During a recent family getaway at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, near Butte, Montana, we discovered an unexpected surprise about an hour east of the resort on I-90.

Lewis & Clark Caverns, Montana’s first state park, and one of the largest limestone caverns in the Northwest, is a fun and memorable family-friendly trip through some truly spectacular caves.

The facilities are first-rate, with easy access to the trailhead, a large visitor’s center, restrooms, cafeteria, and gift shop. Guided tours, at $5 per person, begin about every twenty minutes. We were lucky to get an awesome guide named Jacob, who would’ve been right at home on Disneyland’s Jungle Cruise with his quick wit and confident manner. My son still laughs uncontrollably at the joke about Romeo, Juliet, and a wheelchair. Don’t ask, you’ll have to take the tour.

I have to confess that the 3/4-mile uphill hike to the entrance of the caverns nearly did us all in. Even the kids were huffing and puffing up that trail. But at least we beat the middle-aged smoking couple from Arizona! Jacob waited patiently for everyone to arrive before going over a few rules. Once inside, the 90-minute walk/climb/stoop was relatively easy for everyone. The constant 50-degree temperature definitely helped.

You might not want to tour these caverns if you’re claustrophobic. There were three or four extremely tight spots where I had to twist myself into odd shapes to pass through. At one point you have to sit down and slide about ten feet to get to the next chamber. The kids loved watching me awkwardly squat and shuffle on my bottom (good thing I had the camera). The caverns are well lit, and they are in the process of switching to a new LED light system that will improve the visual impact of the limestone formations. The trail is extremely safe, with concrete platforms and steps, and steel handrails, all courtesy of the CCC.

I think I may finally know the difference between stalactites, which hang from the ceiling, and stalagmites, which are built up from the floor. There are thousands of them, in every kind of strange configuration, spread throughout the caverns.

It was more than a pleasant surprise to discover the Lewis & Clark Caverns. The kids loved twisting and turning through the caverns, not knowing what was coming next.  Next time you’re in Butte, or just passing through Montana, watch for the turn-off to the Caverns on Hwy 2, just off I-90.  It’s on the way to the West Entrance to Yellowstone National Park, and the Caverns are a popular side trip.

Related: Copper King Mansion, Butte, Montana

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!

Welcome to the December 17th, 2007 edition of the Carnival of Cities.

We asked Carnival of Cities bloggers to post about “Where they would go, if they could go anywhere right now.” We received some great posts that met our theme and a few that didn’t, but were still well worth sharing. Hey, you never know what you will find at a carnival.

The Seattletraveler recommends a holiday spent at the Seattle Fairmont Hotel. It offers a replica of Pike Place Market made from gingerbread, caroling choirs and chestnuts roasting. This sounds like a great place to escape the rain and enjoy the season.

After reading this post by arewethereyet, arewethereyet, I am ready to plan a family trip to Milwaukee. I want to go to an indoor water park in the midst of a winter snowstorm. I think it would be surreal and fun.

The San Diego Nightlife Guide has some great suggestions if you are seeking a bit of a warmer climate and a little night life in San Diego. It offers ideas for the hipster, a mover and even the beer lover.

Madkane gave us a short limerick about the weather in New York. Ummm…I think I like winter’s in San Francisco a bit better. But, I can’t beat her limerick. Maybe, some of you can.

For a New Year’s celebration in Alexandria, VA, the dctraveler suggests a holiday with a bunch of parrotheads ringin’ in the New Year Jimmy Buffett style on the Potomac. I wonder how many times they will play Margaritaville?

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