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Billings, MT July 2021

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J U LY 2 02 1

Summer Adventure


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LIFESTYLE LETTER

JULY 2021 PUBLISHER

Robert Saunders | robert.saunders@lifestylepubs.com, Jessica Bickham | Jessica.bickham@lifestylepubs.com

Sweet Summer Time AND JUST LIKE THAT, IT’S SUMMER! With no shortage of outdoor activities,

AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Randah O’Doherty

options for fun abound. July is prime time for all of the best activities summer has to offer. From pool parties and backyard barbecues to baseball games and family vacations, this month reminds us to kick back and have some fun! If you’re venturing out to explore any of our National Parks this summer, we’ve featured ten in the story “National Parks to Visit Now.” It’s heartening to see the return of travel, live in-person events and gatherings with good friends and family this summer. I hope this issue dusts off your spirit for adventure, whether you are booking a weekend getaway or hiking with friends and family. I hope it inspires you. Above all, I hope you get to enjoy the warmth of the season with the ones you love most. Here’s to a healthy, fun-filled adventurous season!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

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ON THE COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KARSTEN KOEHN 4

Billings Lifestyle | July 2021

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Billings Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Billings areas’ most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Billings Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.


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INSIDE THE ISSUE JULY 2021

FEATURES 08 Summer Grilling Homemade Smash Burgers And Comeback Sauce

16 Summer Splendor In Big Sky The Wilson Hotel is a riveting backyard getaway

22 Explore National Parks Across the U.S. 10 Top National Parks to Visit Now

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34 Summer Reads Great Books to Toss in Your Tote

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DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Culinary Creations

12 DIY 22 Water & Woods 28 Driver’s Notebook 32 Food & Wine 34 Page Turners 35 Realty Report


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CULINARY CREATIONS SMASH BURGERS AND COMEBACK SAUCE

ARTICLE JENNIFER KAUFMAN PHOTOGRAPHY MARY CRAVEN PHOTOGRAPHY

Homemade Smash Burgers + Fries INGREDIENTS BURGER + Makes eight 4-ounce patties + 1 pound Hanger steak (cubed) + 1 pound New York strip (cubed) + Kosher salt + Ground black pepper SAUCE + 1 cup mayo + 2 1/2 tablespoons ketchup + 1 1/2 tablespoons hot honey + 1 tablespoon hot sauce + 2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning + 1 1/2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce *Mix all ingredients and place in fridge until ready to use.

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


INSTRUCTIONS 01 Using food processor or food grinder, grind the cubed meat into a coarse grind. 02 Using your hands, form 4-ounce meatballs and place on a tray. 03 Heat griddle top to medium high, and place meat on griddle spaced out about 6 inches apart. 04 Using wide, rigid spatula, smash burger down flat (roughly 1/4-inch thick) and sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper on top of each patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the edges start to brown and crisp. 05 Flip burgers over and repeat salt and pepper. 06 Cook an additional 2 minutes or until burger is thoroughly. 07 Remove and place on bun.

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CULINARY CREATIONS (CONTINUED)

DOUBLE FRIED FRENCH FRIES INGREDIENTS + Russet potatoes (figure 1 medium per person) + Pinch of sea salt + Oil for frying + Grated parmesan (optional topping) + 1/4 cup chopped parsley

INSTRUCTIONS 01 Hand-cut or use French fry cutter to cut raw potatoes into uniform size. Put into a bowl and cover with water and place in fridge overnight to soak. water and place on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and place back in fridge to dry out until ready to cook. 02 Setup your deep fryer with preferred oil (I use peanut oil) and heat to 300 degrees. 03 Working in batches as to not overcrowd the fryer and drop the temperature by too much, fry the potatoes for 5-6 minutes. 04 Once all the fries have been initially cooked, raise temperature of oil to 375 degrees. 05 Place fries back into oil and cook for 6 minutes or until preferred doneness. 06 Drain and dump into large mixing bowl and sprinkle on sea salt and toss to coat. 07 Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


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DIY

INDOOR/ OUTDOOR bottle opener NICE WEATHER MEANS OUTDOOR CELEBRATIONS AND EVENTS. Take advantage of the season and build this simple indoor/outdoor bottle opener.

