Black Bull Golf Course Community - Press Releases

Golf ball next to the cup.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Virtual Tours Receive Recognition

Recently, the Black Bull Club Homes and the Corral virtual tours were awarded the prestigious Montana ADDY Awards.

The ADDYs are the advertising industry's largest and most representative competition, attracting over 50,000 entries every year in local ADDY competitions. the mission of the ADDY competition is to recognize and reward creative excellence in the art of advertising.

Arin Megenity, marketing director for Black Bull, partnered with Flying Horse Communications to create unique interactive tours of two club homes and the Corral, our clubhouse. "We've all seen the run-of-the-mill virtual tours that seem to take forever to get through," says Arin. "I wanted to give our website visitors a new experience."

Flying Horse came up with a compelling concept that allowed users to jump to whatever spot in the building the wanted to view. They could work from a floorplan, or virtually 'walk' into various rooms.

"It was also important to show the construction details of our buildings," adds Arin. "The architectural elements are easily accessible through an option to click on a number of details. An example is our barn door in the clubhouse that is made from reclaimed timber off of the ranch where Black Bull is now located."

View a virtual tour of our club homes here.
View a virtual tour of the Corral here.

Labels: Current Happenings

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Black Bull Community Update: Winter Activities!

The snow is falling and those who have experienced winter in the Gallatin Valley know that it is just as stunning and lively as the summer months. Some of the most well-known activities involve the snow, but Bozeman has so much more to offer than just skiing and snowmobiling!

At Black Bull
Members are enjoying amazing cuisine prepared by our own Chef Erik. How can you resist specialty appetizers such as Corn and Crab Tamales with Oaxacan Chili Cream Sauce? And for dinner, expect to see entrees like our 1855 Rib Eye with Brussels Sprouts, Truffled Twice-Baked Potato served with Port Wine Butter, and our Pancetta-Wrapped Half Chicken with Tomatoes, Oregano and White Beans served with Parmesan. We also feature a monthly "kid-friendly" dinner menu that is often combined with fun indoor and outdoor activities.

Throughout the winter months, Black Bull has a number of events planned for members, including Trunk Shows, Wild Game Nights, Poker Nights and Chalkboard Dinner specials that change weekly.

Around Bozeman
You'll find locals and visitors enjoying various activities such as local film screenings, live bluegrass, rock, country and acoustic music, as well as art shows at the many galleries around the community.

The Museum of the Rockies holds their annual Fire and Ice Ball on Valentine's Day. Hundreds of people join together to eat, drink, dance and bid on fantastic auction items donated from around the world. This past fall, the historic Ellen Theatre in downtown Bozeman reopened after significant renovations. The Helen Keller inspired play, The Miracle Worker, opens in February.

Up at Bridger Bowl Ski Area, there are ski races and events almost every weekend. Bridger Bowl is located only minutes from Black Bull Family and Golf Community. And for the sports nuts, take in an MSU Bobcat Basketball game, a great way for the entire family to spend the evening!

Labels: Current Happenings

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Bozeman Ranks #9 on the Top 25 Forecast Housing List

Housingpredictor.com released their Top 25 Forecast Housing results today. From the article:

Two states with reputations for being some of the coldest places in the country dominate the Housing Predictor Top 25 housing markets for 2009. Montana placed all of its five forecast markets on the list, and neighboring North Dakota had 4 markets make the top 25 forecast to have the highest appreciation in home values during the year.

The Housing Predictor Top 25 Markets are selected from the more than 250 local housing markets forecast, and are projected to have the highest probability of hitting their forecast appreciation. Seventeen markets are forecast to experience some level of appreciation in 2009, making the top 25 markets. Eight other markets round out the Top 25 forecast to experience lower deflation than the majority of the country.

Bozeman ranks at #9 on the list, with Livingston at #14. To see the complete article, click here. What a great place to call home!

