JACKSON, Wyo. — With its close proximity to Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park, rodeos and frontier-style shootout re-enactments throughout the summer, and hiking, biking, horseback riding, river rafting and fishing galore, the town of Jackson is like a big welcome wagon for the West.
Its smallness — the population was less than 9,000 at the last census — makes it easy to get around, and the lovely, usually smooth and sometimes even reasonably priced access into Jackson Hole Airport or a 10-hour, 523-mile drive from Denver via Interstate 25 or U.S. 287 makes it an appealing destination for travelers looking for a scenic, laid-back vacation nestled in the northern Rockies.
Once you are there, the options in an area famous for its recreational opportunities, casual dining and cowboy hospitality are surprisingly numerous for Jackson’s size, so here are 10 top picks for a good time in and around it.
And just so you sound like a local, remember that Jackson Hole is the valley, and Jackson is the town that sits at the south end of its 48 miles.
GOOD MORNING TO YOU, TOO: The Bunnery (130 N. Cache St., 307-734-0075, bunnery ) serves the best breakfasts in town (hearty French toast and above-average Mexican dishes such as huevos rancheros), as well as excellent espresso drinks and fresh baked goods. Tucked back in the corner of a shopping plaza, the place is packed at peak times.
GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP: at the The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa (175 N. Jackson St., 888-739-1749, rustyparrot ), where no exquisite detail is spared. A few blocks off the Town Square, this lodgepole pine beauty is quiet and charming, filled with gorgeous furniture and comfy touches and also features Wild Sage restaurant, which whips up outstanding contemporary fare. Summer rates start at $405.
GET LUCKY: catching a solid musical act at the Silver Dollar Bar & Grill (50 N. Glenwood St., 800-322-2727, ) in the historic Wort Hotel, worth checking out, as well. There are indeed silver dollars (2,032 of them) inlaid all over the bar at this spot, which doesn’t really have a bad seat even though it’s packed to overflowing on the weekends, with all ages in to hear whatever interesting band has been booked and to see and be seen.
HOWDY, PARDNER: At the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar (25 N. Cache St., 307-733-2207, ), you can sidle on up to a saddle stool to see how many Old West relics you recognize at this shrine to the frontier, which sports the state’s first liquor license, post-Prohibition, and live country and Western music nightly.
GOING UP: Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (7 miles north of Jackson on Wyoming 390, 888-333-7766, jackson ) is a ski area, yes, but also a great place to head in the summer, if only to take the 12-minute Bridger Gondola ride ($16 adult lift ticket, $8 ages 6-14) to the top for the killer views at 9,095 feet and then mosey on back down, taking time to stop and smell the wildflowers that pop out all over the mountain and enjoy a picnic lunch or stop in at one of the small eateries. You also can paraglide, hike and rock climb at the top.
A MEMENTO OF YOUR TRIP: can be purchased at the Mangy Moose Emporium (80 W. Broadway, 800-732-7495, moosegoods ), which seemingly has every moose-related item imaginable, but also all manner of Western-style souvenirs, including clothing, toys and furniture. The selection ranges from completely goofy to pretty cool. They also have a large selection of the much-sought- after antler chandeliers.
GIT ALONG, LITTLE DOGIE: The Wyoming Rodeo with the JH Rodeo Co. (two blocks west of the Snow King Mountain ski area lift at the corner of Snow King Avenue and Flat Creek Drive in Jackson, 307-733-2805, ) runs every Wednesday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and is great fun for the whole family. Events include bull riding and calf roping, and there’s a “calf scramble” for the young ‘uns. Cost is $12 adults, $8 ages 4-12.
THE LOCALS’ JOINT: The 30-year-old Sweetwater Restaurant (85 S. King St., 307-733-3553) sits in an old cabin, and the menu of healthy and comfort food, along with local favorites such as elk, trout and lamb, fits right in with a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. Great patio dining in the summer.
GET LOST: Everyone knows to go to the national parks to the north, but Bridger-Teton National Forest (307-739-5500, ), stretching south from Jackson, is mammoth, one of the country’s biggest forests outside of Alaska, with 1.2 million of its 3.4 million acres designated as wilderness, and enough to occupy you for days: hot springs (including the Granite Hot Springs pool about a half-hour from town), as well as several scenic byways, fishing in the Salt and Green rivers and more active boating in the Snake, Hoback and Gros Ventre. Not to mention 2,200 miles of trails, and plenty of room to camp.
FLY, FLY AGAIN: The Snake River was made for fly-fishing. There are a bunch of outfitters who will hook you up with the gear and the required state license, but we like the very helpful folks at High Country Flies (185 N. Center St., 866-733-7210, highcountry ), where even ladies who don’t usually fish are treated like pros, and everything you need to get out there is available on-site and reasonably priced.
MORE INFO: jacksonhole
Kyle Wagner: 303-954-1599 or travel@denverpost.com
