Where I Stayed, Ate & Loved

Most people ask if we come out here to ski and the answer is no. I didn’t grow up skiing, and honestly, that’s never been the draw for me.

That said, I’ve seen how beautiful it can be. We went to Winter Park Resort a few years ago, and I remember standing there, looking out at the mountains and just… crying. It was that stunning.

And here in Jackson Hole, everything sits right at the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort–a small, beautiful town tucked into something much bigger. It’s not the reason we come… but it is part of what makes this place so special.

Jackson Hole stole my heart when I first came here a few years ago. Something about standing in the wide open space, vulnerable to nature, that shakes you–but also settles you.

I think as humans, we’re drawn to the wild. Both women and men–maybe for different reasons–but the wild… it calls us. It has a way of putting things into perspective. Back home, it’s easy to get caught up in everything–what matters, what doesn’t, what feels big in the moment.

But out here, you realize how wide the world really is… and how freeing it is to not have to be anything more than you are.

The first time we came out here was a few years ago through Make-A-Wish, which brought us to Yellowstone in a way I’ll never forget. It changed something for us– it didn’t start our love for travel, but it deepened it in a way I didn’t expect.

We visited in the summer, which ended up being such a beautiful time to experience it. We’ve also come back in the winter–snowmobiling through the western side of the park, and even into Idaho. Completely different, but just as incredible.

Because it’s more than worth mentioning, here are a few of our favorite experiences from Yellowstone before we head into Jackson Hole:

Yellowstone Summer

Fishing on Yellowstone Lake
Quiet, peaceful–one of those forever memorable moments that slows everything down… with the Grand Tetons in the background.

Dinner at the Lake Yellowstone Hotel
Gorgeous, vintage setting and one of the best desserts I’ve ever had.

Lamar Valley with a private guide
The best way to experience wildlife in the park. Get a good night’s sleep–the best tours are right at sunrise.

Hot Springs
Stunning views and quiet walks through a landscape you almost can’t believe is rising from the earth.

Horseback Riding
We rode with local cowboys and cowgirls. It felt like something out of a movie. Complete chaos as we tried to stay clear of the bison out on the plains… but so much fun. Makes for great stories around the dinner table.

One of our favorite memories from that trip happened almost unexpectedly… We ended up at Lake Yellowstone Hotel, and it felt like stepping into a different time–quiet, classic, right on the water.

It was the perfect stop after several hours of fishing. We came in hungry and left full and happy… and with one of my favorite desserts I have ever had.

Basque Cake–locally made dense yellow cake filled with vanilla pastry cream, served with brandied Flathead cherries. The whole experience was delicious, and something we still talk about to this day. Don’t you just love happy accidents!?

Yellowstone Winter

Snowmobiling in West Yellowstone

About 45 minutes from Big Sky, this is something I would recommend for adults, families, and children. It was an incredible experience– and one we already plan to do again.

We even crossed into the border of Idaho, surrounded by blankets of snow and endless evergreens. Be still my heart.

On the way, we stopped at a restaurant out near Island Park–one of those places you can only reach by snowmobile in the winter, which it made even more special.

We saw bison–something our friend, an experienced snowmobiler–said was a rarity in this part of West Yellowstone.

Next time I’d add a private tour through Yellowstone National Park– you’ll be able to see more wildlife, and wolves are a dream to spot.

We stayed with friends this trip–multiple families–just outside of West Yellowstone in a cozy cabin-style home, surrounded by birch trees and tucked away in a cozy section of town. What made it so ideal was the access to multiple main trailheads nearby, which made getting out into the mountains each day incredibly easy.

This was taken right on Two Top Mountain. Within 10 minutes, none of this was visible–a blizzard rolled in out of nowhere. How’s that for a little adrenaline?

Going back to that first Yellowstone trip through Make-A-Wish, we decided to go a little off the beaten path.

It wasn’t part of the plan–we were staying right inside Yellowstone National Park, fully immersed–but something in us just wanted to keep going.

So we drove.

And that’s how we found Jackson Hole… and fell in love with Grand Teton National Park–everything in it. It didn’t end there–we’ve found our way back more than once since then.

