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.