Discover the vibrant pulse of our beloved community with The Locals' Guidebook, an annual publication that honors the remarkable businesses and individuals that make Jackson Hole truly special. At the core of The Locals' Guidebook lies the renowned Best of Jackson Hole contest—an annual celebration that recognizes the local favorites, the tried-andtrue establishments and the movers and shakers that make life in this valley so special.
Within these pages, you will find stories about local photographers, chefs and artists who are pushing the limits of their craft. You’ll discover the threads of our community fabric both tangible and abstract.
Whether you're a long-time resident or a curious traveler, The Locals' Guidebook is your trusted companion to navigate the richness of Jackson Hole. To learn more about The Locals' Guidebook and the Best of Jackson Hole contest, visit BestOfJacksonHole.com.
Contributors
Managing Editor
Fan Hughes
Lindsay Vallen
Advertising Director
Alyson Klaczkiewicz
Project Manager
Maria Sengle
Designers
Maria Sengle
Taylor-Ann Smith
Ad Design
Sarah Wilson
Lydia Redzich
Luis F. Ortiz
Chelsea Robinson
Heather Haseltine
Contributing Writers
Lindsay Vallen
Leigh Reagan Smith
River Stingray
Tibby Plasse
Marianne Zumberge
Contributing Photographers
Nick Sulzer
Ryan Sheets
Ryan Stanley
Copy Editor
Cherisè Forno
Cover
Illustrations by Maria Sengle Publishers On the Web BestofJacksonHole.com
Contact Info@BestofJacksonHole.com (307) 222-8609 1225 Maple Way, Jackson, WY
11,000+ 10,000+
participating community members nominated nominations for businesses & individuals
100,000+ VOTES CAST
18,000 copies printed in 2024 75+ distribution points 200,000 estimated readership in 2024 Featuring Best of Jackson Hole 2024
The Locals’ Guidebook:
Adventure & The Great Outdoors
Kevin, Wildlife Expeditions lead faculty, and Jean, client experience director of Teton Science Schools, share their thoughts:
Q: Kevin, what inspires you to work for Wildlife Expeditions of Teton Science Schools?
A: There are a number of reasons why I have worked for Wildlife Expeditions for over 20 years now. One is that Teton Science Schools is a non-profit educational organization that has been around for over 50 years and has a very long commitment to education in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, Yellowstone, Grand Teton and the surrounding area.
Q: Jean, over the years, what can people expect from a Wildlife Expeditions’ guide?
A: Visitors can expect a grand mix of the sciences including Geology, Botany, Environmental and Ethology from our seasoned Naturalist Guides. It is like having your absolute favorite, fun teacher on a field trip!
Q: Jean, what can always be expected on a Wildlife Expeditions tour?
A: It is always exciting to see the large mammals such as bears, bison and moose, but our guests are amazed to find up to 64 other mammals living in the park. There are also 300 species of birds and reptiles and amphibians too!
Brought to you by:
Bike Shop
Open Range Cycles OpenRangeCycles.com
Hoff’s Bikesmith HoffsBikesmith.com
Hoback Sports HobackSports.com
Gear Shop
Teton Mountaineering TetonMtn.com
Skinny Skis SkinnySkis.com
JD High Country Outfitters
JDHCOutfitters.com
Golf Course/Club
Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club
JHGTC.com
Teton Pines TetonPines.com
Snake River Sporting Club
SnakeRiverSportingClub.com
Adventures & The Great Outdoors
Presented below are the finest adventures that await you in Jackson Hole. Whether you seek family-friendly activities or expert guides for fishing, wildlife exploration or river expeditions, you will discover the absolute best experiences in this valley. Renowned as a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, the activities in Jackson are an absolute must-try.
