THIS 24,700-ACRE SANCTUARY IS HOME
TO THE LARGEST ELK HERDS IN THE
WORLD, AND MANAGED BY THE U.S. FISH
October/November 2017 83
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Spectator magazine. Don’t be surprised to see celebrities
dining here, like Harrison Ford, who is a longtime
Jackson Hole resident.
Nightlife in Jackson Hole is twangy, as you might
expect. At the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where
Western Americana is celebrated, saddles form the bar
stools. But take note: If you fall out of your saddle,
it’s probably time to head to the bunkhouse. You can
practice your Texas two-step at the historic bar, which
got the first liquor license in Wyoming after Prohibition
was repealed. The bar features great live Western
music along with its historic past. Such greats as Waylon
Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., Glen Campbell and
Tanya Tucker all made appearances here.
Another choice for live music is the Silver Dollar
Bar in the historic Wort Hotel. Check out the 1921
uncirculated Morgan silver dollars inlaid in the Silver
Dollar Bar and the Showroom Bar. The holes were
drilled slightly smaller than the dollar coins, which
were shrunk in dry ice before being cemented into
the black Formica counter—all to discourage theft.
If your idea of entertainment extends beyond bars,
check the calendar at the Jackson Hole Center for the
Arts for some great shows and performances. These
AND WILDLIFE SERVICE.
range from a Valentine’s Day swing dance to Tony
Award–winning choreographer and legendary tap
dancer Savion Glover.
Art lovers are also in luck. Clinging to a butte overlooking
the refuge is the National Museum of Wildlife
Art, a world-class institution in a breathtaking location.
It offers 14 galleries with works from famous
artists, including Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe and
Andy Warhol. There are also more than 25 art galleries
in town to browse through.
OTHER ADVENTURES
While skiing may be considered Jackson Hole’s main
attraction, there is no shortage of alternative winter
activities. No matter whether you’re a rank beginner
or hardcore expert, this is a great place to get zooming
and mushing.
Snowmobile tours of nearby Yellowstone National
Park include an all-day excursion to Old Faithful. A
guide drives you 55 miles to the park’s south entrance,
where you mount your snowmobile for a 90-mile
round trip. Also available is a shorter snowmobile
trip to Granite Springs (30 miles round trip) or Gros
Ventre Mountains (50 miles).
Getting to Jackson Hole can be quick and easy.
Many airlines offer nonstop seasonal service to the
one and only commercial airport located inside a national
park, in this case Grand Teton. But be advised,
winter weather can close the airport.
BEYOND THE SLOPES
The Four Seasons in Teton Village has earned accolades
as the best ski hotel in the country for its spectacular
location and ski in-ski out convenience. Be sure
to check out the wood-burning fireplace and heated
outside patio of the Ascent Lounge for après ski.
Another excellent option is Hotel Jackson, a stunning
luxury hotel that was named a “Travelers’ Choice”
by TripAdvisor earlier this year. The boutique hotel
offers 58 stylish rooms in a central location only a
block off the historic town square. Its slogan, “Where
the mountain meets modern,” sums up the look and
feel. The hotel’s décor matches rich woods and leathers
with reclaimed bar wood and stone floors.
Over the last 30 years, dining in Jackson Hole has
evolved much faster than some of us old-timers’ culinary
tastes. Maybe for that reason I’m still drawn to
the Mangy Moose Saloon. Opening at the base of the
ski resort in 1967, this bar, restaurant and live music
venue remains a favorite of locals and visitors alike.
The Mangy Moose brashly and proudly bills itself
as “America’s Most Unusual Steakhouse.” Try the
buffalo meatloaf with Moose Drool stout gravy or the
elk brats stuffed with cheddar and jalapeno. To round
out the experience, you might want to add the grilled
watermelon with arugula, goat cheese, pistachios,
pickled jalapenos and tamarind vinaigrette.
For a vastly different dining experience, try the
Wild Sage in the Rusty Parrot Lodge. This intimate
restaurant has only eight tables and 32 seats, and some
consider it the finest restaurant in Jackson Hole. Dinner
is served in full view of the exhibition kitchen.
The regional menu offers sustainable seafood and the
freshest meat, as well as organic produce. Expect such
dishes as herb-rubbed elk tenderloin or mustard-andpanko
crusted halibut.
The Wild Sage has racked up accolades galore. It
is the town’s only AAA Four Star recipient, and was
named “Top Mountain Restaurant” by Mountain
Living magazine, which praised “its ambiance and
over-the-top food.” The Wild Sage also boasts an
extensive wine cellar that has won awards from Wine
The Four Seasons
in Teton Village
has ski-in convenience
and a spectacular
setting.
Granite Hot Springs,
30 miles from
Jackson Hole, is a
favorite musclesoothing
retreat.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: NEW THOUGHT MEDIA; DON RIDDLE IMAGES; COURTESY OF VISITJACKSONHOLE.COM; MATTHEW THOMAS