EASY BOTTLE OPENER FOR INDOORS OR OUTDOORS

ARTICLE CHAS GREENER

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


/ materials:

Yo u ’ l l n e e d t he fol low i n g suppl ies for this project: + 1 x 6 ” red wood board + bottle opener + galvanized bucket + ruler + pencil + 10 x 1 oval Phillips sheet metal screws x 2 + 10 x 3/4″ hexagonal sheet metal screw + nut driver + drill + saw

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DIY (CONTINUED)

:: S TE P 1 ::

/ directions:

Cut your red wood so that it is 2 feet in length. :: S TE P 2 :: Sand your red wood. :: S TE P 3 :: To find the spot where your bottle opener will go, measure 2 inches from the top and 2 and 3/4″ from the sides and place a dot with your pencil. :: S TE P 4 :: Use a drill and drill a pre-hole where your screw will go. We used a 3/32nd drill bit. :: S TE P 5 :: After having your top hole ready – place the top bottle opener hole over the pre-drilledhole and drill into place using your 10 x 1 oval Phillips sheet metal screw. :: S TE P 6 :: Center up the bottom hole, 2 and 3/4″ from the sides. :: S TE P 7 :: Use a drill and drill a pre-hole where your screw will go. We used a 3/32nd drill bit. :: S TE P 8 :: After having your bottom hole ready – place the bottom bottle opener hole over the pre-drilled hole and drill into place using your 10 x 1 oval Phillips sheet metal screw. :: S TE P 9 :: Measure 8 inches from the bottom and 2 and 3/4″ from the sides and make a pencil mark. Pre-drill a hole where your next screw will go. :: S TE P 10 :: Using a nut driver, screw in your 10 x 3/4″ hexagonal sheet metal screw. :: S TE P 11 :: Place your bucket on the hexagon screw and you’re done!

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


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SU M M E R S PL E N D OR I N BIG S K Y

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021

MARGARET SIBERELL, CHRISTOPHER VILLANO

IMAGES, JORDAN GAMBLER, ZACHARY GROSFIELD, GABE PRIESTLEY, JAKE ROTHING,

ARTICLE SUSIE WALL | PHOTOGRAPHY CRAIL RANCH HOMESTEAD MUSEUM, CRYSTAL


THE WILSON HOTEL IS A RIVETING BACKYARD GETAWAY

BIG SKY; A CHALLENGING TANGLE OF LINES FOR SKIERS WHO WANT TO BREAK THE BOUNDARIES OF OUR VALLEY DURING THE WINTER. But what about during the summer? This picturesque little town in the heart of the Madison Range is a playground. It offers a wide range of our favorite warm weather activities like mountain biking, zip lining, bungee trampolines, gemstone mining, and scenic rides. The Wilson Hotel, located in Big Sky’s Town Center in Meadow Village, is the ideal basecamp for all those adventures. As a guest of The Wilson you’ll benefit from a wide range of amenities inside and out. Choose from their selection of spacious luxury suites and studios, each equipped with a full kitchen. Take in the coveted Montana sun from a shimmering pool and enjoy a spa treatment on some fresh linens. Easily entertain the whole family at the outdoor playground and BBQ pit. One of the many other perks of The Wilson is its close proximity to restaurants, galleries, and shops

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SUMMER SPLENDOR IN BIG SKY (CONTINUED)

for that retail therapy itch or long-awaited indoor dining opportunities — we all need to catch up on those lost hours of authentic culinary experience. Start your day with The Wilson’s deluxe complimentary breakfast to fuel up on flaky pastries, savory bacon, and hot coffee. Then catch the convenient and free Skyline Shuttle right outside the hotel. Leave the driving to someone else so you can take in the gorgeous views while you’re whisked up to Mountain Village for high-altitude fun. There are activities for everyone at Mountain Village. Take to the sky on the scenic lift ride and zip line above the tree tops for an easy adrenaline and endorphin boost. If you prefer to stay grounded, over 40 miles of mountain bike trails await, as well as hiking trails and many opportunities for wildlife watching. Young ones will find hours of fun at Adventure Mountain where they can mine for gems, fly thirty feet in the air on the giant swing, and play a round of mini golf. Mountain Village also offers a wide range of dining options and shops to stock up on outdoor gear. Feeling more confident? The excitement in Big Sky doesn’t stop at Mountain Village. Many activities can be found all around town. Channel your inner Arnold Palmer at Big Sky Resort Golf Course. Hold on tight as you shoot through the rapids on a rafting trip down the Gallatin River. Hikers looking for a short stroll or a lung-busting climb will find miles of trails. Saddle up for a horseback ride into the wilderness then exchange four legs for two wheels as you ride the many bike trails in and around Big Sky. Once you’re winding down from a day in the great outdoors (or perhaps you can save this for a rainy day), check out the

