Travel Tips for Jackson Hole

Where to stay? What to do?Well, don’t worry. We’ve sent our travel experts into the depths of vacation land for you. They’ve traveled the roads, ate the food, played with the locals and found the little things that make a vacation unforgettable. It was a tough job, but someone had to do it so you could have the inside view to your next vacation.

Travel Expert Ryan Christenson on Jackson Hole

What to know when booking your Jackson Hole vacation rental in the summer:

1. Jackson Hole is actually more popular during the summer because it’s so close to many outdoor activities and national parks. Be sure to call well in advance to book lodging, rafting trips and anything else.
2. After the ski season ends, some establishments shut down for about a month before the summer season begins.
3. If you are looking to float the Snake River, you may want to plan your trip in late June or July. The water will flow quickly just after the snow has melted.

Jackson Hole lodging highlight – Wort Hotel

1. The hotel is a national landmark built in 1941. It’s complete with the original grand staircase and is the most luxurious hotel in Jackson.
2. Inside is The Silver Dollar Bar and Grill with an awesome western atmosphere and authentic uncirculated 1921 silver dollars on display.
3. It is centrally located in Jackson Hole. A free shuttle transports people from here to Teton Village, the main ski base area, about 20 minutes away.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience when staying in Jackson Hole:

1. Whitewater rafting on the Snake River. I like Mad River Boat Trips. My river guide, James, was very informative and lots of fun. During a calm spot in the river, he let us jump in the water and float with the current by the raft.
2. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Complete with saddles for barstools and stuffed and mounted wildlife throughout, this bar offers a true western feel.
3. The Beaver Creek Hat and Leather Co. With name brands like Stetson and Resistol, you will fit in with the locals in no time.They offer a full range of western wear and there is also an ice cream parlor in the back

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must eat at:

1. Bubba Bar-B-Que. It is a Jackson institution. Renowned for their barbecue, the actual secret is dessert.Buttermilk pies are available in original or chocolate.
2. Cadillac Grille.A bit more upscale, but not a bank breaker. I had a special called The Game Trio. It consisted of Wild Boar Sausage, Elk T-Bone (off the bone,) and Buffalo Sirloin.
3. Nora’s Fish Creek Inn. It’s located just west of Jackson in nearby Wilson. Look for the giant trout on the rook. Very reasonable prices and it’s definitely a local’s hangout.

1. The ski season usually ends shortly after the first week of April.
2. Jackson Hole Airport is about 10 miles from town and offers daily service to and from Salt Lake City and Denver. Taxi and shuttle service is available.
3. Severe whether is commonplace in Wyoming. Be sure to check with the Wyoming Department of Transportation to avoid road closures.

Jackson Hole lodging highlight – Granite Ridge Lodge

1. Beautiful units offer ski-in/ski-out to the Lower Teewinot beginner ski run.
2. Come home and build a fire in the wood burning fireplace. Wood is provided and can be found stored in your private two-car garage.
3. You can literally ski to your back door where a private hot tub awaits you.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience in the winter when staying in Jackson Hole:

1. The Mangy Moose. Consistently rated among the top apres ski bars in the world. There are daily shows and nightly entertainment.
2. Village Center Inn. Stay in this ski-in/ski-out access lodge before it’s gone. It’s being bulldozed at the end of the 2009 ski season. It is a fantastic place to stay for the budget-conscious looking to be in the heart of Teton Village.
3. Snowmobiling through Yellowstone National Park. There are 200 trails full of wildlife in a veritable winter wonderland ready to be explored.

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must eat at:

1. Q Roadhouse. It’s not just your typical BBQ fare with entrees like Pan Roasted Tasmanian Salmon on the menu. If you love BBQ but are looking for a little more than just a pulled-pork sandwich this is your place. It boasts an extensive wine list, plenty of beers and a variety of 17 different whiskies/bourbons.
2. Il Villagio Osteria. Located in Hotel Terra in Teton Village. This Italian restaurant has about 150 wines available by the bottle so you will find the perfect pairing.
3. Gamefish. Located in the Snake River Lodge and Spa, this gourmet restaurant combines classy ambiance with the rustic feel of the old west.

Travel Expert Gena Bair on Jackson Hole

What to know when booking your Jackson Hole vacation rental in the winter:

• Book early. Downtown is bustling in the summer months and properties are limited.
• The three lodging areas are Jackson Hole Town Square, Teton Village and the Aspens.
• To escape the crowds, book in the Berry area of the Aspens. It offers seclusion with good access to activities.

Jackson Hole lodging highlight – The Park Way Inn.

