The World’s Freshest Preserves Are Tucked Away Inside This Hidden Montana Shop

Montanans may have mixed opinions on candy and other sweet treats, but you'd be hard pressed to find one who doesn't like preserves. And there just happens to be a little family-owned shop in Bigfork that makes the freshest preserves you'll find anywhere, using a trusted family recipe. If you're looking for a unique holiday gift this year (or you're just craving a special treat), check out Eva Gates Homemade Preserves.

Eva Gates Homemade Preserves is located at 456 Electric Avenue in Bigfork.

For over 60 years, the family has been making and selling their signature preserves here.

It all started with Eva Gates herself, who made extra batches of jam from an especially abundant strawberry patch in 1949.

Her neighbors and friends loved her jam so much, they asked for more, offering to pay for it. Eventually, Eva told her husband she'd like to start a business. The rest of history.

Currently, the shelves at the store stay stocked -- but everything here is still very much homemade.

Eva's grandchildren and great grandchildren understand what made those first preserves taste so special.

While you'll find several flavors on the shelves including apple, strawberry, and cherry, Eva Gates is most famous for huckleberry preserves.

In fact, some even claim they're the first company in Montana to make them. But even if that's not true, they certainly make the best.

Not only does this company create beautiful gift boxes, they sell them online.

This is the perfect treat to get for the loved ones on your list who are hard to buy for. Just go to evagates.com and fill out an order form.

Of course, if you're going to be in Bigfork anytime soon, you should really see the shop yourself.

They're open daily, from 9-6 during the week and 10-6 on Saturdays, On Sundays, they close at 5 p.m.

Bigfork is known as Montana's Christmas village, so this is the perfect time of year to visit and support local businesses.