2024 Non-profit Guide

Our community has many amazing nonprofit organizations! Here in Simply Local Magazine's 2024 Nonprofit Guide, you can find many of them. It's a year-round resource with their story, services, and con...

Hands of Hope with Western Security Bank Dress for Success the perfect fit

Entering Dress for Success (DFS) in downtown Billings is like walking into a classy boutique - except there is no need to check the budget when finding an outfit for an upcoming job interview. Clients...

Serving Neighbors In Need The Salvation Army, a Beacon of Hope

For over 130 years, the Salvation Army has
served the Billings community by meeting
human needs without discrimination.
The Salvation Army operates nationwide, and the Billings office customizes its s...

Jingle All the Way Local Harmonies for the Holidays

You aren't alone if you find yourself humming “Jingle Bells” behind the steering wheel or belting out “O Holy Night” in the shower. Holiday music is full of beloved classics and timeless carols that c...

2024 Holiday Gift Guide

As the 2024 holiday season approaches, there's no better time to shop local and discover a wide array of thoughtfully curated gifts from our community’s retailers and artisans. This year’s Holiday Gif...

Cozy Up: Fall Fashion Finds from Local Boutiques

As the crisp autumn breeze rolls in and the leaves begin to change, it's time to embrace the cozy charm of fall fashion. Whether you're bundling up for a weekend at the local pumpkin patch or sipping...

Exploring Creativity: Yellowstone Art Museum Celebrates 60 Years

In 1964, amid a nation recovering from JFK's assassination, the Yellowstone Art Museum opened in Montana, transforming a former jail into a hub for artistic expression. The museum began its journey wi...

One Smile at a Time: Dental Care with Compassion

In 1983, a young Laighton Jones walked through the doors of Willow Ridge Dental Care for the first time as a patient. In 2009, after college, a two-year mission to Japan, dental school, residency, and...

Made in Montana: Handcrafted Gifts for the Holidays

In a world filled with mass-produced goods, a handcrafted gift is memorable. The time, effort, and craftsmanship invested in one-of-a-kind treasures convey thoughtfulness and care unmatched by machine...

PureWest: Local Business, Local Impact

Old things are given new life at a garage sale. One person’s used becomes another person’s new. Those funky wedges that no longer fit one person’s style become a statement piece for the next person. F...

Canvas on Campus: Northcutt Steele Gallery at MSUB

Nestled in the heart of the MSU Billings campus lies a hidden gem: an art gallery that invites visitors to immerse themselves in a world where creativity, community, and conversation converge. Northcu...

How Yellowstone Surgery Center is Redefining Recovery

With an impressive tally of over 10,000 surgeries performed in 2023 alone, Yellowstone Surgery Center (YSC) has firmly established itself as a national leader in ambulatory surgeries. Ranked among the...

Intentional, Innovative Design: KOA's New Headquarters

There is something magical about camping: disconnecting from the daily routine, counting stars in the peaceful night sky, and breathing in the smell of the campfire while feasting on s'mores. For over...

Cultivating Connections: Hayden Trost's Greenhouse Vision

Imagine a futuristic indoor garden where plants grow on white cylindrical towers that reach for the sky in spiraled rows that maximize space. The plants are watered and nourished by a pump system that...

Nova Center for the Performing Arts - Bringing Local Art to Life

Frank Sinatra once famously crooned, "Fly me to the moon, let me play among the stars…" He may have very well found many of those stars right here in Billings. The name of one of our most iconic perfo...

Hands of Hope with Western Security Bank - Hope and Healing in Montana with Youth Dynamics

I am so honored to report on Western Security Bank’s quarterly Hands of Hope recipients. Each quarter, Western Security Bank selects a local nonprofit organization to receive a $25,000 financial gift,...

Sewing Joy One Flower at a Time

Hopkins feels strongly that public outdoor events that bring people together are vital to the health and well-being of communities. “It reminded me of the quote where it’s better to light a match than...

Entertainment Galore: MontanaFair’s Sights and Sounds

At the thought of a county fair, most people envision a dizzying swirl of cotton candy and the constant clamor of carnival games. More than an evening spent riding the Ferris Wheel or cooling off with...

