at the St. Mary/East Glacier KOA Holiday.

WEST GLACIER

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Visitor Information

Visitor center at the Historic Belton West Glacier Train Depot | 12544 U.S. Highway 2 E., West Glacier | 406.888.5756

Drink + Eat Local

Indulge in fine dining at the Belton Chalet Grill, Dining Room and Tap Room. Then overnight at the Belton Chalet, a Great Northern Railway hotel dating back to 1910.
Stop for breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails at the Sunflower Café.

Family Fun

Head to the family-friendly Crown of the Continent Discovery Center to book guided trips, relax with coffee, spirits, or ice cream, shop for souvenirs, visit the petting zoo and more!
Tee up at Golfing to the Sun mini golf course and then treat the family to ice cream from the on-site Club House.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Gear up for your outdoor adventure at the Glacier Outdoor Center.
Shop the Glacier National Park Conservancy Gift Store for Glacier National Park souvenirs.
Stop in at the Montana House to peruse arts and crafts for sale from over 400 Montana artists.

Outdoor Adventure

Sign up for an adventure! Many outfitters offer guided whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, trail riding and hunting excursions of varying lengths, including half-day, full-day and multiday. Outfitters include:

Cruise around West Glacier on a moped from Glacier Moped Rentals.
Rent a bicycle from Glacier Outfitters and ride 7 miles to Coram on the Gateway to Glacier Trail.
Explore trails in the Flathead National Forest and the Great Bear Wilderness.
Play 18 holes at Glacier View Golf Club.

Sweet Dreams

Enjoy a romantic getaway in a private designer log chalet at Silverwolf Log Chalets.
Overnight accommodations abound in West Glacier. Find warm western hospitality at Belton Chalet, West Glacier Village and Glacier Guides Lodge.
Find camping at Glacier Campground & RV Park, West Glacier KOA and West Glacier RV Park & Cabins.

WHITEFISH

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Visitor Information

Explore Whitefish/Convention and Visitor Bureau + Whitefish Chamber of Commerce | 505 E. 2nd St., Whitefish | 877.862.3548

Exploration is easy with visitor kiosks throughout town featuring maps, travel guides and activity/event posters. Please remember that recreating responsibly and checking local health guidelines are as important as ever.

Getting Around: SNOW Bus

Catch a ride with daily service from Whitefish to Whitefish Mountain Resort (running whenever the chairlifts are running at the resort).
Bring your wheels on bicycle-friendly buses with racks for up to 16 bikes.

Drink + Eat Local

Get your beer on at Bonsai Brewing Project, a community-raised brewery featuring locally crafted brews, food, live music and an outdoor beer garden.
Taste the rugged landscape and the heart and soul of Montana at Spotted Bear Spirits or Unleashed: A Winery.
Dine outdoors at one of many restaurants that offer summer outdoor seating, including Last Chair, Piggyback BBQ, the Wich Haus, Casey's, Firebrand, Abruzzo Italian Kitchen, Indah Sushi, Logan’s Bar & Grill, The Craggy Range or Whitefish Lake Restaurant. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during the busy summer months.

Get Your Shop On, Tax Free!

Shopping in downtown Whitefish is a must. Don't miss Sappari, The Toggery, Meriwether, FORLOH and Out West Trading Co.

Outdoor Recreation

Play on Whitefish Lake, with three public-access points, including Whitefish Lake State Park, Whitefish City Beach and Les Mason State Park.
Explore 47 miles of dog-friendly trails and scenic overlooks on The Whitefish Trail.
Tee off at the 36-hole Whitefish Lake Golf Club.

Indoor Fun

Bring out your inner artist at the kid-friendly Stumptown Art Studio.
Test out your throwing skills at Hank's Hatchets.
Pamper yourself at the spa at The Lodge at Whitefish Lake or the Firebrand Hotel.
Take in a play or concert with Alpine Theatre Project or Whitefish Theatre Company.
Book a local brewery tour with Big Sky Brews Cruise.

Whitefish Mountain Resort, Summer Style

Soar through the trees, high above the slopes on a zipline tour.
For "an obstacle park in the trees," visit Aerial Adventure Park.
Take sliding to a whole new level on the Alpine Slide.
A must-do Montana attraction—Scenic Lift and Gondola Rides.
Taste Montana with mountaintop dining at the Summit House.
Go for a ride on smooth-flow, lift-accessed mountain-biking trails.
Take a hike, literally, with miles of trails to explore.
Learn more about summer activities at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

A Little Further Out: Northwest Corridor

Consider exploring Glacier Country’s Northwest Corridor rather than Two Medicine or Many Glacier, which can be intimidating to visitors who are new to the outdoors. It's a beautiful hour and a half drive from Kalispell to the town of Libby. Libby is located on the Kootenay River in the heart of the Kootenai National Forest. Libby Dam, Souse Gulch Recreation Area and Lake Koocanusa are incredibly scenic and easily accessible off Highway 37. Downtown Libby offers a brewery, dining, lodging and shopping.