Labels: Current Happenings

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Black Bull Named amongst the Top 100 Golf Communities by Travel + Leisure Golf

Black Bull is one of only 10 new communities that made it on the list of the "Top 100 Golf Communities in America" by Travel + Leisure Golf.

The January/February issue features those communities who, according to Travel + Leisure Golf writers David Gould and Lauren Kay, have "exquisite environments which are case studies in how to make life on earth as pleasing, stimulating and worthwhile as possible. They have sited themselves within the finest natural surroundings one could wish for, and added a

ll the comforts of home."

The Winchester Group, one of the developers of Black Bull, have six communities making Travel + Leisure Golf's annual list, with three featured in the Top 25.

Activities at Black Bull vary with the seasons... golf, swimming, tennis, fishing in the warmer months, cross-country skiing and ice skating in the cooler months.

The centerpiece of the community is the 19-hole Tom Weiskopf golf course, which opened for member play in July 2008. At 16 acres, the community also boasts one of the largest practice facilities in the Rocky Mountains.

Every homesite at Black Bull has views of five mountain ranges, the golf course or water features. Single-family custom homesites, ranging from one-third of an acre to an acre, are currently available in the first phase of Black Bull. The developer-built Club Homes—single-family homes designed by Locati Architects—reflect Black Bull's signature rustic elegance.

Labels: Current Happenings

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Happy New Year!

We have many exciting things to share with you as we move into 2009:

We are happy to announce that our Matador Club Program for Club Homes was a success! In the fourth quarter of 2008, three new club homes were sold or are under contract, including our 2008 Parade Home.

Due to this positive response, we have a new offer on our custom homesites. From now until March 31, 2009, the Matador Club offers the first 10 custom homesite buyers who commence construction on a home within 12 months unique benefits and incentives. This represents up to $72,000 in incentives! For more details call 866.520.6182.

Congratulations to David Baucom for being named PGA Golf Professional of the Year for the Rocky Mountain Section! David is an incredible asset to the Black Bull community and we are fortunate to have him on our team. Click here to read the full article.

And, for anyone who is interested in the social media venue, Twitter.com, our Marketing team now posts regularly under BlackBullBzmn. Check out this fun way of following news relating to Black Bull and the Bozeman area.

Labels: Current Happenings

Friday, November 21, 2008

Our new Matador Club is in full swing and has been well received! We have new homes under construction and there are a few more opportunities to be a part of this exclusive group of 10 club home owners.

From now until December 31, 2008, Black Bull's Matador Club offers the first 10 club home buyers unique benefits and incentives. This offer represents more than $100,000 in incentives, including $50,000 in club home options and a complimentary golf membership!For more details on this special offer or to find out more information about our club homes, please call 866.520.6182.

'Tis the season ... The mild fall season here has given our golfers an extended playing season, but we are all gearing up for the brisk, snow-filled holidays. The holiday season brings many anticipated events and activities to the Gallatin Valley. Each week there are creative and enjoyable opportunities to enjoy our beautiful area ... and all are just minutes from Black Bull.
The fun begins on Thanksgiving Day with Bozeman's annual Huffing for Stuffing charity run. Prior to filling themselves with turkey, thousands of children and adults will take part in this 5k to 10k event. All proceeds benefit the local food bank.

Two Broadway musicals will be performing in December: Hairspray (Dec. 3) and Lord of the Dance (Dec.19). This is a great opportunity to see Broadway plays in an intimate setting.

The noteworthy 28th Annual Christmas Stroll, held on Dec. 6 offers a full day of activities held around historic Bozeman. During the day, kids can make gingerbread houses, decorate cookies and listen to music at the Emerson Center for Arts and Culture. A Children's Parade kicks off the Main Street activities, which include music, food vendors, children's outdoor activities, horse drawn haywagon rides, caroling, street performers and shopping. Local business and non-profit organizations offer favorite winter snacks for all ages.