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


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SUMMER SPLENDOR IN BIG SKY (CONTINUED)

Historic Crail Ranch for a fascinating look into the everyday lives of early homesteaders in the valley. The Crail family settled here in 1902 in the cabin that now makes up the Crail Ranch Homestead Museum. Today, the ranch is overseen by the Big Sky Community Organization, a nonprofit devoted to caring for the grounds and the two remaining cabins. The grounds are open anytime but be sure to come back on a weekend so you can take part in a guided tour. Every great adventurer knows the power of pressing pause. Perch yourself by the garden and soak up the calming sounds of a Montana meadow. Consider how fortunate the Crail family was to be able to carve out their lives in the shadow of these majestic mountains. After the historical experience, it’s back to The Wilson to gear up for a night on the town. Happy hour is a state of mind in Big Sky and there are several delicious options for imbibing within walking distance of the hotel. As with many Montana towns, Big Sky hosts exceptional craft breweries. A pleasant stroll past the golf course leads you to Lone Peak Brewery where you can grab a plate of Finger Lick’n Wings and a pour of a light Nordic Blonde ale. Beehive Basin Brewery sits a stone’s throw from The Wilson. This small-batch brewery welcomes beer lovers to their intimate taproom to sample hefty concoctions like the “The Big” Baltic Porter — yum. If craft cocktails are more your style, venture over to The Standard. Settle in at the art-deco style bar while the artist behind the bar lovingly creates a classic Manhattan or a modern Smoke, Spice & Everything Nice. One of the best perks about staying at The Wilson is you can go right from your room to Copper Whiskey Bar where dinner and drinks await without having to leave the hotel. Whiskey connoisseurs can choose from a staggering menu of world-class pours on the rocks or in a tasty cocktail. Can’t decide? Try a whiskey flight. After working up a mountain of an appetite during the day reward yourself with Copper’s truffle fries and a perfectly grilled ribeye. Once your taste buds are satisfied, head back up to your room and sink into your soft bed dreaming of the day's memories and tomorrow’s adventures under Montana’s Big Sky.

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


F YO U R O W N N E E D A S A N C T U A RY O ? Star t desi gni n g your new hom e toda y. Move i n this Fa ll!

THE WILSON HOTEL AT BIG SKY 145 Town Center Avenue Big Sky, Montana 59716 406.995.9000 TheWilsonHotel.com RIBigSky@Marriott.com

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WATER & WOODS

Explore National Parks Across the U.S.

10 TOP NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT NOW

THE NATIONAL PARK SYSTEM INCLUDES MORE THAN 400 NATIONAL PARKS IN THE UNITED STATES. Known for their natural wonders and unmatched beauty, the national parks also encompass lands that helped shape the history of this country and hold cultural value and significance. This list of national parks just scratches the surface of the natural wonders to wonderlands to discover, but it includes 10 of the most stunning national parks in the United States.

1.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK Colorado’s Rocky Mountains became a national park in 1915, when President Woodrow Wilson signed the National Rocky Mountain Park Act. It spans 415 square miles and includes majestic mountains, abundant wildlife, incredible hiking trails and so much more. The park is a natural wonderland teeming with opportunities to fish, hike, ride horses and bikes and enjoy the spectacular views. Wintertime brings cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and sledding.

2.

