Article by Jessica Renstrom | Photos by Renata Haidle

While winter sports and playing in the snow can be a blast, freezing temperatures often limit the fun and games. For those moments when the frost bites a little too hard, there’s nothing better than retreating to a warm, inviting space that offers more than just a break from the chill. Whether you’re looking to sip on something warm, dive into a creative activity, or simply cozy up with good food and company, Billings has an array of winter havens ready to make your season memorable. From lush greenhouses and charming cider mills to indie cinemas and community hangouts, these local gems promise to keep the cold at bay while you relax, recharge, and connect. So, if winter has you shivering, step inside these “hot spots” to find comfort and cheer in Billings.

Roots Garden Center

Self-proclaimed as “a place for gardeners, artists, coffee lovers, and plant enthusiasts,” Roots Garden Center on Poly Drive offers something for everyone. Start your visit with a warm chai latte and cinnamon sugar mini donuts from Black Dog Coffee, conveniently located inside the garden center. While sipping your latte, there is so much to peruse: fresh flowers, beautiful plants, the terrarium bar, and a gallery showcasing the work of local artists, vendors, and jewelry makers from our area. The art is rotated every few months, so there’s always something new to see.

Roots is an excellent place for families of all ages. The scavenger hunt is a favorite activity for kids. They will love searching for the friendly little creatures that move around the store weekly and earn a little treat when they are all finished.

Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill

There's nothing quite as cozy as snuggling up near a crackling fire—except, perhaps, when you're sipping handcrafted cider. For this ultimate comfy experience, take a trip to Billings’ own Last Chance Pub & Cider Mill.

 Nestled on Montana Avenue, the Cider Mill occupies a charming century-old brick building that has served as home to diverse businesses, such as a tractor showroom and United Glass. The interior of the building has a great mix of modern and classic design choices, offering a warm and inviting ambiance.

The fantastic cider complements the welcoming environment. All of the ciders served at Last Chance are fresh-pressed in-house, using the highest quality apples, and created without commercial concentrates or juices during fermentation. With a wide selection of ciders, there’s sure to be a flavor to suit everyone’s tastes.

Photo by Arianna Skoog

Art House Cinema & Pub

After a delightful day of playing outside in the winter chill, the Art House Cinema & Pub can provide the perfect cozy refuge to watch a movie and enjoy a tasty meal. The Art House Cinema & Pub operated along with the Babcock Theater by Art House Billings, is a non-profit theater that shows independent films and provides a place for the community to engage in conversation about the arts. The cinema opened its doors in Downtown Billings almost ten years ago, and since then, it has undergone some amazing renovations.

With the completion of its much-anticipated expansion in 2023, the theater now boasts three screens and a full-service restaurant and pub. Along with the cinema’s recent changes is the addition of their new head chef, Jordan Hodson, the executive chef behind Elements Catering and Pink Patties Food Truck. Chef Jordan combines an artisan style with pub food staples like sandwiches, burgers, and finger foods like pub nachos. And even if you’re at the Pub to escape the cold, you won’t want to miss the cold, fresh-squeezed lemonade…After all, a refreshing drink can brighten up even the chilliest of winter days.

Casual Space

For those extroverted individuals who feel a bit isolated at home in the winter, Casual Space provides the perfect place to spend some time with others in a comfortable, casual environment. Whether you’re interested in shopping, crafting, gaming, or just hanging out, this unique space on Billings’ 24th Street West features all kinds of ways to have fun while escaping the icy cold outside.

With regularly scheduled classes, game nights, and social events, Casual Space provides ample opportunities to socialize and meet new people who share your interests. Some of the events on their calendar include line dancing lessons, knitting or crochet classes, and cribbage & pinochle game nights.

Amongst the cozy, eclectic furniture, you can also find products for sale from local crafters, artists, and small businesses. There’s even a dedicated play space for little ones to play while adults enjoy browsing the Montana-made products. Within these walls, you'll find a welcoming community and an easy-going atmosphere, perfect for making new connections or finding new hobbies during this winter season.

Originally printed in the January 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Check this article out in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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