The Through the Lens series offers insight to some of the best destinations in the world from the perspective of some of our favorite artists.

Photographer Andrew Chad knew he found something special the first time he made it to Whitefish, Montana. Resting on the shores of a 7-mile-long glacial lake near the western gate of Glacier National Park, Whitefish was a ski town, bike town, golf town, and arts town all wrapped into one.

"It was inevitable that I'd end up here," he says, and 10 years after planting roots, it doesn't seem like the sharpshooter has plans to do anything but, anytime soon.

We caught up with Andrew to get an inside look at his mountain home, and he didn't hold back. Without further ado, here's Whitefish, Montana, through the lens.

Best Cup of Coffee

I’m tight lipped about my favorite pow stashes on the ski hill, and my
coffee choice is not much different. That being said, Great Northern
Cycle & Ski has the best coffee in town. It also has the shortest line in
town. Hence my hesitation. It’s amazing and sometimes you’ll walk out
with a bike or a pair of skis.

However, if you need a sweet treat to go with your coffee, head to Fleur Bake Shop.
Their pastry game is unmatched.

Best Bar

Great Northern Bar & Grill. It’s an absolute melting pot of a bar.
From dirtbags to people with stupid money. Everyone is there. I’ve
traded my drinking days for early mornings, but if I were to have a drink
there, it would be a Cold Smoke Scotch Ale with a shot of Makers Mark
poured in. Pro tip, start your night there, don’t end it, if you have any
plans the next day.

Best Sunset

A boat on Whitefish Lake. There is no rush in life at that point. City Beach will
do if you can’t get on a boat.

Best Season

Spring and Fall. I can’t pick one. There is something special about the
months when the earth comes back to life after the winter freeze. The
daily checks to see if the trails have melted out, or the anticipation of
opening day at the golf course. And then there is fall, 4th quarter, extra
time, how much can I get in before it snows?

Favorite Quick Bite

Based on my bank statements and proximity to my house the
answer is Alpine Village Market. The wine and cheese selection somehow rivals
a market you would find in Sonoma. The pre-packaged sandwiches
could be made at home. And I think it’s the only place in town that has
chicken tendies. Grab some gas, a bottle of something special and some
tendies and you’re set for life.

Favorite Spot for a Night Out

Enga, at the Larch House is my favorite place for dinner these days. It’s
definitely on the higher end of dining experiences, not in dress code but
in food and quality of experience. If you have ever skied in Europe, the
menu will feel familiar. There is a chicken schnitzel that melts in your
mouth.

Best Outdoor Activity

The best outdoor activity happens between late October and opening day
of ski season. Our early season ski touring on the resort is one of the
most special experiences. We’re lucky enough to have a policy that
allows us to travel uphill throughout the winter, but early season when
there is enough snow to cover the grassy runs, I get to go shake out the
legs and catch up with all the people that don’t golf.

Best People Watching

Under the Big Sky. The three day festival has simply the best people
watching in the state. Why is it the best? It has big name acts like Chris
Stapleton and Mumford and Sons in a “bougie” little ski town that draws
crowds from all over the country. Pretend cowboy is the dress code.

A close second is the Tiki Bar at Whitefish Lake Lodge. You can catch a
wedding and watch people try to dock boats, all while taking in one of the
better views of the lake.

Whitefish is known for the outdoors, what else should it be known for?

The golf scene at Whitefish Lake Golf Course. They have two courses in
town. Both are pure tracks. Combined with the social experience is a lot
like the ski hill. Get a tee time, take a walk in the park, and then apres on
the patio.

Favorite Tourist Trap

Riding a bike up Going-to-the-Sun Road before cars are allowed in the
spring. It is famous for a reason. Or the Brash Rodeo at the Blue Moon
on Thursday nights.

Favorite Place to Get Outside

My favorite place to get outside is the trail system just north of town.
The Reservoir/Haskill Basin area. It has some fast and flowy mountain
bike trails that are approachable for all levels. There are also plenty of gravel roads for a nice afternoon laps, and it’s where the Nordic skiing area is. High likelihood that you’ll see me and my German Shepherd wandering around up there.

What Makes Whitefish Home?

I was lucky enough to make friends in this town when I was 10 years
old. 27 years later, I am still friends with all of those people. Those
friendships keep me here, and they make it nearly impossible to leave.