Committed to our Community

First Federal Bank & Trust is a small-town bank in Montana’s largest city. With a branch in Billings and one in Sheridan, it’s one of three mutual banks in Montana and Wyoming. What’s a mutual bank? “...

From Farm to Plate: Strengthening Billings with Local Produce

Agriculture is at the heart of every community. Every plate shared by family and friends traces back to the hands and lands of those who produced the food enjoyed. This connectivity to our food and ou...

A Legacy Unmatched: The Story of the Billings Mustangs

The Billings Mustangs have been an integral piece of the city since their inception in 1948, writing a history marked by triumphs, relationships, and resilience.

Artistry on Tap: Inside the World of Craft Local

Nestled in the heart of Billings, Craft Local stands as a beacon of artistic expression and cultural vibrancy.

The Next Chapter: Billings' Emerging Business Leaders

As Billings continues to expand and develop, so does the next generation of business leaders in our community.

A Living Legacy of Plants

In 1998, I moved to Central Oregon after having lived most of my life in Montana, and my grandmother gifted me with a small cutting from her Philodendron to take for my new home.

Bringing Natural Skincare Treatments to the Magic City

At Element Skin Therapy, it’s all about you. Owner and founder Kialy Lessard firmly believes there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to skincare.

Generational Insights on Fatherhood

In getting perspectives on fatherhood, we chose to examine the kid side of the equation. And when we say “kid,” no stone was left unturned; we’ve got (anonymous) insight from “kids” ages 5-95.

Embrace Outdoor Living: Transform your Patio into a Personal Oasis

As the sun begins to linger longer in the sky and the temperature climbs, our thoughts naturally turn to outdoor living. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cozy balcony, your outdoor space has...

Turn Passion into Pastries: Elena Hert of European Baked Delights

“Why would you be excited to write about me?” asked Elena Hert when I told her I wanted to tell her story to our community of readers. The owner of a small, home-based baking business that is in its s...

Baking on the Grill: Smoky Chocolate Chip cookies

On those hot summer days when you cannot face turning on the oven and spending your afternoon in the kitchen, a grilled dinner is more than welcome. Meat, veggies, and corn on the cob are all popular...

2024 4th of July Celebrations

We've got you covered on all of the 2024 4th of July happenings here!

From billings to Behond: Cape Air's Role in Montana's connectivity

Billings is known as Montana’s trailhead for many reasons. As the city serves a pivotal role as the gateway to much of the rest of the state and region, locals and visitors alike come for the many ame...

Summer Sounds Live Music in the Magic City

Fortunately for the bustling town of Billings, the summer days AND nights are just beginning as we look toward what the summer months have to offer in the music scene. Summer music events illuminate p...

Semiglutide Brings New Options for Losing Weight

Central Wellness exists to make a positive difference in every client’s life, one experience at a time. With a wide variety of services, owner and co-founder Janine Griffin prides herself on empowerin...

Everything Starts at The Base Camp

Being outdoors just goes with the territory of life in the Treasure State. We have an abundance of opportunities to get out there, whether it’s to fish, hike, camp, ski, paddle, or just hang out by a...

Outdoor Adventures with Local Outdoorsmen

We live in Montana; odds are the outdoors are calling in some way – even if you consider yourself to be an avid indoorsman. Fortunately, there are options galore at our fingertips. It’s a pick-your-ow...

Townhome Living, Redefine at Ridgeline

Spanning 65 acres on Billings’ West End, the Ridgeline community boasts premier, single, and multi-family homes and opportunities for commercial development like restaurants and retail space.

Montana Women’s Run: Empowering Women for 42 Years

Now in its 42nd year, the Montana Women's Run has become synonymous with Mother's Day weekend in the Magic City and it might surprise you just how it got started back in 1982. Learn about its inceptio...

Blazing a Trail with Montana Women’s Run

A lasting tradition in the Billings community for over the last 4 decades, the Montana Women's Run has earned a special place in the hearts of Montana Women. These are just a few stories that offer a...

RocHouse Celebrates 25 Years of Serving Billings

Anytime a small business reaches their 25th anniversary, it’s worth celebrating. Check out how RocHouse has broken the mold in the ways they’re serving women in Billings.