There are dozens of Christmas plays and music for children and adults including the Nutcracker, A Christmas Carol, the Bozeman Symphony and a wide variety of live music and theatre every weekend. For more winter activities near Black Bull, click here.

Ski season is scheduled to open Nov. 27 in Big Sky and Dec. 12 at Bridger Bowl! We are counting down the days to take a turn on our amazing powder. Our ski areas have virtually no lift lines to ski some of the most beautiful terrain in the country. Whether you choose to enjoy the local mountain, Bridger Bowl, or head a few more miles south of Bozeman to Lone Mountain in Big Sky, which features the "Biggest Skiing in America" ... and it's all minutes away from Black Bull.

Labels: Current Happenings

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Club Homes: Special Offer and Recent Media Coverage

From now until December 31, 2008, Black Bull's new Matador Club offers the first 10 club home buyers unique benefits and incentives. This offer represents more than $100,000 in incentives, including $50,000 in club home options and a complimentary golf membership!
At the heart of the development, Black Bull features developer-built club homes designed by renowned architect, Jerry Locati. There are five unique floor plans available with many opportunities to customize your choice. Sizes range from 2,300 to 4,000 square feet and many are located on the golf course or back up to creeks.
For more details on this special offer or to find out more information about our club homes, please call 866.520.6182.

This week, our first residents at Black Bull, Larry and Rita Fox, were featured on the cover of the Bozeman Daily Chronicle's At Home magazine. The Foxes built a Gallatin Club Home on the ninth fairway and enjoy unsurpassed views of the Bridger Mountain Range.
When they saw the Gallatin model home a year ago, "we literally walked in and said, 'This is our house,'" stated Larry in the article. Club home residents enjoy turnkey conveniences including landscape maintenance and snow removal. "We really like the lock and leave security," added Larry. To view the article, click here and look under 'Related Articles'. To take a unique virtual tour of a similar model, click here.

Labels: Current Happenings

Golf Update: New Bunker, Opening Day Video and Magazine Recognition

As the playing season winds down, activity is increasing on the course in preparation for next year's Grand Opening of the Gallatin Valley's newest golf course.
This week, course designer Tom Weiskopf was on-hand to oversee construction of a new pot bunker on number 14. "Once Tom played the course, it became evident to him and others that we needed a new bunker to increase the playability," says David Baucom, Director of Golf.
"This new bunker means that for a drivable par 4, you'll have to decide if you want to flirt with the bunker to drive the green or lay up. The new bunker definitely makes it more of a risk/reward hole."
While laying out the bunker on Tuesday, Tom commented that there was "room in this bunker for one angry golfer and a golf club."

By the way, have you seen our video footage of opening day at Black Bull? It has recently been added to the website. Course designer Tom Weiskopf and Jay Leachman, the original landowner of the Angus ranch on which Black Bull now sits, comment on the course. Click here to view the new video.

Since we are on the topic of golf, the most recent issue of Links Magazine and Golf Digest recognized Black Bull for being one of the best.
The Links Magazine Golf Real Estate Guide names Black Bull as one of the 11 best golf resorts for outdoor pursuits. "We feel fortunate to be mentioned on this particular list because we know that people are drawn to Montana, and specifically Bozeman, because of the abundance of outdoor activities," says Arin Megenity, Sales and Marketing Director. "And at Black Bull, you are only minutes from golfing, fishing, skiing, swimming, mountain biking, hiking and more … they are all literally right out your back door."
The November Golf Digest names Black Bull in their Player's Index as the Best in Game. Recently, Golf Digest editor Ron Whitten paid a visit to the community. While on his visit, Whitten took time to discuss our unique bunker style David Baucom. Baucom refers to our bunkers as "Early Americana," while Weiskopf states that the bunker layout as being, "reminiscent of the style that was prevalent during the turn of the 20th century." To learn more about bunker styles, as well as where Black bull fits in, visit the "Bunker Mentality" article in the latest issue of Golf Digest here.

