Travel Notes from our Summer Getaway
If you’ve never been to Jackson Hole in the summer, let this be your official nudge to make it happen. Zach surprised me with this trip while our girls were away at camp. We had tossed around the idea of going to Europe but couldn’t quite make it work with leaving the littles behind. I didn’t think too much about it and was asking Zach how he wanted to celebrate Father’s Day, and he told me that “dinner in Jackson Hole sounds good.” He was thinking of not telling me until we got to the airport but knew I would want to buy some new clothes (he was right!). A few overnight shipments and one massive try-on session later and we were on our way! I will say, Zach’s surprise-trip skills are leveling up (babymoon and birthday recaps coming soon!). But first, let’s chat all things Wyoming!
Jackson Hole is where Zach grew up vacationing—and it felt like home to me the moment I visited. We’ve always been in the winter and couldn’t wait to take our kids whenever they were old enough. After our first family ski trip there, we were hooked. We love the town so much that we wanted to experience it during the summer. Last year we enjoyed a few days during a road trip to Montana and Wyoming with a stop in Yellowstone. This year we flew directly into Jackson and stayed there for a long weekend. It was a lot of flying since we live in SC but it was a great trip. We were able to pack in plenty of adventure and downtime.
Naturally, I took many notes and have spent the past few weeks organizing my thoughts and this post. Without further adieu, here’s your streamlined yet comprehensive guide to staying, dining, exploring, and shopping—without the overwhelm.
Where We Stayed
Hotel Yellowstone
Our base for this trip was Hotel Yellowstone, an adults-only luxury boutique just 15 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport, perfectly situated between downtown Jackson and Teton Village. While we love staying in Teton Village during the winter months, this location is truly unbeatable for a summer escape.
We had considered returning to Amangani, but with renovations underway until 2026, we opted for Hotel Yellowstone—and it did not disappoint. Each room feels like a private cottage, outfitted with thoughtful amenities: cozy in-room fireplaces, soaking tubs, expansive decks with designer furnishings, and panoramic mountain views. Daily cocktail hour with appetizers is included, as is breakfast overlooking the Tetons. There’s also a serene infinity pool with floor-to-ceiling windows, an outdoor sauna, an on-site spa, and a team of staff who make you feel genuinely welcome. It’s no wonder this property has earned so much acclaim—it’s every bit as luxurious as it is warm and inviting.
Where We Ate
Hotel Yellowstone Breakfast // Included with your stay and delicious—smoothies and mountain views to fuel each day.
Kampai // Sushi on the patio at sunset. Bring a jacket—it can get chilly, but views, cocktails, apps and rolls are worth it.
Moo’s Gourmet Ice Cream // This charming shop serves up organic, handcrafted ice cream made in small batches. We popped in after dinner for a scoop (or two), and it made for the perfect sweet treat to enjoy on a leisurely stroll back to the car.
Orsetto Italian Bar & Eatery // Next door to Kampai. Cozy and stylish with great dessert options. Also a sweet neighbor to the local ice cream parlor.
Big Hole BBQ // Bright, modern BBQ spot for wings, salads and sandwhiches. We enjoyed wings and a cobb salad one morning after hiking and it hit the spot!
Snake River Grill // A great date-night spot. Snag a table on the patio if the weather is nice. We nibbled on several sharables including crudo, Caesar salad, truffle fries, and halibut. Oh and the warm donut dessert with dipping sauces was to die for.
Cowboy Coffee Co. // Stop here for cowboy burritos and a strong cup before park adventures. I dream about these burritos. They are that good.
Teton Thai // I’m going to tell you about this one if you promise to not tell anyone else. This hidden gem is located a short walk from Teton Village, and serves bold, authentic Thai dishes that hit the spot after a day outdoors. Don’t miss the Panang curry or drunken noodles. It’s small and they don’t take reservations so bring your patience.
Gather // Creative American fare one block off Town Square. We shared crispy Brussels sprouts, a seasonal salad, and a rich, comforting elk Bolognese they are known for. This one has laid-back vibes and a sleek mountain ambiance and can handle a crowd.
Sunset Picnic by Zach // On our last night Zach surprised me with a new Pendleton blanket I had been eyeing, a packed cooler (the hotel brought him one to use packed with ice) and all the makings of a wonderful charcuterie board from the local grocery store for a evening picnic under pink skies—a perfect finale to our trip!
What We Did
- Spa at Hotel Yellowstone // We enjoyed massages, swimming in their insane pool & some time in the outdoor sauna one afternoon and it was incredibly relaxing.