• The staff is made up of long-time locals who’ve been in Jackson for about 15 years. They can answer any questions.
• Each unit has its own balcony. Some rooms are large enough for a small family gathering.
• The quiet location is just a few blocks away from the activities in Jackson Hole. It’s also located next to a park where the kids can run wild.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience when staying in Jackson Hole:

• Snow King Resort offers horseback riding and mountain biking.
• The Chocolate` Eatery located in town square offers premium chocolate that’s been showcased on many TV travel specials.
• Shopping at the local boutiques is always exciting, and visiting the museums is a great way to get immersed in the local culture.

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must eat at:

• For breakfast: Bubbas Bar-B-Que. Large portions and great prices make this the local favorite.
• For lunch: The Silver Dollar Bar and Grill is a great place to grab a burger and the best Bloody Marry I have ever had.
• For dinner: The Cadillac. Upstairs is the locals fair with great food and great drinks. The main area is a fine dining restaurant with fabulous food, wine and liquor selections and the service is definitely up to par.

What to know when booking your Jackson Hole vacation rental in the winter:

• For ski-in/ski-out, Tetons Granite Ridge units are perfect. The homes there have everything to offer.
• Staying in the Village, i.e. Snake River Lodge, Terra, or The Lodge at Mountain Village, offers easy access to ski school as well as great dining and shopping.
• The road from Teton Village and Jackson is not plowed between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. If you go into town and it’s snowing, make sure you get back to Teton Village before 9 p.m.

Jackson Hole lodging highlight – the Hotel Terra

• This property is as Green as it gets. Everything is recycled.
• This hotel is located right behind the lodge and has ski-in/ski-out access.
• There is a roof-top hot tub that has the best views in all of Jackson Hole.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience when staying in Jackson Hole:

• Spring Creek Ranch has a Wildlife Safari that will entertain everyone.
• The hill climb at Snow King Resort is a great family activity.

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must eat at:

• For breakfast: The Hotel Terra’s cafe. It has great prices and everything is healthy.
• For lunch head over to the Gamefish located inside the Snake River Lodge. You have to try the Gamefish Reuben. It is to die for.
• For dinner: the Teton Mountain Lodge. Cascade Grill Road House and Spirits has obtained the former executive chef of the Gamefish, Kevin Humphries. His new menu is exquisite and well rounded.

Travel Expert Stephanie S. on Jackson Hole

What to know when booking your Jackson Hole vacation rental in the summer:

• Jackson is an hour from Yellowstone and about 20 minutes from Grand Teton.
• April is the best time to see wildlife, and since it’s the slow season, you’ll find good deals on vacation rentals.
• During the ski season, Teton Village is an ideal lodging location because it’s slope side. If you like the nightlife you might want to stay in town, especially during the summer when Teton Village isn’t as full.

Jackson Hole lodging highlight – Spring Creek Ranch

1. Incredible views in every unit that can’t be beat.
2. Laidback atmosphere with “Whoa!” signs instead of “Stop” signs.
3. Relax and get a massage after a long day of hiking or skiing at the onsite spa.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience when staying in Jackson Hole:

1. Take an animal safari that’s rated top ten in the country with Kurt from Spring Creek Ranch (for Spring Creek Ranch clients only)
2. Wednesday and Saturday night rodeos all summer long.
3. Whitewater rafting on the Snake River.

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must eat at:

• For breakfast: The Bunnary. The prices are reasonable and it’s been featured inBon Appetitand onThe Food Network.
• For lunch: The Chef’s Table. Order one of their specialty sandwiches. Their culinary trained chefs really know how to mix unique flavors.
• For dinner: Snake River Brewery. Order the award-winning Pale Ale.

What to know when booking your Jackson Hole vacation rental in the winter:

1. Only 10 percent of the runs on Jackson Hole Mountain Resort are rated “Green” for beginners.
2. Save money by staying in the town of Jackson Hole or the Aspens.
3. The local shuttle is free and has only canceled service once in the last 10 years.

Jackson Hole lodging highlight–The Snow King Resort.

• A brand new luxury unit called Love Ridge has underground parking and great views.
• It has its own private mountain where, on certain days, guests are allowed to ski for free in the evenings.
• There is an ice skating rink at the base of the Snow King Mountain.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience when staying in Jackson Hole:

1. The Jackson Hole Mountain Festival, which runs March 24 - April 8.
2. Visit the Hot Springs.
3. Take a sleigh ride on the Elk Refuge.

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must eat at:

• For breakfast: Snow King Atrium. Order the breakfast buffet; it’s a breakfast lover’s Dream.
• For lunch eat at local-favorite Picas and order the burrito. It’s huge and will surely get you through a day of skiing or shopping.
• For dinner: the Cowboy Bar. Order the cheese steak because it’s the best cheese steak I’ve had west of the Mississippi. Plus, the bar stools are saddles.

