Wilson – Hungry Jack’s General Store

July 10, 2011 by Leave a Comment

If you are heading west towards Teton pass, you will enter the town of Wilson just before the road begins its ascent over the mountains.  The town is small and unassuming, but contains a gem that should not be missed – Hungry Jack’s General Store.  It will be on your right (north side of the road), just to the left of the Post Office.  If ever you wanted to step into culture of the past fused with the products of the present this is it.  Hungry Jack’s is a general store where you can pick up basic grocery items, clothing, DVDs, etc. in an eclectic menagerie that harkens to the working West.

I usually enter thinking of one or two things that I need, and leave with having not found them but being drawn to purchasing several other items that catch my passing fancy.  It is a store that you feel good about making a purchase in.  It has a family run atmosphere that shakes you free from the corporate retail culture that we have all become used to navigating.  When you leave with a pair of work gloves with Jackson Hole insignia, Carhartt jeans or some other item you feel you are also leaving with a piece of this wonderful valley.

Filed Under: Jackson Hole Fun Things To Do

Jackson Hole Trip Itineraries

February 20, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I am providing a chart with short descriptions below in order to assist you with planning your trip to Jackson Hole during the summer.  It is best used for planning a three or five day trip.  I have grouped my suggestions in a manner that makes sense based on the geography of the valley (assuming you are staying near Teton Village or the Aspens) and in order to give a broad overview of what the valley has to offer.  [Read more…]

Filed Under: Jackson Hole Itineraries, Jackson Hole Trip Planning

Local Jackson Hole Authors

November 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

1) Saddles to Sushi– The author, Mike Bressler, is an unheralded author outside of the valley whose outdoorsmen look belies his prodigious talent.  I met him for the first time at a writer’s group in the Art’s Center in Jackson Hole (I doubt he remembers me now).  I was captivated as he read a short story about Clyde Thornhill, the subject of the story and the protagonist in Saddles to Sushi, which is an anthology of Clyde’s life. 

Recently, while browsing through the Valley Book Store I was pleased to run across a copy of his book and purchased it immediately.  As I read it I wondered if I was learning about Clyde, Mike or both.  Nevertheless, it never ceases to be entertaining and irreverent but somehow also relevant.

In the  process of exploring Clyde’s relationships with; Susie, his feminist liberal lover; Alice,  his Republican lover; or Lill, his redneck lover – you will become immersed in one man’s perspective of the subtle sub culture in Jackson Hole.  Each of the approximately 65 short stores will leave you in stitches, but scratching your head from the folksy wisdom of a man on the prowl.  The stories center one man’s eternal search for black lace,  simple pleasures and biscuits and gravy in the morning, and .  The backdrop is an often hilarious overview of Jackson Hole’s restaraunts, art galleries, and political lumineries.

Filed Under: Jackson Hole Authors

Books Worth Buying About Jackson Hole

November 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Filed Under: Jackson Hole Authors

Cunningham Cabin – A Peek At Jackson Hole’s Past

November 27, 2010 by Leave a Comment

A nondescript turn off, a ¼ mile road boarded by “buck and rail” fences stretching like an dagger pointed directly at the Tetons, and sagebrush and flatland stretching all around you – why stop here?

After you park your car and pass through the open fence, a faint trail leads you to an unanticipated delight.  Cunningham cabin [Read more…]

Filed Under: Hiking Jackson Hole, Jackson Hole Fun Things To Do

Taggart Lake – Hiking Grand Teton National Park

October 31, 2010 by 1 Comment

Whether it is a hike in the spring, summer and fall, or a snowshoe or cross country ski jaunt in the winter – the trail to Taggart Lake and its destination represents the best compromise of distance, beauty and terrain in Grand Teton National Park.  A casual hiker will be able to negotiate the 3.6 mile round trip without great difficulty.  The traveler looking for a greater challenge can continue to Bradley Lake or be satisfied with an incredible combination of water, mountain, terrain and vegetation that will make the day well worthwhile.  The easiest way to get to the trailhead

Taggart Trail Start

is to enter Grand Teton Park through the Moose entrance and go three miles to the Taggart parking lot on your left.

