Reflective Perspective, Downtown Missoula, Montana

The endless intrigue of structural lines and form, in this case intersecting with the free flowing lines of bare branches against a backdrop of that famous Montana blue sky....
Missoula's downtown buildings are a mult-generational mix of historic and modern  in-fill additions built in later decades. The downtown walking tour probably takes you past samples of architecture from most noted styles of the last 150 years. (Well, perhaps excepting expressionism and deconstructivism, which are not prevalent in this region, despite the high cool factor.)

Downtown Lights, Missoula, Montana

"Downtown - where all the lights are bright...."
and it seems the moon has come to a lamp post resting place.

Pictured is a Christmastime evening view of the north end of downtown Missoula, Montana, including a snatch of the iconic red X Crossing sculpture and a smidgen of the old railroad depot.

Downtown Glow, Missoula, Montana

Ambling through the soft golden pool cast by this elegant business entrance lantern, my imagination conjured earlier gaslight glow and graciously garbed patrons of historical Missoula’s downtown.
The practical working folk of early Missoula often rubbed shoulders with wealthy, world-traveled neighbors; this confluence is reflected architecturally in the downtown’s building mix of the general Mercantile just across and down the block from the Wilma theater and opera house, host to the era’s world-renowned entertainers. Missoula is still an economically and culturally diverse town. Today’s sold-out concert line snaking around the block to the Wilma’s front entry will include self-supporting college students standing next to well-heeled corporate executives.
What’s the axion? “The more things change, the more they remain the same.”

Yarn Shop Ladies of Style - Downtown Missoula, MT

Downtown Missoula shopkeepers display not just their wares but also some fabulous imaginations. A city stroll provides mental inspiration along with the exercise.
If you're yarn-ing (ha ha) for new knitting inspiration, it doesn't get any better than Loopy Knit/Crochet.

Waikiki Sunset Moment on the Clark Fork, Missoula, Montana

Missoula’s downtown riverfront is an amazing gathering place where you can enjoy nature’s calm a stone’s throw from bustling activities - concerts, outdoor films, food fairs, festivals - in Caras Park. And all of this is within easy walking distance to downtown stores, restaurants, and theatres. If you visit Missoula in the summer, you’ll be charmed - and may decide to stay!

Dyno-mite, Downtown Missoula, Montana

A tradition of artistic expression holds forth in downtown Missoula’s Taco del Sol. You too can flex your sculptural muscles in the medium of leftover foil wrappers. But first you must eat; I heartily recommend their fish taco, a delectable deal at $2.85. If you make it to town for a visit, I’ll even treat.

Downtown, Windowscape - Missoula, Montana

“Shortly before school started, I moved into a studio apartment on a quiet street near the bustle of the downtown in one of the most self-conscious bends of the world. …The streets were like fine necklaces and strung together were the brownstone houses and tall condominiums and tiny mansions like pearls, and when the day broke and the sun faded away, their lights burned like jewels shining gaudily in the night.” – From “Minor Snobs” by Daniel Amory
 

Downtown Depot and Christmas Tree, Missoula, Montana,

February 2013, Petula Clark released a new album, which includes what the BBC interviewer termed a “haunting” new version of her ‘60s classic, “Downtown“. 

Listen here, and be inspired by this 80-something to never let age be a factor in holding you back.

Downtown Flowers - Missoula, Montana

More evening strolling found me admiring downtown Missoula's most gorgeous flower display. Created in a blah boulevard by the entirely volunteer efforts of a local street vendor, this curbside garden continues to flourish, and has also inspired floral improvements on other corners. Hurrah for such a vibrant reminder that the positive actions of one person can change the view for so many others!

Perspective Lines, Downtown Missoula, Montana

The Downtown Association of Missoula, Montana, has compiled a walking tour of key historic buildings that grace the Garden City. I find the clean lines & entwining patterned insert somehow calming.

