The Heartbeat of Big Sky Country: Downtown Billings

• HelloHowdy
  [HOU-dee]
• GoodbyeSee ya
  [SEE yuh]
• YesYep
  [YEP]
• NoNope
  [NOHP]
• Please/You're welcomePlease/You're welcome
  [PLEEZ/YER WEL-kum]
• Thank youThanks
  [THANKS]
• Excuse me/SorryPardon me/My bad
  [PAR-dn mee/MAHY bad]
• How are you?Howdy
  [HOU-dee]
• Fine. And you?Fine. And you?
  [FYN. And yuh?]
• Do you speak English?Ya speak English?
  [YUH speak ING-lish?]
• I don't understandI don't get it
  [AH dohnt GET it]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMenu, please
  [MEN-yoo, PLEEZ]
• I don't eat meatNo meat for me
  [NOH meet fohr mee]
• Cheers!Cheers!
  [CHEERS!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseCheck, please
  [CHEK, PLEEZ]

• Help!Help!
  [HELP!]
• Go away!Get lost!
  [GET LOST!]
• Call the Police!Call the cops!
  [CALL the cops!]
• Call a doctor!Get a doc!
  [GET a doc!]
• I'm lostI'm lost
  [AHM LOST]
• I'm illI'm sick
  [AHM SIK]

• I'd like to buy...I wanna buy...
  [AH WAN-nuh BUY...]
• I'm just lookingJust browsing
  [JUHST BROW-zing]
• How much is it?How much?
  [HOW much?]
• That's too expensiveToo pricy
  [TOO PRY-see]
• Can you lower the price?Can ya do better?
  [CAN yuh DOH BET-ter?]

• What time is it?What time?
  [WHAT time?]
• It's one o'clockIt's one
  [ITS one]
• Half past (10)Half past ten
  [HAHF past ten]
• MorningMorning
  [MORN-ing]
• AfternoonAfternoon
  [AF-ter-NOON]
• EveningEvening
  [EE-ven-ing]
• YesterdayYesterday
  [YES-ter-day]
• TodayToday
  [TOH-day]
• TomorrowTomorrow
  [TOH-mor-row]
• 1One
  [WUN]
• 2Two
  [TOO]
• 3Three
  [THREE]
• 4Four
  [FOR]
• 5Five
  [FIVE]
• 6Six
  [SIX]
• 7Seven
  [SEV-en]
• 8Eight
  [AYT]
• 9Nine
  [NYNE]
• 10Ten
  [TEN]

• Where's a/the...?Where's the...?
  [WHEREZ thuh...?]
• What's the address?Address?
  [uh-DRES?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Show me (on the map)?
  [SHOW mee (on thuh map)?]
• When's the next (bus)?Next (bus)?
  [NEKST (BUS)?]
• A ticket (to ....)Ticket (to ....)
  [TIK-et (to ....)]

Billings was founded in 1882 as a railroad town, named after Frederick H. Billings, a prominent railroad executive. The arrival of the Northern Pacific Railway was pivotal, as it transformed the area into a bustling hub for trade and transportation in the region.

The late 19th century saw Downtown Billings flourish with the growth of the railroad industry. The establishment of various businesses, hotels, and saloons catered to the influx of workers and travelers, leading to significant urban development. This period laid the groundwork for Billings to become the largest city in Montana.

A devastating fire swept through Downtown Billings in 1903, destroying a significant portion of the business district. The disaster prompted a rebuilding effort that included the construction of brick and stone buildings, which shaped the architectural landscape of the downtown area.

The Prohibition era in the 1920s brought significant cultural changes to Downtown Billings. While many saloons closed, underground speakeasies emerged, and the community adapted to the legal restrictions on alcohol, reflecting a shift in social dynamics and local culture.

After World War II, Downtown Billings experienced a period of growth and modernization. New commercial developments and civic buildings were erected, reflecting the post-war economic boom. This period also saw the establishment of various cultural institutions, including art galleries and theaters, enhancing the vibrant community atmosphere.

In recent years, Downtown Billings has undergone revitalization efforts aimed at preserving historic structures while attracting new businesses and residents. Initiatives include the restoration of the historic district and the development of public spaces, which have contributed to a renewed sense of community and cultural engagement.

Downtown Billings is easily accessible from other neighborhoods within Billings. If you're coming from the airport, a taxi or rideshare service will take about 15 minutes. For those in nearby neighborhoods, consider using local buses, which run frequently and connect to Downtown. The MET Transit system offers routes that service various parts of the city, making it convenient to reach downtown attractions.

Downtown Billings is pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore on foot. For those who prefer cycling, bike rentals are available, and there are designated bike lanes in many areas. The MET Transit bus system also operates within Downtown, providing a cost-effective option for getting around. Taxis and rideshare services are readily available for longer distances or if you're in a hurry.

While Downtown Billings is generally safe for tourists, it's wise to stay vigilant, especially at night. Areas near the southern end of downtown may experience higher crime rates, particularly petty theft. It’s recommended to avoid poorly lit streets and to keep personal belongings secure. Always trust your instincts and remain aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance. Billings has a well-equipped hospital, Billings Clinic, located just a few minutes from downtown. For non-urgent medical needs, there are several urgent care clinics available. Familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency services upon arrival.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and casual clothing suitable for walking. Don't wear overly flashy jewelry, as it may attract unwanted attention. Religion: Do respect local religious customs, especially when visiting places like St. Patrick's Co-Cathedral. Public Transport: Do give up your seat for the elderly and those in need. Don’t engage in loud conversations on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals warmly with a smile and a friendly 'hello.' Eating & Drinking: Do try local establishments and dine in family-owned restaurants. Don’t eat in public parks or areas where it’s prohibited.

To experience Downtown Billings like a local, check out the monthly First Friday Art Walk, where galleries open their doors to the public. Visit local farmers' markets for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Engage with local bartenders and servers—they often know the best hidden gems in the city. Don't miss the historic district, where you can appreciate the local architecture and learn about Billings' past.