My Two Cents on Bozeman’s Best

The enchanting mountain town that is Bozeman serves its residents and visitors with a variety of charming activities and dining options — all of which were put to the test of public opinion in The Exponent’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards, published Jan. 27. In this competition, MSU students, community members and alumni nominated and voted on their most beloved businesses and locations in our wondrous college town. All in all, I was not disappointed with the results.

How we choose to rise with the sun sets the tone for the rest of the day, and there is no better way to start any day than a stop at Wild Joe*s Coffee Spot, the winner of the best Coffee category. When passersby see the business sign, they will immediately feel that the environment inside is equally as warm as the beverages they serve.

Lindley Park’s luscious greenery allowed readers to pick it as the best green space. Lindley Park provides a safe, cheerful and laid back environment where people of all ages can enjoy the open space to practice their frisbee skills, look over Bozeman in awe as they get lost climbing a tree, or simply relax and soak up the sun. Lindley’s desolate and icy atmosphere in Montana’s winter months are no match for the intoxicating summer.

From the nominated pizza places, Bridger Brewing provides a variety of enjoyable options for any age range and was selected as the best pizza place. It has an ever changing menu of flavorful pizza, delivered by kind and attentive waiters. This restaurant, the winner of both the Best Pizza and Best Brewery categories, has a wide selection of craft beer as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Speaking as a nineteen-year-old, the homemade root beer is the drink that truly hits the spot. The laid back atmosphere will be enjoyed by a variety of customers, from college students to families alike.

Genuine Ice Cream was voted as the best ice cream place. They create a romantic atmosphere that transports its customers back into a 1950’s soda shop. Its colorful interior is just as warm and welcoming as the workers who scoop their heavenly ice cream into homemade waffle cones. Next time you are looking for a hangout spot to take your sweetheart, Genuine Ice Cream is sure to be on top of your list.

Bozeman is full of hiking trails, and deciding which hiking trail is superior in Bozeman is similar to deciding which star shines the brightest in the night sky. Each trail gives those who walk upon it an escape into the beauty that Montana’s natural world holds. Triple Tree Trail is a beautiful hiking destination; however, many others give any hiker a similar experience. No trail is superior to another because each provides unmatchable fresh air, rich colors that change with every season, and views that will make each hiker stand in awe.

Voting for the best study location can be an easy pick. The Renne Library is a spot on campus where many students spend hours struggling to get homework done. This library is a perfect study destination on campus, yet Bozeman’s Public Library is the ideal place to get a change of scenery and look at one's assignments with a clear lens.

The 2022 Readers Choice Awards brought the annual report on students' favorite locations and businesses in our beloved college town. Each category reveals the places that hold a special spot in each student's heart, and for that, there can be no wrong choices selected.