Manhattan

Other than sharing its name with an arguably better-known New York borough, this Montana town has little in common with its more popular namesake. What it does have is wide-open spaces, beautiful vistas, a casual pace of life and the Manhattan Potato Festival, a mid-August celebration that is one of Montana's largest festivals, honoring the industry and crop that has made this area the potato capital of Montana. Festivalgoers enjoy a parade, 5K run, car show, children’s activities, live music, and a food and crafts fair.

Manhattan’s got roots in growing barley, too. (For beer, of course.) This town was named for a group of investors from New York City who operated the Manhattan Malting Company. Now, Manhattan's growing wheat (and potatoes), and raising cattle for dairy and beef. You’ll also find local Montana treasures here, like woodcarvings and vintage finds.

Right down the road from Manhattan’s Main Street is some of the best fishing access around. The Gallatin River—a blue-ribbon trout fishery—is 5 minutes from town. Outdoor rec around here also includes rafting, horseback riding, hunting, and hiking. The Headwaters Trail System is a paved network of trails that runs along the old Milwaukee Railroad corridor from Three Forks to The Headwaters State Park and on to Manhattan, and it’s popular for hiking and biking.