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When I told people I was going to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I’d typically get the same response: 'Are you going to ski?' The answer is no. I didn’t go to ski. Honestly, that sounds like a waste of a trip to most people. Let me give you a little background on why this trip wasn’t for skiing...
I’ve skied once... in Ohio at Mad River Mountain. And, if you're familiar with Ohio or Mad River Mountain, you know that the “mountain” is just a large hill. I’m not a skier, though I’d like to try skiing in the mountains someday.
My sister Brittany, who went on this trip as well, has skied twice. Once at Mad River Mountain and once at Red River Mountain in New Mexico. Red River Mountain is an actual mountain. Long story short, my sister ran into a tree and busted her teeth out a few years ago while skiing at Red River Mountain. Root canals, crowns, and thousands of dollars later, she still has problems with her gums and teeth because of that accident.
Being inexperienced skiers combined with Brittany’s accident and her getting married the next month, we opted to skip skiing. The good news is that Jackson Hole isn’t just a place for great skiing. This town has a lot to offer to both skiers and non-skiers. So, if you’re in Jackson Hole and aren’t skiing every day, here are some things you can do during your stay.
wildlife tours
From moose to pronghorn to bison to elk, the wildlife in Jackson Hole during the winter is remarkable and worth spending a few hours seeing. While you can see animals year-round, the stark contrast between the snow and the dark fur of many animals makes them much easier to spot in the winter. And, spotting elk and moose is easier in the winter because they migrate to lower elevations. Tours are available throughout the day in Jackson, Grand Teton National Park, and nearby Yellowstone National Park, and tours range from one hour to a half day to a full day.
Wildlife tours give you the best chance of spotting wildlife, but there are no guaranteed animal sightings on most wildlife tours. However, there is one wildlife tour that allows you to get up close and personal with one animal: elk. From mid-December through early April, the National Elk Refuge in Jackson offers daily horse-drawn sleigh rides through hundreds of elk. And, this experience is relatively inexpensive, costing $25 per person for a one hour tour.
drive through Grand Teton National Park
If you get tired of battling the below-freezing temperatures in Jackson, a drive to Moran and back is a warmer and just as enjoyable option. Be aware that there are certain park roads in Grand Teton National Park and at the south entrance of Yellowstone National Park that are always closed during the winter months. Heavy snowfall and winter storms can also close roads in Jackson and Grand Teton National Park. So, it’s best to check the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) or call 1-888-WYO-ROAD (only available in Wyoming) or 307-772-0824 or 511 on your cell phone.before heading to the park.
Jackson Lake is a natural lake enlarged by the construction of the Jackson Lake Dam, originally built in 1911. It's one of the largest high-altitude lakes in the U.S., stretching 15 miles long and seven miles wide. This magnificent lake is definitely a must-see while in the park. Note that during winter months, the lake may be iced over and snow-covered.
shop your way through Jackson Hole
Starting in Town Square and extending to Teton Village, the shops in Jackson Hole offer everything from designer boutiques to fine art galleries, outdoor gear stores, and quaint shops with handmade gifts. With over 100 shops lining the square and village, if you enjoy shopping, it's easy to spend hours exploring every store.
Town Square is also home to the famous antler arches. These arches adorn every corner of the square and provide the perfect backdrop for a quick photo.
best spots to eat and drink
There aren't many places in the U.S. where you can order a 5-star meal without ever changing out of your ski clothes, but in Jackson Hole, you can. This small mountain town boasts world-class restaurants that offer the kind of Western hospitality you'd expect.
Located a half block from historic Jackson Square, Cafe Genevieve serves up home-cooked inspired dishes from a renovated cabin space. A house favorite is Pig Candy - thick applewood-smoked bacon cooked fresh daily and coated in a blend of sugar and spices. If you’re looking for something a little lighter and warm, their grilled cheese and tomato soup is a great counter to a cold day.
Bin 22 features a small wine and tapas bar in the back of an expansive bottle shop. The restaurant in the back serves European-style small plates, an ever-changing selection of wines by the glass, and draft craft beers.
