Stately Pollard Hotel offers sophistication, relaxation, fine food, history and reputation

RED LODGE'S OLDEST HOTEL IS CITY'S GRAND DAME DOWNTOWN

Snow can come to Red Lodge in summer -- but usually doesn't stay down long. But the Pollard
is a hotel for all seasons --  stately and beautiful rain or shine, summer, spring, winter or fall. 

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS
PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER

IT'S HARD FOR ME to drive through Red Lodge without at least stopping by The Pollard for a glass of wine in the Pub or a stroll through the artfully appointed lobby to take a few moments of calm in the much loved History Room.
THE POLLARD is as much a part of the landscape of Red Lodge as is the main street, North Broadway,  itself.

The Red Lodge main street is always lovely in summer, with baskets
of hanging flowers, a clean street and lovely brick facades.

An institution since 1893, the meticulously restored hotel combines gracious lodging with fine dining and an atmosphere both elegant and reflective of its western setting.

A RECENT visit found us enjoying a blues guitarist in the Pollard's Pub. Besides a pleasant mix of music for many tastes, one may enjoy appetizers with a western flair.  The variety of music provided by the congenial Pub ranges from classic, old-time rock and roll to country western, ballads and folk music, and an original and appealing Belgian country- folk musician.
Illustrating the Pollard's broad range of offerings is Barnabe Deliens, Belgian country folk musician, on July 28, and the always popular Jeff Troxel and Trevor Krieger playing a folk and Americana mix, July 31.
Members of the Billings Symphony are performing Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 7 p.m.

Calming colors, highly polished wood and muted lighting welcome guests.

THE POLLARD'S colorful and rich hosting history includes entertaining guests such as Buffalo Bill Cody, and a century of dignitaries, authors, actors and other celebrities.  Calamity Jane is said to have made a lively entrance in the graciously appointed lobby then taken a meal in the restaurant.
The dining room is the place for an elegant meal, and the lamb chops with feta and oregano seasoning are first class.  Perfectly done pasta, succulent rib eye and tasty shrimp round out the menu, with a small but superb selection of appetizers -- the crispy and nicely spiced calamari remains my personal favorite.

The Pollard's rooms are both comfy
and attractive, with amenities
one expects in a fine hotel. 

Sunday brunch at the Pollard is a Red Lodge tradition. It's a great way to begin a day trip -- whether you're a local or visitor -- since Billings is only an hour away -- and the glories of Yellowstone Park are a pleasant few hours' drive through Cooke City and the Northeast entrance.

COMING UP:

Juliana  Stevens has a "jammin' " rock and art shop in Columbus.

A former social worker with an eye for agates and other art, walked by a space for rent in Columbus, Montana, three years ago.  The result: Juliana's Jammin' Art & Rock Shop in Columbus, Montana. Find out how Julianna Stevens made the journey from counseling to jams, jewelry and art, in a shop with soul. Remember to explore, learn and live, and for a fresh spin on travel, the arts, road trips and the natural world, catch us Wednesdays and weekends at: www.whereiscookie.com