Stunning Running

If you want an awesome place to run, walk, or take your dog, the levee is the place to visit! I had not run in forever (something that I normally do on a daily basis back home), and my first bounce back included amazing views of the tetons and the Snake River. I enjoyed it so much that I almost forgot I was even running...until I couldn't catch my breath one mile in of course. You can go either direction, but I recommend the path that heads towards the tetons to get the best views. To check it out, just head toward Wilson from Jackson, and right before you cross the bridge over the Snake River, you will see a turn off that leads to parking and the gravel trail.

Jackson's Historical Museum

Mollie and I spent some time on Wednesday to explore Jackson's Historical Museum, located right under Nikai Sushi. It was really fun and interesting to see how much the west has changed and how much has stayed the same. There was a map where a list of old western films were made in Jackson, as well as pictures of Modern Family's cast when they filmed an episode here. I also loved looking at all of the old pictures and old skis. I cannot even imagine learning to ski on the football field length skis people used back then. Overall, definitely a must see if you are in town! (Eating at Nikai Sushi afterwards would make for a perfect finish also).

Chamber Mixer at Teton Village

Last night was my 3rd mixer with the chamber. It was hosted by Teton Village Association and held at the Teton Village Commons. There was live music and food and beverage provided by Teton Village restaurants. The sun was out, there was a nice breeze, and everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. This time I worked the sign in table with our other intern, Mollie. We had a great time meeting everyone who signed in and fought back urges to get seconds of the amazing food. Going to chamber mixers is always fun, and I can't wait for the next one!

Just When You Thought...

Just when you thought no place has a better sunset or colorful sky than the beach, you walk out from dinner and look up to see this. How could I not pull out my phone and take a picture?

A Few Brews & Good Food

Recently, my two roommates and I went to The Snake River Brewery to check it out and have some dinner. The brewery offers an awesome menu that includes salads, pizza, pasta, appetizers, and more. If you happen to order an appetizer, I recommend the baked artichoke dip. We all tried this and couldn't stop eating it (the way most dips are). The Snake River Brewery has outdoor seating and a $7 lunch menu everyday from 11:30 to 3:00...perfect on a nice summer day! There's something for everyone at the brewpub, whether you are trying some brews or not!

Home Away From Home

While Jackson is already full of welcoming people and great hospitality, one of the best places to stay is The Alpine House. Casey and I toured it on Monday, and I instantly felt its warming charm and great service. Outside, there is a small yard area and chairs lined along a patio, setting up the perfect spot to make new friends, play games outside, or just relax with a book. The inside offers a kitchen and eating area in front of a large glass window that overlooks the yard. Each room is inviting and comfortable, and there all different types. For example, one room offers a bed and a loft, and another offers a master bed room with a furnace and sitting room. If you want to feel right at home while being in an amazing vacation spot, The Alpine House is the place to stay!

Welcome to Business!

The Chamber assisted Teton Sports Club in their ribbon cutting this past Thursday. The new ownership pool party took place from 5-8 pm, and many people came out to celebrate! Chippy's Kitchen and Snake River Brewing catered the event. The outdoor pool is heated to 82 degrees and open everyday until Labor Day weekend as long as it is 60 and clear outside. The gym offers personal training, group classes, and plenty of new equipment. In addition, there is massage therapy, physical therapy, dietary experts, lockers, a smoothie bar, and much more! Head on out to Wilson and get in shape for the summer! 

The West is the Best

As if starting Friday night at the Tavern overlooking the square, a crawfish boil, and camping were not enough to complete the weekend, I also floated the Snake River on Sunday. A few of us used one large raft and tied three more to the back of it. The contraption successfully got nine of us down the river in one piece. We stopped on two different beaches to slow the trip down, and one had a small cliff that people were jumping off of. I figured it's not every day you have the opportunity to jump into a Jackson river, but I failed to comprehend just how cold the water was! It took a while to get warmed up again, but it was well worth the experience. Once again, you can never run out of things to do out west, and the only thing I found myself missing about Georgia was warm water.

The Best View of the Square

If you want a good place to eat, enjoy happy hour, and see what's happening on the square all at once, the Town Square Tavern is your place. My two roommates and I went for dinner last Friday night and had a blast sitting outside in amazing weather, chatting, and being able to watch the square light up as the sun went down. It is the perfect way to start a night, especially with the awesome new happy hour specials from 8-10 PM every night! Everyone should go on one of their nights here in Jackson!

View from the deck where we ate. 

Emily and I enjoying our dinner!