Designated Campground
Snake River Cabins & RV Village SnakeRiverPark.com
Alpine Valley RV Resort AlpineValleyResortWy.com
Gros Ventre Campground GTLC.com/Camping
Local Sports Team
Jackson Hole Moose Hockey Moose.Pucksystems2.com
Jackson Hole High School Broncs JHHS.TCSD.org
Jackson Hole Juggernauts Roller Derby JHJRD.com
Family-Friendly Activity
Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures JHEcoTourAdventures.com
Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips DaveHansenWhitewater.com
Rendezvous “R” Park JHLandTrust.org
Mountain Guide
Bo Welden
Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures
Garrick Hart Exum Guides
Kim Havell KimHavell.com
Fishing Outfitter
Westbank Anglers WestbankAnglers.com
Snake River Angler & Scenic Float Trips SnakeRiverAngler.com
Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School JHFlyFishingSchool.com
Fishing Guide
Annie King West Bank Anglers
Andrew Byron Wyoming Angling Company
Boots Allen Snake River Angler
Rafting Company
Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips DaveHansenWhitewater.com
Jackson Hole Whitewater JHWW.com
Barker Ewing Scenic Float Trips BarkerEwing.com
Wildlife Tour
Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures
JHEcoTourAdventures.com
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris
JacksonHoleWildlifeSafaris.com
Backcountry Safaris
Float Trips
BackcountrySafarisJH.com
River Guide Carsten Stuhr
Will Dornan
Jackson Hole Float Trips
Jeff Rossberg
Wildlife Tour Guide
Tiffany Taxis
TiffanyTaxis.com
Peter Mangolds
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris
Dwight Vasel
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris
Making your world our canvas
Tossing In The Tetons:
How Teton Disc Golf Builds Courses And Community
By Lindsay Vallen
Although the origins of the sport date back to as early as the 1960s, the evolution of disc golf courses locally has a relatively recent history.
The Teton Disc Golf Club was formed in 2022 after a small group of passionate players met at Roadhouse Pub & Eatery to get organized. At the time, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) had a small course, but construction projects forced modifications, leaving barely nine holes.
In 2022 the club was able to redesign a full course at JHMR and then a smaller course at May Park in 2023.
Jared Harbold, the club’s president says the original mission has morphed over time and the non-profit 501(c)3 club is now more focused on increasing community involvement.
“Disc golf is really amazing in the sense that you only need one disc, and you can go out to a course and have a good time,” he said. Adding, “if you don’t take yourself too seriously, you might have the most fun.”
The game is played similarly to golf, but instead of a ball and club, players try to sink a disc into each hole’s target in the fewest number of throws. Players make their way down the fairway, making subsequent tosses from where the disc landed last.
“Hiking with a purpose is how we look at it,” Harbold said.
Harbold describes designing and building courses as an iterative process and that the questions of how to play and get to the next hole while keeping the game fluid are always top of mind.
“We put a ton of thought into it and then go out and play these potential holes with a bunch of people,” he said. “We are always trying to use nature as much as we can; we never want to clear-cut or remove anything, so we try to create interesting lines like giving options around trees.”
Harbold says that in the Tetons, disc golf has a prime season.
“In May and June, people might be disappointed because it’s usually wet, and there’s a lot of underbrush growing quickly,” he said.
“Later in the year, the course plays the best, especially in September,” he said, noting that at that time the grass is cut back and summer activities are closed for the season. “There’s no interference and just disc golf out there. It’s a special time.”
Courses are free to play, usually without requiring a tee time. Discs are also inexpensive and can be checked out at the Teton County Library.
“We are constantly trying to increase accessibility in all forms,” Harbold said, explaining that the club gives away free discs any chance it gets and is doing its best to bring the sport to the community, especially at the May Park course.
Harbold adds that there are about 25 very active members, with about 90 to 100 people coming out for the annual Teton Toss Tournament, which is Aug. 17 at JHMR this year. The club also hosts bi-weekly mini-tournaments at the JHMR course: Tuesdays and Sundays from June 23 through Oct. 29.
The club is hosting its first sanctioned tournament — Shoot Out — Sept. 28 at the JHMR course. Teton Toss Tournament Aug. 17 |
The Art Of Patience
With Wildlife Photographer Isaac Spotts
By Leigh Reagan Smith
Isaac Spotts, an award-winning wildlife photographer based in Jackson, has developed a skill for capturing the most intimate and rare moments of animals in the wild.
