THE FULLEST Guide to Jackson Hole
One of Wyoming’s most picturesque high valley towns sits in fields of green or snow — depending on the time of year — and between not one but three stunning national parks. Home to covered wooden walkways, saloons, and boutique lodgings, it’s everything you want it to be. You’ll find it draws a diverse crowd of die-hard mountain climbers, fanatical skiers, foodies, cowboys, celebrities, and nature lovers.
The only issue is that as it’s located in remote-ish wilderness, it can make travel difficult. However, we’ve recently discovered Aero and it’s been a game changer for trips more off the beaten path. This semi-private airline has you taking off and touching down via private terminals on both ends of your flight. Plus, while you’re on board, they employ light and sound therapy to help with sleep and motion sickness — you can even custom select your own healthy meals and snacks. It was definitely worth the investment as we arrived feeling anything but jet lagged or sluggish, and thus allowed us to make the most of our stay in Jackson. We highly recommend it — especially, if you’re short on time as it really cuts hours of travel. And for 10% off your Aero flight, use code THEFULLEST when booking.
Check out the rest of our top Jackson Hole picks — and be sure to drop a comment below with your fave spots in town!
Stay
Anvil Hotel
On the doorstep of Yellowstone, in the vibrant town of Jackson, the Anvil Hotel celebrates the wonder of place — and from the moment you arrive, you feel it. The staff are welcoming and the atmosphere is inviting. We loved the detailed rooms that really deliver on the mountain-rustic vibe including iron bed frames, brass lighting fixtures, leather-wrapped pegs for skis and fishing rods, and (our personal favorite) Woolrich woolen blankets. From the hospitality to the hand soap everything is thoughtful and intentional. The perfect place if you’re looking for a lodging that marries luxury with coziness.
Cache House
In our younger years, we’ve stayed in a hostel or two, and all we can say about Cache House is that it’s nothing like the barren bunk beds with scratchy sheets and open showers. In fact, prepare to have your perception of a hostel completely redefined. Just off the town square and backing onto Cache Creek, you can explore nature during the day and return to rest your head in cute bunks with luxe linens, a rain shower, and radiant heated floors. If you’re looking for accommodation that doesn’t sacrifice comfort and design for economy — this is your place. It’s also amazing for solo travelers or those looking to make new friends. Gather in their beautiful communal lodge and get advice from fellow travelers, enjoy one of their movie nights, or chill out on the sofa with a cup of their freshly brewed and always on coffee.
Eat
Healthy Being Organic Cafe & Cold Pressed Juicery
From their tiny (and very cute) cabin, Healthy Being Organic Cafe feeds the entire town. Started up by health coach Jessica Vandenbroeke, this place serves up some of the most delicious and nutritious food. They also double as a juicery and wellbeing market if you ended to top up on some holistic supplies.
Glorietta Trattoria
Wait, are you in Italy or Wyoming? After a day skiing or exploring outside, we highly suggest refueling (and then some) at Glorietta Trattoria. Open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday, they are Jackson Hole famous for their handmade pasta and wood-fired cooking. Locals and tourists alike also visit for their value-oriented Italian wine list and expertly crafted cocktails. If you’re looking to get a little dressed up or are after some fine-dining but not a fussy dinner restaurant — this is it. The atmosphere also satisfies with simple tiles, natural materials, and a large wood-burning grill that is the hearth of the room. Plus, if you’re exhausted and want to stay in, they do takeaway!
Glori Gelateria
After dinner, make sure to leave room for ice cream as right next to Glorietta Trattoria is Glori Gelateri. This summertime gelateria is inspired by classic Italian gelato shops but with a fun, playful Western twist. Glori offers house-made gelato and sorbetto with a variety of classic and rotating flavors. Our personal delight is Pistachio Matcha! Take your scoop for a walk outside or sit in and enjoy it in the sunlit space which features a bright, colorful mural by local artists.
Trio Bistro
Another favorite dinner spot has to be the American Bistro Trio. Centrally located off the town square, we love that it’s owned and operated by local chefs that have a passion for seasonal local ingredients. There’s something for everyone on this menu.
Caldera House
The restaurant downstairs at Caldera House is an eclectic mountainside eatery. It’s enclosed in almost floor to ceiling windows giving you stunning feelings of the surrounding trees. It’s menu definitely has a light Italian skew but also has some great modern classics if you’re looking for pasta alternatives.
Persephone Bakery
Do NOT leave Jackson Hole without stopping at Persephone Bakery. It’s won all the awards and its endless Google reviews speak volumes to its unique blend of artisan baked goods. Also, if you need a caffeine fix, their coffee has some kind of mountain magic brewed into each cup. One of our all-time faves!
Coelette
Concept restaurant, Colette, is a new addition by the husband and wife team behind Persephone Bakery. Set in the historic Coe Cabin, the focus is on snowline cuisine, a unique naturalist style of food that incorporates techniques honed in the world’s mountain regions. Plus, the architecture and decor alone make this restaurant worth a visit. Serving dinner nightly at 5pm — make sure to get a reservation ahead of time!