Labels: Current Happenings

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Black Bull Website Features Innovative Virtual Tours

Black Bull takes the best of Bozeman and gives members an experience they are not likely to soon forget. 360-degree mountain views, stunning water features, walking trails, a championship golf course, a clubhouse, a pool and tennis courts are just a few of the amenities members will enjoy.

Recently, Bozeman has caught the eye of the national media as one of the best places to live in the country. Bozeman is a classic western town filled with contemporary vitality and an enlightened sensibility. Bozeman ranks #2 on MSN.com's list of America's Top Dreamtowns. Click here to read the article. And, Bozeman ranks #4 on the West's Top 10 Dreamtowns, as reported in Sunset Magazine. Click here to read the article.

New to the Website! Innovative virtual tours of two club home models and the Corral, our temporary clubhouse. See the stunning architecture up close to understand why Black Bull is Bozeman's most desirable address, pure and simple. Click here to experience two of the five floorplans available in our club homes. Click here to experience the Corral, our restaurant, bar and locker room facility.

Labels: Current Happenings

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Black Bull Celebrates Community in Bozeman's Sixth-Annual Parade of Homes

Black Bull will participate in this year's Parade of Homes, held on September 6-7, 10 and 13-14. The Granite Peak Club Home is property #3 on the Parade of Homes Tour, which is organized by Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA). The Parade of Homes offers potential home buyers the opportunity to experience the best in architectural design, interiors, home innovations and in the case of Black Bull, an exquisite golf community.

Black Bull invites all of Montana to tour its signature Club Home — the only home on the tour to include lifestyle amenities such as concierge services and landscaping, as well as a social membership with golf, tennis and swimming. The Club Home also has access to walking/biking trails, abundant water features, catch-and-release fishing and gourmet dining. Black Bull Club Homes are developer-built, single-family residences designed by Locati Architects that reflect the community's rustic elegance.

This year's home features a unique combination of luxury and turnkey in a 2,313-square-foot floor plan with three bedrooms, three and one-half baths, eight-foot doors throughout, high-end granite, and custom interior packages from Bozeman’s Little Bear Interiors. Complete with views of the Bridger Mountains and a backyard stream, this Club Home is ideally situated for a walk-on to the ninth green of a Tom Weiskopf Championship Golf Course.

A preview of the Club Home experience is available in a virtual tour by clicking here. You can also take a "tour" of the Corral, Black Bull's temporary clubhouse, by clicking here.

"This is our second year participating in the Parade of Homes," said Black Bull Marketing Director Arin Megenity. "Those who toured last year will be amazed at the progress and build-out of our unique community within a community. We announced the completion of the golf course in July, and our tennis courts, restaurant and temporary clubhouse are all available for enjoyment by club members."

Parade of Homes participants can enter daily drawings for gifts and local dining and will be eligible for a grand prize that will include a golf outing for two on Black Bull's new Tom Weiskopf championship course.

Labels: Current Happenings

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Golf Course Opening Celebration

On July 25 more than 100 Black Bull members gathered for the opening of the private golf course.

Course designer Tom Weiskopf was on hand for opening remarks, sharing the spotlight with Jay Leachman. Jay's family ran an Angus Ranch on the property for more than 30 years before selling the ranch to Black Bull developers. Steve Barrett, Craig Bryant, and Will Cureton, all developers in the Black Bull golf community, were also present.

The par-72 course measures approximately 7,200 yards in length and features undulating fairways and 7 sets of tees per hole. This "modified links" style course weaves together native landscaping, an abundance of water features and breathtaking backdrops.

The first male foursome to play the course was Jay Leachman, Craig Bryant, Rob Ash and Gary Popiel. The first female foursome included Cheryl Leachman, Sue Bryant, Mickie Moret and Lisa McMullen.

An unbelievable Hole in One on the 7th hole was achieved by Black Bull member Jan Staker. This was a 244-yard, par-3 hole. Staker used a Callaway #2 Hybrid club and a Pro V1 X ball to make this remarkable shot. Black Bull members Dr. Steve McGrath and Tom Lightner witnessed this unusual event.

