A summer adventure in Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Hi friends! Wow I can’t believe how fast this summer has flown by. My big family trip this summer was to Jackson Hole, Wyoming and wow y’all it was the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Living in Florida, you definitely don’t get the mountain views which are my most favorite. I’ve been to the North Carolina mountains before but never had I seen beauties quite like this. I mean snow on top of a mountain in July, is this heaven? I’m so thankful for this trip and have so many dreams of going back. I figured the best way to share my trip and be helpful to those wanting to travel to Jackson was to section out places to eat, stay, shop, adventure, etc to the best of my ability.

Dining

– Jackson Hole sure does know how to eat. I’ve never been so excited to try so many restaurants in my life. Forever wishing I made it to all the places on my list but I’ll share what I made it to and a couple places I wish I made it to!

1. The Handle Bar!!
This is one of the Four Seasons restaurants and it definitely did not disappoint! Y’all the view here is so fun! Sit outside in the most beautiful weather (in the summer ha-ha) and watch mountain bikers come down the trail, the gondolas go up and down the mountain, and stare at the beautiful mountains all while eating the world’s best truffle fries, a win. Seriously there’s something for everyone here! We could walk here from our house so we stopped in twice!
2. Bubbas BBQ
This is your typical BBQ joint with all its western charm! My family did take out from Bubba’s for the 4th and enjoyed it for two nights! If you’re in the mood for BBQ this is a solid choice!
3. Corbet’s Cabin
Hands down favorite meal of the trip! Ok so to get here you have to take the Jackson Hole tram to the top of the mountain where there’s snow even in July and breathtaking views! So on top of the best loctation ever the waffles are the best ever! Like seriously think warm sugary goodness and that’s what you get. I went for the Nutella waffle and wow it was so good! If you’re in Jackson this is a must stop.
4. Pinky G’s Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? This was such a fun place in downtown Jackson Hole! Seriously y’all this was some yummy pizza and I’m ready for one to come to Winter Park at the earliest possibility!
5. Persephone Bakery
One of my biggest regrets is not stopping here until my last day. Y’all this place was amazing. I got the country club sandwich and it was probably the best club I’ve ever had! I wish I could have tried the pastries and coffee!
6. Sidewinders Tavern
We stopped into this place after a bike ride to downtown! It’s located on the second floor so if you get the chance sit outside! The food and atmosphere was so fun here! There are tons of tv’s and while we were there one of the world cup games was going on which added to the vibe of the restaurant! I would go back here 100%
7. Local
This was our celebratory steakhouse last night dinner! It was yummy and a manageable price for a large group pf people! It’s a good choice if you like meat ha-ha. I’m actually a pretty picky eater especially about meat so I enjoyed a couple bites of filet and some truffle fries oops.

– Honorable mentions (aka places I didn’t make it to but looked great)

The blue lion, FIGS, café Genevieve, Lotus, Moo’s ice cream, and the million-dollar cowboy bar (if your 21+)

Stay

– Ok so I have the least amount of recommendations for this because my family and I rented a house in Teton Village. I would highly recommend this. Places to stay in Jackson can be pretty pricey so this is a great way to have more space for your money if you want to split the cost with family or friends.

1. However, if you don’t have a budget the Four Seasons looked amazing here. We only ate there but wow it was gorgeous. If you can swing it, you won’t regret it.
2. Hotel Jackson also looked amazing. This one is also pricey but again, so beautiful and filled with restaurants, a pool, and stunning views!
3. Spring hill suites downtown Jackson looked pretty nice. It was clearly updated and the decorations were so pretty on the outside! I’d say it’s probably a good option if you want something nice and clean that doesn’t cost a crazy amount!
4. Overall, I loved renting house in Teton Village and would do that again if I go back. You can use home away or VRBO to find tons of prices and options!

Adventure

– The best part of Jackson is the outdoors and wow they sure do have tons of ways to experience it. Didn’t even get close to doing it all but the things I did make it to were a blast!

