Tori Barr

Cowboy culture has been ruling our media lately — from the endless spinoffs of Yellowstone, to Post Malone and Beyonce dropping country albums, to the rise of western wear. It’s clear that cowboy culture is making a comeback. And I’ve been no exception from falling victim to the trend, so when the opportunity to live out my best cowgirl dreams in Northwest Montana arose, I didn’t hesitate.

Located in Eastern Washington, not too far from the border of Idaho, you’ll find the smallest city to ever host the World’s Fair—Spokane. Walking through the streets lined with mainly local shops selling everything from books and art to groceries and kitchenware thoughtfully arranged in window displays, one can’t help but feel that this is a city you can actually take a deep breath in. And not just get swept up in the hustle and bustle.

Harvest is officially in full swing — the most magical time of year for us hop heads. It’s fresh hop (or some might say wet hop) season! Recently I had the opportunity to travel with three of my beer peers — Jackie Mallory the Beeroness, Kendall Jones of Washington Beer Blog and Ezra Johnson-Greenough, New School Beer — for an outrageously hoppy adventure to the hop capital of the world, The Yak, the Palm Springs of Washington, Yakivegas or some just call it, Yakima.