Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Grand Tetons
We travelled to Jackson Hole in the 3rd week of May. This was before the summer rush of tourists so the town and surrounding area was relatively quiet and easy to navigate. (The tourists begin coming in Memorial Day weekend and stay through the summer…if you read this once, you’ll read it a million times here…I love to travel in off peak times).
The weather was overcast and a bit chilly for our entire trip, but this is typical weather for this time of the year. The tops of the Grand Tetons were obscured by cloud cover until our very last day as we were heading back towards the airport. Not a deal breaker for me, but it might be for some. A bonus though, was waking up on our second morning to a fresh blanket of snow. Something about that crisp, white covering makes everything seem extra lovely.
To Eat
Persephone’s Bakery - The quant, quiet quintessential breakfast spot. Perfect for a bite before a day of hiking or just relaxing with a book. With locally made pastries and Intelligensia coffee, tuck away in a corner and savor your treats. My personal favorite is the Huckleberry pastry, flakey crust, cream cheese & sweet Huckleberries!.
The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant - One of my missions in life is to find the world’s best cinnamon roll, my expectations are high therefore when I order one I’m usually disappointed…except this time. The cinnamon rolls at the Bunnery are to die for! I’m certain it has something to do with them being delivered to your table warm and gooey. Yummy! The bakery doesn’t disappoint with its other sweet treats and savory breakfasts either.
Cowboy Coffee Co - Hands down the best coffee in Jackson Hole! Locally owned and roasted beans. Just around the corner from the square, grab a latte before you go for a stroll to view the shops.
Jenny Lake Lager - This beer is so good it needs it’s own category. Named for the famous Jenny Lake at the base of the Grand Tetons, this lager has won countless awards and is the pride of the Snake River Brewery (though many of their other beers have won plenty of awards too). It’s so good, I just shipped a case across the country for my dad’s birthday. And as one who appreciates beer, but it’s not my go to drink, I’d never turn this one down.
Snake River Brewery - The Brewpub on Millward St. is the perfect watering hold for some all American cuisine paired with any of their delicious in house brews. ‘Jackson’s Living Room’ is the perfect description for a restaurant where you sit next to stainless steel tanks of batches of beer, eating a delicious meal, playing corn hole and arcade games all while sipping a perfectly chilled, cold one. When you’re there you’ll feel right a home.
Jackson’s Drug Co - A perfect desert or afternoon snack is what you’ll find in the Jackon’s Drug Co’s milkshakes. A building and company that’s been around for over 100 years, the former pharmacy and soda fountain have recently been revived. Their menu looked delicious, but I only tried their milkshakes. The Cowboy Coffee Shake, was my personal favorite as it uses coffee beans from the local Cowboy Coffee Roasters. If you’re, 21+ try their Boozy Shakes. I hear they’re delicious!
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar - It’s neon sign is an iconic symbol of Jackon Hole that is as famous as the town’s white antler archways. With horse saddles as bar seats and bullhorns lining the back of the bar, it’s a sight to be seen that you cannot miss while you’re there.
Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse - If you get hungry head downstairs for one of the most delicious pieces of beef you’ll find for miles around. All food is locally and regionally sourced from surrounding farms. Our party of 5 ate a family style 40oz Porterhouse cut that was perfectly seasoned and cooked. In addition, the Elk steak is not to be missed. It was tender and juicy with no hint of gaminess.
Scenery, Hikes & Wildlife
There are quite a few hikes, in a range of distances and difficultly, that have trailheads that begin off Teton Park Rd. Before heading out on a trail, make a quick (or long) stop at the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center. Stop and ask about trail conditions, weather, purchase permits, etc. and spend a few minutes to walk through the exhibits. 30 minutes will give you a quick overview of the exhibits, but if you have more time, stay longer. It’s very easy to find, after you turn off of US-191/US-26/US-89/US-189 and pass over Snake River, the center is on the left side of the road.
