Despite the misfortune of prospectors, this outpost of the Wild West began to be settled by permanent residents around 1884. Today it is an eclectic mix of western icons, tourist shops, upscale hotels and eateries.

The wood slat boardwalks, antler decor and Western facades of the historic buildings add the charm and culture one travels West to experience. And with activities that include skiing, fishing, rafting, climbing and hiking in some of the most dramatic landscapes to be found anywhere it is truly a destination unlike any other.

Located on the outskirts of Grand Teton National Park and serving as the gateway to Yellowstone’s Southern entrance (click either link to read our blogs on exploring each Park) Jackson is the perfect home base to experience two of the most spectacular natural wonders in America. With all that, staying and playing in Jackson is a destination unto itself. Here’s your guide to experience the Best of the West.

Jackson Town Square: The heart of Jackson, this public gathering space dates back to 1897. The iconic antler arches serve as gates to the four corners. Today it retains all the charm of yesteryear, complete with nightly cowboy shows, bars, restaurants and even a stagecoach ride.

Where we stayed: The Lodge at Jackson Hole. About a mile from town center, this log and stone structure is a great example of upscale Western hospitality.

Pool, sauna, spa and bar are great amenities. The exceptional staff helped us plan all of our excursions well ahead of our arrival, ensuring we had an awesome experience.

Where we ate: ok…we hit a lot of places! This town is all about food and drink…we didn’t have a bad meal or a bad beer. These were experiences made memorable by authentic decor, featuring locally sourced meats, fish and produce served up with a Western flair.

The Snake River Grill: said to be the best in Jackson, and we’ll certainly say it is one of the best. Make reservations months in advance for the upscale, yet laid back dining room.

We got lucky…did a walk-in and got seated at the bar for an exceptional meal…elk chops, wagyu steak and an awesome old-fashioned made with Wyoming Whiskey.

The Blue Lion: maybe the best date night dinner of the trip. Outside on the patio, great wine, awesome service and a fantastic guitar player who knew every song imaginable. Try the local trout for a meal you won’t get back home.

Gun Barrel Steakhouse: if you want a Western theme, here’s your answer. The log structure is chock full of taxidermy and western artifacts. Bring the kids here for sure!

PinkyG’s: Super casual pizza, put on the map by Guy Fieri (who has a signature pie on the menu). Open late for the bar crowd.

The White Buffalo Club: this intimate upscale steakhouse has an exceptional selection of locally sourced meat, a great wine list and super attentive service.

I feasted on Snake River Bavette served on a Himalayan Salt Block with mushrooms and rosemary butter. Maybe the best steak I ever had. Put 5 stars on this one!

The Mangy Moose Saloon: in the Teton Village Resort Area, this western watering hole served up casual fare at the mountain base. 

The Genevieve Cafe: fantastic breakfast in a historic cabin right off town square. Try the eggs and cheesy grits, chicken and waffles and ‘piggy candy’.

Morning Coffee: lines stretch out the doors at Cowboy Coffee, Persephone and Snake River Roasting Company for a morning brew. Grab a huckleberry and cream cheese croissant at the Bunnery to go with.

Where we drank: There’s no shortage of watering holes in Jackson…

The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: This iconic landmark has been serving up whiskey and beer since 1937. Pull up to a saddle at the bar and get rowdy with live music and western dancing. 

The Silver Dollar Bar at the Wort Hotel: In 1893 Charles J Wort homesteaded in Jackson Hole. In 1933 his sons honored his dream opening the Wort Hotel, later to feature this iconic bar. It was know to have a colorful past…games of chance, renowned music acts, bawdy imagery and classic quotes line the walls. This became our favorite hangout for local beers and live music.

Breweries: Jackson has awesome local beer! 

The Snake River Brewing Company: We found this at most every bar and restaurant. The brews are excellent: Cowboy Gold (Kolsch), Hike it out Hefeweizen, Jenny Lake Lager and Murphy’s Lawger (amber). The brewery itself is definitely worth a visit…great outdoor seating and a killer bison chili.

Roadhouse Brewery: our second favorite is on the square with a second floor patio. The Highwayman (Pilsner) and Family Vacation (golden ale) were favorites

What we did: Apart from our days in the Parks, there’s enough to do right in town to fill an entire trip. Here’s our itinerary to Summer in Jackson.

Jackson Rodeo: Definitely a good time for all. Located at the fairgrounds, just a short walk from town. Bucking broncos, cattle roping and a beautiful sunset made this a picture perfect piece of Americana.

Teton Trails Horseback Riding: It just isn’t a trip out West if you don’t get on a horse. It was a wet, muddy day but we braved the elements. My horse Lizzie took a nice, gentle ride through the sagebrush up at the Teton Village Ski Resort.

Jackson Shopping: Everything and anything Western…hats, belts, jewelry, pelts, antlers, art galleries, home decor and plenty of t-shirts.

Teton Village: Great to explore in Summer, though we had a rainy day and opted not to take the tram ride to the top. But worth an honorable mention as you plan your trip.

This was a 7- day adventure that combined the awe-inspiring Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks with a Wyoming experience in Jackson that was packed full of fun, adventure and a bit of pampering.

Wyoming is blessed with unsurpassed natural beauty, and it is here for our enjoyment…but it comes with a responsibility to preserve and protect it for the generations that follow us. See the wild places that are left, slow down, take nothing but pictures and memories to last a lifetime.

‘Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you.’ – Frank Lloyd Wright

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