Spotts says he’s been captivated by animals from a very early age. While growing up in Orlando, Florida, his parents regularly took in injured animals, like a baby raccoon hit by a car, and abandoned baby possums, to name a few.
At 10, Spotts received his first camera from his grandma. He would position himself in his backyard, hunting for the perfect shot of lizards, squirrels and other small creatures. Feeling the need to photograph larger animals, Spotts made frequent trips to the local zoo. To his siblings’ chagrin, he would sit for hours outside of enclosures, waiting for a creature to emerge to take a photograph. At the zoo, Spotts learned the art of patience.
continued on pg. 20
A fox with its kit. Photo: Isaac Spotts
Spotts recounts waiting to photograph a mountain lion obscured in a cave at the zoo. “At times, I would be lying on the ground for three hours. … I was 13 years old, and people would be walking over me,” Spotts said. “I knew that when the mountain lion would come out, he would stretch and yawn, and I would wait to get that picture when I could see his teeth.”
Spotts’ family moved to Star Valley in 2016, and shortly after he was hired at Jackson’s camera store, Wyoming Camera Outfitters, where he still works today. He says all of his free time is spent exploring the backcountry with his camera. Spotts explained that a lot of the game of being a wildlife photographer is hiking miles into the backcountry, only to come home without a single photograph.
“When you finally catch that moment, after looking for a couple of weeks, it just feels that much better,” Spotts said. “It’s definitely a pretty addictive feeling.”
One of Spotts’ favorite shots he’s captured is of a moose waking up from a nap. Spotts says the background was perfect and after waiting for three hours, the moose stood up, stretched, raised its shoulders and gave an intimidating look straight into the camera.
Spotts says he finds peace while sitting in the woods in search of his next photograph. He explains that a lot of his photographs are often taken while waiting for another animal.
“In the forest, if you are sitting and waiting, and being completely quiet, something else could easily walk up on you,” Spotts said.
Once, while waiting near a fox den for the kits to come out and play, a black bear came up behind him. He kept his cool and took photographs while the bear walked nearby.
People often ask Spotts if he feels in danger around animals. He explained that he keeps a good distance, is aware of certain behavioral patterns and knows which trails and territories are inhabited by different animals. He is also adept at reading an animal’s body language, which gives him indications about how they are feeling.
Spotts has his own non-threatening approach, which he calls the “missing wallet” technique. “Instead of looking directly at an animal, avoid eye contact and sway back and forth, like you’re looking for your wallet on the ground,” Spotts said. “Then you slowly inch your way closer and closer.”
Spotts has had many grizzly encounters and says that in his experience, 99% of the time bears will run away.
There was only one encounter in which he was scared for his life. He said he walked up over a plateau to find a massive boar grizzly bear standing approximately 30 yards away. As the grizzly stood up, Spotts yelled at the bear and it turned and ran in the other direction.
“In the backcountry, they [bears] are more afraid of us than we are of them,” Spotts said.
In 2019, he documented a grizzly cub that was separated from its mother for almost a month. It was the longest known length of time that a cub had survived without its mother.
Spotts said he watched the cub catch mice like its mother taught it, but after 29 days the cub was getting pretty skinny. “I don’t think anyone saw the exact moment when they reunited, but I witnessed them a few days afterward, and I had never seen a mother and cub be so affectionate toward each other before,” Sports said. “It was beautiful to see, and you can see it in their eyes … they deeply care for their young.”
As a photographer, he likes to create images that are aesthetically similar to a painting. One of his painterly photographs is of a rare leucistic (lacking of pigment) great gray owl sitting perched high on a tree branch. It was a career highlight for Spotts.
“Great gray owls are one of my favorite subjects,” Spotts said. “They are really hard to find; it boils down to hours and hours and miles and miles in the backcountry. Coming upon this leucistic great gray owl was just spectacular.”
While Spotts has a goal of traveling all over the world with his camera, capturing polar bears, the Canadian lynx, snow leopards and the big cats of Africa, he continues to be inspired by the remote wilderness of Jackson Hole.
More of Isaac Spotts’ photographs can be seen at IsaacsPicz.com or @isaacspicz.