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK Located in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park spans nearly 1,200 square miles. Here you’ll find giant sequoia trees, breathtaking waterfalls, vast meadows and more. The park is home to unique rock formations like El Capitan, Half Dome and Glacier Point. Gaze in awe at Yosemite’s thousands of waterfalls, including Yosemite Falls, Ribbon Fall and Wapama Falls. Trek through the park’s three impressive groves of ancient giant sequoias, some of the rarest, oldest and largest living organisms in the world. Yosemite also offers rafting along the Merced River, where you can take in incredible views and cool off from the summer heat.

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


3.

YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK No list of the best national parks would be complete without Yellowstone. Yellowstone is an iconic destination for many reasons, as it was designated the world’s first national park in 1872. Within its 2.2 million acres, visitors will find colorful hot springs, awe-inspiring waterfalls, fascinating mudpots, explosive geysers, diverse wildlife and more. Because the park sits on a dormant volcano, Yellowstone is home to more hot springs and geysers than anywhere else on Earth. The oldest and largest herd of bison in the country lives at Yellowstone, as well as elk, wolves and grizzly bears. The park is most famous for Old Faithful, a geyser that erupts nearly 20 times a day at heights of up to 180 feet.

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WATER & WOODS (CONTINUED)

4.

BRYCE CANYON NATIONAL PARK Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southwestern Utah, is home to the world’s largest concentration of hoodoos on Earth. With its fascinating landscape composed of hoodoos, horseshoe-shaped amphitheaters and whimsical limestone rock formations, a visit to Bryce Canyon is often likened to a visit to another planet. This stunning landscape, formed by wind, water and snow, draws hikers, rock climbers and cross-country skiers. The park isn’t a canyon; it’s a natural amphitheater carved into the Paunsaugunt Plateau. Bryce Canyon’s extreme altitude offers stunning panoramic views of three states, and its minimal exposure to light pollution offers premium stargazing opportunities.

5. GLACIER NATIONAL PARK Glacier National Park is located on the border of Canada and the United States and is often referred to as the “Crown of the Continent.” Named after the remnants of glaciers formed during the ice age, this natural wonderland spans more than 1 million acres and boasts two mountain ranges. Visitors will also find more than 700 glacial lakes and many hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Trail of the Cedars is a short loop hike that features a raised boardwalk that passes through a fragrant forest of giant red cedar trees. Going-to-the-Sun Road, known as one of the most spectacular scenic drives in the country, is a paved, two-lane highway that divides the park into east and west regions.

6.

ZION NATIONAL PARK Another natural marvel located in Utah, Zion National

Park is known as one of the most accessible national parks in the country. Its close proximity to Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and Southern California—plus its stunning vistas— draws millions of visitors each year. Zion National Park’s colorful sandstone cliffs, lush plateaus covered in pine and junipers, narrow canyons, the Virgin River, plus seeps, springs and waterfalls are just some of the scenic wonders here. One of Zion’s most popular hikes is known as the Narrows, the slimmest section of Zion Canyon. Other popular attractions include the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, Angels Landing, Observation Point and Canyon Overlook Trail. 24

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7.

GRAND TETON NATIONAL PARK Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park spans 310,000 acres and towers above

the Jackson Hole Valley. The Teton Mountains, the youngest in the Rockies, are reflected majestically on the surfaces of six pristine lakes and the Snake River. Jenny Lake offers fishing, boating, paddling and swimming. This scenic spot also attracts photographers and artists looking to capture its natural beauty. Experienced climbers can summit the 13,770-foot Grand Teton, and long-distance hikers can take the Paintbrush Canyon-Cascade Canyon Loop for impressive views of it. Other activities include wildlife watching, kayaking the Snake River, taking a guided boat tour and exploring the Mormon Row Historic District.

8.

GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK The Grand Canyon, located in Arizona, was formed by

the Colorado River and is 277 river miles long, up to 18 miles wide and 1 mile deep. The UNESCO World Heritage Site can be accessed from its different rims. The South Rim is the most visited and is accessible year-round. It is home to Grand Canyon Village and Bright Angel Trail. The West Rim is home to the Grand Canyon Skywalk, a glass bridge that extends 70 feet over the edge of a cliff. The North Rim is the most remote access point, allowing visitors to experience the park firsthand through intense hiking and backpacking and thrilling river rafting.

