If you’re coming to Wyoming on vacation, chances are you are making a trip to the insanely beautiful, Jackson. And now, I’m lucky enough to call this place home. With a good amount of time as a local under my belt, I can confidently recommend things you have to do on your first visit here.
1. Go horseback riding
Some of the best views can be seen from the back of a horse and you can do it in two hours or less. I recommend Trails Rides at the Spring Creek Stables. The views alone are a selling point and you’ll get enough pictures to have all your friends at home drooling.
2. Ride the Tram
When friends and family roll into town, I take them on the Tram. The ride up provides amazing views of the village and valley. When you get to the top, treat yourself to a waffle because waffles taste better when you’re on top of the world.
3. Hike the Taggart Lake trail
It’s a trail that doesn’t gain too much elevation and is just over 3 miles and will get you up close and personal with the Teton’s. Be sure to get to the trailhead early since the lot fills up pretty quickly.
4.Check out some live music
We might be a small town but we are mighty in the music department. Let me give you a few options. Monday nights you’ve got the Hootenanny at Dornan’s. Tuesday nights check out Bluegrass at The Wort. Throughout the summer you can check the schedule for Jackson Hole Live. And on Sunday’s head to the village for Concerts on the Commons.
5. Ride the Snake
Get on the river. It’s one of the most common excursions you can do in Jackson during the summer. I work in the rafting industry and I can without a doubt say you gotta do it. You’ll have a blast. You might get a little wet but the memory will last long after your clothes dry.
6. Just eat everything
I might be biased because I live here but the food in this little town constantly surprises me. You can really have it all here. A few of my favorites are coffee at Persephone, breakfast at Cafe Genevieve, lunch at Lotus Cafe, dinner at Teton Thai or Local. Looking for a night cap? My top picks are Thai Me Up for their excellent brews, The Wort for a cocktail and music and finish the night off at the popular Million Dollar Cowboy for dancing that you can count as your daily exercise. After a night of moving and grooving, do yourself a favor and get a late night slice at Pinky G’s.
7. Yellowstone
Considered to the be the crown jewel around these parts, it’s a must do for a few reasons. But I don’t think I have to tell you that.
8. Treat yourself
I’m putting this on the list because around these parts there are plenty of ways to do this. If it’s the views you’re seeking, take some time to see them. Drive the Elk Refuge Road off of Broadway and put the car in park and soak it in. If it’s a spa day you’re after, we’ve got that too. A world class meal tickles your fancy? Perfect. Head up to Couloir. Looking to take a walk on the wild side? Go on a wildlife safari. If it’s serious adventure you’re after, book a trip with Exum Guides. They are consistently rated as some of the best in the world for good reason. Whatever kind of vacation you’re after, Jackson is the place to have it. I promise that long after you leave our little heaven, you’ll be haunted to come back and eventually, you’ll be passing through again. The mountains will keep calling so you should probably just listen and come on back.
