Ninepipes' Tour of Lights is a hit
Old buddies and new friends pause at the luxurious Swan River Inn in Bigfork, one of the stops on Ninepipes Lodge’s first “Tour of Lights” bus tour Dec. 15. Event planner Christy Bockman, front, second from left has lots of fun ideas for upcoming tours and parties at the Lodge. (Courtesy photo.)
Christy Bockman is a natural for her position as Events Coordinator at Ninepipes Lodge on U.S. 93 north of St. Ignatius — she loves to plan a party.
For several years, Ninepipes Lodge has rented a bus to take Lodge visitors and Mission Valley residents to University of Montana Grizzly games.
This year, just before football season, they decided to buy their own bus. Because the football season is short, Christy has a whole lot of other ideas for that bus.
Last Sunday night, Christy kicked off a new party idea, and it was a hit.
She has always loved taking her family on drives to look at Christmas lights.
She put out a notice on Facebook that for $40, people could go on a “Tour of Lights” through Big Fork, and on up to Whitefish, including champagne on the bus, a snack, a gift, and stops at special places along the way to shop or see the sights.
The first date, Dec. 22, filled up right away, so she added another. Dec. 15, 16 women piled on the bus and headed up the highway.
Champagne and party music broke out early, picking up some folks at stops along the way. Alittle snow, a beautiful drive, and the bus arrived at the Swan River Inn in Bigfork for hors doeuvres, drinks, and a tour of the elegant establishment.
An hour’s stroll through the twinkly downtown helped jumpstart the Christmas spirit for the travelers.
With rosy cheeks, they then boarded for Whitefish, where the riders had a chance to admire the holiday windows and displays in another downtown filled with trees and lights and cozy places to have a bite or a hot toddy.
Even for Montana natives, the evening showed our neighboring towns in a new, pleasant light.
Arriving back at Ninepipes around midnight, tired but happy, the group looked like long-lost friends as they shared hugs and phone numbers.
To follow what Christy is cooking up for future tours and events, call Ninepipes Lodge or find them on Facebook.