SUMMER 2026 NEWSLETTER

Written By Kim Troop

THE ROUND UP:

Honoring a Montana Tradition at Highlands Ranch

It began in June, when nearly five dozen cows and calves were moved onto the summer range — 1,280 acres of state and private land stretching out adjacent to Highlands Ranch subdivision. Wide valleys, sage‑lined draws, creek bottoms, and steep rims became their seasonal home, a landscape as old as Montana ranching itself.

And then came this week — the annual cattle round‑up, a time‑honored tradition that turns ordinary neighbors into cowboys for a day.

More than sixteen riders saddled up at sunrise, the golden light spilling over the rims as quarter horses shifted beneath them, eager and instinctive. On the back of a good horse, rounding‑up is what they were born to do. The air carried that unmistakable sage aroma as riders brushed past it, weaving through the land to gather the herd.

Friends, neighbors, doctors, farmers, business owners — all traded their daily roles for reins and boot leather. For a few hours, everyone was part of something timeless.

When the cows begin to move, they all want to follow, and the riders fell into an easy rhythm that felt both ancient and poetic. It’s ranching the way it’s meant to be — horses still essential, people still connected to the land, and the land still shaping the story.

This round‑up wasn’t just a chore. It was a reminder of why people choose Montana, and why Highlands Ranch is becoming a place where the dream becomes real. Here, community isn’t just proximity — it’s shared experience. It’s neighbors riding together at dawn. It’s the thrill of participating in a rare seasonal event that most people only read about. It’s stepping into a cycle that repeats year after year, grounding everyone who joins it.

For those considering a lot at Highlands Ranch, this is the invitation: Build here, and you’re not just buying land — you’re joining a lifestyle; you’re living a dream. A place where you can saddle up for a cattle drive, watch the seasons unfold across open range, and take part in traditions that define Montana’s heritage.

The round‑up will come again next year. And the year after that. The cycle continues — endless, poetic, and waiting for the next neighbor to join the ride.

2025 Billings Parade of Homes - Award Winner, Gold Buckle Homes

YOU’LL WANT TO SEE THIS

Billings Parade of Homes 2026

You won’t want to miss the 2026 Billings Parade of Homes that invites you to step inside 17 of the region’s most exceptional new residences, each one showcasing inspired architecture, innovative floor plans, and beautifully crafted finishes. This annual event highlights the talent of many of the area’s finest builders on this year’s tour.

As you tour this year’s homes, you’ll discover fresh ideas, elegant details, and thoughtful design concepts that can help spark your own vision. The Parade is a wonderful opportunity to gather inspiration for your future dream home at Highlands Ranch, whether you’re refining a layout, imagining a kitchen, or discovering a style that feels unmistakably yours.

 Dates & Hours

  • September 19 – Twilight Tour: 4:30 PM at First Federal Bank & Trust 

  • September 20–21 – Main tour: Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun 12 PM–5 PM 

  • September 27–28 – Main tour: Sat 10 AM–5 PM, Sun 12 PM–5 PM

Tickets & Pricing

  • $15 per adult (kids 12 and under free) 

  • Twilight Tour: $85 per person, includes dinner, cocktails, motorcoach ride, and a regular Parade ticket 

  • Buy online at BillingsParadeOfHomes.com, via the Billings Parade of Homes app, or at any home during tour hours

GATHERING UNDER THE STARS

Perseid Magic at Highlands Ranch

Late summer nights at Highlands Ranch have a way of inviting you outside. Even when a soft haze settles over the highlands, the sky still opens itself to wonder — a wide, quiet canvas where meteors streak, stars shimmer, and the mountains rest in silhouette. This year’s 2026 Perseid Meteor Shower offered exactly that kind of magic, reminding us why Highlands Ranch is one of the most beautiful places in Montana to look up and linger.

Whether you’re a seasoned astronomer or simply discovering the joy of stargazing, Highlands Ranch provides an extraordinary vantage point. The open valleys, minimal light pollution, and sweeping views toward the Beartooth, Pryor, and Big Horn ranges create a natural observatory — one where even a hazy night can surprise you with bright, fast‑moving meteors.

On Perseid nights, friends and neighbors gathered watching the sky spark to life. Some counted meteors; others simply enjoyed the quiet thrill of seeing one flash unexpectedly across the horizon while savoring toasted s’mores. The haze softened the sky but couldn’t dim the experience — the meteors still found their way through, offering shared moments of awe.

