NOVEMBER 2025 NEWSLETTER
SEASONS OF CONNECTION
Each season at Highlands Ranch brings its own kind of beauty—and with it, countless ways to connect. Here, community goes far beyond proximity. It’s in the neighbor who lends a hand with a fence, the spontaneous horseback ride that turns into an adventure, or a crisp morning spent hiking with friends and a few joyful dogs. From cross-country skiing and sledding to our annual Highlands Scottish Games, life here is woven together through shared experiences, friendships, and genuine camaraderie that extend well beyond our gates.
This fall, as the landscape transformed into a canvas of gem-toned leaves, residents gathered for a cozy potluck and Scotch tasting under the open sky. Guests explored Scotland’s distinct distillery regions one sip at a time, shared stories, laughter, and delicious food—all as a glowing sunset brought the evening to a perfect close.
If you’d like to experience this warm and welcoming spirit firsthand, we’d love to include you in future gatherings. Reach out to us at info@HighlandsRanch406.com to be added to our invitation list and stay connected.
CELEBRATING GOLD BUCKLE HOMES
2025 Parade of Homes Award Winner!
Congratulations to Gold Buckle Homes for earning the prestigious Best Kitchen Award at the 2025 Billings Parade of Homes! Father-and-son duo Scott and Cree Minkoff continue to redefine Montana luxury living, creating homes celebrated for their strength, beauty, and innovation—each thoughtfully designed, deeply connected to the landscape, and built to last for generations.
Combining timeless Montana style with sustainable craftsmanship and modern construction, every Gold Buckle home begins with the client’s vision and transforms into a stunning, functional reflection of Montana living. Expansive layouts, refined details, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow define their signature approach.
Step inside and experience their award-winning work—contact Shawna Morales (406.850.306 or shawna.morales@evrealestate.com) to schedule a private tour. You’re also invited to explore their pre-designed home on Block 2, Lot 4 (view details here) and discover why Gold Buckle Homes is Highlands Ranch’s premier luxury builder—a true showcase of Montana living at its finest.
Whether you’re ready to build your dream home or seeking inspiration, these homes are a must-see for anyone who appreciates exceptional design, craftsmanship, and Montana’s unique lifestyle.
ENJOYING THE WONDERS OF NATURE
At Highlands Ranch, the magic of Montana isn’t reserved for daylight hours. When the sun sets and the sky darkens, a spectacular celestial show unfolds—one that few places can rival. With minimal light pollution, our community offers some of the most breathtaking northern lights displays and stargazing experiences in the region.
You’ll find yourself captivated by shimmering auroras that dance across the sky in brilliant greens, purples, and pinks, while countless stars form a glittering canopy overhead. Whether it’s a quiet evening on a private deck, a small gathering with neighbors, or a winter night bundled up under blankets, the night sky inspires wonder and connection. From spotting familiar constellations to witnessing the rarest of cosmic events, Highlands Ranch offers a front-row seat to nature’s nightly masterpiece.
For those who appreciate life under the stars, Highlands Ranch isn’t just a place to live—it’s a place to marvel, dream, and share unforgettable evenings with friends and family beneath the infinite Montana sky.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
Champagne Turkey
This is simply mind blowingly delicious and incredibly easy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Bake Time: 20-25 minutes per lb | Oven Temp: 350 degrees. | Based on the allrecipes recipe
INGREDIENTS
Basting
1 Bottle Champagne
24 oz Chicken Broth
Gravy
½ cup Cold Water
1-2 Tbsp Corn Starch
Herb Blend
6 Tbsp Parsley
2 Tbsp Thyme
3 Tbsp Rosemary
6 Tbsp Sage
1 Tbsp Sumac
3 Pinches Salt
2 Pinch Pepper
Stuffing for Cavity
2 large Carrots chopped
2 stocks Celery chopped
1 Yellow Onion, peeled and chopped
2 Oranges, peeled & quartered
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine herbs in a bowl.
