Natural wonder is abound in and around the Helena Valley. There is never an absence of natural theater to tickle the senses. In my few short days visiting, I experienced -20 degree temperatures at night to 50 degree temperatures during the day. Thats CrAzY. Here is a small feast for the eyes. The picture taken at the bottom right is an area called "Scratch Gravel". Although the Helena Valley is nearly devoid of precipitation due a rain shadow, these mountains are located in an extremely dry microclimate because of the continental divide that is located directly to the west. Wild.
Downtown Helena was founded after the Four Georgians found massive amounts of gold in a last ditch effort to strike it rich. A huge gold rush ensued and Helena was born. The gold soon dried up and today, a quaint little walking mall consisting of local shops is built, literally, on top of that very gulch.
Left: The Parrot is a local confectionary that has been producing mouth watering candy and ingenious soda fountains since before I was born. I highly recommend the almond bark. As a cub scout, the proprietor gave our troop a guided tour and a few free samples. Rad. Right: This is a local watering hole where I saw my first fist flying, head knocking, cowboy bar fight. I ran.
Left: Bustling Helena on a typical afternoon. Right: I have no idea. I wish I had a detailed map of downtown Helena because there are so many nooks and crannies that make absolutely no sense but are terribly intriguing. Legend has it that this was once an entrance to a brothel.
Art has been a core tradition in the city's evolution. Center: This mural, which is roughly the size of a city block, honors the importance of women in the city's development. Ma'am (cue tip of the hat now). Left: This buffalo has sat at the entrance to the local library since I was a youngin'. Right: Roll along little doggy. This is the Bullwhacker. Giddy up.
The buildings in downtown Helena display their war-torn exterior with pride. Like the bark of a tree, each weathered crack represents a cruel and unusually harsh year gone by. Just ask the old firetower (left), which has been standing since 1874.
Left: The Great Northern area is a new part of town that consists of a carousel, kids learning center, local vendors, a coffee shop, a watering hole, and even a few bus stops. Wow. Right: Mount Helena as a backdrop to the local civic center.
Locals will reference the ability to sustain a local acting and theater production, ballet company, a symphony, a plethora of museums, an independent movie theater, many live performance venues,a fine arts walking mall, a few cathedrals, a ceramic arts institute, etc. ...but I thought this was a little presumptuous. Regardless, I say run with it...
Helena, you continually amaze me. I appreciate you more each year as I uncover all that you have offered me. I thank you and promise that I will return...
...now go on, git!
1 comment:
Nice photos and text. Yes Helena is the Greatest Small Art Town of the Universe. You are right about the Parrot almond bark. I've never tasted better. As far as drip coffee goes, I'll try an Americano the next time I stop at a coffee shack.
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