Wyoming Untrapped promotes trapping reform through education, advocacy and compassionate coexistence for Wyoming’s people, pets and wildlife. The need to value and protect our wildlife has never been so critical. Wyoming laws must change to prevent intolerable cruelty to wildlife, from trapping and snaring to running over animals with motorized vehicles. Together, let’s create a future where inhumane trapping is unimaginable.
Q: What are our goals for trapping reform?
A: Wyoming laws are archaic. We have five immediate realistic goals for reform: trap setbacks off trails to protect local and visiting people and their pets from injuries and death; mandatory trapper education that includes ethical language; 24-hour trap checks to reduce suffering; required reporting of trapped nontarget animals; and harsher penalties that may curb illegal activity.
Q: How are we working toward reaching our goals?
A: We strive to share pertinent, up-to-date, science-based information with the public, and encourage individuals, organizations, local communities and government agencies to work collaboratively to achieve meaningful trapping reform and progressive wildlife management.
Q: What can the public do to help today?
A: We have several take-action alerts for trapping reform this year and a challenging coalition campaign to change state cruelty laws to protect all Wyoming wildlife. This includes passing a law that will make motorized killing of wildlife a crime. Please join us in creating a humane Wyoming!
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Spotts captured this image of a rare leucistic great gray owl, which means it lacks pigment. He says this shot is one of his career highlights so far. Photo: Isaac Spotts.
Gardening in the Tetons At All Elevations and Ages
By Tibby Plasse
Farming and gardening in a Zone 4 shortseason climate where there’s a chance of frost any day of the year is a trying pastime, but it doesn’t prevent Jacksonites from digging in the dirt every summer hoping to harvest a cornucopia of vegetables and fruits. How have locals grown savvy about which varieties flourish in the short growing season? Through an abundance of opportunities at local farms, nonprofits and garden plots.
Slow Food in the Tetons manages 72 plots at May Park Garden, 54 at Blair Garden and 24 plots at Grove Garden, reaching more than 175 gardening households. Garden plot or not, Slow Food regularly hosts four to six workshops at their community garden locations throughout the gardening season that are open to the public.
Mari Allan Hanna, program director for Slow Food in the Tetons, explained that a variety of workshops offer something for everyone. “Speakers and topics in recent years have included Dick Shuptrine from Mountain Meadow Gardens on early season planting and prep, Zena Wolcott-MacCausland from Basin Flowers on high alpine flower gardening, Teton Conservation District staff on native plants and pollinator attractants, Teton County Weed & Pest on managing weeds and garden pests, Lacey O’Sullivan demonstrating how to use root vegetable skins to dye textiles and other presenters on vermiculture, soil health, microgreens and overwintering garlic.”
For younger greenhorns, year-round afterschool classes are available online and through a partnership with Coombs Outdoors and several in-person programs through the foundation’s Coombs Empower internship. Kids ages eight to 18 can participate in 4H overseen by the University of Wyoming’s Teton County Extension. From animal husbandry to horticulture, the project areas are vast and they culminate at the Teton County Fair, July 20 to 28.
Older garden enthusiasts looking for more handson education can pursue workshare opportunities with many local farms in the Teton area. Workshare participants volunteer hours in exchange for produce.
From learning about different crops’ growing seasons and preventive measures for frosts and pests to proper harvesting techniques, almost every long-time local with an interest has had a stint cutting lettuce, pulling carrots and prepping vegetables for market at Cosmic Apple Gardens. Other local operations include
Morning Dew Mushrooms, Canewater Farm, Teton Full Circle Farm, Chasing Paradise and Haderlie Farms.
Slow Food also has volunteer opportunities at the People’s Market for middle school-aged kids and up. According to Hanna some of the best know-how comes from just spending time listening to what local farmers have to say each week about their offerings.
Rose has been creating and delivering flower bouquets in Jackson Hole, Wilson and Teton Village for over two decades. Briar Rose can create floral designs for any occasion from a single elegant long-stemmed rose to elaborate wedding arrangements that will leave a sweetsmelling and long-lasting impression you’ll have to see to be-leaf!
Briar Rose owner, Jean Johnson, shares more about her fragrant journey to success:
Q: How long have you been in business in Jackson Hole?