2. Pat turkey as dry as possible and tuck wings under turkey breast (to prevent them from getting too crispy)
3. Rub turkey all over with herb blend as well as covering inside cavity
4. Fill cavity with carrots, celery, onion & oranges
5. Line a large baking pan with two very long sheets of foil placed crosswise, leaving enough excess on all sides to fold or tent over the turkey without the foil touching it.
6. Place turkey into baking pan, pour entire bottle of champagne and chicken broth over and into baking pan. Then fold and tent sides of foil ensuring foil is not touching turkey.
7. Place into oven and calculate bake time for 20 to 25 minutes per pound minus 45 minutes.
8. Remove from oven and open and roll back foil tent, exposing turkey. Return to oven for final 45 to 60 minutes to finish off baking and nicely brown turkey.
9. Remove turkey from oven and remove turkey from baking pan to rest on cutting block for 20-30 minutes.
10. Strain the champagne turkey drippings remaining in baking pan through a large strainer lined with cheesecloth into a large pan over medium heat. In a jar, shake cold water and cornstarch until smooth, then whisk thickening mixture into the drippings. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. Carve turkey, platter with fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley and orange slices. Serve with champagne gravy.Bon appetite!
UPCOMING FUN THINGS TO DO IN BILLINGS:
Billings is buzzing this summer with outdoor adventures, cultural happenings, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a local or visiting the area to explore Highlands Ranch, there’s no shortage of things to do:
Outdoor Activities:
National Finals Ski‑Joring Races in Red Lodge, MT are scheduled for November or December 2025 redlodgeskijoring
Mountain biking and hiking at Zimmerman Park and the Rims
Hiking at Phipps Park Trails Just a short drive away—hike the scenic loops
Skiing at Red Lodge (season starts Nov. 28th) and Big Sky (season starts Nov. 26th)
Cultural Events & Family Fun:
Kevin Gates: The Amilio Tour — November 13 at First Interstate Arena. A major concert event in the region. ConcertFix+1
Stayin’ Alive – One Night of the Bee Gees — November 22 at Alberta Bair Theater. A tribute performance celebrating iconic 70s/80s music. ConcertFix+1
Holiday Parade – Billings — November 28 (or around the end of November) at downtown Billings (Skypoint/central zone). A community parade to kick‑off the holiday season. AllEvents+1
Nutckracker Suite Presented by Billings Symphony Orchestra November 29th & 30th at Alberta Bair Theater, 2801 3rd Ave N. Billings Symphony+1
Art Walk @ Aspinwall & Christmas Stroll — December 5 in downtown Billings. A cultural evening combining local art, strolling and holiday atmosphere. AllEvents+1
WinterFair – Yellowstone Art Museum — December 5 from 4‑8 PM at the Yellowstone Art Museum. Hand‑crafted goods, local artists, festive entertainment and holiday refreshments. Yellowstone Art Museum
40th Annual Festival of Trees — early December at the Montana Pavilion at MetraPark. A holiday‑themed community and art event featuring decorated trees and festive ambiance. AllEvents+1
A Seussified Christmas Carol — December 6 at 7:30 PM (venue: 2317 Montana Ave, Billings). A theatrical holiday production with whimsical flair. AllEvents
Holiday Nights – Zoo Montana — November 28 to December 31, Thursdays‑Sundays early, then nightly from Dec 18. Lights, animals, family‑friendly adventure at Zoo Montana in Billings.
Alive After 5: Thursday evenings downtown, live music, food trucks, and community vibes
Contact Shawna Morales to schedule a private tour or request a full lot map. Your Montana dream starts with a tour—schedule yours today. Explore available lots today at our website https://www.highlandsranch406.com/lots.
Let’s walk the land together.
Schedule a private tour today with Shawna Morales
406.850.306 📞shawna.morales@evrealestate.com ✉️
