<<<Back to Table of Contents
Does this vacation sound like an oxymoron? Surprisingly, no. Not everyone is a billionaire or a celebrity in this mountain hamlet. Escaping the Texas summer heat to Wyoming’s high altitude haven can be done on any scale. With breathtaking views of the Tetons by day and cool, crisp mountain air by night, few destinations compare with the uniqueness of Jackson Hole. So, trade in those flip-flops for hiking boots and head north by northwest for some family fun in the mountains.
Jackson “Hole” includes the towns of Jackson, Wilson, Teton Village and surrounding towns near Jackson, Wyoming. Otherwise known as “The Valley” to insiders and locals, it is an area of towns within the Snake River Valley. Jackson is the largest town in the valley with the broadest offering of restaurants and hotels, and Wilson and Teton Village are just down the highway towards one of the entrances to Grand Teton National Park.
Lodging
A variety of hotels in the town of Jackson are affordable and kid-friendly. Most are within walking distance to shops, restaurants, art galleries and theater. The flavor of the town’s cowboy roots is still alive and kicking. Saddle up to the bar – literally – at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on the town square where sitting in a saddle sipping your favorite libation conjures images of the Wild West.
Trapper Inn
www.trapperinn.com
From $120/night
Located a short walk from the main square.
Jackson Hole Lodge
www.jacksonholelodge.com
From $99/night
Motel 6
www.motel6.com/reservations
From $65/night
Located on the south side of town, close to a movie theater and grocery stores.
Cowboy Village
Elks Country Inn
Antler Inn
www.townsquareinns.com
1.800.4TETONS
From $76/night
Located around town, walking distance to most shops and restaurants
Other recommended lodging in town:
www.jacksonhole.com
Outdoors
Great outdoor activities in the valley include white water rafting on the Snake River, fly-fishing, and horseback riding and hiking. The early morning rafting trips are best for viewing wildlife, where bald eagles and ospreys perch in trees high along the river and beavers can be spotted building dams.
A few outfitters for rafting and fly-fishing include the following:
www.barker-ewing.com
www.mad-river.com
www.davehansenwhitewater.com
Average cost: $60 per person
For horseback riding:
www.heartsix.com
www.goosewingranch.com
Average cost is $55 for 2 hours
Of all of these, hiking the myriad trails in the Grand Teton National Park is the most economical way to see the mountain flora and fauna while experiencing panoramic views. All vehicles and individuals entering Grand Teton National Park must pay an entrance fee that is valid for seven days. The entrance fee provides entry to both Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Fees are $25 for non-commercial vehicles, $12 for hikers and cyclists, and $20 for motorcycles. A National Parks Pass ($80 and valid for one year) provides free entrance to all national parks and monuments.
The Grand Teton National Park is unique in that the ranger stations where you pay the entry fees lie fairly deep within the park, so some sections of the park can be accessed for free, including Jackson Hole Airport, and Dornan’s restaurant. For more info, go to www.grand.teton.national-park.com.
After hiking, come back to town via Dornan’s and you might just catch a moose or two wading along the Snake River. Dornan’s special location offers a spectacular view of Grand Teton while dining. The pizzas, pastas and salads are delicious: www.dornans.com
If your hike doesn’t yield many wildlife sightings, consider a close proxy with a
tour or the Museum of Wildlife Art: www.wildlifeart.org. Admission is $10 adults, $5 for kids.
In town, one low-cost but high-impact activity that yields a spectacular view is the ride up the Snow King chair lift, or you can hike up and ride down: www.snowking.com. Once on top, the panoramic view of the Tetons and valley is breathtaking and worth the trip. After a hike, take a rest with a cold brew at the Snake River Brewing Company, a short distance from the base of Snow King:
Snake River Brewing Company
www.snakeriverbrewing.com
$7 lunch menu
Dinner ranges from $10-15 per person.
Food
Trio Bistro
www.bistrotrio.com
Average plate $30 and under
Blue Lion Restaurant
www.bluelionrestaurant.com
Average plate $25 and under
Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse
www.cowboysteakhouse.net
Average plate $25 and under
Rendezvous Bistro
www.rendezvousbistro.net
Average plate $20 and under
Roadhouse BBQ
www.qjacksonhole.com
Average plate $20 and under
Calico
www.calicorestaurant.com
Average plate $20 and under
Nora’s Fish Creek Inn
Located in Wilson, has world-renown huevos rancheros and other delicious offerings. Stop in for breakfast one day on the way to Teton Village or the Grand Teton National Park.
Budget + Beyond
For a smaller, more intimate experience; check out staying in Teton Village. The Alpenhof Lodge is a Tyrolean-style, alpine resort experience. www.alpenhoflodge.com. The Bavarian double is $259/night. The restaurant offers authentic Austrian cuisine.
Another option is the Hotel Terra, which is a new hotel located at the base of the mountain, www.hotelterrajacksonhole.com (from $200/night).
Il Villaggio Osteria is Italian bistro cuisine with a broad menu and cozy ambiance, www.jhosteria.com (average plate $18).
Other activities in Teton Village include riding the Aerial Tram up to the top of the ski mountain for dinner and a view: www.jacksonholewy.com/activites-aerial
tram.php. Cost is $20 for adults, $14 for kids.
No matter what your budget, with airlines competing for lower fares, or even using frequent flier miles to get there, Jackson Hole offers options for every level of vacation traveler. And cool relief from a record-high Texas summer to boot!