Hidden Falls Trail (Jenny Lake to Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls) - This was a beautiful hike. Relatively easy. Trekking poles were a bonus as we had a decent amount of snow & mud, but not needed. Inspiration point is nice place to stop and relax & don’t miss Hidden Falls. It’s the best part of this hike. If you’re short on time, take the ferry across to Inspiration Point & Hidden Falls.
Woodland and Lake Creek Trail Loop - A relatively easy 3.3 mile loop on a flat trail, with minimal elevation gain. Lovely views in and out of trees and meadows ending with multiple resting spots at Phelps Lake. If you have time, bring a snack, take a seat and enjoy the view before finishing the second half of the loop.
Schwabacher’s Landing - This is one of the most famous places to take pictures of the Grand Tetons as they reflect in to the water just below the landing. It’s right after Moose, WY just off of the 191 (the Main Street you take to get into Jackson). Unfortunately, for us, the top of the Tetons were always covered by clouds.
Morman Row Historic District - In 1890, settlers from Idaho began building the settlement that would be named “Morman Row”. The history is fascinating and buildings are a sight to see. T.A Moulton’s barn, backed by the Grand Tetons is an image as synonymous to Jackson Hole as the neon lights from the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. This is another great photo opportunity to shoot the Grand Tetons behind the houses. You can spend as little or as much time as you want to here. We probably stayed for 30-45 minutes & saw the whole thing.
Chapel of the Transfiguration - This small chapel, built in 1925, offers some of the most majestic views of the Grand Tetons. It is currently an extension of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Jackson Hole and is favorite sight for photographers, sightseers, church goers and weddings.
Sleeping Indian - Just some fun local trivia, as you’re driving back towards Moose, WY or the airport look the right as you’re leaving Jackson & you’ll see the Sleeping Indian in the mountain side (pics below for reference)
There are so many ways to see wildlife in this area, but one of the best is the National Elk Refuge Road. About a mile out of town, this road can be entered at the northwest end of E. Broadway Ave. This flat, dirt covered road affords you the chance to see elk, big horned sheep, local birds and the Tetons. Bring binoculars for an even better view.
To Stay
Wort Hotel and the Silver Dollar Bar
This historic hotel is in the heart of Jackson Hole and is just a small step off of west side of the town square. With a beautiful nod to the rich Western history of Wyoming, each of it’s 55 rooms are uniquely decorated with custom furniture, original art work and a plush Silver Dollar Sam teddy bear. Rooms are also outfitted with luxurious bathrobes and a Keruig coffee machine. Daily, silver dollar chocolates are left on the bed with a summary of the following 3 day’s weather. Take some time to explore the upper and lower lobby, walk the halls and see the gorgeously carved Western scenes on the hotel room doors. Lastly, grab a coffee or drink and enjoy a moment or two, warming next to one of the fireplaces in the upper and lower lobby.
The Silver Dollar Bar is a favorite place for locals and tourist. The name comes from the 2,023 uncirculated Morgan Silver Dollars that are permanently imbedded into the bar. Stopping in here to get a drink is a must. Be sure to check “The Showrooms” musical guest line up, as there’s quite a bit of local and national talent that is not to be missed.
*There are actually over 4000 Morgan Silver Dollars though out the Wort Hotel and Silver Dollar Bar. In addition to the ones in the bar, look for them in stained glass and custom furniture throughout the building.
Warm, inviting, charming; these are just a few words that came to mind as soon as I stepped into the lobby of the Anvil Hotel. Multiple seating areas decked with books and games beg for a few minutes of visiting or relaxing; shelves lined with beautifully unique goods for purchase like waxed canvas jackets and bags, hand crafted hats and turquoise jewelry, and the best part, a coffee bar with delicious lattes and treats from local bakeries. Rooms are comforting, yet sleek with details like bath products from Co. Bigelow and custom Woolrich blankets lining the end of each bed.