The first several hundred yards of trail heads due west towards a low rise.  The Tetons loom beyond.  When you reach a “T” intersection take the right branch of the trail.  After crossing a stream on a scenic wooden foot bridge you will pass a rail fence on the right before the trail once again turns west and starts up the only significant uphill section of the journey.  After about ten minutes, and one or two stops to catch your breath for those that are not in condition, the narrow wooded trail will open up to a vast vista of the Teton mountain range beyond and a stony, but grassy, valley below.

Continue on and you will once again be faced with a choice of trails.  The path to the right will take you eventually to a series of switchbacks heading towards Bradley Lake – but that is a story for another day and another post.  Instead, continue straight and the path will descent into a stretch of pygmy like trees.  This short section is one of the most delightful parts of the hike.  Whether you are hiking or whisking through mounds of snow

Author In The Trees

you will feel isolated and at peace as you pass through a tunnel of green.

Upon emerging you will see an open area that shortly descends to the lake.  The views of the mountains forming a barricade on the other side of the water is majestic –

Taggert lake

your choices of paths simplistic.  Bear left and you will come to a long wooden bridge crossing the short neck of the lake.  It is a great location to stop and eat.  If you want you can continue on and loop back to the parking lot – but I do not recommend it.  The journey back by retracing your steps is shorter and more rewarding.  If you bear right at the lake rather than left there are many rocky outcroppings on which you can enjoy a welcome break. If you continue further a determined hiker will reach Bradley Lake after negotiating a series of switchbacks up and then down a low hill.

In the winter, after checking that the lake is well frozen, you will be well rewarded if you head out into the frozen expanse stretching in front of you.

On Taggert’s Frozen Expanse

The perspective and vastness will overwhelm you, as will your curiosity as to the destination of the creator of the inevitable set of cross country ski tracks heading for the western shore.

Filed Under: Hiking Jackson Hole

Teton Village Condo Walking Distance To The Ski Lift – 2 Bedroom and Loft

October 23, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Would you like to vacation in a Condo that sleeps 6 comfortably and from which you can walk to the ski lift  and ski home!  Perhaps you are more interested in being able to walk, jog or bike one and a half miles to the entrance of Grand Teton National park and beyond!  Possibly a short walk to the tram and a hike in the back country interests you. Maybe you would be happy to stay close and play tennis, swim in a heated pool or go to one of two large hot tubs within a one minute stroll of where you are staying!  Of course, you probably won’t mind taking the ten minute walk to where you will have a multitude of eating choices ranging from casual to five star, several bars and music diversions as well the opportunity to luxuriate at your pick of world class spas.  All of these things and more within a twenty minute drive to jackson are at the fingertips for those who would like to rent my condo in Teton Village.

The Condo was professionally remodeled and decorated with top of the line amenities including granite counter tops, multiple photographs from world renowned photographer, Thomas Mangelsen, 4 televisions (two LCD flat screens and two DVD’s), and high speed wireless internet.  The master bedroom has a king size bed and the guest room has two twin beds that can be combined into a queen.  The spacious loft has two twin beds and a skylight.  The living room has two comfy chairs and a sofa facing a stone fireplace covering an entire wall that is topped by a cathedral ceiling.  Whether you want to relax in front of a roaring fire sipping wine or read on of the many books on local trails and lore in the bookshelf, you are guaranteed to relax.  The dining area can seat 6 comfortably on leather chairs, the bar another three.  The deck, with a view of the mountains nearby, has a gas grill for your use as well as two adirondack chairs plus auxiliary seating.

Let me know if you are interested and I will make sure your experience is rewarding.  I will be happy to provide any of my guests with any other information I have that is not already posted in this blog so that your trip will be relaxing and fulfilling.

Filed Under: Jackson Hole Condos To Rent

Jackson Hole Berry Patch 2 Bedroom and Loft Condo

October 23, 2010 by Leave a Comment

I have had the fortune of having visited this featured Condo and know the owner well.  He takes pride in insuring that his guests will have a comfortable and fulfilling time in Jackson Hole.  If you want to Stay at one of the finest Jackson Hole condos that is located in a secluded and desirable area within our community, the “Berry Patch” – it will be nothing short of magical if you stay here! 