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WATER & WOODS (CONTINUED)

9. ARCHES NATIONAL PARK Yet another otherworldly destination in Utah is Arches National Park, defined by its natural sandstone arches, stunning red rocks and beautiful colors. The park has the largest concentration of natural arches in the world, which attracts photographers who capture the mesmerizing shadows at dawn and dusk. Hikers can take advantage of Arches National Park’s numerous trails ranging from short hikes to Balanced Rock and the Double Arch to more strenuous routes through the Fiery Furnace and up to the Delicate Arch. The park boasts North America’s longest arch, the Landscape Arch, spanning 306 feet. Don’t miss the Windows Section, which has some of the largest arches in the park, including North Window, South Window and Turret Arch.

10. HALEAKALA NATIONAL PARK To visit one of the country’s best national parks, journey to Maui’s Haleakala National Park. The name of this national park translates to “House of the Sun.” Legend goes that the demigod Maui lassoed the sun from its journey across the sky as he stood at the volcano’s summit, slowing its descent to make the days last longer. The Haleakala Crater is a dormant volcano that sits at 10,000 feet above sea level, and visitors flock to this location to view one of the most spectacular sunrises on Earth. Haleakala National Park spans more than 30,000 acres and includes red deserts and rock gardens near the summit and waterfalls and streams in coastal Kipahulu. The park is home to more endangered species than any other park in the National Park Service.

Hopefully, this list of the 10 best national parks has inspired you to start planning your next adventure. Whether the mountains are calling, your inner daredevil needs to be satiated or a scenic road trip is in order, America’s national parks are begging to be explored!

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


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DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JOSH VAUGHN

GREEN WITH ENV Y THERE IS "NO SUBSTITUTE" FOR THE 911 CARRERA S

SOME SAY PERFECTION IS A MOVING TARGET.

well-appointed interior as you reach to the left of the steering wheel to

One of the most striking things about the 2021 Porsche 911

turn the ignition. The 3-liter twin turbo flat six motor barks to life with a

Carrera S is its timeless design. The body has grown slightly, and

familiar Porsche growl; 443 Horses wait patiently. This particular exam-

the performance is otherworldly compared to its predecessors,

ple is painted in Oak Green and sits on 20/21” Carrera Exclusive Design

but the classic silhouette has endured since 1963.

wheels. The look is as refined and dignified as a three-piece suit.

Unlike most supercars, opening the door and getting in to the

You engage drive and set off, again, drama free. It takes

new 911 is drama free. You pull the door shut and admire the tasteful,

only a few seconds to familiarize yourself with all the controls,

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


THE EXPERIENCE OF DRIVING THE NEW 911 IS SUBLIME . THE RIDE IS FIRM WITHOUT BEING HARSH AND THE HANDLING INSPIRES PURE CONFIDENCE.

everything works and is located precisely where it should be. As

temperature. This same sense of intuition translates to the way

a professional car photographer, I do this all the time. I’m very

the 911 drives.

fortunate to have driven just about every fast and interesting

The Drive Select button on the right of the steering wheel has

car you can think of. In terms of intuitive design, the 911 is in a

five modes: Normal, Sport, Sport +, Individual, and Wet. In normal

class of its own. There is, of course, a touch screen but there is a

mode, the 911 Carrera S is as pleasant and predictable as southern

button for everything used with regularity. No need to take your

California weather. With each turn of the dial comes a significant

eyes off the road to scroll through endless menus to adjust the

CONTINUED >

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DRIVER’S NOTEBOOK (CONTINUED)

change in aggression. Shift into Sport + and the bullet quick PDK gearbox downshifts, the exhaust note is boosted, and the steering weight becomes heavier. In the center of the mode dial is another button: “Sport Response.’’ This button can be pressed at any time in any mode and it delivers 20 seconds of everything turned up to 11. Cruising along in normal mode and want to pass a Sunday driver? Press Sport Response, apply throttle and the 911 lights the afterburners leaving everything in its wake. Everyone knows the 911 is fast, but the 911 Carrera S is so fast that it is commonly road tested alongside exotic cars that fetch double or triple the price tag, and it rarely loses a head-to-head comparison. The experience of driving the new 911 is sublime. The ride is firm without being harsh and the handling inspires pure confidence. What stands out about this car is the complete lack of compromise. The 911 is a supercar that can be driven every day in any situation and is just as capable around town as it is on the racetrack. There are a few misses, the tire roar is ever-present at highway speeds and the infamous “shaver” shifter is a bit odd but after driving the new 911, my lasting impression is this car is as close to perfection as I’ve ever experienced. Anyone with knowledge of motorsports knows that Porsche loves to race and has more overall wins at Le Mans than any other brand, so if perfection is a moving target, the 911 is closing in fast.