The wine and drinks are great, but did I mention that their mozzarella is house pulled? Every day, fresh mozzarella is pulled by hand in house from its curd beginnings into a mild cheese. The mozz and speck and tomato bruschetta mozzarella were two of my favorites on the menu.
Don’t stop at the mozzarella; the menu is packed with savory dishes to share, such as patatas bravas (fried potato with salsa brava and lemon aioli), crostini (whipped ricotta, carrots, prosciutto, pickled red onion, and truffle oil), and much more.
Opened in 1919, Jackson Drug and Original Soda Fountain still serves up some of the restaurant's old favorites, including cherry and vanilla cokes, egg salad sandwiches, cheese pretzels, homemade ice cream, and chili. Don’t worry, the restaurant also features some new additions like burgers, fries, grilled cheese, shakes, and sundaes, to name a few.
The restaurant also still displays nostalgic items from 1937, like bar stools, Archie Teater paintings, animal mounts, and an old neon Jackson Drug sign. Jackson Drug and Original Soda Fountain is a great pick if you’re looking to experience some of Jackson’s past and grab a quick bite to eat.
Hatch Taqueria & Tequilas boasts a modern aesthetic and lively atmosphere. True to its name, the restaurant serves up over 10 varieties of tacos and stocks nearly 50 tequilas behind the bar. So, of course, order a pitcher of margaritas while you browse the menu for appetizers, tacos, and entrees.
You can’t go wrong with an order of chips and salsa as an appetizer; however, if you’re feeling adventurous, the traditional guacamole and Mexican street corn are great options. The guacamole is housemade with red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, and fresh lime... and it comes with tortilla chips and house-made salsa. The Mexican street corn is fresh-roasted corn covered with queso fresco, dried chilies, lime, cilantro, and Mexican spices. The Mexican street corn can be eaten with a fork or scooped up with tortilla chips. It doesn't come with tortilla chips, so ask your waiter for a basket.
Tacos are a must at Hatch. All tacos come in orders of three. Order the chicken tinga tacos if you like chipotle spices, the al pastor tacos if you like a mix of spicy and sweet, and the grilled portobello if you want to skip the meat. The chicken tinga tacos are a perfect blend of braised chicken, chipotle-tomato mole, fresh cilantro, and queso fresco. The al pastor tacos are a perfectly seasoned blend of pork marinated in citrus and chilies, mesquite-grilled pineapple, onion, and red pepper sauce. And the grilled portobello tacos are hearty and filled with onion, Oaxaca cheese, guacamole, red pepper cilantro sauce, and pico de gallo.
Located in a concrete, steel, and glass building less than a half-mile from Town Square, Snake River Brewing features a taproom and a 286-seat restaurant.
The brewery is known for creating beers across the spectrum, but their two main offerings are lagers and ales. Occasionally, they’ll utilize a small barrel program, incorporating wine, whiskey, and even tequila.
The brewery is known for creating beers across the spectrum, but their two main offerings are lagers and ales. Occasionally, they’ll utilize a small barrel program, incorporating wine, whiskey, and even tequila.
added bonus: line dance at The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
One of my favorite things we did was to end our final night at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, also known as the Cowboy Bar. This iconic bar in the city center is the perfect place to grab a drink, listen to live music, or even practice your line-dancing. Or, if you’re like me, have someone swing you around the dance floor because you don’t know how to line dance.
Known as Wyoming’s landmark watering hole, the Cowboy Bar is a unique Western venue established in 1937. It’s famous for its distinctive cowboy motif, featuring a large collection of western memorabilia, knobbled pin architecture, cowboy murals, animal mounts, and saddles for bar stools. So, if you’re seeking an authentic Western experience, the Cowboy Bar should be at the top of your list.
conclusion
Whether you're an avid skier or you're just looking for a vacation spot with unique things to do, Jackson Hole is a great spot to explore for a short trip or a week-long vacation.