The Corral, Black Bull's restaurant, also opened on July 25. Chef Erik prepared an incredible array of food including Black Bull BBQ chicken, baby back ribs, smoked Montana trout, steak skewers with Thai sauce and more.
The opening went late into the evening with members enjoying food, drinks and great conversation on the patio.

Labels: Current Happenings

Friday, July 18, 2008

Black Bull Golf Course Opens This Month

Black Bull, Montana's newest private golf course, opens to members this month. The practice facility, which features synthetic grass for early-season stroke work, opens for play this Saturday, July 19. Course designer Tom Weiskopf will be on hand when the 16 acre practice facility, the largest in the Rocky Mountains, opens.

The following Friday, the par 72, 7,200 yard course will open to members. "The course is in terrific condition and ready for play," says David Baucom, Director of Golf. "The greens, fairways, bunkers and tees are in great condition."

Overall, the layout at Black Bull is designed to provide an outstanding "core" golf experience-a rarity in today's residential courses-by strategically positioning the homesites to amplify the incredible mountain views. And, with up to 7 tees per hole, the experience is optimal for both beginner and expert golfers.

A unique feature of this course is the "bye hole" which is a signature 19th hole and is designed to settle all bets. "Bye holes are common in Scotland, but there are less than a dozen courses that feature this addition in the United States," adds Baucom.

The opening of the Corral, Black Bull's clubhouse, coincides with the course opening, and features dining services for members. A car washing facility and tennis courts will also be available for member use later this summer.

Labels: Current Happenings

Monday, April 14, 2008

Mike Duquette Receives Highly-Acclaimed PGA Certification

This month Mike Duquette, Director of Operations at Black Bull, successfully completed the PGA Certified Professional Program in Golf Operations. Mr. Duquette is the first PGA member to complete the program in Montana.

Since the program's inception in August 2004, less than one percent of the PGA Members have earned this certification. Each career-specific path typically requires an average of four to six months to complete; however, Mr. Duquette completed the entire program and passed the exam in less than one month.

"The program has helped me to expand my knowledge in Golf Operations, as well as other important areas of the golf profession," says Duquette. "It will definitely assist me in providing the high quality of customer service and professionalism that is integral to the success of Black Bull."

The PGA Certified Professional Program is the first of its kind to recognize specific career paths where PGA members are employed. It offers members the opportunity to advance in one of six desired career paths, including General Management, Golf Operations, Instruction, Retail, Executive Management and Ownership/Leasing. The courses within this program challenge golf professional to expand his/her knowledge in the areas of accounting, business planning and budgeting, turf grass management, customer relations, marketing and swing analysis.

By establishing and elevating the standards of the golf profession through world-class education, career services, marketing and research programs, the Association enables PGA Professionals to maximize their performance in their respective career paths and showcase themselves as experts in the game and in the $76 billion golf industry.

Labels: Current Happenings

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

P. David Baucom Wins Rocky Mountain Section PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award

Congratulations to our own P. David Baucom for receiving the 2007 Bill Strausbaugh Award. This award adds to an already distinguished resume for Baucom, Director of Golf at Black Bull in Bozeman, Montana. David was previously honored as Rocky Mountain Section PGA Golf Professional of the Year in 2001, Private Merchandiser of the Year in 200

4 and 2006, as well as Teacher of the Year in 2003.

Established in 1979, the Bill Strausbaugh Award is presented to a PGA Professional who distinguishes himself or herself by mentoring fellow PGA Professionals in improving their employment situations, and through his or her services to the local community. David is instrumental in the Yellowstone Chapter's Adopt-a-Club Program that has resulted in more jobs for more PGA Members. Course owners within Montana often seek out his opinion regarding their staffing needs and operations.

