Page 109 - Flathead Living Fall 2014

thoroughfare in Marion, besides the highway, is named pleasant Valley road.
“There’s a lot to do and not many peo- ple know that. sometimes that's good and sometimes that’s bad,” Dutcher says.
The secret got out.
Between 2000 and 2010, the pop- ulation of Marion more than doubled, from 416 to 886 residents, according to u.s. census data.
“We used to be able to drive to town and never meet a car,” Dutcher says. “During winter you never left (Marion) until the plow went through.”
now it’s not uncommon to meet new neighbors who have bought land around the lakes or in the wooded forest lots. tourists frequently flock through the small community, in search of the well- known fishing opportunities or other outdoor pursuits. a few more estab- lishments have popped up in town now, including the six-room hilltop Motel and a general store.
of course, a main attraction is the hitching post.
The expansive space has grown con- siderably from its humble origins. There’s enough room now for a large restaurant section, a traditional bar with a pool table and the outdoors patio where live music and community events are frequent. The patio was built with large timbers from the former lang Creek Brewery.
The diner’s menu is lined with savory items: chicken wings, sandwiches, fried pickles and the ever-popular burgers, of which there are nearly a dozen unique varieties. The local favorite, though, is the prime rib dinner, which takes place every Friday and saturday. as the menu warns, “Better hurry, so good We always run out.”
For a newcomer who stumbled into town on a Friday or saturday night, walking into the hitching post might seem like arriving at one big family dinner.
The Hilltop Hitching Post is located at 8225 U.S. Highway 2 West in Marion. Call 854-2442. FL
Dinner ThursDay Through sunDay 5pm – 9pm
ROCK YOURMOP
136 Main Street > KaliSpell 260-4010 > www.ShortySMt.coM
Walk-ins Welcome
FALL 2014 | FLATHEAD LIVING 107