| ERA Landmark Market Watch |  | As we move toward what will ideally be another stellar tourist season, those who are heading to Southwest Montana may still be firming up their travel plans, including where they will stay while on vacation. The old days of motel versus hotel or perhaps a bed and breakfast are gone. The newer model of accommodations still includes those choices, but adds in the addition of vacation rentals.
It is both well-known and documented that tourism plays a vital role in our state's economy. The preliminary data for year-end 2016, provided by the Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research via the University of Montana, credits nonresident visitors spending an estimated $3.49 billion in the state. Of that total, 14% - approximately $488 million- is spent on lodging. This number exemplifies why "where to stay" is big business. You can further add to those figures the in-state spending as we Montanans travel and experience our own vast state.
Yellowstone National Park is of particular consequence in our own backyard. Visitation numbers for 2016 once again broke records, weighing in at 4,257,177 visits. The out-of-area guests chose to either camp in the park, stay at lodging within the park, or find accommodations in the gateway cities. This year is anticipated to be another record year, so making reservations right away is highly recommended. | | Presents Tosca by Giacomo Puccini |  | May 12th at 7pm and May 14th at 3pm
The Willson Auditorium
A journey of ill-suited and ill-fated lovers through the dark and secretive halls and edges of cathedrals, palaces and prisons, through Puccini's both vibrant and mournful lyrical score. Director Linda Brovsky and Conductor Dean Williamson will carry the audience to the hauntingly beautiful hidden corners of Rome, where infatuation and devotion twist and twine in contention. Featuring Baritone Corey Crider as the iniquitous Baron Scarpia, Tenor John Pickle as the doomed Cavaradossi, and Soprano Kara Shay Thomson as the heart-rending, alluring Tosca, this story of an agonizing and devoted love loss will shatter the hearts of romantics and their cynics.
Bass-Baritone Thomas Hammons joins the cast as Sacristan, along with Tenor Torrance Blaisdell as Spoletta, and returning Intermountain Opera favorite Bass Branch Fields as Angelotti and Sciarrone. With a chorus of local singers that includes a children's choir (appearing for the first time on the Intermountain Opera stage in nearly two decades), the company of Tosca will
hold the audience into a breathtaking embrace they will
feel no desire to struggle to be released. | | ERA Landmark Featured Properties | | 212 Dana Lane, Belgrade | | $1,399,900 | MLS 219588 | | End of Cul-de-Sac privacy in 5 lot Minor Sub on this rare offering of exceptional construction detail! 6400+ sq. ft in the main home with private guest suite included. Full finished basement AND finished room over garage for hobby room/office. Main level Master, Formal dining, well appointed kitchen with breakfast nook to enjoy the Bridger Mtn views. Enclosed Sun room with wood burning fireplace. Beautiful shop with its own caretaker/guest quarters, garden area, garage. 2.04 acres of lush landscaping! | | 212 Pine Creek, Livingston | | $1,295,000 | MLS 218608 | | Experience "The Phoenix" a custom post & beam home w/ straw bale insulation designed w/ elegance & simplicity. The design, scale & integration with its surroundings work in harmony to create an ambiance of comfort & serenity. Set upon 8+ acres in the forested Pine Creek area of Livingston's Paradise Valley. Seasonal creek, dramatic mountain views, & abundant wildlife. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, gourmet kitchen, large south facing windows, radiant floor heat, mature landscaping, detached barn, garden area & shed. | | 2230 Spotted Elk Road, Big Sky | | $785,000 | MLS 219374 | | Located on a much coveted, cul-de-sac street in Big Sky's Meadow Village, this custom home is tucked into the willows along the 2nd fairway of the golf course. Private outdoor living area beautifully landscaped with a built-in barbeque, fire pit and hot tub. Cross country ski trails, community park and Meadow Village restaurants and amenities are located nearby. The home features separate living areas for accommodating a variety of individual lifestyles. This home has many upgrades and is move in ready. | | 213 Shining Mountains Loop, Ennis | | $329,000 | MLS 219668 | | Perfect home for vacations, retirement or full-time living. Well-maintained, low maintenance home with wood-burning river rock fireplace dominating the great room, spectacular views of the valley & mountains beyond. All new appliances. Garage has a 3/4 bath & serves as "bunk house." Could be converted back to garage. Nice greenhouse & storage. Close to Varney Bridge access to the Madison River. Property owners have exclusive use of the stocked Haypress Lakes & easy access to BLM & Natl Forest lands. | |
