Surreal and Surprising, This is Jackson Hole Wyoming
I spent the summer there under the shadows of the Grand Teton range. It was the summer of 1998 and I was the Location Chef for the Grand Teton Lodge Company. My actual address was Moran Junction, a little spot in the road where you go on your way to Jackson. It was there in the midst of this Paradise that I oversaw the operation of Three feeding stations in the Coulter bay area for the Grand Teton Lodge.
The people flocked to this part of Wyoming. At the time, Park Rangers told me that over 2 million visitors come to this tiny Park alone. Then there is the Yellowstone Park that receives even more. I bet that summer, I cooked for all 2 million of them. Howbeit, I found out why they came to the area. You can find five star cuisine, plays, top name stores, wilderness, wildlife (and I don’t mean people), mountains, and much more here in Jackson Hole.
The first and foremost reason people came to this place was scenery. No where on earth can you find such majestic mountains. In the middle of these projections that reached to the sky, the animals would graze. From Elk, Deer, Mountain Sheep, Coyote, Foxes, Ground Hogs, Moose, Black Bear, Grizzly Bear, Birds of all sorts, Fishing of all sorts, were here. They would be in there natural surroundings of Pines, water, boulders, trails, valleys, springs, and people. Yes, people. They knew you were looking, but they did not mind it. People would take their time glassing the grasses for what wildlife they could see. It was relaxing, It was gorgeous, and it was wilderness you could drive too.
This was a place where people could get away. I met people from New York, Florida, Great Britain, Asia, California, and many other places. Over the time that summer, my wife even had a limited edition pencil sketch given to her by an artist who came to know her. This is a place that all walks, all professions, and all people can come. You leave the maze of people behind in the big city with all the smog and traffic. Here in the wilds of Wyoming, you could lose yourself. The Jackson Hole Conservation Alliance estimates the number of visitors to the Hole country in Jackson in the millions. In the surrounding country of this small island paradise in Wyoming, people come to know nature. This country is known as the “gateway to Yellowstone National Park in the heart of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The Peaks of the Grand Tetons reach 13,000 feet above the valley floor.
The second reason people come here is the family friendly nature of the area. There is simply so much to do, so much for everyone, people like it here. The first place to stop is the Jackson Hole chuck wagon dinner. As is described on their website, if you’re hungry come to camp where you will find “massive grills sizzle with layers of beef and barbeque chicken. Oversized cast-iron skillets clank loudly as hired-hands prepare homemade beans and fresh corn for this evenings feasts”. “This is eating the cowboy way, grub is slathered upon your plate”. This is where you can eat all you want too. The wide-open spaces, the cool crisp evening, the smell of the wood, along with the waft of the pine breeze all make you hungry. The open sky full of stars beneath the Tetons makes it a perfect get away. The next place to stop is the Teton Wagon Train and Horse adventure near Yellowstone Park. They say on their website that “it is voted the True West Magazines, Best Wagon Train Experience”. As you head out on a Conestoga Wagon, your trek will take you with rubber tires and padded seats on a four day-three night trip. Full of grub, places to sleep, and plenty of wildlife to see like the loon and Trumpeter Swan, along with Moose, Elk, and Deer. There are also Fishing trips, floating trips, white water rafting, hiking trips, helicopter flights, and many more activities in the area.
The third reason people come is the scenic routes and easy access. You can drive from Jackson Hole on highway 26-89-191 south to the Grand Teton Park. Go to the 42 mile Teton Park Scenic Loop. This can be accessed from two other main roads as well. It virtually links Jackson Hole, the Grand Teton Park, Yellowstone Park, and even Dubois. Be sure to bring a map, to make sure you find the spot to turn off. The highlights of this drive are unbelievable. The Snake river winds to this road and the Parks. Here is a list of some points of interest: Teton Point Overlook-the Valley Glaciers Snake River Overlook-The Fur Trapper Era Cunningham Cabin (suggested family activity), Oxbow Bend-River Dynamics Jackson Point Overlook-The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem Cathedral Group Turnout-Creation of Peaks Jenny Lake Overlook- Mountain Glaciation Cottonwood Creek Picnic Area-Fire Ecology Bill Menor Homestead and Maude Noble Cabin (family activity) Biotic Communities of Grand Teton National Park Early Peoples in Jackson Hole, and Mormon Row.
I recommend finding good hotels and making reservations in advance. If you get online you can find great deals and save yourself money. On top of that most online reservation systems like Orbit or Hotels.com will tell you what the accommodations are like and give you peoples comments on the places they have stayed. One place I recommend is to stay at Coulter bay. You can stay in Cabins that have a dated history. For dinners, there are many places to eat at plus a nice walk on Teton Lake shore sides when you are done. You can also take boat rides, go canoeing, charter fishing boats, go on a fish fry in the middle of the lake to one of the small islands, or even watch the wildlife there. Don’t be surprise to see a bear, moose, or deer close by.
There is nothing like this country in the summer. The roads can get a bit crowded, but I spent the whole season there, it is a great place anytime. I recommend you do come early in the season or late, as both these times have an extra special touch. You can talk with people, that work in the area, and get to know them. They can fill you in on what to do and where to go. These are the times you can sit quietly and write, make music, take pictures, meditate, pray, and enjoy the scenery. It will make you want to come back. Believe me, the colors are vibrant, the animals are wild, the place is serene, and the people are friendly. It’s a place I like to go and you will too.