Jackson Hole Summer

Time wasn’t really on our side that first trip. We drove into Jackson Hole at the tail end of Yellowstone–just one night and barely two days–but somehow, it wasn’t enough.

What we experienced in that short window stayed with me–there was something about it… the way the mountains almost announce themselves, the town, the energy, the quiet in between. It felt like something out of a movie… a place you imagine, but don’t always believe is real until you’re standing in it.

And then, there we were.

It didn’t just stay with me–it stayed with all of us. A ripple effect. We knew we had to come back.

And we did.

Even in that first visit, here’s what we loved most:

Grand Teton National Park

Absolutely breathtaking in the summer. The Tetons feel like they just rise out of nowhere–endless views and a kind of majesty that just takes your breath away.

Jenny Lake Hike

One of the most beautiful hikes we’ve done. It is a popular spot, but so worth it. We actually came across three bears–so definitely have bear spray with you in the summer. It’s funny now, but we instinctively did exactly what you’re told not to do… WE RAN!!

Jackson Hole Rodeo

This might be our favorite memory–because it wasn’t planned at all. We were walking back from dinner at sunset when we started hearing voices through what sounded like muffled speakers. Off in the distance, there were bright lights, so we walked toward them–and ended up right in the middle of it.

It felt like the whole town was there–people walking in, walking out, heading home or to a bar after. It felt easy, local, and real.
If you’re in Jackson Hole this summer, this is one thing you don’t skip.

Fly fishing & time on the water

We didn’t have time to fly fish on our first trip, but seeing it set against the Tetons… it’s already on the list for next time.

Exploring the town of Jackson

We explored the town with the time we had–and it was enough to feel the pull to come back.
Stop into Hide Out Leathers and pick up a Stetson if you’ve been thinking about it.
Pro tip: The Stetson boxes actually unfold flat, so you can pack them in your suitcase. Turn the hat upside down and tuck smaller items inside the crown to protect it. When you get home, the box folds right back into shape–and it’s perfect for storing or displaying in your closet.

And then, just like that, we found ourselves back again–this time in the winter season.

This trip felt a little different. As the locals told us, it was one of the lowest snowfall years they’ve seen in nearly 50 years. The weather was slightly warmer, but there were still traces of snow along the mountains and throughout the landscape.

Driving through Grand Teton National Park felt like stepping into a completely different setting –frozen lakes, quiet roads, and that distinct stillness you only get this time of year.

Here’s what stood out most this time:

Jackson Hole Winter

Where we stayed

We stayed at Wyoming Inn of Jackson Hole, a small, cozy property just about a mile from town. Walking in, I was immediately met with Western rugs and a beautiful antler chandelier–exactly what I would picture when coming to Jackson Hole.
The room itself was just as inviting–small, cozy, with a comfortable bed, a fireplace, and little touches like snacks that made it easy to settle in. It was the kind of place you look forward to coming back to after a day out exploring.

Walking the town

Walking through Jackson , Wyoming felt warm and full of life. There’s an energy to it–busy in the best way, with people moving in and out of shops, stopping, lingering, talking it all in.
One of my favorite little details was the sound of my boots on the wooden boardwalks that line the storefronts–one of those little moments you carry with you.
And from the center of town, you can still look up and catch the snow-covered slopes in the distance. I had to take a photo under the Jackson Town Square Antler Arch-it’s such a quintessential Jackson moment.

Shops we loved

You really can’t go wrong with any shops in Jackson. From beautiful jewelry, to cowhide rugs, custom hat fittings, stunning art and photography galleries. We spent time in a few favorite spots, including Pendleton and Hideout Leathers, which has been around for decades.

Hideout Leathers is where I bought my original Stetson Hat–another beautiful piece I’ve added to my collection–so we made a point to stop back in this time around. If you happen to catch one of the owners–the husband, in particular–he has the most incredible stories. People, places, wildlife… all of it. Ask him about the famous grizzly bear, 399. It’s one of those stories that stays with you.

If you love to thrift like I do, there are a couple of local spots worth stopping into. There’s a Habitat for Humanity ReStore just near the inn, and a small church thrift shop, Browse N Buy, that’s equally worth a visit. You never know what you’ll find–it’s always the thrill of the hunt!