Stargazing at Highlands Ranch is more than an activity; it’s a way of settling into the rhythm of the land. Bring a blanket and a sense of curiosity. Let the evening magically unfold. You might spot a meteor, follow a satelite across the sky, trace a constellation, or simply enjoy the stillness that comes with watching the sky deepen into night.

If you’re inspired to explore more, contact us at info@HighlandsRanch406.com to plan to join us on the next Highlands Ranch skywatching night.

SUMMER RECIPE

French Apple Tart

Recipe courtesy of Debby Loeffler

 

This tried and true French Tart embodies the iconic taste of late summer.

GF tart crust option included below.

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS for PASTRY

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour (GF Alternative: 2 cups 1:1 King Arthur GF Bread Flour + 1 tsp Psillyum Husk Powder)

  • 1 Tbsp Sugar

  • 12 Tbsp (1-1/2 sticks) cold salted butter

  • 1/2 cup ice water

INGREDIENTS for APPLE FILLING & GLAZE

  • 4 Granny Smith Apples

  • 1/2 cup Sugar

  • 4 Tbsp (1/2 stick) cold salted butter, small-diced

  • 1/2 cup Apricot Jelly

  • 2 Tbsp Calvados, Rum, Grand Marnier or Water

THINGS YOU’LL NEED

Food processor wtih steel blade, rolling pin, cookie sheet lined with foil, tart pan and pastry brush

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Pulse briefly to mix.

  2. Add the butter and pulse until it forms pea‑sized pieces.

  3. Slowly add iced water while pulsing just until the dough begins to come together — do not overmix.

  4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and quickly knead it into a ball. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

  5. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with foil.

  6. Roll the chilled dough larger than your tart pan. Trim evenly, then center it in the pan. Fold about ½ inch of the edge inward and pinch a fluted pattern to create structure. Cover and refrigerate.

  7. Peel the apples and slice them into even ¼‑inch pieces.

  8. Arrange the slices in the tart shell, overlapping in a spiral from the outer edge inward.

  9. Sprinkle with ½ cup sugar and dot with butter.

  10. Bake for 45–60 minutes, rotating once, until the crust is golden and the apple edges are lightly browned. If the crust puffs, make a small slit to release steam.

  11. Heat apricot jelly with Calvados, then brush the warm tart with the glaze.

  12. Loosen the tart from the foil, cool slightly, and serve warm or at room temperature.

UPCOMING FUN THINGS TO DO

With the smell of fall in the air, here are some fun adventures and family-friendly experiences you won’t want to miss.

Billings Farmers Market - Fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and live music—perfect for weekend guests. Saturdays through Oct 12 https://www.billingsfarmersmarket.com

Apple Picking & Farm Visits - Early fall is prime apple season. Family‑friendly orchards near Billings often offer U‑pick apples, Cider tastings, Farm animals and wagon rides

ZooMontana Fall Weekends - Keeper talks, fall crafts, and gentle walking paths make this a perfect outing for little ones. Every Saturday & Sunday in September https://www.zoomontana.org

The Maize at Grandpa’s Farm - Corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and a petting zoo—ideal for a full family day. Sept 20 – Oct 31 https://www.themaizeatgrandpasfarm.com

Sunflower Festival at Flowerstead Farms — September 11–13 Stroll vibrant sunflower fields and pick blooms. https://www.flowersteadfarms.com/about-1-1

Grandpa’s Farm Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch — Open September–October Corn mazes, pumpkin picking, kids’ attractions, cow‑train rides, concessions, and a haunted section on select nights. https://www.grandpasfarmmt.com/

T&C Farms Pumpkin Patch — Mid‑September–October Hayrides, U‑pick pumpkins, family farm activities, and a pumpkin slingshot. https://www.facebook.com/laurelpumpkinpatch/

Yellowstone Valley Farmers Market — Fresh produce, baked goods, and local vendors downtown. Saturdays through October 3‍ ‍https://www.yvfm.org/

22nd Annual Billings HarvestFest — Skypoint A major downtown fall festival with food, crafts, music, and family activities. Saturday, October 10 https://downtownbillings.com/event/22nd-billings-harvestfest/

CONTACT SHAWNA MORALES

Schedule your private tour

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 ✉️

Kim Troop https://www.MTLifestyleDesign.com/
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SPRING 2026 NEWSLETTER