Travel expert Kyle Price on Jackson Hole

What to know when booking your Jackson Hole vacation rental in the summer:

1. When staying at the Aspens, Teton Village or at any properties on Teton Village Road, bring a flashlight. The resorts try to cut down on light pollution, which makes for amazing stargazing, but you might want a flashlight to get around at night.
2. You can stay in town, between town and out at Teton Village, the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
3. There’s access to Teton National Park through two entrance points north of Jackson, but the entrance on Teton Village Road is seasonal and subject to road closures.

Jackson Hole lodging highlight – Bentwood Inn

• It’s a quaint bed and breakfast with only five rooms located on Teton Village Road. Each room is individually decorated and has its own theme and there’s complimentary wine and cheese served in the afternoon.
• The inn itself is a log cabin design reflecting the natural beauty and materials of the area. In fact the logs used were taken from Yellowstone Park after the 1989 fire.
• Most of the rooms are only designed for two, but the bunkhouse room offers a small loft perfect for children.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience when staying in Jackson Hole:

1. Floating and fishing the Snake River. Whether rafting or casting a line into this majestic river, there’s plenty of excitement here when the slopes are closed.
2. Canoeing the lakes in Teton Park. Jackson and Jenny Lake sit at the base of the Tetons. The canoe is a great way to quietly approach an array of wildlife found in Teton National Park, including the rare grizzly bear.
3. Stop by Town Square to see arches made from elk antlers.

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must eat at:

1. The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Located downtown, this Jackson landmark is an old-fashioned watering hole.
2. The Cadillac Grill on the town square offers a 50s diner theme with burgers and shakes.
3. Mountain High Pizza offers a locals flavor for those who are craving a slice of a pizza pie.

Travel expert Heather Gardner on Jackson Hole

What to know when booking your Jackson Hole vacation rental in the summer:

1. Rent or bring your car for transportation.
2. The majority of shopping and restaurants are located in downtown Jackson.
3. Air conditioning is not necessary in your room, due to cool morning/evenings and daytime mountain breezes.

Jackson Hole lodging highlight – The Wort Hotel, the Parkway Inn, and Lodging in the Aspens

1. The Wort Hotel is a great historical hotel downtown with excellent convenience to downtown shops and restaurants.
2. The Parkway Inn offers rooms with both Victorian decor or modern upscale rooms with a strong focus on customer service.
3. Lodging in the Aspens community offers a peaceful, neighborhood type setting.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience when staying in Jackson Hole:

1. Fly Fishing! Many local outfitters provide guides and equipment rental.
2. Whitewater rafting on the Snake River.
3. Daytrip into Yellowstone National Park to view geysers and wildlife.

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must experience:

• For breakfast: The Bunnery, and order any baked goods.
• For Lunch: Billy’s Burgers for a hearty half-pound burger, located downtown.
• For an afternoon latte or quick snack and a cozy place to read the paper, go to Shades, a cozy log cabin coffee shop located in town.
• For dinner: Nikai Sushi. Its fresh fish is flown in daily, and their menu goes beyond traditional sushi into a variety of Asian inspired cuisine.
• For dessert or a chocolate fix: “Cioccolato.” This small chocolate and pastry shop in town is a Jackson Hole MUST! It offers some of the finest chocolate creations and desserts available, created by world-renowned Chocolatier chef, Oscar Ortega. Unbelievable!

What to know when booking your Jackson Hole vacation rental in the winter:

1. All in-town lodging is only a 15-minute car or shuttle ride from the base of Teton Village.
2. Most large units (more than three bedrooms) are located in the Aspens or Teton Village.
3. The Aspen community is less than five miles from the base area and offers a free ski shuttle.

Jackson Hole lodging highlights:

1. Granite Ridge Lodges, for large parties.
2. Teton Mountain Lodge and Spa (rooftop hot tub), for small parties
3. Hotel Terra for its innovative design and eco-friendly construction.

“Local secrets” and activities you must experience when staying in Jackson Hole:

1. A dogsled ride/tour into Granite Hot Springs.
2. A snowmobile tour into Yellowstone National Park.
3. A spa treatment (apres ski) at Snake River Lodge and Spa.

When dining in Jackson Hole, you must experience:

• For breakfast: Noras Fish Creek Inn (located in Wilson). It’s highly recommended by anyone who has ever eaten there.
• For lunch or apres ski in Teton Village, go to The Mangy Moose.
• For dinner: Trio American Bistro in town.