By EBS Staff
Jackson, Wyo., is a mountain town featuring two heartbeats – the mountain village at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, and the famed downtown adorned in elk antlers, wooden boardwalks, and a vibrant shopping and restaurant scene.
Visitors travel from around the world to ski and play here, but as residents of Gallatin County, we’re fortunate to live just a short drive away. Big Sky’s proximity to Jackson, coupled with the recreation, lodging and food options makes Jackson the perfect weekend getaway destination.
This place is a recreational paradise. Located due south of Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, Jackson Valley, aka the “Hole,” is home to an array of outdoor opportunities including resort and backcountry skiing, fly-fishing, climbing, rafting, hiking … the list goes on.
First time in Jackson? Don’t sweat it. EBS has you covered with our staff picks on where to stay, eat, and, of course, ski!
STAY – HOTEL JACKSON
A few blocks off Jackson’s downtown square is one of the region’s newest boutique hotels, Hotel Jackson, a 58-bedroom inn featuring trendy design, relaxing rooms and attentive service set in an incredible location. Rooms at Hotel Jackson are comfortable, quiet and appointed with the rustic, modern mountain luxuries you seek 
on a vacation stay and expect of a new luxury hotel, down to the plush beds and fireplaces. Hotel Jackson’s lobby also features a quaint and quality restaurant, FIGS, serving Mediterranean-inspired, Wyoming fare.
120 N. Glenwood Street, Jackson, Wyo. hoteljackson.com (307) 733-2200
BREAKFAST – LOTUS CAFÉ
Start your day here with Lotus’s Bison Biscuits and Gravy or Huevos Rancheros. The restaurant caters to all eating styles by
offering organic meats, vegetarian, vegan, raw and allergy-free options. Organic and fresh ingredients are the foundation for Lotus Café’s creative, global menu. Whether you’re looking for smoothies, cold-pressed juices, baked goods, breakfast, lunch, dinner or cocktails, Lotus has something delicious for everyone.
145 N. Glenwood Street, Jackson, Wyo. tetonlotuscafe.com (307) 734-0882
SHRED (DAY) – JACKSON HOLE MOUNTAIN RESORT
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort celebrates its 50th anniversary this season, and is sharing the love in many ways. During the last three weeks in January, powder hungry snow-sliders receive 50 percent off single-day lift tickets when they present a valid 2015-2016 season pass from any resort, anywhere in the world. Also new this season is the Teton quad chairlift, accessing steep glades and deep snow, which previously could only be reached by hiking.
3395 Cody Lane, Teton Village, Wyo. jacksonhole.com (307) 733-2292
LUNCH – SNAKE RIVER BREWING CO.
Wyoming’s oldest brewery offers one of Jackson’s best, and most affordable, lunches. Since opening eight years ago, head chef Ryan
Brogan has been satisfying locals and visitors alike. Favorites include the Roper brisket sandwich and the Salumi wood-fired pizza prepared with house-smoked ham, spicy capicola, salami, pepperoncinis, mozzarella, and a touch of honey. Check out the daily rotating specials, the $9 lunch menu and wash your lunch down with award-winning Zonker Stout.
265 S. Millward Street, Jackson, Wyo. snakeriverbrewing.com (307) 739-2337
DINNER – THAI ME UP RESTAURANT AND BREWERY
Here’s a recipe for success: craft beer, kung fu on TV, tasty Thai food, and hip-hop on the speakers. The restaurant first opened its doors in 2000 and also houses Melvin Brewery, recipient of the 2015 Great American Beer Festival Small Brewpub of the Year award. Sit at the bar to watch kung fu flicks, and try the Pad Thai or Melvin Burger paired with one of 20 beers on tap.
75 E. Pearl Avenue, Jackson, Wyo. thaijh.com (307) 733-0005
SHRED (NIGHT) – SNOW KING MOUNTAIN
Nestled up against the vibrant town of Jackson proper, this hometown ski area spans 400 acres of terrain with more than 1,500
feet of vertical drop. The mountain is a perfect training ground for ski-race enthusiasts and is home to the steepest north-facing FIS-sanctioned racecourse in the continental U.S. Don’t miss night skiing every Tuesday through Saturday. Offering affordable adult lift tickets, Snow King is the perfect way to truly live the “first chair to last” experience.
400 E. Snow King Avenue, Jackson, Wyo. snowkingmountain.com (307) 201-KING
CHECK OUT:
MOUNTAIN MAN TOY SHOP
Inspired by the outdoor heritage and lifestyle of Jackson Hole, this shop features an array of handcrafted tools, gifts and accessories for the modern day outdoorsman that make any adventure possible. Be sure to stop by and check out their display of tomahawks and axes or grab a bag of Pig Candy – a bacon flavored treat inspired by local restaurant Genevieve’s.
98 Center Street, Jackson, Wyo. mtnmengifts.com (307) 733-4193
STIO
Stio was founded in Jackson to inspire connection with the outdoors through functional products. From insulated jackets to wear-around-town, lightweight backcountry softshells and stylish trucker hats, the Stio Mountain Studio in the heart of town is the perfect stop for local apparel and great holiday gifts.
10 E. Broadway, Jackson, Wyo. stio.com (307) 201-1890
ANTLER ARCHES
A photo in front of one of the iconic antler arches is a must for new Jackson visitors. The first arch was built in 1953 and the group of four arches have been beloved downtown Jackson monuments ever since. Comprised of shed elk antlers collected from the nearby National Elk Refuge, the arches are an artistic wonder comprised of about 2,000 antlers each and weighing 10,000-12,000 pounds. Stop by George Washington Memorial Park, commonly known as “Town Square,” after some shopping to take a photo or admire their wild beauty.
