Located in the Flathead Valley, the quaint town of Whitefish offers year-round recreation for any outdoor enthusiast and those that just can't get enough of the best nature has to offer. Enjoy "Big Mountain" skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Skiers of all levels will appreciate 3000 acres with 94 marked trails and vast amounts of bowl & tree skiing. In summertime, take to water skiing & boating on Whitefish Lake. Furthermore, with Glacier National Park just minutes away, residents and tourists will find this area full of endless opportunities to fish, raft, hike, bike and more.

Every year The Whitefish Pilot releases results for our yearly favorites. The 2008 winners were:

Dining

Best Appetizer
Pollo Grill (Pollo Grill has since closed it's doors).
Pollo Grill stole the overwhelming majority for its tasty pre-entrée options. Just don't get too full before the rest of the equally delicious meal arrives. 1705 Wisconsin Avenue. 863-9400.

Best Burger
Bulldog Saloon. The Bulldog crushed the competition with nearly five times more votes than the runner-up. This is the hands-down hot spot to get a burger in Whitefish, whether it be a basic, no-toppings burger or the popular grilled ham, onions and cheese burger. Don't forget a side of fried mushrooms. 144 Central Avenue. 862-5636.

Best Sandwich
Quickee Sandwich Shop. Winner of this category for numerous years, the constant throng of locals anticipating a six-inch or foot-long Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich is all takes to prove that Quickee's is more than deserving of the Best Sandwich title. 28 Lupfer Avenue. 862-9866.

Best Breakfast
Buffalo Café. A regular on the Best of Whitefish list, the Buffalo offers a cozy, small-town diner atmosphere and food that tempts customers to lick their plates clean. Go check out the new remodel. 514 Third Street. 862-2833.

Best Lunch
Loula's. Another local favorite, Loula's keeps Whitefish coming back for more. Their classic dishes are all given a unique twist, and this is one place where you will feel guilty leaving without dessert - the pies are unarguably the area's greatest. Now serving dinner. 300 Second Street. 862-5614

Best Pizza
Stageline Pizza. Despite the abundance of pizza joints in this small town, Stageline was easily the absolute favorite of Whitefish's locals. Stageline is quick with great prices and irresistible slices of pizza. Check out the new location. 6550 U.S. Highway 93 South. 862-4441.

Best Dessert
Dairy Queen. Whitefishians agree with the rest of the nation on this vote - Dairy Queen knows how to do sweets. Who doesn't love a place where dessert, not food, is the main focus? The ever-changing featured Blizzard will certainly satisfy a sweet tooth, and the drive-through service saves valuable time. 669 Spokane Avenue. 862-2782.

Best Coffee Espresso Spot
Montana Coffee Traders. Whether you want to jump-start an early morning or relax in a welcoming environment, this coffee shop will not disappoint. Coffee Traders is a major piece of the heart of Whitefish. Customers are known by name, and mouth-watering pastries are at-the-ready to accompany a dose of locally roasted java. 110 Central Avenue. 862-7667.

Best Dinner on a Budget
Great Northern Bar and Grill. Grab a burger and a drink in this family-friendly environment. You will get more than your money's worth, and you can even get in a little entertainment playing pool, ping pong, dancing or just people-watching.

Best Fine Dining
The Boat Club at the Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The perfect combination of ambiance and delicious food makes every dining experience at the Lodge a special occasion. Whitefish natives know quality when they see, or rather, taste it. 1380 Wisconsin Avenue. 863-4000.

Best Whitefish Restaurant
Pollo Grill. (Pollo Grill has since closed it's doors).
This classy, yet local-friendly restaurant has everything it takes to be at the top of a long list of the area's restaurants, according to locals. Take their word for it; Pollo Grill is a place you will return to. 1705 Wisconsin Avenue. 863-9400.

Bar Scene

Best Happy Hour
Great Northern Bar and Grill. The mood at the Northern is definitely happy between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m. when pitchers are $1 off and all drinks are 50 cents off. There is also a charismatic mix of locals and visitors enjoying this unique establishment. On top of that, you can treat an empty stomach with an appetizing bar menu. 27 Central Avenue. 862-2816.

Best Friday/Saturday Night
Great Northern Bar and Grill. Something about this place is obviously on-target, because the locals have stayed true to the Northern for many years - and it's a winner in many Best of Whitefish categories. A variety of games, music and one of the top outdoor spaces in town, there is truly something for everyone, which explains the Northern's popularity. Whatever the occasion, and even when there is no occasion at all, this bar is hopping. 27 Central Avenue. 862-2816.