1. Hiking
Ok let’s be honest here I’m not the world most experienced hiker. I mean I’ve hiked a good amount of times in North Carolina but nothing like the mountains in Jackson and my flat Florida walks certainly did not prepare me. So can’t say I could give out too much advice on this front except to say read the signs oops. We hiked on the mountain that you get to by the Jackson Hole tram. Our plan was to take a nice 2-mile loop trail that would lead us back to the tram and then we’d head back down. But plot twist the trail was closed so we ended up getting lost and hiking 5 miles up and down hill in the wind, rain, rocks, ice, and all in running Nike shoes. (face palm) But honestly this was quite the adventure and so much fun. We eventually made it to the Gondolas that got us the rest of the way down. It truly was so much fun, I felt like an explorer lol. So if you want some hiking take the Jackson Hole tram and check to see which trails are open before heading out!! (and wear hiking shoes)

2. White water rafting
For rafting down the snake river, we chose Jackson Hole white water. It accommodated our family of nine and had a super fun 8-mile path! Seriously this was the best outing. We did this for the 4th and oh my it was such a great time! We got soaked and were laughing the whole time! I loved this company and would recommend!

3. Bike riding
We rented bikes from Teton Village and biked 12 miles to downtown Jackson for lunch! It was such a gorgeous trail and I very much wish we had trail views like this in Florida, and the weather to enjoy it in the summer! Taking a bike trip is a fun and semi cheap way to explore the outdoors in Jackson!

4. Mountain coaster
Got to admit I was a little skeptical of this one at first but I’m a huge fan of rollercoasters so I figured it would be worth doing and wow it sure was. This was located on snow king mountain and was probably the only thing worth doing there. Y’all this little coaster was quite the thrill and so exciting! It was a great option for a little thrill without going extreme lol. We also took the ski lift to the top of the mountain and the views were pretty great!

5. Horse whisperer
Hands down coolest part of the trip. My sweet Grandfather loves Jackson Hole and has been before. In one of his past trips he met a man named Grant who is one of the worlds few horse whisperers. We got to have a private demonstration with Grant and his wife Jane and a few of their horses on their ranch, Diamond Cross! Seriously these people are so kind and amazingly talented. The way Grant is able to understand and teach these horses is such a beautiful thing to witness. I feel so blessed to have experienced it first-hand. He sure did have a lot to teach about life as he applied that to the way he trains his horses and one of the things I took with me from my time on the ranch was “honor the little things.” A sign someone is trying is important to praise and also remember within our own selves. We can’t be perfect all the time, but trying our best is the first step. Seriously the coolest place and people! I’ll link Grants book down below, it’s worth the read!

6. Yellowstone
We drove 3 hours to Yellowstone for a day trip and had the best time! We saw Old faithful, the Yellowstone Grand Canyon, Mud hot springs, rapids, tons of buffalo and a whole lot of beautiful views! Yellowstone is 100% worth the visit. I’ve never seen so much beauty in one place in my life. I’d recommend packing a lunch when heading to Yellowstone as the food options are very limited!

7. Shopping
Downtown Jackson Hole had some of the most unique and fun stores! I got a couple T shirts and the most beautiful bracelet from pearls by Shari. This is my favorite keepsake from the trip. I got the “original Teton mountaineer bracelet” in tan. The five pearls represent the five Teton peaks. Highly recommend stopping here if you find yourself downtown. Downtown Jackson has tons of clothing stores and of course the yummiest ice cream. Seriously could have spent the whole trip there and been perfectly content.

– Pro tip- If your there over the 4th go to Teton village for the fireworks, they’re amazing!

– Honorable mentions (aka things I didn’t get to do but seriously wish I did)

– Paragliding, hot air balloon, animal safari, and maybe some more hiking because who knows maybe one day I’ll be a hiker after all (why not dream big)

wrap up

– Alright so in summary that basically wraps up my week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This was seriously the best vacation ever and I would recommend it to anyone. It’s gorgeous everywhere you look. You’ll see buffalo, moose, bears (in Yellowstone), and some good ole chipmunks. God is so obviously present in the beautiful Tetons it’s hard not to become emotional. At night, the stars are so big and bright I was seriously almost brought to tears. What a truly special place and adventure you are sweet Jackson. I’d be honored to go back. Praying you make it there friends, you won’t regret it!!

All the love, Annie

– this is Grants book!