Patagonia outlet in Dillon, Montana

Patagonia Outlet, 16 S. Idaho; Dillon, Mont. (Julianne G. Crane)

Okay, I needed a cup of coffee (and a bath room break) -- that's why we originally pulled off the road in the southwest Montana town of Dillon.

Then my driver, cook and traveling companion, Jimmy Smith, remembered about the Patagonia outlet.

After fortifying ourselves with a latte and fresh baked scone at the Sweetwater Cafe, we headed over to the Patagonia store, a short block away.

Inside Patagonia Outlet, in Dillon, Mont. (Julianne G. Crane)

Once inside Patagonia's front door one is immediately hit by a riot of color. Neon blues, greens and pinks play and dance across the open-style store. At the very least it is a joyful place and also there are deals to be had on this outdoor line of clothes.

Patagonia prides itself on being an environmental-friendly retailer. Its Website states: "The wild world we love is fast disappearing. At Patagonia, we think that business can inspire solutions to the environmental crisis. This means that what we make and how we make it must cause the least harm to the environment. We evaluate raw materials, invest in innovative technologies, and rigorously police our waste."

Patagonia information:

Address: 16 S. Idaho; Dillon, Mont. 59725
Phone: (406) 683-2580
URL:  www.patagonia.com

Directions to Dillon, Mont., outlet:
 FYI: The store has recently moved, so your GPS may have it a few doors away.

Highway 15 southbound: Take the first Dillon exit, right on Montana St., left on Helena and then your first right onto Idaho St. The store is two stores down from Alco on the left.

Highway 15 northbound: Take the first Dillon exit, take a right at the stop sign, slow down to 25 mph as you get into town (or they'll get ya), continue north on Atlantic and take a left on Center St.; take a left onto Idaho St., store is two stores down on the left.

To read more by Julianne G. Crane, go to RVWheelLife.com 

(Photos: Julianne G. Crane)