Power to the People, Missoula, Montana

Back alleys are still my favourite ramble routes, whether downtown or urban residential.
Before you begin to worry, I do have enough of a lick of sense to not venture down dark, rat-infested alleys. J And yes, that is a smiley face, and it does not demean any sincere opinions.

The opposites in this particular downtown route snagged me mid-stroll - smooth, curvy metal against linear, bristly brick. I love that there are still essentials that require hard wiring. And that sometimes the easiest organization tactic is still writing a big number with a
Sharpie.

Window Dressing, Downtown Missoula, Montana

This eye-candy window is one of my all-time favourite downtown Missoula walking views. Circle Square 2nd Hand is housed in a multi-story brick building still bearing old advertising for "The Atlantic Hotel" on the alley wall.  Newer but weathered paint proclaims, "We Buy Anything".  It's definitely the place to browse and utter such phrases as, "What the heck does this does?" or "I haven't seen one of these since my great-grandma showed me her childhood toys!".

World-Wide Wovens, Downtown Missoula, Montana

If the weather is decent - "decent" encompassing a wide latitude for someone raised in the varying climes of Alberta and Montana - I like to take a downtown walk after Saturday night church. It's safe, thanks to a comforting level of good folk milling about, and you can get in about a mile by looping up to the old railway station then down across the bridge and back up to your start point. 
Since my last jaunt, the window scenery has altered, partly due to shops closing and new ones opening - statistically, retail is a tough business - but most of the new views are thanks to creative and changing displays. Pictured above is a small segment of tactile delights available at Amira Rug Gallery.

Downtown Summer Evening Glow - Missoula, Montana

July stays up fairly late in Montana, the evening's golden beams beckoning to bask a while out in the sun's warming rays. My evening stroll took me past the back of the downtown Post Office, its Indiana limestone and granite blocks gilded with the last of the day's light. Constructed from 1911 to 1913, the building is number 13 on Missoula's historic walking tour. Check out the other stops here - and don't forget to stop for ice cream.

Rapunzel, Rapunzel....Downtown, Missoula, Montana

If Rapunzel's father was a banker, she might still be up in the tower....

(Click here to take a short virtual stroll starting from this corner of Missoula's downtown.)

Glasslight and Shadow, Downtown Missoula, Montana

More evening walking in Missoula's colourful and historic downtown district! Tonight being First Friday, we're off to take in the exhibits and imbibe some local culture, and enjoy a delectable fish taco.

Procaffeinator Thought - Downtown Missoula, Montana

Hmmm...deep thoughts via today's photo...are you perhaps in good company (with me, of course!) as a procaffeinator? 
Do tell about your favourite jump start.... the comments link awaits below. 
(Note: The tea contingent is also abundantly represented in our midst.)

(This pseudo vocabulary word brought to you courtesy of Missoula's very own Liquid Planet and a lovely downtown evening stroll.)
 

River Trail Scenery, Missoula, Montana

Missoula, Montana, has a splendid & well-used river trail, running right through the thick of downtown. The art wall near the Russell Street bridge constantly changes to highlight the emotions & talent of local graffitists. (Yes, it's a real word.)

View Under The Orange Street Bridge - Missoula, Montana

The westward end of Missoula's downtown river walking path winds under the shade of the Orange street bridge, conveniently merging enjoyment of two of my favourite things - architecture and the river. 

Happily, I found a couple appropriate bridge quotes from Bruce Jackson - I couldn't precisely ascertain which Bruce Jackson, but I'm leaning toward the filmmaker  and photographer over the former Military Intelligence Officer.

"Bridges are perhaps the most invisible form of public architecture."

"Bridges become frames for looking at the world around us."

Back Door Pass, Wilma Theatre, Missoula, Montana

It's easy to imagine this lamplit walkway populated with lavishly gowned and tuxedoed opera goers of an earlier era, leisurely exiting after a performance and headed for a late supper at a downtown club.  Thanks to interior restoration, today's attendees of Missoula's Wilma Theatre enjoy modern music in pretty much the same ornate Louis XIV-style interior as original patrons from the 1920's.