Sun Safety: Protecting Your Skin with Billings Dermatology & Aesthetics

Discover the vital importance of skin health in our latest article, just in time for Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Delve into expert insights from Dr. Tanya Riddle of Billings Dermatology and Aesthetic...

Weaving a Path of Creativity & Exploration at ArtWalk

Get to know Billings ArtWalk, behind the scenes with Jill Jussila-Patterson.

Clean Water Matters: Making the Most of a Precious Resource

Clean freshwater is a precious resource globally. In Billings, all the water we use is coming from and going back into the Yellowstone River. It’s a privilege to draw on the last major undammed river...

Dip into Paradise at Yellowstone Hot Springs

With multiple ways to rest, renew and recharge, Yellowstone Hot Springs offers a unique, one-of-a-kind soaking experience for travelers near and far. The water is rich in minerals, the pools are set a...

Hydration Innovation: Exploring Yellowstone Ice & Water

Locally owned and operated, Yellowstone Ice & Water continues to provide the Billings community and surrounding areas with quality ice and water.

Unveiling Billings’ Vibrant Music Scene

The Billings area is ripe with venues where you can immerse yourself in the live music scene. Today, we're bringing you just a taste of what our community has to offer!

Billings Embraces Global Voices: World Languages Dinner

Mayor's World Languages Dinner: Billings’ multilingual community gets together for an evening of networking and fellowship that brings together people from all corners of the planet.

Hello, Gorgeous! (The Art of Giving & Receiving Compliments)

The joy that can be bundled up in the simplicity of just a few words – spoken or written, it matters not. While giving a compliment might roll right off the tongue, receiving it can be another matter...

Revolutionizing Rehabilitation: A New Era of Personalized, Proactive Physical Therapy in Billings

A new physical therapy clinic on the West End of Billings aims to change how providers work with clients. By assessing an athlete before injury strikes, physical therapist Dr. Blerim Dibra hopes to he...

Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital: A New Chapter in Compassionate Care

This month we are diving into a world of compassion and innovation with Caring Hands Veterinary Hospital as they unveil their brand-new clinic on S. 24th Street West. The new clinic proves its dedicat...

Hands of Hope: 25 Years of Hope & Action

Domestic & Sexual Violence Services is celebrating 25 years of hope and action. The first step in turning hope into action is education. The more we as a community can learn about the violence afflict...

2024 Easter Worship Directory

Easter 2024: March 31

2024 Easter Egg Hunts & Happenings

This year, Easter is on March 31, 2024, so bookmark this page and check back often for the scoop on Easter Egg Hunts and Happenings in and around Billings!

Fresh Faces in Familiar Places

Amidst Billings’ growth over the past few decades, several local business owners are dedicated to preserving the rich nostalgia and success of iconic establishments in Billings.

Staying Strong Through Flu Season: Intermountain Health's Guide to Wellness

Safeguard Your Family's Health with Intermountain Health! Discover the latest flu prevention insights and services in Billings, Montana. Learn why a flu shot is your winter coat against severe illness...

Meet the Maker (squared)

Meet Karyn, a respected painter whose art can be found in restaurants, coffee houses, and modern homes both locally and nationally, and Sadie, who is popping onto the scene as a rising star in the art...

Making Winter Your Wonderland

Explore the many ways to boost your wellness during the cold winter months, including infrared saunas, hot tubs, cold plunges, vitamin D, and embracing the great outdoors, for a healthier and revitali...

Inside the Pages: 100 Things to Do in Billings Before You Die

Come inside the pages and behind the scenes with co-authors of '100 Things to Do in Billings,' Gina Tarnacki and Nancy Icopini.

Beyond Resolutions: Unveiling Your Why

January is the month for new beginnings, fresh starts, and a list of resolutions to get us back on the right track. But we are creatures of habit, which makes creating new ones difficult and can leave...

Brightening Billings: The Magic of Christmas Lights

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Billings' holiday spirit! Our latest article illuminates the history and magic of Christmas lights, from their humble candlelit beginnings to the dazzling a...

Billings’ Holiday Bucket List

Experience the magic of the holiday season in and around Billings with our ultimate bucket list of must-do activities. 