There’s also a small museum and a few galleries just outside of town–something I’d take more time exploring next time.

Where we ate

We ate at a handful of places during this trip, and each one had its own feel.
We had dinner at Snake River Grill, which is always such a classic. I had heard Harrison Ford is known to stop in from time to time, so of course I was on the lookout–but no luck. Maybe next time.

We also ate at the Whistling Grizzly right at the inn–such an easy, cozy option after a long day out, with food that feels just a bit more elevated than you’d expect.

But my favorite was The Bistro. From the outside, it feels like a French Café, and inside it’s busy–a little bustling, chic, and fun in a way that makes you feel like a local the second you sit down. We ended up lingering over dinner, never rushed, just taking our time and enjoying it.

We started with the dry aged steak tartare with smoked oyster aioli, fried caper, and potato chips, and also ordered the moules frites–Prince Edward Island mussels in garlic herb butter with fries.
Jeff had the rabbit ravioli, and it was just as good–one of those dishes you don’t expect to order, but end up loving.

For mornings (and a bit of a routine), we kept going back to Cafe Genevieve, and I ordered the Cowboy Breakfast more than once. It’s something I always gravitate toward. Simple, familiar, and exactly what I want. My order: two eggs over easy, side of bacon and grits, local slice of toast with butter and strawberry jam, of course. My Southern roots are never far away!

If they talk you into the Bloody Mary or even an espresso martini with tequila–just go with it. And if you don’t drink , the coffee is just as good… and the mugs are even better.

And then for something a little lighter, Healthy Being Café & Juicery became our go to for afternoon coffee and a healthy treat. Just a heads up–the cold brew will absolutely wake you up… you’re welcome.
On the way out, I picked up the cutest little Turkish rug–small enough to fit in my suitcase, and now it sits right under my piano bench at home.

Experiences
Spending time in Grand Teton National Park was one of the highlights of the trip. We rented a car and spent time just driving through–windows down, music up, boots out the window–taking it all in. It’s the kind of ride, miles of open road in front of you, where you don’t need to say much. The views do that for you.

We passed frozen lakes, spotted a lone coyote, and stopped along the way at different streams and overlooks–it felt like something waiting around every turn.

We also spent time with a guide, which I would absolutely recommend. Having someone who knows the area adds a completely different layer to the experience. He shared bits of history, pointed us toward quieter, off-the-beaten-path spots, and gave us ideas for places we’d come back to–like Grovant River Ranch and the cabins near Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis.

We saw mountain goats, moose, elk, and bison throughout the day. The guide will stop and take his camera out to show you better views and close-up shots of the animals in their natural habitat. Just an overall beautiful way to experience it all–without rushing it.

Nightlife

The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a must–one of those places that feels like the heart of Jackson. It’s everything you picture in a Western Bar, and then some. The barstools alone are worth noting… not your typical seat–think saddles. Giddy up.

On our nightly walks, we passed the Silver Dollar Bar tucked inside the Wort Hotel. It was always packed, buzzing, and effortlessly chic in that Western way–we made a mental note to come back next time.

And the Mangy Moose Saloon is already on my list. I’ve followed along for a while now, and it feels like one of those places you just have to experience for yourself.

At night, as you’re walking through town, you can still hear the buzz of people and the energy from the bars–but it never feels overwhelming. The mountains surround you, and stars and moon sit right above it.

This place–every part of it–has a way of stealing my heart.

Maybe it’s the wind on my face, as I’m dressed in a cloak and vintage boots my husband bought me almost 20 years ago. Or the rise of the mountains that loom over you, as if to say you’re safe.

Just the sky above, and how still it all becomes. Maybe it’s the space it gives you–to think, to breathe, to just be.

This trip, like so many others, felt like a reminder that life isn’t meant to be rushed. There are seasons for everything–something I find myself coming back to often. The seasons of the year, the seasons of life, the seasons we find ourselves walking through.

And somehow, places like this, in all its beauty and wide open spaces, make all of that feel a little clearer.

If you have any questions at all, feel free to reach out. This is my first guide, but it won’t be my last.

Traveling, creating, and sharing along the way–it’s all part of what makes up Salty Blonde Living… home, garden, life, and everything in between.

With love,
Erica
Salty Blonde Living