If you aren’t concerned about the U.S. economy, then you have more money than God or you just don’t listen to the news. I think it’s safe to say that most Americans are going to be looking closer to home for their vacations this year. If this last statement rings true…then read on. I am going to tell you about Montana; a beautiful state that compliments a skinny wallet.

I am partial to western Montana. I wouldn’t say this makes me unique. It is rare to meet people who prefer the eastern half of the state. Western Montana comes as close to the notion of  “true frontier” as it gets in the ‘lower 48′. It is the 4th largest state and the 3rd least populated (or something like that). This translates into a lot of open space! With this comes a freedom to breathe and a friendliness towards your fellow man.

Combine this great attitude with stunning mountains and remote wilderness, throw in a heavy dose of character, and fierce independence, and you can come close to understanding what Montana is about.

The best part about this state, is that not a lot of tourists go. Sure, it gets a steady trickle of fly fishermen, dude ranch enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. But, for the most part, Montana is undiscovered. Because of this, the prices are low and the value is high.

You can stay at an atmospheric lodge near Glacier National park or rent a house on Flathead Lake. Flathead is a larger, colder, more stunning version of Lake Tahoe with a fraction of the people. Spend some time shopping and dining in the small liberal college towns of Missoula and Bozeman interspersed with hiking/fishing/rafting/climbing in the nearby mountains. You can even ski perfect powdery mountains in Big Sky for a fraction of what it costs in Colorado.

So, get yourself there before the secret is out!

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