About the Author
Dana G Smith is a Writer, Author of the
Book D Day for America
,is the Watchman of
http://www.wingswatchman.org
|
|
Snake River with the Grand Tetons in the Background, Jackson Hole, Wyoming Artists Photographic Poster Print by Alfred Eisenstaedt, 30×40 $129.99 Snake River with the Grand Tetons in the Background, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is digitally printed on archival photographic paper resulting in vivid, pure color and exceptional detail that is suitable for any museum or gallery display. Finding that perfect piece to match your interest and style is easy and within your budget!… |
|
|
Snake River with the Grand Tetons in the Background, Jackson Hole, Wyoming Photographic Poster Print Snake River with the Grand Tetons in the Background, Jackson Hole, Wyoming is digitally printed on archival photographic paper resulting in vivid, pure color and exceptional detail that is suitable for any museum or gallery display. Finding that perfect piece to match your interest and style is easy and within your budget!… |
|
|
Snake River, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, WY Framed Art Poster Print by Jack Hoehn Jr., 22×18 $99.99 Brighten up any space with high quality framed and ready to hang art prints. Snake River, Jackson Hole, Grand Teton National Park, WY is just one that helps you create effortless style and adds character to any room…. |
|
|
Falling Forward $9.74 The Storm Show crew has raised the stakes and reaped and reaped the goods for their way through death-defying exposure, ridiculously big airs, and dangerously deep powder. At the end of the day its all smiles and high-fives. This is Falling Forward defined. Filmed in digital, high definition, and 16mm formats, Falling Forward showcases the spectacular Jackson Hole area including the Teton, Gros Ve… |
|
|
Snake River SARSAPARILLA FROM THE JACKSON HOLE SODA Co. Shemp, get me a sarsaparilla, 12-Ounce Glass Bottle (Pack of 12) … |
Jackson Hole Snake River
Golf Communities in Jackson Hole
There are many golf communities in the Jackson Hole area where you can live and enjoy one of America’s greatest pastimes, the game of golf. For more than twenty years, Jackson Hole was home to only one golf course; however, today there are 5 in the immediate area and many more close by.
Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis, located at the base of the Tetons, was the valley’s first golf course. Purchased in 1958 and opened in 1965, owner Paul McCollister, sold the golf course two years after completion to The Grand Teton Lodge Company. Today the course is owned and operated by Vail Resorts who called upon Robert Trent Jones II to update the course after acquiring it in 1999. There are currently seven homes for sale in the community ranging from over one million to nearly three million. With a spectacular view of the Tetons, the neighborhood and championship course continue to impress its residents along with golfers from around the world.
Located on the West Bank of the Snake River, Teton Pines was the next golf course community to be built and was completed in 1987. The Arnold Palmer-designed course stretches 7,412 yards. Centrally located between the Town of Jackson and Teton Village, the community contains many amenities such as: The Pines Restaurant, tennis, fly fishing, cross country skiing, a swimming pool and more. The subdivision is a favorite of local residents as well and vacation home owners. Properties in the neighborhood range from 1.5 million up to 9 million.
The final three golf communities take high-end to a new level of luxury. The 3 Creek Ranch community offers a Rees Jones course, along with private fishing, a naturalist program, cross country ski trails and a community fitness center. In regards to lots and homes for sale, there are 87 cabins sites available, each located on over half an acre in addition, to 43 lots that range from two to five acres in size. For those looking for the ultimate in luxury and exclusivity, there are six 35-acre parcels available to build your own private ranch. To purchase a single family home in 3 Creek Ranch, you can expect to spend around 3-5 million.
The last two golf communities plan to continue the luxury living concept. Located in the Snake River Canyon, The Snake River Sporting Club offers private membership to the Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, along with an on-site fly fishing guide ready to take owners fishing down the Snake River. Residents can also head out on horse back with the community wrangler or spend time relaxing in the neighborhood member’s lodge. Snake River Sporting Club also has its own heli-pad for easy access to powder skiing along with a spa and fitness center. You can buy a lot at the Snake River Sporting Club for a little over 1 million up to 6 million.
Shooting Star, the newest golf course to Jackson Hole is still under construction. The Tom Fazio course and Shooting Star community is walking distance from the Jackson Hole ski area in Teton Village. With the completion of the course set for summer 2009, the course will only be accessible by its members and their guests. A little over a one acre parcel in this luxury community will cost between 2 and 5 million.
For those looking to purchase real estate in a golf community, the options are plentiful in the Jackson Hole area. Whether you are looking to enjoy living in the valley part-time or as a full time resident, each community is full of activities that allow you enjoy the true beauty of Jackson Hole.
About the Author
Caroline Mancill Kelm is a real estate agent living and working in Jackson Hole.www.searchjacksonholerealestate.com
Recipe for Eskimo Bars?
I was watching Food Network the other night and saw an episode of The Best Thing I Ever Ate. It was the episode “Served Cold” and the first thing featured was Giada De Laurentiis’s favorite thing, which were SRG Eskimo Bars from the Snake River Grill in Jackson Hole, WY. They looked absolutely delicious. From what I remember they were brownies and vanilla ice cream dipped in chocolate and served with a caramel dipping sauce. I looked all over the internet and there doesn’t seem to be any recipes for them. Does anyone have a recipe or could at least give some guidelines or tips before I attempt to just dive right in and try to make some? They don’t look too difficult but I’ll admit I am not very skilled in the kitchen…
hey i’m trying to make some right now! I just got done with making the brownie so i haven’t assembled anything yet but it’s pretty much i no brainer. I used Ina Garten’s outrageous brownie recipe (minus the nuts). use the same temp and pan size but half the recipe so it’s not so thick because the brownie part of the eskimo was rather thin. then i bought some lucerne vanilla ice cream that comes in rectangular blocks and i’m going to cut the ice cream while it’s cold instead of softening it and spreading it. then freeze it again and cut into rectangles and dip in melted chocolate. hopefully it’ll work, good luck!