Head Start: Early Learning for Lifelong Development

Head Start is more than preschool. It’s a multi-generational approach to help children and families prepare for school and life by engaging parents and families to build the strong foundation children...

Exceptional Jewelry, Unforgettable Experiences: Yellowstone Jewelers

Local jewelry expert Matt Bonner ups the game with his new business, Yellowstone Jewelers. Read on to see how he makes your experience in his store totally different.

2023 Holiday Nights at ZooMontana

Holiday Nights is back and creating more magical memories with its magnificent walk-through displays this season that boasts over 10 million lights. Open Thursdays-Sundays through December 24, it’s op...

Shop Until You Drop: A Black Friday Guide

The busiest shopping season of the year is almost upon us. In this article, you will find “can’t miss” stops on your Black Friday shopping adventures and suggestions to fill your belly as well as your...

Entrepreneurial Spirit

As we aim to "Keep the Cheer Here" this holiday season, the Billings Chamber is celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit by spotlighting several small business owners and their inspiring stories and har...

A Cinematic Transformation: Art House Phase Two Unveiled

Exciting news from Billings' Art House Cinema & Pub! Phase Two is here, bringing a 100-person theater, a 50-person theater, and a versatile event space. Get ready for live music, poetry readings, and...

2023 Holiday Gift Guide

Our highly-anticipated 2023 Holiday Gift Guide is here AND a month earlier than usual to get your shopping season started right! There’s something for everyone on your list! Support our local business...

Connecting Through Creativity: Art in Our Community

The vibrant Billings arts culture is flourishing. Art galleries and museums, live performances, and public art installations are all adding beauty to our community, sparking conversations, and creatin...

Buckle Up, Montana - A Larger Than Life Masterpiece

Montana Silversmiths, a leader in quality Western fashion jewelry and buckles, has broken a Guinness World Record for creating the World’s Largest Belt Buckle. “Big Buck” weighs in at over 1000 pounds...

Building Community Pride

The Billings Chamber of Commerce has made a commitment to growing community pride, and one great way to do that is by way of volunteering.

2023 Non-Profit Guide

Our community has many amazing nonprofit organizations! Here in Simply Local Magazine's 2023 Nonprofit Guide, you can find many of them. It's a year-round resource with their story, services, and con...

Pretty Shield: Crow Medicine Woman and Grandmother to Many

Pretty Shield (1856-1944), a Crow Medicine Woman, didn’t set out to make such a big name for herself, as Crow historian Mardell Plainfeather shares. “She merely did her job as a [mother and] grandmoth...

Central Wellness: Empowering Women to Embrace Beauty at Any Age

Embrace Beauty at Any Age with Central Wellness! Janine Griffin, CEO of Central Wellness, believes that everyone deserves to feel and look their best, regardless of age. With a vision of empowering wo...

Hands of Hope: Gratitude in Action

Gratitude in Action Prosper is a worthy recipient of the Hands of Hope award. GIA Prosper is a multi-faceted campaign dedicated to enhancing services to low-income individuals in recovery.

Savoring the Season: 8 Ways to Capture and Cherish the Essence of Summer

Although adults may not be quite so ready to throw caution to the wind and chase summer’s adventures with the abandon of kids, we can still find ways to soak in the longer days and balmy evenings, eve...

Billings Clinic: Elevating Trauma Care

Billings Clinic seeks Level 1 Trauma Center Status, giving patients a chance to receive top-notch care closer to home.

Supporting the Unsung Heroes: The Work of Big Sky Bravery

Big Sky Bravery is dedicated to supporting active-duty Special Operations Forces personnel between deployments to help them survive the trauma that goes along with high-risk missions. Through weeklong...

HighDTravel: Helping You Book Your Dream Vacation

Planning a trip? Don’t sleep on using a travel agent. HighDTravel is a local travel business dedicated to making your next vacation the most memorable one yet - and the best part is, their services ar...

The REAL Yellowstone

The Last Best Place. We live here, and we know it. Montana is our own little slice of paradise, often hidden from the eyes of the rest of the world. Yellowstone has put a national spotlight on the lif...

Shimmer & Sparkle: Montague’s Silver at Paris Montana Mercantile

Montague’s Silver at Paris Montana Mercantile adds a touch of sophistication to Billings’ Downtown.

