It was our first time back in over 20 years and Jackson Hole, Wyoming is just as gorgeous as I remember. It’s one of the most pristine remaining pieces of wilderness you’ll see in your lifetime and with an easy, non-stop flight from Dallas, it was an no-brainer for a long, weekend getaway for these empty-nesters. Today, I’m sharing where we stayed, restaurants we loved and 5 things I highly recommend doing while in Jackson Hole.
Destination: Jackson Hole, Wyoming
You might consider Jackson Hole as a sleepy little cowboy town in one of America’s least populated states. But lately, stars like Nikki Sixx, Kanya West, supermodel Karlie Floss and Tyler Perry are all flocking to this beautiful, pristine land that really is a slice of heaven. Jackson Hole’s Grand Teton National Park is one of America’s most visited National Parks and the dramatic backdrop of the three towering peaks of the Tetons are truly breathtaking.
If you are in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the quaint little Jackson Hole airport is a super easy, 3 hour non-stop flight on American Airlines from DFW. As you approach Jackson Hole, you are greeted with the majestic Tetons as you look out the window.
FYI…As of publication of this post, all airlines require face coverings on flights and Jackson Hole does require masks in most establishments (restaurants and shops) but you are not required to have on a mask while walking around outside.
Hotel Jackson
Unless you are skiing, I highly recommend staying near the Jackson Hole Town Square. We chose to stay at the ultra modern Hotel Jackson, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Jackson Hole, and just steps away from shops, art galleries, restaurants, and the iconic elk antler arches of Town Square. Owned and run by a family that has lived in the valley for more than four decades, Hotel Jackson’s inspired interiors feature 55 guest rooms and suites, and reflect a contemporary retelling of the traditional West. The staff is super friendly and the concierge made our dinner reservations (highly recommended) prior to our arrival. The hotel has a fabulous fitness center and on site restaurant called Figs, featuring high end Lebanese mezze. During Non-Covid times, guest can enjoy the gorgeous roof-top spa.
Every guest room and suite has a natural gas fireplace and spa-like bathrooms include 100 percent cotton bathrobes and plush towels made by the Turkish Towel Company.
The hotel’s Sacajawea Library is a beautiful and calm space for guests to relax, enjoy a cup of coffee or cocktail. We enjoyed the library for morning coffee and pre-dinner cocktail, especially on football Saturday.
5 Things To Do In Jackson Hole, Wyoming
We visited in early November which is in between seasons. The summer crowds had left and the skiers had yet to arrive. The weather was absolutely perfect (sunny and cool) so we were able to enjoy the outdoors. We did get a light dusting of snow on our last day.
Here are 5 things to do in Grand Teton National Park and Jackson Hole. Whether or not you’re venturing to Yellowstone afterward (as many visitors do), Jackson and the Grand Tetons are worth a handful of action-packed days themselves.
1. Shop and Dine in Jackson Town Square
A trip to Jackson Hole isn’t complete without multiple visits to Jackson Town Square. The quaint town center of Jackson is surprisingly big, yet still walkable, with plenty of free parking making it easy to mill about the many specialty stores, souvenir shops, restaurants, and historic arcades—all built in log-cabin style. This is where we spent the majority of our time and we ate at some pretty fabulous restaurants so I’m going to give you a lot of details here.
Your first stop should be a photo op under the park’s iconic Elk Antler Arches. I’ve decided these should be one of the wonders of the world with the number of tourists that flock to these four corners of the square day and night.
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Crossbody Belt Bag by Kristina.d Travels: Use Code: MEGAN1115 for 15% off!
RoadHouse Brewing Co.
It’s always fun to experience the local beer and Roadhouse Brewing Co. has a full production facility with a 30 barrel brewhouse, canning line and barrel room. They offer pub style eats and a fun rooftop deck looking right over the town square.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
Have a seat in the nearby and iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar! Go for the saddle barstools and stay for the affordable local beer and live music. See who’s playing here!
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Jackson Hole Town Square
Spare time here is best spent shopping for cowboy-inspired items like authentic cowboy hats, handmade furniture, or other home décor, as well as leather goods like boots, jackets, belts, and turquoise-laden accessories. It can get pretty pricey, but you’re unlikely to come across a treasure trove of authentic and handmade goods like all the options you’ll find in downtown Jackson Hole. However, if you want more updated fashion, pop into Penny Lane.
Crossbody Belt Bag by Kristina.d Travels. Use Code: MEGAN1115 for 15% off!
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Snake River Grill
One of our favorite meals was at the iconic Snake River Grill. This is one of the local’s favorite fine dining experiences that books up quickly. In fact, Nikki Sixx (bassist for Motley Crue) was dining there that evening. With a rustic-elegant dining room, SRG is a must for fresh, uniquely-crafted New American cuisine. We had the Lamb Chops and a special Steelhead Trout dish.
