Be a World Apart and Enjoy Area Living in the Glastonburys
North Glastonbury (NG), a subdivision community located in Emigrant, Montana, is, in part, perched atop one of the areas many foothills and rises to an altitude averaging 5,300 ft. (a mile high).
Homes and Land
The majority of the 200+ homes play hide-and-seek as they are tucked in and around various foothills. Cradling these foothills are both near and far, and sometimes purple, mountains that are a part of the Gallatin National Forest.
Many of the NG homes reside on five or more acres, leaving lots to view, with the larger portion of the town of Emigrant laid out on both sides of the Yellowstone River. As the river ribbons itself somewhat parallel to U.S. Highway 89, both run the full 50 miles of Paradise Valley from Livingston to Gardiner. However, the most significant landmark is Emigrant Peak, towering at almost 11,000 feet over large cattle ranches and the river.
North Glastonbury hosts modest to upscale homes and residents here range from youth, to middle-years to retirement years, in families, couples or singles – some sharing their living space with housemates. This mix of ages is also reflected in the Golden Age Village (GAV), wherein the housing portrays a comfortable corral of nicely-kept modular homes.
The Paradise Valley
One’s first impression might be that the area is lacking in trees and greenery but a very short drive to one of the forested mountains and trails leads to aspens, pines, waterfalls and lakes. The ranchers also do a fair amount of irrigating and views from the mountains in some areas present a landscape of lush green fields. This is truly “God’s Country” as both long-time and more recent residents will quickly tell you.
Who Lives Here?
North Glastonbury is an almost self-sustaining community with many home-based businesses and skilled workers. There are, however, some regular commercial-type businesses in operation in Emigrant (which support everyday needs) such as a post office, general store with gas pumps and a laundromat and gift shop, a meeting hall, plumbing & heating company, computer, website & design companies, a real estate business, bank, café, sports store (for the avid angler), storage facility, and an antique shop. There are even bins for recycling. And, if there is something not to be found in Emigrant, then Livingston is just 20 miles north and Gardiner 30 miles south. The Livingston Chamber of Commerce offers local resources. Sometimes an extensive shopping trip is planned for Bozeman (50 miles NW) or even a weekend in Billings (about 125 miles to the NE).
Support Services
The immediate area, however, also offers support for your home and lawn improvement and maintenance with painters, plumbers, electricians, welders, construction workers, lawn care providers, handyman, chimney sweep, etc. There are also babysitters, house cleaners, health & home caretakers, administrative services, caterer, etc
Additional services are provided by those in the professions such as artists, writers, musicians, singers, doctors, computer experts, ministers and teachers galore, astrologers, authors, speakers, nurses, wholistic health care providers, yoga & qigong instructors, land surveyor, engineer, tax consultant, photographer, graphic artist & book publishing, alternative energy consultant, massage therapist, actor, and more.
From some of the home-based businesses one can purchase organic foods, supplements, aromatherapy oils and even Kangen water. However, some of the residents also commute and work in Livingston, Bozeman or at the Yellowstone National Park; and, some are on staff at Church Universal & Triumphant in Gardiner. Nearly half of the folks living in NG are members of this golden age church with which the North Glastonbury Teaching Center (NGTC) is affiliated. To learn about this organization and their teachings visit The Summit Lighthouse.
There are also supportive area groups like the Paradise Valley Community Network (PVCN), which is “an evolving association of people working together through goodwill to build neighborhood support and sustainability.” Through this organization one can obtain information on topics ranging from goats to gardens.
For an old-time western experience there are rodeos and ranches with horseback riding and camping; and, you can awaken anywhere in the area to the serenade of song birds or to the sight of a bluebird on wing. And, one might see some unusual animals dotting the fields, like llamas, who keep the cougars and wolves at bay from sheep, goats and cows; but, best of all, we have Eagles that are endearing and somehow reassuring as they soar over Paradise Valley.
To balance out this natural environment, a seeker can find a larger cultural environment 10-30 miles in either a north or south direction such as art galleries and sculpture and a local fine art gallery online. Dorothy Lee Fulton’s music, arts & crafts festivals, music concerts – from country to classic, as well as both farmers and flea markets. And, within 25-50 miles, one can enjoy the symphony, ballet, museums, and both stage and movie theatres.
