Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole is one of those places people come for vacation, and 10 years later, they’re still here. Located just south of Grand Teton National Park, it’s surrounded by breathtaking scenery and blessed with a wealth of outdoor pursuits that beckon visitors from all over the world. Yet Jackson has managed to retain its particular brand of laid-back Western charm—it’s one of the last few places where high-tech ski boots and scuffed-up cowboy kickers can still walk side by side.
The Lowdown
Saddle Up: The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is one place you shouldn’t miss. You can sit on saddles at the bar—it’s authentic Jackson at its best.
View Point: Just up past the Jackson Hole Airport, there’s a turnout where you can see the Tetons. It’s just like in pictures. You can see the Snake River from there, too. It’s unreal.
Home Brew: I like the Snake River Brewery. It’s a good local place to meet up and have a beer and some pizza.
Thread Count
Convenient to everything in downtown Jackson, the lovely and historic Wort Hotel (800-322-2727) has been welcoming travelers since 1941. The Alpenhof (800-732-3244), just steps from the tram in Teton Village, delivers Bavarian charm and comfort, without the transatlantic airfare. The eco-chic Hotel Terra (800-631-6281), a sustainably built and operated boutique hotel, offers organic linens and bath products as well as fair-trade coffee. Perched on a butte with spectacular views, Amangani (877-734-7333) aims to blend seamlessly with the surroundings—right down to the infinity pool.
Food Fix
Featuring gourmet twists on fresh fish, steaks and pizzas, the Snake River Grill (307-733-0557) is one of Jackson’s most popular restaurants. Rendezvous Bistro (307-739-1100) is another gem, with ingredients ranging from venison to oysters to free-range chicken. For the quintessential Jackson dining experience, make reservations at Couloir (307-739-2675), the upscale mountaintop restaurant at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Diners take a scenic gondola ride—complete with cozy blankets on chilly nights—up the hillside for an amazing prix fixe meal.
Night Out
The Mangy Moose Restaurant & Saloon (307-733-4913) in Teton Village has been a fun and boisterous Jackson Hole landmark since 1967. From its world-famous après-ski scene to year-round concerts, the Moose is a must for out-of-towners. 43 North (307-733-0043), a short walk from town at the base of Snow King Mountain, features a rooftop patio and often has live music. And by all means, mosey on into the Silver Dollar Bar (307-732-3939) and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (307-733-2207)—proof positive that Jackson’s Western heritage is alive and well.
Don't Miss
Soar more than 4,000 vertical feet in just nine minutes aboard the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram (307-733-2292). Operating year-round, “Big Red” whisks visitors from the base to the top of Rendezvous Mountain for some of the most spectacular views in the Tetons. Gorgeous scenery abounds along the nearby Snake River, too. Try your hand at rafting, fly-fishing or kayaking, or entrust your day to AJ DeRosa’s Wooden Boat River Tours (307-732-2628)—you’ll enjoy a relaxing float trip followed by cocktails and a four-course al fresco dinner.
Stone's Throw
The incredible landscape of Grand Teton National Park (307-739-3300) begins just five miles north of Jackson, and about 60 miles further lies a place that needs no introduction: Yellowstone National Park (307-344-7381). Both parks are renowned for their natural beauty, wildlife and unparalleled opportunities for hiking, biking, camping, climbing, fishing and more. For those disinclined to lace up hiking boots, the 100-mile drive to the Old Faithful Geyser in Yellowstone is a low-impact (but still thrilling) alternative.
On The Scene
Judging by the number of galleries in this relatively small town, Jackson is a hub for the artistic as well as the adventurous. Catch creative performances and events at the Center for the Arts (877-733-4901), which houses nearly 20 art, music, film, theater and dance organizations. The National Museum of Wildlife Art (800-313-9553) is the country’s preeminent museum of its kind. The Grand Teton Music Festival (307-733-3050), which draws musicians from all over the nation, performs classical musicalmost nightly July 1—August 15.
Events - Jul & Aug 2009
Discover local and national artists and enjoy music, food and family-friendly activities.
Experience Western fun with a carnival, rodeo events, pig wrestling and live music.
Now in its 22nd year, the “grandfather of Western bluegrass festivals” continues to attract world-class pickers like Yonder Mountain String Band and the David Grisman Quintet.