Best Sports Bar
Bulldog Saloon. Team spirit lines the walls, games illuminate the screens of several TVs, and even sport-themed light fixtures light up the room. Walking into the Bulldog for the first time is a memorable experience, and it is clearly the place to be for sports lovers. 144 Central Avenue. 862-5601.

Best Casino
The Victorian Casino. Once again, an overwhelming favorite, the Victorian credits their customer service. Complimentary beverages and award-winning soup is available to players, and the meal changes nightly. The Victorian offers 20 gaming machines, so there's plenty of room to kick back and try your luck at a game or two. 6550 U.S. Highway 93 South. 862-1700.

Best Dance/Music Spot
Blue Moon Grill. The people of Whitefish are willing to venture from home for the lively scene at the Blue Moon. Always an opportunity to get out on the dance floor, and often a variety of other special events taking place, such as the Blue Moon Rodeo, you will be sure to come home with a story. 6105 U.S. Highway 2. 892-3110.

Favorite Brew
Wheatfish and Budweiser came in tied. Locals couldn't decide between the golden hefeweizen from the Great Northern Brewery, in downtown Whitefish, or a national household favorite. Whichever you prefer, both are sold on tap or in stores.

Best Bartender
Robin Blumberg, at the Pollo Grill. Familiar to the title, Robin crushed competition by 10 times the number of votes. He has tended bar for 14 years and spent the past four of them at the Pollo Grill. Robin's favorite part of his job is getting to work and talking with people. "I'm honored to have won this twice," he said. "That's pretty cool."

Best Server
Donna Simpson, at the Victorian Casino, and Gretchen Moore, at the Whitefish Lake Restaurant, tied, making not one but two outstanding servers in town. Donna has been at the Victorian Casino for four years, and has been serving for many years before that. Her favorite part of the job? "The people. All the customers, we're like one giant family. It's really true."

Outdoors

Favorite City Park
Kiddie Park at Baker Avenue and the Whitefish River. This park wins every year, probably because of the great number of parents of young, energetic kids who live in the area. The Kiddie Park has become like a second home, and an easy source of entertainment for many parents. A gazebo, picnic table, expansive green lawn, benches, two elaborate play structures and a convenient bathroom facility make the Kiddie Park an ideal kid-friendly destination.

Favorite Hiking Trail
Danny On Trail, on Big Mountain. Zig-zag up the face of the beloved mountain, cutting through lush trees and across the bare ski-runs, with an abundance of huckleberries if you're there in mid- or late-summer. If you head for the summit but aren't in the mood to walk back down, you can hop on the Glacier Chaser chairlift and ride down in a gondola. Don't forget to take in the views.

Favorite Cross-country Ski Run
Whitefish Lake Golf Course. Twelve kilometers of trails wind through trees at an ideally close distance from downtown. Cross-country skiing is quick winter workout that gives you a break from the hum of a the treadmill. On U.S. Highway 93 North. 862-4000

Favorite Downhill Ski Run
Inspiration, at Whitefish Mountain Resort. A long run down the face of Big Mountain, with stunning views all the way. Inspiration usually has snow drifts and a few moguls for the more playful skier, but enough smooth, groomed surface for novices to make it down intact.

Favorite Mountain Bike Trail
Whitefish Mountain Resort's and Haskill Basin's trails are both favorites this year. Big Mountain has more than 20 miles of single-track trails with plenty of obstacles to keep riders of all levels busy. A new trail will be constructed this summer. Haskill Basin offers logging roads and unmarked single-track routes that are yet to be discovered by tourists.

Favorite Fishing Spot
Upper Whitefish Lake and Murphy Lake. You gave it up Whitefish. In past years, the only response to this category has been, "It's a secret." So, unless this is a decoy to deter over-fishing in the real favorite spot, the jig is up. Go test the waters, and the honesty of this vote, for yourself.

Favorite Float Spot
North Fork of the Flathead River. If you're up to the commute on a long, dusty and rough road, Whitefish claims this river is the best in the area when it comes to kayaking, canoeing and floating. Stop in Polebridge for some freshly-baked goods at the Mercantile or food drinks at the Northern Lights.

Favorite Boating Spot
Whitefish Lake. Surrounded by mountains, ideal swimming conditions and plenty of room to tube, water ski or fish, Whitefish Lake makes sense as the winner as Whitefish's favorite boating spot. Another bonus - it takes just seconds to get from home to the shores.

Favorite Golf Course
Whitefish Lake Golf Course. With 36 holes for any kind of golfer, a driving range and a picturesque setting of pine and birch trees and mountains all around, the home-town course is the favorite. Like the locals, Golf Digest put both the North and South courses on the top-five list in Montana. U.S. Highway 93 North. 862-4000.

