What day is it? Where are we?

While a lot of 'touristy things' aren't open until Memorial Day, there was one thing we could do Saturday morning before we left Missoula to head north.  Missoula has a pretty big Saturday/Farmer's Market downtown.  Two sections had vegetables, plants, flowers and baked goods and the third section had lots of art work, crafts, jewelry, etc.

Rest assured, we did contribute to the local economy in the baked goods and art section.  :o)

After a nice morning at the market, we headed north toward Kalispell, MT.  We decided to take the scenic route around the west side of Flathead Lake.

Most of the drive was through the Flathead Indian Reservation and as such, many of the road signs are in the native language and English.

Rocky Mountains ahead

Flathead Lake

We have really enjoyed the scenery on our travels!  

We arrived in Kalispell and after a quick lunch, headed to the Conrad Mansion for a tour.  (Only one of the few places open before Memorial Day.)

Who is the Conrad Family?

The 13,000 square foot house was built at the turn of the century and has a very interesting history, and many innovative features including electricity, indoor plumbing, and an elevator.

This is Sweetiepie - the official Conrad Mansion greeter.

Beautiful front porch

Living Room

Beautiful wrought iron chandelier that operate on electricity and if needed, gas.

Front parlor 

Mr. Conrad's office

Dining Room

The whiskey barrel was actually a pass-thru to the kitchen.

Beautiful sun porch

Kitchen with the latest appliances and gadgets, including the precursor to the stand mixer, food processor, dishwasher and refrigerator.

Stove and oven, complete with BBQ grill (on left side)

Nursery

One of the many guest rooms.

Stunning fireplace 'fence'.  Feathers would be removed in the winter for a fire to be built.

 

Second floor where all the rooms open to the hallway.

Beautiful glass windows.

Master suite

One of three full bathrooms in the house.

Attic playroom for the children and 'man cave' for Mr. Conrad.

Sewing room for the seamstresses.

Laundry room with multiple sinks, a washer, a spinner and drying racks

Couldn't take pictures of everything, but it was pretty impressive for a house of that size and it having the 'latest and greatest' innovations at the time!