ICYMI: A Long-Time Missoula Business Quietly Closed It’s Doors

When driving around Missoula I have a tendency to take some things for granted, until they change.

For example, when I drive by the Missoula County Courthouse, I know it will be there. After all, the building has been there for over a hundred years.

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There are also some businesses that have been here long before I was born that I take comfort in knowing that they are still there, like Worden's Market, on the corner of North Higgins and East Spruce, or Ruby's Cafe on Regent and Brooks Street.

Then there are businesses that you may have driven by daily, and one day you notice that they are gone or have moved. In case you missed it this has happened on the corner of 3rd Street and Russell. The Crystal Imports store, which was there for what seemed like forever, is no longer there.

The building currently houses Ridge Point Management, a property management company, and there is "for sale" sign on the property. This corner has changed.

There was a time when I went through a "crystal phase", I admit it. In my defense I did grow up in Missoula. In high school, when I had a few dollars in my pocket, my friends and I would shop there and look for crystals. Not sure if they helped my spirit, but I am sure that I still have some packed away somewhere.

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Some changes can happen quicker than others around here. For example, Tres Bonne has re-branded the restaurant that has been open for less than two years.

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Next time I drive around town, I will have to take a closer look at some of the places that have been around Missoula for a long time, I have taken for granted. Who knows, some of them may be gone tomorrow.