Crawfish to Camping

Saturday night only got better when I went from the crawfish boil to camping in Gros Ventre with some friends. I drove out with a few people as the sun was starting to set, and fortunately we found our way to the big campsite with many others. While it was dark by the time we reached Gros Ventre, I could still see how steep the cliff was that the path went over, and if you're afriad of heights and make this drive, dont look out the window! Our campsite was located right by the river, which some brave souls later jumped into and froze for quite a while afterwards. We hung around the campfire all night while listening to music, and it may have been one of the best nights I have had this summer yet!

Blurred view of the Tetons on the drive out. (It was hard to make clear from a moving car)

Looking down while driving back home the next day

Crawfish Boil in Jackson

On Saturday, the 7th annual crawfish boil took place at Cutty's. The event required 1,000 live crawfish to be flown in from Louisiana overnight. Sausage, Southern red beans, and rice were also included in the $20 fee (which bought you a coozie as a ticket). There was a full bar, live music, and everyone seemed to be having an amazing time sitting in the grass with large amounts of the spicy little creatures and friends. I personally did not try one (my mouth probably would have lit on fire), but from what I understand, they are pretty tasty! The event took place from noon until dark, and if anyone is around for the 8th annual, I wouldn't miss it!

Hello Summer!

After spending my 2nd Saturday with some friends on Jackson Lake this past weekend, I have come to the conclusion that summer has officially arrived in Jackson. It has been obvious its here just by observing the amount of tourism picking up in town; however, my sunburn from spending at least 7 hours on water with 0 applications of sunscreen proves it. All in all, it was an amazing day and totally worth it. (I will remember to bring my sunscreen next time though!) PS - If you do spend the day on the lake, the best way to end it is to stop by Leek's Pizzeria right at the dock area. They have some amazing pizzas and garlic bread. If you're feeling healthy they offer salads as well. Here's some of the scenery from the day (much better than most Georgia lakes):

View from Leek's

Heading home at sunset

Spain in a Night

Last night I was lucky enough to attend an event at The Liquor Store of Jackson Hole. A little side info: for anyone who doesn't shop there, you are missing out. It's not just any liquor store. From the moment you walk in you are greeted and helped, and on top of the awesome customer service, they offer frozen drinks, growlers, wine tastings, and an upstairs selection of nicer wines from numerous countries. The event I attended could be considered a taste tour of Spain. I tasted 10 different wines, ranging in $15-$90 dollar bottles, and a speaker explained how each one is made. Every single one was delicious, and they tasted even better with the chef's food. There were multiple courses consisting of paella, olives and cheese, sundried tomato spread, spanish spiced steak, and more. Basically, I was one of the luckiest college kids in all of Jackson last night because going from the same three lean cuisines to gourmet Spanish food and nice wine is definitely not your everyday experience. If anyone gets a chance to visit the liquor store and even join in on the next event, I highly recommend it! Who knows, you could get a taste of Italy next.
http://www.wineliquorbeer.com/

Boating With Bears

These weekends in Jackson just keep setting the bar higher. This past weekend I went to Jackson Lake again; however, this time, I ended up relaxing on a boat for the afternoon. After passing a moose on the way in and seeing a bald eagle fly above us, I thought my wildlife luck was about out for the day. Clearly it had just begun because someone in the boat suddenly spotted what we thought to be a moose swimming in the water... 

As we approached it in the boat, we came to find it was a grizzly bear!

Climbing out of the water on the other side.

Headed up the hill!

I guess if I end up in the water there this summer, I will be keeping a lookout for bears before jumping in. This just proves once again that a summer in Jackson is unlike anywhere else.

Geysers, Lakes, and Bears

Last Sunday, I headed up to Yellowstone for the first trip of the Summer. Immediately upon pulling in, cars were lining the road, and every visitor in sight was along the edge of a field with cameras out. Searching and searching, I had no idea what the big deal was until we got a little further down. There it was! The first bear sighting of the Summer. Another check off the season's bucket list.

After calming down from the excitement of the bear, we kept driving deeper into the park. Not long after driving, we stopped for lunch in Grant Village.

You could sense the season starting up by eating in Grant Village. If you need somewhere to eat in Yellowstone and you entered from the South gate, Grant Village is a convenient stop. The menu is diverse and offers healthy options as well. Added bonus: the cafe is attached to a small grocery store with a great deal of camping necessities as well as a gift shop!

Old Faithful. Too bad we missed it by 20 minutes!

We ended the trip by walking through the hot springs and pulling off at multiple scenic spots. Overall a good day!

A picture just can't do the scenery justice

Kicking Off June

On Friday, I was let off work early and decided to take full advantage of the rest of the day. My friend and I headed off towards Dornan's to hike Taggart Lake. Here's my day captured with my camera, the best story teller of all. 

Some buffalo on the drive out

Ready to hike!

I spy a Teton

We made it!

 For my second new hike of the summer, the view definitely did not disappoint. I will be repeating this adventure before the end of summer!