After the winter we had, I think Montanans are getting pretty antsy for summer. I know I've been pretending it's summer already by looking up the best waterside restaurants in western Montana, or planning where I'm going to go mountain biking this summer.

So when Trips to Discover published their list of the "16 Best Lake Towns in the U.S." and a town in western Montana ended up on the list, I got even more excited for summer weather and summer activities to begin.

Read More: 9 Waterside Restaurants in Western Montana Worth a Visit

It's not hard to guess which lake would end up on a list like this as Flathead Lake is frequently voted as one of Montana's best lakes, or most beautiful lakes, or the clearest. But the town that ended up on this list is one of my favorite towns in Montana, so I'm glad it's getting the attention I think it deserves.

Related: These 6 Montana Towns Have the Best Downtowns

I spent summers driving up from Missoula to visit my grandparents in Bigfork, Montana, and to this day, one of my most precious memories is dancing with my grandfather at Traditions Restaurant at the Bigfork Inn to the fiddles and guitars of a small country western band. Now, years later, I appreciate the relaxed vibe at The Raven, and the great beers at the Flathead Lake Brewing Co. Pubhouse.

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Bigfork definitely has a "lake town" feel, but it also has just a really nice downtown. There are shops and art galleries, plus the Bigfork Summer Playhouse brings a different kind of joy after a long day on the water.

Bigfork, Montana certainly isn't under the radar, but it's nice that it's being recognized.

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