- Jackson Hole Rodeo // Neither of us had ever been to the rodeo and it was definitely something we both wanted to check off the list. The tickets were insane expensive because the venue is so small but it was worth it! The weather was perfection, the rodeo was fun and the hotdogs and cold boys hit the spot!
- Million Dollar Cowboy Bar // At the end of the rodeo they announced everyone was going to Million Dollar Cowboy Bar and so we thought… sure why not! We got a table by the dance floor and had us a time people watching. The band was incredible and we ended up staying out until almost 2am aka 4am our time. I am still recovering to this day.
- Fly Fishing // We have been fly fishing a couple times now on the Snake River. We always book through Teton Village Sports and only ever do a half day. You can start in the morning, get a little fishing in, take in some beautiful views and be done in time for a late lunch.
- Sightseeing & Hiking // We did a LOT of driving around looking for wildlife and hiking (see below)! I think Grand Teton National Park is one of the best places on earth. Keep reading for some of our favorites!
Scenic Drive & Photo Stops
Looped around Jenny Lake, strolled Oxbow Bend, took in the historic barns at Mormon Row, grabbed lunch at Dornan’s, chased wildlife along Signal Mountain & Willow Flats, and paused at Jackson Lake and Phelps Lake. Sunrise at Windy Point Turnout and panoramic views at Schwabacher Landing and Snake River Overlook.
Hiking Favorites
Enjoy these favorite hikes—tap each for trail info, driving directions, and reviews:
- Taggart Lake Loop (~3.8 mi) – Easy loop with Teton views.
- Phelps Lake via Rockefeller Preserve (~6.4 mi) – Moderate forest and lakeside scenery.
- Jenny Lake/Valley Trail (~7 mi) – Scenic shorelines and alpine views.
- Signal Mountain Trail (~3.4 mi) – Moderate ascent with sweeping Teton vistas over Jackson Lake.
We also explored Lupine Meadows (part of the Valley Trail system)—great for waterfalls, wildflowers, and wildlife from the trail’s many viewpoints.
Shopping & Extras
- Encounter Hat Co. // Local custom hats and crease‑to‑fit styling. I picked up one I wear all the time.
- Saturday Farmers Market // Local artisans, homemade everything, fresh produce in town square
- Made, Overland, Teton Village Sports // great for gear, gifts, and keepsakes
Things to Know Before You Go
- We had perfectly clear skies this visit—no smoke, but cottonwood pollen was intense. Pack allergy meds and check the fire reports before you go if you’re sensitive to smoke.
- Must-haves for traveling and sightseeing include a portable charger, binoculars or spotting scope, paper map (the service is spotty at best in some places), and cooler or pick one up at Albertsons.
- Helpful apps that you should download are AllTrails for hiking routes and Aurora for Northern Lights alerts.
- Buy a National Parks pass if you plan on visiting Grand Teton or Yellowstone—worth it. If you want the hard pass you have to buy that early because they ship it to your house!
Other Places to Stay
- Hotel Jackson – chic boutique on Town Square
- Cloudveil – design-forward and close to downtown
- Snake River Lodge – resort amenities at Teton Village
- Four Seasons Jackson Hole – luxe mountain retreat
- Hotel Terra – eco-modern comfort next to the trails
- Caldera House – curated suite-style lodging
- Amangani – ultra-luxury with sweeping views, currently closed but reopening in Summer 2026
- Jenny Lake Lodge – rustic charm near trailheads; the breakfast is worth waking up for
More Places to Eat
- Osteria – artisanal pastas & wood‑fired pizzas
- The Deck at Piste – outdoor dining with mountain views
- Corbet Cabin – waffles at the top of Snow King tram ride
- Ascent Lounge – Pan-Asian bites and cocktails fireside
- Handle Bar – pub grub, craft beers, elevated vibes
- Westbank Grill – steakhouse with regional ingredients
- Sudachi – refined sushi and sustainable seafood
- Local – steakhouse, burgers, game cuts
- The Kitchen – seasonal, elevated plates
- Bin22 – Italian & Spanish tapas + wine
- Hatch Taqueria – bold tacos and tequila
- Jackson Drug – classic diner and homemade ice cream
- Persephone Bakery – French pastries and light bites
- Silver Dollar Bar – historic western setting with hearty fare
Final Thoughts
Summer in Jackson Hole is a dream: crystal alpine light, lake hikes without the snow, and dinner with mountain views. Whether you’re fly fishing along the Snake River, chasing sunset light on Phelps Lake, or indulging in elk Bolognese at Gather—this place invites you to breathe and enjoy. I hope this guide helps you fall in love too. Tag me if you go—I’d love to follow along!