Favorite Camping Spot
Tally Lake, Apgar and Meadow Creek tied for first place. All three are easy to access from this conveniently located town. Swim, hike or just hang around the camp site. At Apgar, you can take advantage of Glacier National Park, an expensive tourist destination for many people, while Whitefish residents are a mere 30 minutes away.

Favorite Picnic Spot
City Beach. City Beach has gazebos, grass and sandy terrain for setting up a picnic. There are pristine views and easy access to hop in the lake for a cool down no matter where you set up. It's also easily accessible through the city's new bike path system.

The Arts

Favorite Gallery/Artisan Shop
Walking Man Frame Shop and Gallery. Promoting conversational framing, the Walking Man is a custom frame shop that also has an appealing gallery display. 305 Baker Avenue. 862-2787.

Favorite Local Artist
Sue Beardsley. Sue lives in Olney and has lived in the area for 11 years. She primarily paints watercolors in a variety of styles and techniques. She used to teach, but now paints in preparation for the four shows each year that her artwork is displayed in nationally. One of the shows is the Whitefish Show, in Depot Park.

Shopping

Favorite Convenience Store
Markus Foods. An affable staff will readily help you select from a variety of produce, fresh meats and fish, deli goods, beer and wine at Markus. A classic small town grocery full of familiar faces, Markus is a regular favorite in a number of categories. 9 Baker Avenue. 862-7258.

Best Wine Selection
Markus Foods. Markus' wine steward can help you find the right wine for whatever the occasion. They offer a wide variety of wines from all over the world and in all price ranges. 9 Baker Avenue. 862-7258.

Best Deli
Markus Foods. Again a definite winner, Markus' deli has a ready-to-eat hot food selections, as well as a variety of cheeses, freshly-sliced meats, and a staff eager to lend a hand. 9 Baker Avenue. 862-7258.

Best Beer Selection
Markus Foods. The locals definitely love Markus. Right next to Whitefish's favorite wine selection is a long refrigerated wall of countless brews. Some are made locally, others are imported from places like Japan, the Land Down Under, Jamaica and the Netherlands. Shoppers will definitely find what they're looking for to handle a hot summer day, or apres-skiing. 9 Baker Avenue. 862-7258.

Best Place for Women to Shop
The Toggery. In one of downtown Whitefish's classic old store fronts, The Toggery has clothes and shoes for both fashion and outdoors. They also have an abundance of souvenirs, gifts or household items. Local women realize the advantage of shopping at The Toggery, where they can get all their shopping done in one stop. 122 Central Avenue. 862-2271.

Best Place for Men to Shop
The Toggery and The Sportsman & Ski Haus. Men in Whitefish also appreciate The Toggery's presence on Central Avenue for their shopping needs. They also feel that Sportsman is a necessity to Whitefish's vigorous outdoor-recreational lifestyle. Both businesses have been a vital part of Whitefish for many years. The Toggery, 122 Central Avenue, 862-2271. Sportsman & Ski Haus, Mountain Mall, 862-3111.

Best Place for a Unique Gift
Crystal Winters. Tourists and locals alike can spend hours drifting through the aisles at Crystal Winters. Bustling with a wild combination of Montana-themed souvenirs, cards, toys, practical jokes and home décor, it is the perfect place to find a gift for the person who thinks they have everything. 232 Central Avenue. 862-6104.

Best Place for a Romantic Gift
A four-way tie for first place, Sage and Cedar, the Village Shop, McGough and Company, and Whitefish Gift & Gear. Depending on the occasion, one of these shops is sure to have what you're after for that special someone. Spa items, jewelry, apparel, and cards are all available for Whitefish's lovebirds. Sage and Cedar, 214 Central Avenue, 862-9411. McGough and Company, 131 Central Avenue, 862-9199. Village Shop, 201 Central Avenue, 862-3200. Whitefish Gift and Gear, 147 Central Avenue, 862-4438.

Best Place for Home Improvement
Nelson's Ace Hardware. In town for more than 50 years, Nelson's has what Whitefish needs for home projects, from painting to plumbing, kitchenware to garden tools. Nelson's staff is always ready to give useful advice. 224 Central Avenue. 862-3573.

Best Place for Home Décor
Wright's Furniture. The 40,000-square-foot showroom has a vast range of Montana-home furniture that is budget-friendly and high quality. 6325 U.S. Highway 93 South. 862-2455.

