Wyoming

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

My husband is from Wyoming, so we have always made a trip there each year at various times, but my favorite is over the Christmas holidays. The town of Jackson is in a valley over 50 miles long and has become one of the most sophisticated destinations in the west. It is one of of the top five art markets in the country. Lots of great galleries downtown, and I seem to have a painting or photograph of the area in every room in my house. They do a magnificent job of framing everything. First thing he did when he took me as a newly wed to Wyoming was to buy me boots, a western outfit, and of course a cowboy hat. I looked like a local when we went to the Rodeo. They have some terrific shops in town, and you will enjoy wandering around.

I sent my mother in England a photo of me in my new Stetson and told her Roy also gave me a mink coat and a Mustang. She replied, I am sure you will enjoy the fur coat, but why the horse. I quickly wrote and told her it was a car.

Magnificent scenery, with mountains over 14,000 ft. high. Jackson Hole is set over 6,700 ft and it can take some time adjusting to the altitude. You must drink plenty of water and pace yourself for the first few days, and don't drink any alcohol. Do go to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. Wonderful river rafting, fishing, hiking and camping. On Wednesday and Saturday, from Memorial Day to early September, they hold a Rodeo which brings every cowboy into town.

Yellowstone National Park was established in 1872, and is considered America’s Serengeti for the abundance of wildlife, elk, bison, bears, wolves and a lot of bird species. It is almost 3500 square miles so it is a good idea to break up the viewing into two trips. Do the south and north loops, start in the Jackson Hole Valley, overnight at a resort within the park, then make your way up to Old Faithful, the famous geyser, which erupts every 90 minutes for over a hundred years.

Grand Teton can easily be visited in one day. Start at the South Entrance near Teton Village and explore the Rockefeller Preserve. The Rockefeller family gave over 200,000 acres to make this park in 1950. Stop at Jenny Lake for one of the best views of the Teton Range. Ride a boat shuttle across the lake. There are some wonderful hiking and biking trails in this area. The path to the shore of Phelps Lake is well worth doing.

Rafting or kayaking down the Snake River is a wonderful trip. There are tours you can book.

There are many great restaurants to choose from. We like Rendezvous Bistro, for its great seafood and classic dishes. Coelette for a fresh take on farm to table mountain menus, and the Snake River Grill is a must. If you are fond of Mexican food, try the Merry Piglet, or Hatch Taqueria. If you want to dine, dance, and have entertainment, then go to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on Jackson Square. Wise to make a reservation.

We like the Spring Creek Ranch and Amangani for luxury accommodation, great for having your own villa if you have the family with you. Also the Caldera House Resort. We’ve also stayed at the Rusty Parrot Lodge in town a few times.

My husband likes going when he can fish, and go horseback riding. I like the winter, when I can take a sleigh ride in the valley to see the herd of hundreds of elk spending the winter in a safe meadow. There is an excellent ski area but I do feel it is best suited to advanced skiers.

We usually fly in and rent a car. This is a very busy airport with private planes and charter flights. Several major airlines have services there. However, several companies do a great package tour such as Abercrombie & Kent, Avanti, Mountain Travel Sobek, and Backroads. Any of the hotels or resorts you stay at can arrange activities, guides, and transfers for you.

The National Park Service website is good to check out www.nps.gov for information on Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and other parks.

Go on our website www.froschvacations.com and browse. Where can we take you next year?

Maureen Jones

All Horizons Travel/Frosch

825 Santa Cruz Ave

Menlo Park, CA 94025

650-961-2340 direct

maureen.jones@frosch.com