Here in the Yellowstone Basin our winters tend to be long and cold.  Most years winter comes and goes within the normal season time frames and yes snow is definitely part of the mix.  There are really two seasons that bring people to our area… summer and winter.  Not that Fall and Spring are not beautiful but the masses tend to travel during the summer and winter months.

Summer is simply breathtaking here in the Yellowstone Basin and people flock to this part of the world during the summer months by the millions.  Winter is a different crowd mostly looking for that powder stash we are so well known for.  Not only skiers but snow machiners as well.  Togwatee pass is one of the top places in the world for Snow Machining and our resort Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is one of the top ski resorts in the world.

But for those of us who live here getting away from the deep snow, especially in years like this where the snow just keeps coming is a necessary endeavor.  Last thursday we decided it was time to just go … anywhere where the snow was not so deep.  Our destination was to be Bozeman Montana.  From our home here just south of Jackson Hole our road trip was to take us 227 miles to the heart of Bozeman Montana.

Now I know this sounds a little like a crazy thing to do which is to say drive 227  miles in winter to get away from the snow but this was to be our journey this day.  It is important to note that the drive from Jackson Hole, Wyoming to Bozeman Montana is one of the most beautiful drives in North American winter or summer.  In the winter we travel from Jackson Hole, to Ashton Idaho then up to West Yellowstone and through the very NW corner of Yellowstone Park and we then follow the Gallatin River down into Bozeman.  Simply beautiful the entire way!  So we grabbed our Morning Coffee and off we went…

Once in Bozeman we stayed for the night and in addition to our normal Costco run we decided to explore some new places to eat since when in Bozeman this is one of our favorite sports.  This trip we ate at four local restaurants two of which we will not talk about but there were two that we really enjoyed.  We love to eat breakfast at  local eclectic venues if we can find them and one that we ate at was simply a joy.

We found and ate at the Stockyard Cafe located in the Northeast side of Bozeman.  A bit of an adventure to find and truthfully not a lot to brag about as this place is truly a small slice of Americana.  Our first impression was that we made a mistake as this place is actually at the Bozeman Stockyards.  We located the little red building that at first glance seemed to be in need of repair.  But with all the cars parked in the parking lot it was a good indication that the food inside would be the perfect answer to the morning hungers.

To be truthful there is not a lot to talk about as this little cafe is well – let’s just say a place stuck in time.  Don’t be surprised if you will need to help the staff with your table and such and the tableware is… well kind of plain.   But those people who had already been served all seem to be pleased with their meals as everyone was eating and not much talking going on.

We placed our orders for each of us and waited for the hot coffee to pour which basically is a bottomless cup of joe for those of you who love coffee.  The servers were friendly and busy to boot.  The place was decorated with local flavor and let’s just say the decor was done a few years ago but actually quite quaint.

There were three of us for breakfast and I must say that we were not disappointed with our meals.  I admit it… I had the biscuits and gravy two eggs and a side of local bacon… Why not?  After all this was the west and we were in a real western cafe.  Peyton’s meal which was … well I am not real sure – maybe some sort of huevos rancheros but delicious just the same.  Brynn had the french toast and she too left satisfied and smiling.

If you want a real feel good breakfast then you have to visit the Stockyard Cafe.  It was a lot of fun with a great atmosphere and the food and service were excellent.  We liked it!

The other meal we had which was really good turned out to be the first choice of our daughter Brynn the evening prior.  Brynn selected Pizza Compania Italian Restaurant which is located in the Cannery district of Bozeman.  This restaurant sits in what was apparently the old granary and the atmosphere is excellent.

The funny thing was that earlier in the day we were talking about maybe a pizza place but she was not having the idea.  But later that evening she all the sudden got the bug for pizza and well, it was her turn to pick.  She did a great job picking Pizza Compania.

This restaurant is probably the best place we have eaten in Bozeman.  The service was excellent and friendly, the beer cold and local, the food simply amazing.

The artichoke dip we started with was absolutely the best we have ever had.  OMG – we could not stop eating it!  The salads were fresh and the dressing perfect in every way.  But the pizza was to die for!  Oh and the cost was hard to believe – our total bill for all that we ordered plus 3 beers and a wine was less than $70.00 dollars.  If you are in Bozeman you will want to try this place out!  If you like pizza then you will not be disappointed.  There are other things on their menu as well and I am sure we will be back to try just about everything at some future date.

Road trips can be fun and they can be cathartic to your well-being.  We love grabbing a cup of coffee and hitting the road.  Although most of our Morning Coffee adventures are a bit shorter in duration.  At the end of the day and the end of the trip we came home with smiles on our faces.