Glastonbury Landowner’s Association
Keeping track of land use in both North Glastonbury, and our sister community of South Glastonbury (just a few miles down the road), is the Glastonbury Landowners’ Association (GLA) which meets monthly to maintain the covenants and handle issues, thereby planning and protecting the property rights of the owners.
And, for those needing senior accommodations, Avalon Living, is currently being built at the foot of North Glastonbury (offering 1-2 bedroom facilities) within a small housing and small commercial area. The target date for completion of this first phase is December, 2009. Future plans include additions for assisted living and continuing care. For more information.
On the surface, the NG area can also appear devoid of activities. However, that appearance also does not reflect reality for there is a variety of daily events from which to choose. And, for those connected with the NGTC, there are ample services at Canterbury Chapel and numerous socials (such as potlucks, picnics, dances and holiday parties) throughout the year, and volunteer work to express ones skills and talents in assisting the spiritual community. Some of these activities (for youth and adults) will soon be scheduled in the newly renovated large barn, now known as the “Community Center.” This Center is designated for meetings, seminars, and other functions, and for youth activities.
Quality education is also offered through a unique, privately-run school — The Thomas More Schools and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Academy.
For those who enjoy dining out, there is a small bakery/café named “The Wildflour Cafe” just past the post office, The aply-named River’s Edge restaurant just across Highway 89 and over the Yellowstone River on the way to Chico, or the Pine Creek Café located just a few miles north on East River Road (a scenic drive with deer and sometimes bear sightings); or, for fine dining, there is the Chico Lodge, or the more casual Chico Grill. All restaurants offer a variety of choices to suit the palate.
Historically speaking, there is plenty to be learned about Paradise Valley from how it got its name to the short span of gold mining of Emigrant Gulch and the health resort of Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa where one can still soak in therapeutic mineral waters seven days a week.
And, last but not least, 30 miles south on Route 89 lies the northern entrance of the big and beautiful Yellowstone National Park, abounding in wildflowers and wildlife. It is truly “where the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play.” For sight seers, hikers, bikers, et. al., it is a wonderland of adventure with its many calderas, hydrothermals, and geysers, such as the famous “Old Faithful” and other fascinating points of interest. Yellowstone offers lectures and guided tours by rangers and sight-seeing from their famous “yellow buses.”
Old Faithful
Social Activities
The community of North Glastonbury could be the perfect place for those seeking a healthier, happier lifestyle and especially one including divine guidance. And, in these economically tight times, there is a lifestyle here to fit almost anyone’s budget. Whether coming for a visit, a vacation or to find a permanent or second home, there are multiple bed & breakfast accommodations for a temporary stay that range from the modest, like the Yellowstone B&B with its comfortable log cabins to the very impressive, fuller ranch-style experience, at the Mountain Sky Resort. And, for those on a really tight budget, there are rooms for rent short-term in Church members’ homes, or even a clean, private dorm room with one’s own bath and a shared kitchen that can be rented daily, weekly or monthly. You can check out the dorm rentals or real estate opportunities.
So, whether you are an active outdoor lover who enjoys hiking, rafting or fishing, or whether you just enjoy taking in the beauty of the river, the ranches or the mountain ranges, you’ll find something aesthetically appealing here in our little area of Paradise Valley. And, whether you are into the natural, the cultural or the spiritual aspects of life or some of each, you’ll be able to whet your appetite for growth and feel nourished here while enjoying the wide open spaces under the big blue sky of Montana.
Helpful Links
Livingston Chamber of Commerce
Livingston, Montana
Gardiner Chamber of Commerce
Park County
Travel Montana
Paradise Valley Community Network (PVCN)
Glastonbury Landowners’ Association (GLA)
Paradise Valley Recreational Center
The Thomas More Schools and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Academy
Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spat
Dorothy Lee Fulton’s music
Dorm Rentals or Real Estate Opportunities
Bed and Breakfasts
The Summit Lighthouse
Avalon Living
Moosehorn Gallery
Marius Fine Art Gallery
Yellowstone National ParkYellowstone B&B
Mountain Sky Resort
Hiking Trails
Special Thanks to Steven Chaiken
for many of the photographs used in this website.
To sum up the thoughts and feelings of the residents living in this area of Montana, “This is a Beautiful, Wonderful Place to Live and I Love Living Here!” And, in the words of the Ascended Master, El Morya, “…you are in the mountains of God to contemplate life and destiny…” and “Is this not a little bit of heaven?”
How would you like to live in Paradise?
We invite you to come and see for yourself!