Just walk outside and you feel immersed in the beauty and grandeur of the Teton Mountains.  The condo is ideally located just minutes away from both summer and winter activities, restaurants and attractions:

15 minutes to Jackson Hole Town Square
10 minutes to Grand Teton National Park
10 minutes to Jackson Hole Ski Resort

The condo has been professionally remodeled and decorated complete with top of the line amenities throughout – hardwood floors with handmade rugs; granite counter tops; original artwork; and, natural stone shower and baths.  It has a king bed in the master bedroom and two twin beds in the second bedroom. The twin beds in the second bedroom, can be combined (at your request) with an insert to form a comfortable king bed with a full compliment of king size bedding – sheets, blanket, comforter etc. A full-size sleeper sofa is in the loft.

It has three LCD and flat screen TV’s with DVD’s, one in each bedroom and one in the living room. It also has High-speed Wireless Internet Service for your convenience!!

The living area of the condo is spacious with a cathedral ceiling and a very cozy Jackson Hole/Teton Mountain lodge feel!! Enjoy top of the line furnishings. Settle into the comfortable leather chair with ottoman or our overstuffed sofa. The dining area seats up to 6 comfortably with custom leather seating with a traditional Jackson Hole Wyoming feel. The stacked stone fireplace was crafted by a local Jackson Hole master stone mason and is a work of art.

The Teton Sports Club of Jackson Hole, at the entrance to our community, is located within walking distance from the condo. It is the largest fitness facility in Jackson Hole with Indoor and Outdoor Hot Tub/Jacuzzi, Sauna and an outdoor Swimming Pool.  During ski season, walk a few steps out the front door and enjoy the community’s free shuttle bus service to the base of the ski mountain.

If you would like to view more pictures of this home and obtain aditional information look at http://www.vrbo.com/74305.  I know from twenty years of friendship with the owner that your experience will be rewarding and that he has a meticulous concern for his guests’ needs should you decide to book a stay with him.

Filed Under: Jackson Hole Condos To Rent

Wilson – Nora’s Fish Creek Inn Is A Fabulous Place to Eat Breakfast

August 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Nora’s Fish Creek Inn hands down has the best atmosphere to eat breakfast in the Valley.   Every time we visit the valley my wife and I make it a point to eat at Nora’s at least once.  The interior is a large rustic log cabin that oozes the authentic charm of the Old West. Most of my family finds its pancakes to be the signature dish, although I find the omelets not so shabby either. Others will enjoy eating the monster sized huevos rancheros.  Try to get there early or the lines composed of locals and tourists alike might deter you from anything other than a cursory look inside.

It is located in Wilson, which is found by either heading West on Route 22 from Jackson or South on the Teton Village road (U.S. Hwy. 390) from Teton Village or the Aspens and then turning right on Route 22 at the traffic light where the road ends.  Nora’s can be found directly across the street from the Post Office and the General Store (which is well worth exploring).

Filed Under: Breakfast, Jackson Hole Eating

Hiking and Sandwiches

August 28, 2010 by Leave a Comment

If you are hiking I strongly suggest that you keep in mind how long it will be before you eat the sandwich and how hot it is.  The fact of the matter is that as much as guacamole, tomato, coleslaw, lettuce or other similar sandwich ingredients might taste great, they break down over time and create a soggy mass of goo that is the last thing you want to encounter after a few miles of walking.  Even using a baguette to ward off the “wets” will always work.

The stores I use depend on the direction I am traveling from Teton Village.  I always try to get to them before 11:00 AM to avoid the crowds.  They are:

  • Dornans near Moose Junction on U.S. Hwy. 89/191 – If I am headed into Grand Teton National Park
  • Backcountry Provisions – If I am heading East into the Gros Ventre Mountains by way of the Elk Range
  • The Westside Grocery (Deli)  at the Aspens- If I am heading West over Teton Pass
  • Kelly on the Gros Ventre  in the town of Kelly – If I am heading onto Antelope Flats or towards Slide Lake
Filed Under: Jackson Hole Eating
« Previous Page
Next Page »