Baucom, a thirteen-year member of The PGA of America, is currently the President of the Section. As a PGA member, David has worked tirelessly to promote the PGA of America and its members. As a result, he has been actively involved with assisting many of his former assistant professionals in establishing their careers. He has mentored many PGA members and gives his time to numerous organizations in the Bozeman area, as well as throughout the Rocky Mountain Section. Baucom currently serves as the liaison between the Idaho and Montana State Golf Associations and the Rocky Mountain Section. He is also a member of the 4-Rivers Junior Golf Board and works with many other charitable organizations and conservation groups. David will be formally recognized as the 2007 Rocky Mountain Section PGA Bill Strausbaugh Award winner in May of 2008 as part of the Rocky Mountain Section PGA Annual Meeting.

Labels: Current Happenings

Monday, November 12, 2007

Intermountain Opera

The Intermountain Opera Association is celebrating 30 years of producing Grand Opera in Bozeman. In 1978, the Intermountain Opera staged its inaugural performance of Verdi's La Traviata, and has since earned a national reputation for first-class productions. The Intermountain Opera Association has produced one opera every spring, and starting in 2005, a second opera was added.

As the Intermountain Opera continues to grow, the association is becoming highly regarded; attracting opera goers from all over Montana and the western United States. The operas take place at the auditorium in Willson School, and include New York stage directors, producers, and artists, while a Bozeman orchestra, along with many local singers, musicians and volunteers reflect the company's commitment to bringing fine opera to Montana. For more information about the Intermountain Opera, call 587-2889 or visit http://www.operabozeman.org/

Labels: Current Happenings

Friday, November 2, 2007

P. David Baucom Named Director of Golf

P. David Baucom, a thirteen-year member of the PGA, has been named the Director of Golf at Black Bull in Bozeman, Montana. For the last nine years, he has been the Head Golf Professional at Riverside Country Club in Bozeman. Prior to this, he was the General Manager and Head Golf Professional developing Ridgecrest Golf Club in Nampa, Idaho. Ridgecrest was rated by Golf Digest as the third best new upscale, public course in the country, and the number one course in Idaho.

In 2001, the Rocky Mountain Section PGA named P. David Baucom as its PGA Golf Professional of the Year. This award is the highest honor paid to a PGA professional. Baucom has been nominated for this award five times. Additionally, Baucom was nominated for the 2002 National PGA Golf Professional of the Year.

Baucom has various wins and top 5 finishes in the Rocky Mountain Section Pro Am Series. He has competed nationally at the Buick/Oldsmobile Scramble three times. In 2000, he finished 3rd in the nation. Baucom has been a two time participant in the Albertson’s Team Championship, a made for television match play event, where one private club competes against another.

Black Bull is proud to welcome P. David Baucom to the team and the newest Championship Signature Golf Course by Tom Weiskopf.

Labels: Current Happenings

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

The Fourth Annual HATCHFest

The Black Bull Golf Community is located ten minutes from downtown Bozeman where the annual HATCHFest Audiovisual Festival will take place October 3-6, 2007. HATCH is a year round non-profit organization, designed to develop and foster the growth of creative minds in various industries through mentorship, exposure, and networking. Hatch has successfully developed an environment, which connects new filmmakers, musicians, photographers, designers, architects, writers and fine artists with award-winning veterans in each respective industry. The festival will consist of various film and music group workshops, panel discussions, and educational opportunities. In addition, screenings of 10 student films selected from hundreds of applicants will be shown throughout the festival. For more information and a schedule of this year’s events, visit www.hatchfest.org.

Labels: Current Happenings

Monday, August 13, 2007

Parade of Homes

The Gallatin Valley Parade of Homes has become a much anticipated event for both residents and visitors to the area. The Parade offers an opportunity for people to explore luxurious homes, view the latest in building trends, and collect design ideas. The Gallatin Valley's real estate market has excelerated at an incredible pace and the Parade of Homes has come to personify this growth and innovation.

