So many people have requested to know more about our stay in Wyoming, so I decided to deliver on all the details! From where we stayed, what we ate, and all the things we saw, if you’re planning a trip, daydreaming about the mountains, or adding stuff to your travel bucket list make sure you bookmark this post – you won’t be disappointed!
How to Get There:
When we started planning this trip, it was a no-brainer to focus our time in Jackson Hole, a major vacation and ski spot just south of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. It has an airport with frequent flights through Denver and a beautiful terminal that I wanted to spend hours in (stunning sculptures and a cozy fireplace with leather armchairs while you wait for your flight). Renting a car is super convenient right from the airport as well, which was how we got around. I suggest picking up an SUV if you want to be a little more prepared for dusty roads, long drives, and a better vantage point to see animals from the car (how the wildlife rangers suggest you view them).
Where to Stay:
Anvil Hotel: Once an old motel, this accommodation kept the vintage charm and was made into a trendy spot with brass fixtures (you may have seen it featured in this post!). It was a fun place to experience a bit of roadside nostalgia, but the rooms were small and a little dark, so I’m glad we didn’t stay here for more than a couple of days. Their adjacent restaurant is open late, so if you’re in a pinch for food, it’s a good place to grab a classic Italian meal. I looooved their Western-decorated lounge and spent an afternoon working there by the fire, so if you’re looking for a cool trendy spot with a vintage vibe, the Anvil Hotel is definitely the place!
Hotel Jackson: A small, boutique hotel, this was my favorite place to stay in Jackson Hole. From attentive staff to large rooms and exceptional food (truly), I felt like the value for our money went quite far.
Amangani: If money is no option, I cannot recommend the Aman chain of hotels more. Our stay in Tokyo was exceptional, so even if it’s only for one night or a very special occasion, it is an experience worth splurging for. Maybe next time I’ll be able to take a peek inside their spa!
Other Options: Don’t fear the cost of the above hotels, because there are SO many reasonable places to stay in Jackson Hole. From AirBnB’s (which we might do on our next trip) to Dude Ranches (lodging in a working horse farm), camping in the National Parks, and about a zillion motels, you can easily find something that fits your budget. Just make sure you book early, especially in peak months, because nearly everything was booked up in the fall!
What to Eat:
Jon and I are ridiculously picky eaters. We don’t eat any kind of seafood and prefer the freshest of local fare (what can I say, California spoiled us). So whenever we’re traveling, I have to work hard to find delicious spots that will fit our needs, and also our early rising. Here are my recommendations:
FIGS – The best Lebanese food I have ever had. Actually, the best Middle Eastern food I’ve ever had outside of family cooking. This restaurant is located in Hotel Jackson and, it was so delicious we ate her twice. If you are craving authentic, high-quality ingredients, Fig is a must!
Persephone Bakery – This was our most frequented spot in Jackson Hole, but don’t be shocked when you see the prices. Their coffee is the best in town, their portions are enormous and it is easily the cutest spot to hang out and work (P.S. when I was there, their outlets didn’t work). I stuck to grabbing a latte and taking my hunger elsewhere.
Healthy Being Cafe & Juicery – Stop here for great granola and smoothies. They serve only health food fare, so after eating steak, burgers, and fries, it’s a necessary pick to get your digestion back in line.
Hand Fire Pizza – With a converted movie theater and two giant wood fire ovens, Hand Fire’s creative pizza chefs will have you trying a huge array of flavors, including butternut squash on pizza (delicious!).
Liberty Burger – Great, easy burgers if you’re looking to grab a hearty bite.
Pearl St. Market – We frequented this spot a couple of times to grab snacks, lunch, and food to go. Pearl is a healthier market with products akin to Whole Foods. Stop here for a packed lunch and snacks so you’re prepared to explore Grand Teton.
Cowboy Coffee – Great coffee and delicious smoothies. I liked the eclectic vibe here and they had working outlets, great wifi, and a delightful mango shake.
Cafe Genevieve – Great, traditional breakfast and brunch without being too expensive.
Local – A good steakhouse if you’re craving a fancy night out with your partner!