The Blue Lion
The Blue Lion is just a few blocks of the main square and has been a Jackson Hole favorite, pleasing diners with French-influenced cuisine since 1978. It serves up superb rack of lamb and elk or bison tenderloin. We had the Grilled Elk Tenderloin and the Beef Tenderloin au Bleu (pictured above).
Bin 22
Bin22 is a quaint wine and tapas bar with an adjacent wine shop. Beyond the market and bottle shop is an intimate wine bar area and outdoor deck, open for lunch and dinner daily. You sip your bottle of wine while enjoying Spanish and Italian style tapas and delectable desserts. We ordered several tapas but above was one of our favorites, a roasted cauliflower with shaved parmesan and chermoula sauce.
Hatch
Just off the town square, Hatch Taqueria & Tequila prides itself on pairing a fresh modern Mexican cuisine with an inviting lively atmosphere. Hatch is proud to offer Jackson’s largest selection of Tequilas and Mezcals and has a great patio area.
Cowboy Coffee Co.
Located right in town square, Cowboy Coffee is our favorite place (other than FIGS!) to grab a cup of locally- roasted coffee and is a popular stop for breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Check out the rotating exhibition by local artists while taking advantage of the free wi-fi.
The Bunnery
“Get Your Buns in Here!” has been the slogan for The Bunnery since 1975 with good reason. A local favorite, the line for its famous O.S.M. (oats, sunflower seeds, and millet) pancakes and breads can be long, but is worth it. A full-service bakery in addition to a restaurant, grab something to go!
2. Take A Hike In Grand Teton National Park
There are innumerable hiking options in Jackson Hole and a very popular one is Jenny Lake to Cascade Canyon. We chose to hike to Taggart Lake in Grand Teton National Park because it’s a shorter 3.2 mile round-trip hiking trail that’s great for all skill levels. The hike begins at Taggart Lake Trailhead, located roughly 2 miles north of the Moose Entrance Station which is the easiest and most direct route to Taggart Lake.
The scenery throughout the hike is spectacular as you enjoy stunning views of Grand Teton, cross a footbridge over Taggart Creek which offers a nice view of a cascading waterfall and then pass through a forest of spruce and aspen groves. You’ll finally reach the southeastern shore of Taggart Lake where you’ll enjoy outstanding views of 12,804-foot Middle Teton, Garnet Canyon, Grand Teton, 12,928-foot Mt. Owen and 12,235-foot Teewinot Mountain. Though very easy, it’s still considered to be one of the best hikes in Grand Teton National Park.
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3. Visit Teton Village & Ride The Aerial Tram
Photo Credit: Jackson Hole Resort
A short drive from downtown Jackson, Teton Village is a popular skiing and snowboarding area that’s home to even more great restaurants at the foot of the Jackson Hole Aerial Tram, which operates in summer and of course during ski season. We spent a morning exploring the cozy ski village and driving around to see the beautiful mountain homes and gorgeous resorts (Four Seasons Resort and Teton Mountain Lodge & Spa are located at the base of the mountain). I highly recommend if you are visiting JH during the summer, that you book ahead online to see sweeping views of the gorgeous valley.
4. Visit Mormon Farms & Spot Wildlife In Antelope Flats
One of the most iconic views of Jackson Hole is of the Tetons from Antelope Flats Mormon Row Historic District, once a community of Mormon settlers. Now abandoned, this area of the valley is frequented by bison, elk, and other wildlife. Parked cars at the historic John Moulton Barn and its neighboring pink stucco house are typically a sign that there’s some wildlife in the area—elk, mule deer, bison, or moose. That is, if you didn’t already spot the massive herd of local bison stopping traffic to cross any of the nearby roads, as they often do.
We arrived just as the sun was coming up and I walked out to take a closer look at the barn. Don snapped the photo of me and its proving to be one of the more special moments of our trip. I felt a moment of calm and peace come over me…it was surreal.
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5. Visit A Unique Jackson Hole Museum
If you thought esteemed American art museums were only in cities, enter Jackson Hole. Find some of Georgia O’Keeffe and Andy Warhol’s works in the National Museum of Wildlife Art, a semi-outdoor, 51,000-square-foot facility built into a hillside. And don’t miss Grand Teton National Park’s ultra-modern Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, an interactive and educational nature museum fit for both kids and adults that will tell you everything you need to know about the park before you set off on a hike.
Have you visited Jackson Hole, Wyoming? What was your favorite thing about this beautiful place? I’d love to know in the comments below.
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Jackson Hole, Wyoming
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