Some of the Flathead Valley’s best meals come from Isabel’s (203 Hwy. 93, 406/883-0987, breakfast, lunch, and dinner Mon.–Sat., dinner Mon.–Fri. winter, breakfast and lunch $7–9), housed in an nicely restored old homestead with a colorful cowgirl motif. Simple dinners are served Monday through Thursday ($10); Friday nights bring fancier food.

Another good place that won’t bust the budget is Hot Spot Thai (1407 Hwy. 93, 406/883-4444, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Mon.–Fri. and 5–9 p.m. Mon.–Sat., $8–12). They have a deck with lake (and highway) views.

Down by the lake at Boettcher Park, the Boardwalk Cafe (30 Country Club Shores, 406/883-1088, 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.–Sun. mid-May–Aug., closed on rainy days, about $5) is a newly freshened-up local institution where, during the summer months, you can eat fish and chips or a burger at an outside table (no indoor seating).

Both beer drinkers and soda lovers should go a few blocks out of their way to find Glacier Brewing Co. (6 10th Ave E., 406/883-2595, 2–8 p.m. daily). In addition to microbrews such as Port Polson Pilsner and Slurry Bomber Stout, Glacier brews up a fine root beer and a good (though extrasweet) cherry cream soda.