Big Sky Country

montana

Mallory and I just spent four days in Whitefish, Montana. The land there is majestic, the sky looks massive, and the food was dangerously tasty. We had an amazing time, but great hiking, fishing, biking, and all around outdoorsing is not all that this beautiful corner of the country has to offer. The Lord is doing an amazing work at a church in that area. The church is called Fresh Life Church. It was this church that gave us the idea to spend some time up there in the first place. The pastor, Levi Lusko, a long time acquaintance and now officially a friend, asked me to play at their mid-week service and in exchange he would get together a mini vacation for me and my lovely wife to explore the wonder and adventure that the largely untamed “Land of the Shining Mountains” provides. We couldn’t pass up the opportunity, and we’re glad we didn’t. Though I travel a lot, I rarely have time to enjoy the destination. I’m glad we had some time there.

So this made me think. I want to start taking advantage of the places I go. See the good that other places have to offer, and I could use your help. I’m pretty well educated on California destinations, but what about other states. Whether it’s a place to eat, a memorial at which to remember, or some scenery, fill me in. I might get a chance to use your travel tips

-phil

37 Responses to “Big Sky Country”

  1. Abel says:

    You guys should come to Morocco! There’s so many cool things about this place. The food is great, the scenery fantastic, there are old Roman forts and pirate ruins and the medina is really fun to shop at.
    Abel (12 years old)

  2. dani k. says:

    Hey, late to the game, but here’s a touring tip:

    Check out the http://www.chowhound.com regional foodie message boards. Seriously. The people on there eat out pretty much all the time and you can to the board for the region you are traveling to, tell them what you are looking for, and get a range of recommendations. (i.e., “I’m heading to ThisPlace and am staying in this area of town. Where’s the best place for breakfast in this price range?” Or “Where can I get a good Cambodian dinner in Vancouver?” Or “Who is the best coffee roaster in Portland?”)

    Most of the rec’s will NOT be boring stuff like chains, but instead the best in the area. Locals tend to know stuff like where to find that one hole in the wall cafe with the most amazing and inexpensive omelets in all creation. I recently had one of the best burgers I’ve ever had in my life thanks to someone on the boards.

  3. Matt says:

    Hey bro. You and your wife might like checking out the other coast. I’m a seminary student in the Boston area. I live in what is called the North Shore which is about 40 minutes Northeast of Boston (proper). You can get a great experience of course in Boston. There is so much to do and it is a very young and fun city. There is great Italian food in the historic North End and always fun artsy things down at Faneuil Hall and tons of history (if you’re down with that sort of thing). I’m going to school North of Boston in a beautiful area where there are generally cold, but beautiful beaches nearby and lots of scenic ocean views. So, you could take a few days and enjoy the beach, outdoors, and the city on one trip. Just a thought bro. Driving up here is pretty insane though. I recently discovered your music and it is refreshing. A lot of contemporary Christian music has seemed to have lost touch with the Bible and theology, and entered a realm of mystical praise. It is unfortunate, but you have a great balance of substantive music and artistic talent which not many Christian artists have these days. I mostly listen to classical or indie music and have been on a hiatus of Christian music since the dcTalk days. Thanks for your ministry brother and I’m glad that you are finding time to spend with your wife amidst your busy life on the road. -grace

  4. Adams says:

    Please Phil may you consider coming to Uganda to play us Heaven and Earth. i have seen it has very interesting songs. i will be happy if you can reply soon and we see how we can go about it.we have interesting things here like daily sunshine, a number of different food stuffs including cassava,more interesting is that people here are yawning for God. they are looking for who ever can help them grow in faith.

    Uganda is an East African Country. very peaceful and always welcoming. remain blessed. Adams

  5. Anita says:

    ive got to head to one of your shows!!!
    i cant stop thinking about your music!!!

  6. Anita says:

    was that pic, professionaly taken?
    looks amazing.
    i gotta head down to montana =p

  7. Leah says:

    Hey Phil! Glad to hear Montana was great. I’ve always wanted to visit.

    But for now, I’ll tell you a little about Ohio. Now I know not many people travel here for vacation, but you may come here once in a while (hopefully).

    1st thing: If you go to Ohio, you need to go to Cedar Point, that’s if you like roller coasters. Probably the best amusment park in America.

    2nd thing: You’ve probably already been to the Rock’N'Roll Hall of Fame, but if not, try checking that out :)

    3rd thing: Be careful of the random Pittsburgh Steelers fans and OSU’s rivarly, Michigan fans walking around everywhere! (Don’t ask me but somehow they got in Ohio territory)

    4th thing: The weather is weird around here. If you come in Winter, mainly around Cleveland, expect a blizzard even if the weatherman said “sunny”.

    5th thing: If you go to the Columbus area, try heading to the Cheeseburger in Paradise restaurant. They have great food and they’re atmosphere is pretty Southwestern I guess you can say, in case you’re feeling a little homesick.

    6th thing: If you feel in the mood for a little country, head to Hartville and go to the Harville Kitchen. It’s such a sweet little Christian area. They have nice people, good food, and a huge marketplace!

  8. Greg says:

    Phil,

    It is good to hear that you enjoyed Montana. I am from the Bitterroot Valley, just south of Missoula. It is definitely a great place to live. Last time I saw you, it was in Bible College at Calvary Chapel Bible College in Murrieta, CA.

    I hope that everything is going well. Something that I have been learning is that if we take the time – anywhere we are at – God is so great to speak to us in many way: Through the mountains, the vast ocean, rolling hills or the cool breeze. Today he even spoke to me using the wonderful illustration of the eggs that were on my plate! I know, its crazy.

    God bless you and your wife.

  9. Barrett says:

    Please release the new album on vinyl

  10. Ashley says:

    Hey if you come to Berlin, OH I’ll show you guys all around the world’s largest Amish community! Enticing I know. :) I’ll even take you out to a genuine Amish farm and you can meets some great folks. Plus we have the best homemade mashed potatoes and pies you’ll ever eat!

  11. Lisbeny says:

    I read Relevant Magazine often (their website is http://www.relevantmagazine.com) and I saw an interview with Phil while he was at a summer festival. You can see it here if you’re interested.. http://www.relevantmagazine.com/main/festivals/soulfest/17720-phil-wickham-has-jokes-and-a-new-album

  12. Alicia says:

    Greetings from the Panhandle of Nebraska

    I would love to show you and your wife the beauty that God put in a place that so many people think He didn’t even know existed. Sooooooo many historic landmarks (Chimney Rock) and friendly people. It has taken me nearly 15 years to truly appreciate this land and now I am eager to share. So, come visit!!!!!

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