Last September, a milestone birthday (not mine – I’m still in some “mid years”) hatched the idea for a fabulous whirlwind adventure through the beautiful West. The secondary goal of the journey was to visit some national parks (Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons and Lake Mead thrown in for good measure) in a new trailer.

But of course, there was a lot of eating and drinking along the way. Here’s a slideshow of just some of the trip’s culinary highlights!

Road food! Ya gotta do it.

Yup. We’re in Idaho.

Happened upon a wonderful tomato tasting sponsored by a local gardening group at the Idaho Falls Farmers’ Market.

Family-run Reed’s Dairy in Idaho Falls. Yummy boysenberry and vanilla ice cream,
plus cheese curds and fabulous chocolate milk made with potato flakes. Yes, potato flakes. It’s Idaho, remember?

Sometimes, the best culinary adventures just happen.

Roughing it? At the campground in Salmon, Idaho.

Morning treats on the way through Hamilton, Montana.

One location of this brewery was conveniently located near our campground on the lake.

Snacks at the campground in Whitefish, Montana — a room with a view!

Yes, there was a beer theme on this trip. Downtown brewpub in Whitefish, MT – nice views from the upstairs.

Awesome berry pie from Loula’s in Whitefish, Montana. Also great breakfasts.

You’re welcome.

HAD to stop here in Livingston, MT on our way back from the fabulous Tippet Rise Art Center in Fishtail.

The first food truck –a chuck wagon display at Grant-Kohrs Ranch, a National Historic Site in Montana. The ranch celebrates the history of The West”s ranching heritage with various exhibits and demonstrations.

Because of course there’s camouflage decorated cake in Montana!

Those Grand Tetons were the view from the bar at Dornan’s in Moose, Wyoming.

Great beers and good food at Wyoming’s oldest brewpub, opened in 1994.

Delightful spot in Jackson, Wyoming — and yes, that IS an order of Pig Candy!

Of COURSE, had to get some of this coffee.

Yes that’s a real, bona fide cattle drive folks. Right on Route 89 coming from Bear Lake, Idaho.A real taco shop in Beaver, Utah.
I had the carnitas.

— Text & Photos by Katy Budge