Missoula feels like a lively small city — home to the University of Montana, a strong arts/food/brewery scene, and year‑round outdoor options (river rafting, hiking, mountain biking, and nearby trails) that make multi‑week stays interesting and easy to fill after work.
If you want quick day‑trip variety, the scenic Bitterroot Valley and Hamilton (about 47 miles) are close by, while Missoula itself serves as the regional hub with shops, clinics, a regional airport and plenty of social options for travelers.