JACKSON HOLE, WYOMING

Jackson Hole

It wasn’t my first time to Jackson and it certainly wont be my last.  This is a very special place and although parts of it can be a little “touristy” it still maintains a relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. I grew up in Texas so I love places and events reminiscent of the Old West. Jackson Hole epitomizes this ????.

This trip came at a time when I was in great need for a weekend off and time in the country. Flying in over the green mountains and then seeing the majestic Tetons- I knew I’d arrived.

Wildflower Inn is nestled back in the woods just outside of Jackson in a small town called Wilson. It’s a gorgeous log home with beautiful landscape and walking trails around the property. This was our second visit to Wildflower Inn and Sherrie & Ken are such great hosts. Not to mention, the breakfast is amazing! We’ve also seen Moose in the yard both times we’ve stayed.

The town of Jackson is quaint and boasts shops, restaurants, horse-drawn carriages and very friendly people. At 6pm each day the Playhouse (located just off the town square) lends a few actresses and actors to put on the “Shootout” for tourists and guests. It’s great entertainment for the kids!

The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has a fine restaurant downstairs and a very fun honky tonk on the main floor. Complete with saddle bar stools, a stage and dance floor, pool tables, good country music and cold beer.

Grand Teton National Park is a quick drive from town and an easy access. Within minutes you’re in remote surroundings with amazing views and wildlife. Wide open spaces, winding roads & everything from buffalo & elk to beavers and bald eagles.

There are some great restaurants and spots to stop for a bite to eat or drink along the route and some really great hiking trails around the different lakes. Be sure to be "Bear aware" though on your hikes! 

Ms. Sherrie from Wildflower suggested we call Mill Iron Ranch for the horseback riding trips & we were not disappointed. The ranch is set in a Canyon about 10 miles south of the Hobuck junction and is one of the most scenic I’ve been to (again… from Texas… been to a lot of ranches). The ride was just over 2 hours and our guide Sadie was a 5^th generation of the Ranch. She was very knowledgeable about the wildlife, topography & trees. I spent my time on the mountain with Traveler and it was an easy ride. We went all the way to the top of a crest and the view was truly majestic & breathtaking.

Jackson Hole Rodeo reminds me a lot of the rodeos I went to as a kid in Texas. Not a huge production but great fun for everyone in attendance. Team ropin, barrel racing, sheep scramble & mutton bustin were all followed by the Bull riding & then JUNIOR bull riding. That was a first for me but highly entertaining. After the mutton busting champ was given his buckle the announcer said to the 3-year-old young man, “son, where you from?”. The young cowboy replied, “Home.”

Teton Village is a high end resort just outside Wilson that has plenty to do for tourists & families. It is a little pricey but the tram to the top of the mountain is completely worth it. More gorgeous views of the Tetons & the resort although I’ll warn you to take a light jacket no matter what time of year you visit. And if you’re from Texas, take a parka. (kidding).

While out at the Cowboy Bar, I was wearing my Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit (www.chriskylememorialbenefit.com) jacket and a Marine approached us. An hour later, we were hugging goodbye and promising to dine together the next evening.

Fortunately for us, his family, the Humphreys, own the Bar J Chuckwagon establishment. This is a MUST do in Jackson- with or without kids. The food was great, the atmosphere warm & inviting and the show was incredible. I love classic country music so the tunes they sang- cowboy songs, patriotic & even some gospel- were right up my alley. There was even a small presentation by “Granny”…….

 If you haven't been to Jackson Hole, Wyoming do yourself a favor. The people are some of the friendliest I've met and the town and atmosphere are just incredible. It's easy to fill up an entire week of activities any time of year.

DUNTON HOT SPRINGS, COLORADO

Dunton Hot Springs is one of the most special places I've ever been.

Dunton was a mining town in the early 1900's and boasts a remote location in the Colorado mountains (45 minutes from the nearest town), breathtaking views, quaint rustic and remote surroundings and first class hospitality.

The town itself is a revived mining town from the early 1900's.
Wood cabins are speckled throughout the town and are complete with rustic decor and fireplace. A main lodge sits in the center of town where the guests of this all-inclusive resort share family-style meals and dine together.

We arrived at Dunton via Cortez, CO on a Friday afternoon and the snow was falling. It was enchanting. A gorgeous scene to watch as we sat in the Saloon and drank a michelada (a drink I taught them how to make ;) and played checkers before our 4pm massage appointments and the 7:30 dinner bell (yes, there's actually a dinner bell).

Magensium tubs!!!!!!!! This was a fun and very different feature than most resorts I've been to. They were warm and soothing. The magnesium is supposed to act as a detoxifying agent and I can honestly say I didn't have the same "head rush" I do when getting out of a regular hot tub. When you're walking around the resort in a bathrobe and boots (sexy!) all the time, it's easy to pop back over to one of their 3 tubs & bathhouses.

On Saturday morning we woke up and after a nice hearty made to order breakfast.
After breakfast we took a walk to an open field not too far from the main "camp" and did some sledding. A few bloody knuckles later (wear gloves...) we came in and met with our snowmobiling guide, Tom.

THIS was an absolute blast. After a quick lesson on the vehicles (yes, it was my first time- I'm the silly Texas gal that didn't wear gloves sledding....) we took a 20-minute trip thru the woods and out to a WIDE open meadow. It was a gorgeous day as the sun was out and the temperatures had me taking some of the many layers off.  We spent a solid two hours on the snowmobiles and then headed back to Dunton for a late lunch and another dip in the magnesium tubs.


Gorgeous family style dinner with a great group of new friends from all over the country. There were only 10 of us so it was still very intimate. Great conversation and The FOOD! I can't say enough about the food. So well prepared and presented and tasted gourmet!

After such a busy and full day on Saturday, we slept in a little then spent the majority of Sunday lounging in the movie/game room with the curtains drawn and a lot of magnesium tub time as well. When you're at Dunton you don't realize how close to the sun you are- so we sat for a while on the soft lambs wool blankets and lounge chairs soaking up the sun and some vino from the Saloon. I'll admit, I got a little sunburned but in the middle of winter, it was a welcome one!



The staff at Dunton is truly second to none. The crew is so friendly and interesting. It is a perfect getaway for a romantic weekend and the all-inclusive aspect was an added bonus. If you're looking for a remote mini vacation with spectacular views, sunsets, atmosphere and friendly people, Dunton Hot Springs is your place.