This time last year, Mitchell and I were boarding a plane heading for the great state of Wyoming.
For those of you who don’t know our story, we [sort of] eloped to Jackson Hole Wyoming, and got married in Grand Teton National Park. It was pure magic. (More on this in a later post 🙂 )
In celebration of our anniversary, I’m dedicating posts this month to all things Wyoming! So check back each Friday for a new Wyoming-related topic!
To kick off this Wyo theme, I would love to give you some insider tips for visiting Jackson Hole! I’ll also give you some general considerations for your trip, but Grand Teton and Yellowstone will need posts of their own, so stay tuned 🙂
Now, if you’ve never been to Wyoming, this area is truly a bucket-list place.
That being said, know that you won’t be able to do it all in one trip.
Hell, you won’t be able to do it all in 20 trips. This corner of the world is absolutely MASSIVE and gorgeous and there isn’t enough time to see and do it all.
But, I’ll at least give you some pointers to make the most of a vacation (or two), and hopefully, you’ll fall in love with Wyoming just like we have.
I apologize if this post makes you want to drop everything and move to Wyoming. Being there definitely had that effect on us!
Trip Length
I would really recommend 5 – 7 days. Anything shorter is just not enough time unless you live nearby and can make more frequent trips of it. We stayed 7 days for our wedding and wished we had had more time.
Jackson Hole
Described as “the best little mountain town in the world,” Jackson Hole is nothing short of just that. Situated at the foot of the Tetons, Jackson has everything one can dream of for a western vacation.
Not only are the people nice, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. It’s everything a small town should be. A week here will seriously make you start considering buying vacation homes and after-retirement relocation!
The town square is decorated with large archways made of elk antlers. The antlers are so massive and there are so many of them, initially, I assumed they were fake.
Nope, the antlers are 100% real and the arches are constructed out of sheds found on the nearby National Elk Preserve.
The town is chocked full of fine art galleries, jewelry stores, souvenir shops, and unique restaurants. You can also catch western reenactments along the square!
Restaurants
Jackson Drug: Located on the corner of the square, The Jackson Drug Store is a soda fountain that dates back to the early 1900s. Their burger is maybe the best I’ve ever had. They, like many restaurants in the area, offer beef, bison, and elk.
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: A super fun nightlife spot, Cowboy Bar is a JH staple. Catch some live music and enjoy great food and drinks here. Oh, and the barstools are saddles, naturally 😛
Healthy Being Organic Cafe & Coldpressed Juicery: This is quiet the unique local spot of fresh juices, coffees, and other well-being concoctions. I was feeling under the weather after all of our travel and stopped in for a vitamin C boost. Definitely keep this little gem on your radar if you’re feeling a little worn down and need a pick me up!
Glorietta: You HAVE to go here for a nice dinner. The food and cocktails don’t get any better than this. We chose Glorietta as our dinner spot the night before our wedding, so it has some extra sentimental value for us. The food is absolutely divine. You really can’t be disappointed at this place.
Shops
Thomas Mangelson Gallery: I’ll try to not spend too much time here, but if you aren’t familiar with Thomas Mangelson, please look him up. He is a truly amazing, deeply inspiring photographer and conservationist. Stop in his shop and just take in some of his breathtaking work.
J.C. Jewelers: If you’re looking for a somewhat higher-end souvenir, this is the perfect place. They specialize in Teton jewelry that captures the essence of the area. My mom got a ring from here and it takes me back to Mormon Row every time I look at it.
Encounter Hat Co.: These guys (and gals) specialize in fitting you for the perfect hat, which is a pretty iconic souvenir if you don’t mind the hassle of getting it back home, lol. Definitely at least walk in and take a look! If you want to get your own custom design, be sure to schedule a fitting.
Wyoming Outfitters: I always have to stop in this shop. They have beautiful western clothes and an adorable children’s section in the back.
MADE: This is a great little novelty store with unique, handmade gifts that really captures western charm. Again, I have to stop in each time I’m in the area.
Hotels
The Anvil
My favorite hotel in this area is hands down the Anvil. There are so many ski resorts around this part of Wyoming, but if you’ve been around my blog for any time at all, you know I’m all about a boutique hotel.
The Anvil is a renovated motel, so the room doors are on the outside of the building. The hotel lobby acts as both a small coffee shop and store. You’ll find nice leather-bound journals, felt hats, hand-crafted jewelry, and plenty of cozy nooks to curl up with a book.
Rooms are simple with metal-framed beds and wool camping blankets. This perfect blend of rustic chic is everything I think a hotel in Jackson Hole should be and more.
Not to mention, Glorietta (owned by the same team that runs The Anvil) is just a parking lot away, making for the perfect location for dinner and a short walk “home.”
If The Anvil is booked, try their sister hotels for a similar vibe: Cache House Bunkhouse (hostel-like accommodations), and The Alpine House.
SNOW KING MOUNTAIN RESORT
My mom stayed in the Snow King resort for our wedding and it was also really nice. It’s a much larger property than the Anvil and has more of a classic hotel feel—and I don’t mean that disparagingly.
The interior of the Snow King is absolutely beautiful with its leather couches and western artwork.
It is definitely a great place to stay and a wonderful alternative if you want more amenities like a restaurant, gym, pool, etc. As the name suggests, The Snow King is a resort and offers excursions and experiences that include zip-lining, tree-top ropes coures, and mini golf, to name a few.
Until next week!
To say this little list of things to see and do in Jackson is by no means exhaustive is an understatement. I didn’t even skim the surface of all of the galleries, museums, tours, and excursions that you can find in this area.
Nevertheless, I hope this will give you a starting point for your own trip to this perfect little mountain town. Please come back and leave a comment about your favorite spots in Jackson Hole!
I hope you’ll stay tuned for more Wyoming-related content! Over the next few weeks, I’ll walk you through planning an elopement in Grand Teton, as well as offer tips for visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone!
Until then, safe travels, friends!
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