March into Spring: Women, Traditions & Growth

As winter loosens its grip and the first signs of spring emerge, March brings a season of celebration, renewal, and community. At The Last Best Store, we’re embracing this time of transition with International Women’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day traditions, and exciting updates from the road as we return from two major trade shows. Whether you’re looking for Montana-made treats to accompany a classic Irish recipe or simply welcoming the shift from winter to spring, we have plenty to share this month!

Celebrating International Women’s Day

March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to honor the incredible contributions of women artisans, entrepreneurs, and civic leaders in Montana and beyond. At The Last Best Store, we’re proud to support women-owned businesses whose creativity and craftsmanship shine in our collections, as well as the women who have transformed our state and nation on all of our behalves.

Montana has a long history of trailblazing women, including Jeannette Rankin—a fierce pioneer in both the women’s suffrage movement and American politics writ large. Born in Montana (Territory) in 1880, Rankin was deeply committed to advancing women’s rights, pacifism, and social reform. She played a crucial role in securing women’s suffrage in Montana in 1914, traveling thousands of miles across the state to rally support. Just two years later, she made history as the first woman elected to the U.S. Congress, where she championed women’s rights, child welfare, and labor protections.

Perhaps most notably, Rankin was the only woman in Congress to vote for the 19th Amendment, which granted women nationwide the right to vote. Her unwavering belief in peace, democracy, and equality shaped her political career, even as she faced opposition. She remained fearless in her convictions, later casting the sole vote against entering World War II, staying true to her pacifist principles.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the legacy of Jeannette Rankin and the countless women artisans and leaders who continue to shape our communities with passion, resilience, and creativity. Stop by The Last Best Store this month to discover Montana-made products created by (and for) inspiring women, and join us in supporting their incredible work.

A Taste of Ireland: Irish Soda Bread & Montana-Made Pairings

St. Patrick’s Day is a time for heritage, tradition, and delicious food, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with freshly baked Irish Soda Bread! Whether you’re enjoying it warm from the oven or toasted the next morning, the right Montana-made pairings can elevate this classic recipe to something truly special.

Perfect Pairings for Irish Soda Bread

🍓 Wild Huckleberry Jam by Key to the Mountain
Handcrafted in small batches with care and precision, this Montana-made huckleberry jam captures the pure essence of huckleberry season without relying on excessive sugar. The result? A fresh, authentic berry flavor that pairs perfectly with Irish Soda Bread. Whether you spread it over a warm slice, pair it with cheeses, or add a touch of sweetness to your favorite treats, it’s easy to see why this jam is a staff favorite at The Last Best Store!

☕ Orphan Girl Bourbon Cream Liqueur Coffee by Morning Glory Coffee & Tea
For a smooth, rich coffee experience, try this ethically sourced whole bean blend, featuring Orphan Girl Bourbon Cream Liqueur from Headframe Spirits in Butte, USA—Montana’s own epicenter of Irish heritage. The bold coffee notes combined with the velvety essence of bourbon cream liqueur make this an ideal companion for Irish Soda Bread—whether you enjoy it in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

🍵 High Country Huckleberry Tea by Lake Missoula Tea Company
Not a coffee drinker? This elegant black tea blend is the perfect alternative! Sourced from the finest tea-growing regions, it combines the deep, rich flavors of black currant with the sweet tang of huckleberry and blackberry leaf, creating a smooth, fruity, and slightly floral brew. Enjoy it alongside huckleberry jam-topped soda bread for a cozy, Montana-inspired twist on an Irish classic.

And if huckleberry tea just isn't your jam (ha!), you're bound to find something else you like in our increasingly popular Montana Tea Collection.

No matter how you enjoy your Irish Soda Bread, The Last Best Store has the perfect local goodies to pair with it. Stop by our Southgate Mall location to pick up small-batch jams, premium teas, and expertly roasted coffee—all crafted with care right here in Montana.

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from The Last Best Store! 🍀

On the Road: The Last Best Trade Shows

This past month, we had the incredible opportunity to showcase Montana-made products at two major trade shows, connecting with new vendors, industry professionals, and fellow small business owners. These events gave us a firsthand look at emerging trends in artisan and outdoor goods, and allowed us to connect with established vendors and new clients alike.

Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show (Portland, OR) – February 12-16, 2025

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show was bigger than ever, featuring over 700 exhibitors across nearly 350,000 square feet of displays. Recognized as the ultimate celebration of hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation, the show was filled with top brands in fishing, hunting, outdoor apparel, camping gear, and more. Our sister company, Last Best Supply Co., joined the action, with Brooke and Katie representing the brand at a booth featuring their unique leather- and wood-patch hats. They’re excited to start working on custom hat orders for new clients they connected with at the show!

Made in Montana Trade Show (Helena, MT) – March 7-8, 2025

Dedicated to showcasing authentic Montana-made products, the Made in Montana Trade Show for Food and Gifts connects small businesses with wholesale buyers and local customers. Once again, Last Best Supply Co. set up shop—this time with Brooke and Alex, who had a great time meeting new Montana businesses and creators, as well as catching up with nearly a dozen vendors whose products are already featured in The Last Best Store. Check out our fun hyperlapse booth setup video on YouTube!

Winter to Spring: A Season of Renewal

As March unfolds, we say goodbye (at least in theory) to winter and welcome longer days, fresh inspiration, and the renewal of spring. But don’t be fooled—Montana’s familiar "False Spring" tempts us with sunshine and melting snow before delivering the inevitable "Second Winter." This season stirs up spring fever, making us eager to hit muddy trails, plan our gardens, and embrace the outdoors—but for now, it’s best used as a time to prepare for the real spring ahead.

And while we march into spring, let’s also acknowledge the marches of history, honoring those who have paved the way for women’s rights and progress. Stop by The Last Best Store to browse seasonal favorites, celebrate local women makers, and pick up the perfect St. Patrick’s Day treats.

🌿🍀 Happy March from all of us at The Last Best Store! 🍀🌿

Arielle Smith is a recovering academic, a mom, and an aspiring wordsmith who helps The Last Best Store to manage an assortment of projects, programs, and data. She harmonizes these and other intellectual pursuits with an eclectic range of creative activities, including making mixed media art and jewelry (Presents of Mind Design) and botanical skincare products (Dr. Smith Botanicals).