Places I’ll Try Next Time:
Hatch – I always crave tacos when we’re traveling and this place looked delicious but we didn’t have time to make a stop. Let me know if you try it!
Teton Thai – We walked by this place and it looked like a delicious Asian-fusion spot with a lot of style.
Il Villaggio Osteria – Delicious looking Italian with decadent flavors. Their hours didn’t work our with our plans, but I’m hoping we can pop in another time.
Corbet’s Cabin – Enjoy waffles with a view of the valley from 10,000 above sea level!
What to See:
From interesting drives to intense hikes, fishing classes, and natural wonders, this part of Wyoming is an adventurers dream. In ten days, we were only able to scratch the surface of Grand Teton and the surrounding areas, but with more trips in our future, I’m hoping to see it all. Here’s what I recommend:
Loop Drive – Drive through Grand Teton Nation Park will orient you to the park the park like this one.
Moose-Wilson Road – A special road frequented by animals at dawn and dusk, this passage was one of the most gorgeous to drive through in the fall.
Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve – This beautiful lodge and wildlife center is nestled in the park and has frequent nature demonstrations and talks. Parking can be difficult, but it’s worth getting up early – you might even see a herd of elk trotting through the nearby field!
Jenny Lake – There’s more fun here than just saying Jenny like Forrest Gump (which I said constantly), and that includes hikes to Moose Pond (where Moose hang out), a boat ride across the water, and waterfalls. The visitor’s center is being renovated so it’ll likely be a great place to hang out, grab snacks, and find out more about the park.
Teton Raptor Center – A highlight of our trip, the visit to view and learn about the work this facility does to rescue and preserve the amazing birds.
Snake River Overlook – Made famous by Ansel Adams, this overlook is exceptionally beautiful. Stop by on a misty evening when the sun is going down and you may be in for an electric pink sky.
Cunningham Cabin – A very underrated stop on our trip that we visited twice! The old low-roofed cabin was lived in for ten years in the nineteenth century (I cannot imagine those winters) and the surrounding plains provide ample views of the Teton range in all its glory.
Oxbow Bend – One of the most photographed spots in Grand Teton National Park, the views of Mount Moran are spectacular. Here’s what it looks like!
Pull Outs and Overlooks – Each stop is clearly labeled and with good parking, so it’s worth seeing the views throughout the National Park.
Mormon Row – Famous old barns and buildings from the early frontier days. It’s frequented by herds of buffalo and unique birds so be sure to check it out. I posted some photos from the area here!
Shopping – Check out Pendleton, Vintage Jackson Hole, and other shops around the main square for gifts, souvenirs, and cool western fare.
A Day Trip to Yellowstone – We didn’t want to book hotels in Yellowstone, so we decided to take a day trip, leaving early in the morning and coming back late. It’s a three-hour drive from Jackson Hole so be prepared to pack food and warm clothes (if you’re going in the spring, fall or winter). I suggest stopping at Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic, Mammoth Hot Springs, and the Lamar Valley, but there are so many things to see depending on your preference.
Go Horseback Riding
Try your hand at Fly Fishing
Visit a museum or art gallery – We had such great weather in Wyoming during our fall trip, that we didn’t need to spend a single rainy day inside. However, if the weather keeps you puttering around the hotel, try out these spots: Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum, National Museum of Wildlife Art, and all the photography galleries around the center of town.
Take a hike in Grand Teton – There are so many trails it’s a little overwhelming, and there are even options by bike, so ask a ranger for their recommendations. Know your abilities, what distances you’re comfortable with, and don’t forget to pick up bear spray because you need it whenever you are outside of your car in the park!
Go to a Show at the Jackson Hole Playhouse – This is a must-see for me on our next visit because the building is decorated straight out of an old west saloon. It screams “you’ll have fun!”
Of course, there are many more things to do and see in and around Jackson Hole, Wyoming depending on the season and what you’re looking for (including skiing). But if you’re planning a trip, I hope my experience and suggestions will give you a great place to start!
Have you been to Wyoming? Is it a place you’d like to visit? Share with me in the comments below!