NAMI: Local Support for Mental Health

The National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI, is a lifeline for peers and their loved ones and a valuable resource for the community. NAMI’s local branch, NAMI Billings, offers education classes,...

Commitment to Community: First Federal Bank & Trust

Learn how to get a $1,000 grant for your non-profit or tax-exempt organization, courtesy of First Federal Bank’s Community Commitment program. 

The Evolution of the Male Role in Society

Nowadays, there seems to be a lack of clarity, an oblique status regarding the male role. Yet men still hold a unique position in this world, and that uniqueness, in action, is what we’re trying to ta...

Gainan’s: An Enduring Legacy of Family and Flowers

“It doesn’t make any difference if it’s a single rose or a thousand roses,” Mick Gainan says of his family’s multi-generational floral and garden business. “Everybody is buying something for some reas...

Get Outside - It’s N.E.A.T.!

Summertime is amazing in Billings - with a natural playground to get out and explore. The lure of the outdoors can zap our motivation to keep up with our exercise routine. Check out different ways to...

Keeping it in the Family: Father Founded Businesses

Some dads build a legacy through their family, with the hope that they get to watch their children grow up and have children of their own. Likewise, independent business owners gain a double legacy wh...

Strong as a Mother: Mentally Strong Women

In every woman lies a unique and beautiful spirit, but on every woman rests the weightiness of the world. Mentally strong women embrace gifts and challenges alike to pursue contentment over comparison...

IV Nutrition: A Place of Healing

IV Nutrition may sound clinical - but this warm and inviting business is focused on helping you thrive in the best version of yourself. Learn more about Sara Nelson’s passion for healing in this month...

Silo & Bloom: A Flower Farm on the Clarks Fork River

Have you ever dreamed about pulling up stakes, moving to the country, and opening a flower farm? Kelton and Jenna Monson did just that. Click on the link to read about my delightful conversation with...

Sustainable Shopping: The Search for Quality Over Quantity

New to thrifting? We scoured the internet and got top tips from local experts to help you on your next thrifting adventure. Spoiler alert: When it comes to thrifting, time and patience are key.

The Underground Fashion Exchange Gives Textiles New Life

Underground Fashion Exchange is a unique shopping destination for Billings shoppers looking for a way to expand their wardrobe without increasing demand on the planet. The shop scours estate sales, ga...

Hidden in the 406

Tessa Eliason, author of the Ross Creek Cedars article Hidden in the 406, writes about her experience traveling to the Cedars, she encompasses the unique features they house, and shares why people sho...

Billings Chamber’s 2023 Business Excellence Awards

Each year the Billings Chamber of Commerce awards exceptional leaders whose impact and example deserve recognition - not simply for their accomplishments but also for their character, leadership, and...

The One and Only You

Woven throughout the pages of this issue are difference-makers, like you and me, stepping out into uncharted waters and stepping up into voids to fill needs as they see them. Spurred forward by convic...

Good Neighbors- Difference Makers

Have you ever stopped and wondered: What kind of neighbor am I? What exactly is a good neighbor? Of course, we could probably all agree that we want to be good neighbors, but what that looks and sound...

Ask the Author: DeAnn Carpenter

In her debut book, DeAnn uses life stories to show how words can either tear down or build up. Read on to learn why DeAnn wrote Throwing Confetti.

Finding the Value in Corporate Events

There are many ways a company can make its employees feel valued, let’s look at a few ideas to help foster community, boost morale, and build connections.

Hands of Hope: Warrior Wishes Montana

"They teach us how to go to war, but they don't teach us how to come home." -Miguel Gonzalez

Camping for Every Type of Adventurer in Southeast Montana

Southeast Montana has a camping adventure for everyone’s level of comfort. Some people prefer to camp off-grid for the solitude. Others love to stay in luxury campgrounds and enjoy Wi-Fi. It does not...

TV Personality Captain Sandy Yawn to Keynote 2023 Billings Chamber Breakfast

The Billings Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have Captain Sandra Yawn (“Captain Sandy”) - renowned superyacht captain made famous by the television show Below Deck Mediterranean - as the keynote sp...