Best Place for Auto Repair
Jack's Auto and Truck Repair. Jack Mullins has been fixing cars and trucks in Whitefish since he first set up shop on Spokane Avenue in 1970. He now operates out on Blanchard Lake Road and has lots of repeat customers. Jack has two employees and will handle anything that comes in the door, domestic or foreign. 245 Blanchard Lake Road. 862-5633.

Best Service
33 Baker Salon. Conveniently located next to the popular Markus Foods and a regular winner, 33 Baker offers spa and salon offers full waxing, tanning, manicures and pedicures, and hair styling. Make an appointment or walk-in to treat yourself to the best service in Whitefish. 33 Baker Avenue. 862-9633.

Uniquely Whitefish

Favorite Drive/Day Trip
Glacier National Park. Whitefish clearly appreciates the priceless experience that awaits just a short drive away. There are lots of ways to enjoy the Park, whether taking in the views while driving the Going-to-the-Sun Road or a hike to Avalanche Lake, Hidden Lake or down the High Line Trail.

Best Place to Walk Dogs
Riverside Park. Dogs can play at Riverside in the slow current of Whitefish River as owners watch from the docks or bridge. They can explore the paths and patches of trees. You are certain to meet other dogs, and a particularly feisty gaggle of geese.

Best Neighborhood for Garage Sales
Mallard Loop. After a short drive out of town, you will come across some great finds at Mallard Loop's garage sales. Keep a look out for signs and ads featuring sales in this area.

Best Local Athlete
Mitch Gilman and Tyler Mason. Watch out Tommy, the locals are looking to new horizons. Mitch Gilman is a freestyle skier who just finished fifth grade at Whitefish Middle School. You can watch his stunts on YouTube. Tyler Mason, a newly graduated senior and Whitefish High School's 2008 Prom King, is another of Whitefish's favorite all around athletes.

Best Place to Exercise
The Wave. With state-of-the-art equipment and delicious smoothies, The Wave is definitely the top spot to get in shape. During their open hours, the parking lot at The Wave is always packed.

Most Interesting Public Official
Bill Dial. Bill Dial has been Whitefish's chief of police since November 2001. His favorite part of the job has been has been watching the community and the police department change and grow. Last year, he took a sabbatical and worked in Afghanistan training police officers there.

Most Famous Whitefish Native
Ted Lund. Ted first visited Whitefish during World War II as his troop train passed through and it stopped at the depot. In 1963, he was named King Ullr IV, and he's credited with inventing the Whitefish Winter Carnival Penguins. He ran a floral shop on Wisconsin Avenue for many years. Some of his old greenhouses still stand near the Rising Sun Bistro.

Best Local Attraction
Whitefish Mountain Resort. The winner of this category is a no-brainer. Whitefish's votes put the resort vastly ahead of other competition. With a new name, a rebuilt road, two high-speed quad lifts on the front side and a new Base Lodge, the resort has rapidly changed.

Favorite Winter Activity
Skiing. This makes sense, considering that Whitefish's best local attraction is primarily a ski resort. Living in Whitefish and not knowing how to ski is like a fish not knowing how to swim. What more can be said?

Favorite Summer Activity
Swimming. The Flathead benefits from multiple lakes and rivers, but Whitefish has a lake of its own and a river that flows through the middle of town. Swimming is one of the most accessible summer activities Whitefish has to offer.

Favorite Whitefish Event
The Winter Carnival. Kings and queens, princes and princesses, yetis and Viking divas, parades and icy cold plunges, the Winter Carnival has been a Whitefish tradition for many years, an event that locals will always love and tourists will always remember, especially if they happen to be arrested by the Keystone Kops.

Number One Reason Why I Love Whitefish
The People. Despite all of the wonderful businesses and activities to choose from, the people in Whitefish took the cake in this category. With a unique blend of natives, newcomers and visitors, Whitefish's small-town feel with a big personality is a result of the people who keep the town thriving.

This Valley offers a multitude of activities, and between each of us at RE/MAX of Whitefish we are certain we can direct you to the best places around. Whether you hunt, fish, hike, bike, golf, or ride horses, we can lead you to the best options available. If you wish to go whitewater rafting, hot air balloon riding, or take a helicopter tour of the Valley, we can help you determine where to start. If fine dining is on your list of things to do, we can supply you with a list of some of the best restaurants around.

Whitefish is one of Montana's fastest growing cities, yet it retains that small town charm that makes it so unique. This area has much to offer and we'd be very happy to share any information or help to assure you a great visit, or a permanent stay.

For further information on this area, please feel free to contact us, or visit the Whitefish Chamber of Commerce at http://whitefishchamber.com/