Cultivate Cafe
Passionate about healing the world through food, we love the nuanced take on this amazing eatery that is housed in one of Jackson Hole’s oldest buildings. Cultivate Cafe feels half like a rustic homestyle eatery and half like a clean juice bar. It bases its menu on organic, gluten free, soy free, corn free, sugar free, and plant based items with the possibility of adding animal protein or cheese and there’s something for everyone here!
Hand Fire Pizza
A hand fired pizza restaurant housed in an old iconic movie theater — yes, please. Not only is their building a huge draw card, their pizzas use organic, local, and regional ingredients as much as possible and aim to provide an affordable and family friendly pizzeria. Definitely one if you’ve got kids in tow — they love it!
Inversion Cafe
Housed in one of our favourite yoga studios (more of that to follow) the cafe component in Inversion Cafe offers an all-organic menu of coffee, tea, adaptogenic lattes, smoothies, cold pressed organic juice, and healthy snacks that are the perfect post Shavasana pick me up.
Shop
The Mercantile
Yes this store is in the Anvil Hotel lobby, but rest assured you’ll find zero cheesy fridge magnets and processed foods. Instead, pick up some quality Jackson Hole merch in the form of 100% cotton twill caps and canvas or leather overnight bags. You’ll also find natural and botanical-based travel necessities, a well-edited library, and healthy grab-and-go snacks.
Tayloe Piggott Gallery
If you’re looking to balance your love of the great outdoors with some culture — then pop into Tayloe Piggott Gallery for some amazing exhibitions. It also houses some really cool fine jewelry collections that have been sourced from around the world.
Rodeo
If you’re feeling down to shop then take yourself to Rodeo. Tucked inside the Hotel Terra, you’ll find garments and accessories that manage to blend effortless pieces with a nod to western style. Sourcing pieces for their specialized craftsmanship and beautiful fabrics, you’ll be sure to pick up items that are unique and one-of-a-kind.
Visit
Jackson Hole Farmers Market
It wouldn’t be THE FULLEST City Guide without a farmers market. Enjoy the best of the area’s local food, music, and a thriving community. Held in the Town Square on Saturday mornings from 8am-12pm, this market runs from July 10 through September 25.
The National Elk Refuge
Hundreds of years ago, elk roamed much of what is now North America, grazing in grasslands, valleys, and foothills all across the continent. As their lands were settled, their numbers were reduced, and the remaining elk gradually migrated to the mountainous west. People living in Jackson Hole in the late 1800s and early 1900s became aware of the nearby elk herd and began using sleighs to travel to their feeding grounds to see them. Interest in the animals grew, and the refuge was officially established in 1912. The sleigh rides became so popular that in 1965, the refuge began offering sleigh ride tours to the public. If you have kids (and even if you don’t), this is an unforgettable experience that will last a lifetime.
Amangani
This is our ultimate “go for the view” recommendation — it’s vista makes it worth checking out! Sitting in the foothills of the Grand Tetons, Amangani looks out across the mountains and plains of the Snake River Valley and you feel as though your transported back to the Old West with its mix of redwoods, natural beauty, and sandstone architecture.
Core Pilates of Jackson Hole
If you’re a pilates junkie, we love this studio that offers mat and equipment classes. It’s an amazing space with its timber floors, high ceilings, and natural light. Popular with locals, you’ll wanna reserve your place early!
Cache Creek Trail
Bringing your pup? This trail is great for dogs (and kids) on vacation as it’s a fairly easy trek. The trails — including the Putt Putt Trail, Ferrin’s Trail, and the Hagen — are open year-round. Just about 10 minutes from downtown, it’s a super quick drive from Jackson. So if you, or your dog, needs some R&R afterwards, it’s only a short drive back. Side note: If you’re flying into Jackson, don’t think that means you need to leave your best friend at home — Aero airline is pet friendly!
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Any time of year you visit, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort offers an endless array of outdoor adventures. In the winter, enjoy skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing and in the summertime pick from their menu of hiking, horse riding, and kayaking. If it’s open, make sure to take the tram to the top of the mountain for stunning views.
Teton Village
Once you’re done skiing, head to the base to enjoy the après ski scene. Surrounding the base of the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort you’ll find buzzing cafes and bars, a friendly community of locals and tourists, and a regular live music schedule.
Inversion Yoga
We love this yoga studio for its endless options of mindful movement. Their extensive timetable offers vinyasa, yin, kundalini and hot yoga, pilates (mat and reformer), barre, and sculpt classes. Whether you’re looking to work up a sweat or to recover after a day on the slopes, there’s a class here for you.
Mountain Dandy
Step into this locally-owned business and you’ll find yourself surrounded by a wide array of handmade and vintage items for the home. We love the natural shapes and organic textures of their ceramic coffee mugs and dinnerware.