The 2007 parade, organized by the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association (SWMBIA), highlights 14 area homes constructed by local SWMBIA member builders. Black Bull is proud to feature one of their Club Homes, designed by Bozeman’s renowned Locati Architects. The home is located on the 9th fairway overlooking the 1st and 9th holes, a year-round stream & wetlands, and inspiring views of the Bridger Mountains. Locati has selected the best quality natural building materials, such as pickle-wood flooring, natural slate in the entry and laundry rooms, beautiful heavy timbers, and granite-slab countertops in the kitchen. Other details include a master bath detailed with solid travertine vanity tops with travertine tiles detailing the 6-foot luxury soaker tub and shower. Entertaining in this home is a pleasure with features like a Wolf/Subzero appliance package, a custom-designed wine room and wet bar, Kohler and Moen plumbing fixtures and custom cabinetry by Holiday; the unique features of this 3,256-square-foot Club Home will undoubtedly rival those of any in southwest Montana.

The 2007 Parade of Homes will be held September 8th & 9th, 15th & 16th 10am to 6pm, and September 12th from 5pm to 9pm.

Labels: Current Happenings

Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Sweet Pea Festival

Bozeman, MT is not only home to the Black Bull Golf Community, but also to the 2007 Sweet Pea Festival, which marks the festival’s 30th year of celebrating the arts. Sweet Pea is considered one of Montana's largest arts festivals, as it attracts nearly 20,000 visitors every year. The festival is run entirely by volunteers and features live music, theatre presentations, arts and crafts booths, dance, a flower show, a family stage and a special area for children's activities. A total of 100 artists and craft persons will once again set up shop in Lindley Park to sell their art and hold craft workshops for children on Saturday and Sunday. The festival kicks off only minutes away from the Black Bull Community with the Bite of Bozeman on August 1 and continues with various festivities through August 3, 4, & 5.

Tickets bought at most locations before Aug. 1 will cost $10, with tickets at the gate costing $15. Roughly 70 percent of the revenue to organize Sweet Pea comes from ticket sales, with around 2,000 people volunteering their time to make the festival a reality, organizers said. Additional ticket and schedule information is available at www.sweetpeafestival.org or by calling 586-4003.

Labels: Current Happenings

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Museum of the Rockies

The Museum of the Rockies is one of the crown jewels of our community, and Black Bull Golf Club is proud to be a major sponsor of the 2007 Wine Classic. The Wine Classic, which is the major fundraising event for the Museum, is all the more special this year as the Museum celebrates its 5th anniversary. With our sponsorship we are expressing our pride in the Museum and its achievements as well as in our community.

With 94,000 square feet, the Museum of the Rockies is the largest natural history museum in the region. It includes the only Digistar planetarium in the Northern Rockies and has developed a fully interpreted Living History Farm on 11 adjacent acres. A constantly changing schedule of exhibits and planetarium shows mean there's always something new to see; some of the current exhibits include Dinosaurs Under the Big Sky, Picasso: 25 Years of Edition Ceramics, and Tutankhamun: “Wonderful Things” From The Pharaoh’s Tomb. The Museum is located on the Montana State University campus at 600 W. Kagy Blvd. Check the Museum of the Rockies website for more information and hours.

Labels: Current Happenings

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Bozeman, MT Designated as "Dream Town"

According to a new study by Bizjournals, Bozeman, MT offers the best quality of life in the United States and has been designated as a “dream town”. Bozeman is an ideal place to live; very few places offer a small town feel with the booming business and economy of a big city. The number of small businesses in Bozeman has grown by almost 28 percent and the population has increased by 15.3 percent in the past five years. In addition, 41 percent of adults residing in Bozeman have a bachelor’s degree, ranking this community sixth among all the nation’s small communities.

The study was inspired by the increasingly popular interest of small-town life and big-city business opportunities. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 1.7 million people move from metropolitan areas to smaller cities each year. Towns throughout the United States were ranked on factors such as economies, traffic, costs of living, and education systems.

