There aren’t many places that make this city girl want to pick up and move to the mountains, but Jackson Hole is one of them. I knew there was something special about the spot and had heard about its plush après ski scene (and you know, an actual ski scene), fine dining, and huge crop of luxury hotels — but the sheer natural beauty of the area far exceeded my expectations. And that is exactly what this summer weekend guide to Jackson Hole is about.
As I discovered earlier this month, the resort town is far more than the sum of its (swanky) parts.
Sure, there are plenty of world-class boutiques and wine bars — and don’t worry, I’ve included a few of them here! But what I really found intoxicating about Jackson Hole was its rugged wild west beauty, and how it can jump out and dazzle you out of nowhere. So everything in this guide is geared to let you soak in as much of that goodness as possible. Read on to discover the best Thai food for a post-hike refuel in town, a few ace hotel recommendations (though there are really too many good ones to include here) where to rest up before the next adventure, and of course, plenty of ways to get outside and explore.
image by nick dunlap
image by anvil hotel
Where to Stay
Wort Hotel — Located right off of the main square, the Wort Hotel has been a mainstay in Jackson since the 1940s. The property is also home to the Silver Dollar Bar, where you can settle in with a drink for some live music if a day of hiking at 8,000+ feet hasn’t worn you out.
Anvil Hotel — Consider the Anvil the Wort’s cool younger brother. The converted motel is full of modern interpretations of cowboy culture and the wild west, from custom brass beds to moccasin-style slippers tucked next to each bedside table.
Spring Creek Ranch — If you’re looking to get as close to Teton National Park as possible, Spring Creek Ranch is your best bet. The property consists of an inn and cabins sprinkled throughout the slopes leading up to the mountains, and offers adventures ranging from whitewater rafting to horseback riding.
Glamping of Jackson Hole — Though there are plenty of places to camp in the park, Glamping of Jackson Hole is a good place to start if you’re a city slicker like me. The camp, located about 30 minutes out of town, features safari-style tents compete with real beds, bathrooms, and electricity (yes!).
image by phoenix and the dragon
What to Eat
Breakfast
Persephone Bakery — Ask a local where they stop in the morning on their way to work, and they’ll likely say Persephone. The bakery has been a longtime favorite for French-style pastries and strong coffee, and boasts a solid cocktail list to boot.
Picnic — Helmed by the same team at Persephone, Picnic is also a firm favorite with Jackson locals. We’d suggest swinging by for an oat milk latte and a slice of Nutella banana bread before heading out on the day’s adventures.
Lunch
Healthy Being Juicery — If you’re looking for a detox after a night out dancing to bluegrass music, or want a healthy break after the morning’s adventures, Healthy Being should be at the top of your list. Head there for an energizing smoothie and grab-and-go lunch, all served up in eco-friendly compostable packaging.
Phoenix and the Dragon — You might be surprised to learn that Jackson is absolutely brimming with high-concept Asian eateries like Phoenix and the Dragon. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, but head here for a mid-day boost that consists of spring rolls and a build-your-own-stir-fry.
Bin22 — First, let me say that Bin22 is not where you go to refuel before hitting the trail. Instead, the upscale wine bar is the type of place you settle into for a long, lazy afternoon of catching up with your closest girlfriends over a bottle of rosé and a drool-worthy charcuterie board. If you’re schedule isn’t quite so open, you can still swing by and grab a bottle of wine and some fine cheese to go from the restaurant’s well-stocked market.
Dinner
Teton Tiger — A firm favorite on the list of Jackson’s upscale Asian eateries, Teton Tiger serves up Indian/Thai fusion in an always-lively setting. It’s a great place to go if anyone if you’re group is vegan, or if you just want to kick off a night out with a bit of spice and a playful cocktail.
Roadhouse Brewing Co.— Jackson is brimming with breweries, and Roadhouse, located right on the main square, is a must-hit. Grab a spot on the second-floor patio and rehash the day’s adventure over a hard-earned beer and classic pub food.
Mangy Moose — Tucked into the base of Teton Village, the Mangy Moose has long been a watering hole for skiers (and it even boasts an après ski menu full of hearty snacks). But during the summer, the steakhouse and saloon comes alive with daily live music, plenty of drinks, and classic Wyoming fare like elk chops and buffalo burgers.
Drink
Millionaire Cowboy Bar — It’s hard to miss Jackson’s historic Millionaire Cowboy Bar, which lights up the town square with its iconic neon cowboy sign (and any summer weekend guide to Jackson Hole would be incomplete without it on it’s list). Inside, the bar, which opened in 1937, is like stepping into a western movie — complete with saddles for barstools and plenty of space for line dancing.
The Rose — If you’re looking for a New York-style craft cocktail, the Rose is the place to get it. Helmed by two of the mixologists behind the world-famous Death & Co. (which has made the world’s best bars list multiple years in a row), the menu features cocktails inspired by Jackson Hole and epic punch bowls big enough for the whole crew. The Death & Co. crew also run the bar program at Anvil Hotel’s Glorietta restaurant should you need a night cap before turning in for the day.
What to Do
Hike — No summer weekend guide to Jackson Hole is complete without a hike or two making the list. Inside Grand Teton National Park there are hikes for every level, though even the most experienced hikers will enjoy the easygoing Taggart Lake loop. Outside the park, you can hit up the ski resorts for off-season hiking and mountain biking.
Horseback Ride — For a true taste of Jackson’s wild west history, block out an afternoon on your itinerary for a trail ride though some of the area’s historic barns or the grassy plains leading up to the Tetons. Teton Village Trail Rides and Spring Creek Ranch both offer rides suitable for all comfort levels.
Float Down the Snake River — There’s no better way to cool off after all of that hiking or riding than with a splash in the Snake. Certain stretches are only accessible by experienced rafters (so go with a guide), but once you get through town, you can float on your own as the river mellows out.
Gallery Hop — If you need a break from outdoor activity, spend an evening winding your way through Jackson’s many art galleries. Start at the Museum of Wildlife Art for a comprehensive look at the region’s history. Then head to Gallery Wild for a modern take on wildlife art and round things out at the Art Association of Jackson Hole, where you can browse pieces from up and coming artists while enjoying live music.
image by Paper and Grace
Where to Shop
MADE — Skip the tempting touristy shops that line the main square in downtown Jackson and head to MADE instead. The boutique stocks plenty of sweet souvenirs, and you’re guaranteed to find something even your most finicky friend will love.
CocoLove — If you’re a chocolate lover like me, CocoLove needs to be at the very top of your itinerary. The boutique stocks artisanal chocolates made by master chocolatier Oscar Ortega…that may or may not make it back home with you.
Paper and Grace — Stationary lovers, this is your place. Located on Glenwood Blvd in downtown, the boutique stocks charming notebooks and National Parks themed cards, prints and much more.
Fighting Bear Antiques — I won’t blame you for feeling inspired by the rustic-but-chic-vibes of your hotel in Jackson, and if you want to bring home a piece of the cabin-style action, Fighting Bear is your best bet. Inside you’ll find carved wood furniture, western accessories, and if you’re really lucky, a vintage Pendleton blanket or two.