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31


FOOD & WINE

ARTICLE COCKTAIL CARAVAN PHOTOGRAPHY POPPY & CO.

THE BEST SUMMER COCKTAILS TO SHAKE THIS SEASON

O L L I N ’ S O A S I S

THIRST QUENCHERS

+ .25 ounces Grapefruit + .5 ounces Rhubarb + .75 ounces Lemon + 1 ounce Simple + Dash Cardamom + 1 Egg White or Aquafaba + 1.5 ounces Suerte Reposado The name of this cocktail is derived from our favorite place to get fresh rhubarb. To make this cocktail, start by prepping all ingredients. Make the simple by combining equal parts by volume hot water and sugar, stirring until dissolved (allow to cool before using). Juice a grapefruit and lemon by hand, and run rhubarb stalks through a juicer. Next, combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker WITHOUT ice. Shake hard for 10 seconds, allowing the egg white to incorporate with the other ingredients, which will create a foam. Add ice and shake again to chill. Strain into a coupe glass and enjoy!

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021


+ 3-4 Slices of Green Apple + 6-8 Mint Leaves + 4-6 Spinach Leaves + .75 ounces Lemon + .75 ounces Simple + 1.5 ounces Spirit of Choice We’ve tried this drink with so many different spirits and just can’t decide on our favorite, so we like to leave it open to interpretation. To make, add apple, mint, spinach, lemon, and simple into a cocktail shaker (Make sure you’re using fresh lemon!) and muddle until the apples are pulp. Don’t be scared about the spinach— it doesn’t have a huge effect on the flavor but makes it a beautiful vibrant green color. Next, add ice and spirit and shake. Finally, double strain (with a Hawthorne strainer and fine mesh strainer to catch small bits of pulp) over fresh ice and enjoy!

THE FIX CityLifestyle.com/Billings

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PAGE TURNERS ARTICLE LUCY PROBERT | PHOTOGRAPHY SARAH FLANNERY

GREAT BOOKS TO TOSS IN YOUR TOTE BEACH, LAKE, POOL, OR BACKYARD, IT’S NOT JULY UNLESS A STACK OF BOOKS SITS NEXT TO YOU, WAITING TO BE CONSUMED. Take your pick of these page-turners.

SUMMER ON THE BLUFFS

BY SUNNY HOSTIN

“Aspirational escapism at its best” (The New York Times) from Sunny Hostin, debut novelist and host of The View. The novel follows three women invited to Martha’s Vineyard by their godmother for one last summer. One will be gifted the home when she dies, making for a life-changing season for all.

THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME

BY LAURA DAVE

A Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick, The Last Thing, tells the story of a note Hannah Hall receives from her missing husband about his teenage daughter Bailey that simply reads “protect her.” The message sends Hannah and Bailey on a journey filled with dark secrets and a search for truth while putting together the pieces of his past.

G R E AT C I R C L E

BY MAGGIE SHIPSTEAD Rescued as infants from a sinking ocean liner in 1914, Marian Graves and her brother move in with an uncle in Montana, and Marian begins a lifelong passion for flying. From the Prohibition to wartime London to current day Los Angeles, this is the story of Marian and Hadley Baxter, who would play her life in a film a century later. “A soaring work of historical fiction and a perfect summer novel” (The Washington Post).

THE LAST FLIGHT

BY JULIE CLARK

If a page-turning intense thriller appeals, The Last Flight will not disappoint. To escape her abusive high-profile husband, Claire meets a woman at the airport, and they decide to trade flights and lives. But when tragedy happens in the sky, Claire must assume a new identity and run for her life. “Thoroughly absorbing” (The New York Times).

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Billings Lifestyle | July 2021

Summer Reads


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Billings, MT July 2021 by City Lifestyle - Issuu