Aside from the thriving statistics, Bozeman offers a multitude of outdoor activities, culture, and style. Surrounded by Rocky Mountains and clear blue skies, just some of Bozeman’s activities include hiking, biking, horseback riding, fly fishing, golfing, rafting, skiing, and snowboarding. The historic downtown area of Bozeman offers numerous unique dining, nightlife, and shopping experiences. Bozeman is also home to Montana State University which currently enrolls 12,000 students and is one of the city’s largest employers.

Labels: Current Happenings

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

The Emerson: Center for the Arts & Culture

Black Bull is a truly unique community because it combines championship golf and premier amenities with Montana mountain culture. This culture goes beyond skiing, fishing, and other outdoor activities. With Bozeman just minutes away there’s a variety of fine dining and arts options. The Emerson Cultural Center combines both to create a one-of-a-kind experience.

“Southwest Montana's hub for the arts and culture”

Originally a grade school built in 1912, the Emerson is now an art and culture center that offers a variety of different activities to members and non-members alike. The school was converted in 1992, but it still has the same familiar creaky floor, school children façade, and hardwood gym floor.

The Emerson’s classrooms are now devoted to artists’ studios and shops as well as offices for non profit organizations and small businesses. And during the summer the converted playground is the venue for “Lunch on the lawn.” (These mid-day lunch concerts are a great way to get out of the office and enjoy the summer weather.)

The Emerson also boasts the Emerson Grill that features Italian fare and fresh daily specials. With a quaint casual atmosphere it is perfect for small gatherings; large groups can be accommodated as well, in a large private dining room.

Check out the Emerson’s website for more information and a calendar of events, concerts, classes, and studios.

Labels: Current Happenings

Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Bridger Bowl Closed For The Season

Bridger Bowl closed yesterday (Tuesday April 10th), however that just means that its time to hang up the skis and pull out the golf clubs or fishing poles.

We saw an impressive amount of snow fall in the mountains of southwestern Montana this past February with accumulations over 85 inches…that’s over 7 feet of snow! And all of that snow was just a preview of the epic 30 inch powder day we had on March 1st. The blue beacon that sits atop the Baxter building in the heart of downtown Bozeman seemed to never quit flashing.

For those of you who don’t know, the beacon is a monument of Bozeman skiing and often a call to hit the slopes and play hooky from work or school. The blue beacon is an old runway strobe light and was installed on the roof of the Baxter building in 1988. The crew at Bridger Bowl remotely activates the beacon when 2 inches or more of snow has fallen within the previous 24 hours.

So, now it’s time to enjoy Montana spring and summer and all of the activities near the Black Bull golf community. There’s tons to do in southwestern Montana, so get out there.

To learn more about the skiing near Black Bull, check out our local skiing post.

Labels: Current Happenings

Thursday, April 5, 2007

Where To Ski

Bozeman is located near great ski options and if downhill skiing is your flavor then there are three places to go to get your fill. All are near Black Bull.

The closest is Bridger Bowl, a 45 minute drive from Black Bull. Bridger Bowl offers 1,500 skiable acres on Forest Service land in the Bridger Mountains and is reputed as Bozeman’s community ski hill. No need to be flashy here – just relax and enjoy the view. The terrain is varied for beginners or experts or anyone in-between. There are two lodges for lunch breaks or after ski refreshment.

Another local favorite is newcomer Moonlight Basin. This ski resort is located near Big Sky and in fact connects to Big Sky Resort to create the “largest skiing in America”. Moonlight’s northern exposure keeps the snow light and powdery longer and their longest run is 6 miles. Moonlight is about a 60 minute drive from Black Bull.

Big Sky Resort is the big one. 3,800 skiable acres of their own and when they team up with Moonlight Basin one could possibly not ski the same run twice in a day. Located in Big Sky, about 60 minutes from Black Bull, this ski mecca satisfies with the variety of difficulty as well as the surprisingly short lift lines.

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