A: opened Briar Rose 22 years ago, and I had a business called The Huckleberry Patch for 16 years before that. I am also a Jackson Hole native.
Q: Has your passion always been flowers?
“Our Farm Stand employees are a great source of knowledge too because the farmers are constantly telling them about what is happening during the growing season,” Hanna said. “They’re getting information directly from the farmers about what’s coming on board each week, and they can share that with the shoppers.”
“The Farm Stand workers get questions about what’s best this week; when are the raspberries coming? I didn’t know you could grow ginger in Wyoming; all those questions do get answered by our Farm Stand employees,” she added.
This year in addition to their long-standing Farm Stand at Graze, Slow Food will introduce a second in-town location for the summer season at Snake River Brewing Co.
A: When I started Briar Rose, yes, but before that it was quilts.
Q: What are your plans for the future?
A: Keep doing everything I do, which includes floral arrangements, weddings, tux rentals, events, celebrations, and I deliver to Jackson, Wilson and Teton Village!
Q: What do you like most about doing weddings and events?
A: like creating beautiful arrangements for people. It will be hard to not keep doing it all; I love arranging flowers so much!
Q: What are some of your favorite flowers?
A: I can’t even choose; I love all flowers!
Brought to you by
Briar
Blair Place Community Garden. Photo: Nick Sulzer
Gardening in the Wild West: Top Picks for Northwestern Wyoming
Hardy Perennials
Colorado blue columbine, purple coneflower, stonecrop, common yarrow, catmint
Embrace the beauty of native flora with hardy perennials like lupine, columbine and yarrow. These resilient plants can withstand the region's harsh winters and unpredictable weather, adding vibrant color to your garden year after year.
Mountain-Ready Herbs
Sage, tarragon, chives, thyme, mint
Spice up your garden (and your meals) with mountain-ready herbs like sage, thyme and oregano. These aromatic plants not only add flavor to your favorite dishes but also thrive in the dry, sunny conditions of Northwestern Wyoming.
High-Elevation Heroes
Carrots, potatoes, kale, rhubarb, peas, beets
Elevate your garden game with high- elevation fruits and vegetables perfectly suited to the Wyoming climate. Think cold- hardy crops like potatoes, carrots and kale, along with alpine strawberries and rhubarb for a sweet summer harvest.
Native Fruit Trees
Chokecherry, serviceberry, wild plum
Embrace the bounty of the region with native fruit trees like chokecherry, serviceberry and wild plum. These hardy trees not only provide delicious fruit but also attract local wildlife, adding a touch of wilderness to your backyard oasis.
Jessica Jorgensen, RDH
Sarah Schwarz, RDH
Bailey Wheeldon, assistant
Dr. Scott
Larsen, DMD
Isabel Bradford, manager
Sommer Palazzolo, assistant
Keaton Meyer, RDH
Mountain Character & Alpine Living
This summer, celebrate 10 years of R Park! The Jackson Hole Land Trust’s flagship community open space opened to the public a decade ago, thanks to a strong community vision and support.
Q: What makes R Park so great for families?
A: Stroll, splash, spot a critter, fly a kite—head out to this natural park and there’s always something to do. Attend the Jackson Hole Land Trust’s annual winter and summer solstice celebrations, check out programming put on by other local nonprofits or just stop by and enjoy!
Q: How did R Park become Teton County’s first nonprofit-run park?
A: It’s hard to believe now, but this flourishing community open space was once a gravel pit operation. In 2011, restoration began as a committed group of locals sought to bring life back into the space. R Park was intentionally created with people and wildlife in mind, protected by the Jackson Hole Land Trust through a conservation easement that ensures this place will be managed as a natural park, forever.
Q: How can I celebrate R Park’s 10th Anniversary?
A: The Jackson Hole Land Trust is raising money to keep R Park welcoming, safe and full of life for the next 10 years! R Park’s wish list includes bilingual signage, a new, accessible trail, fresh water for the ponds, new bridges and more. Make a gift:JHLandTrust.org/RPark
Brought to you by:
Voted The Best Of Jackson Hole Best Of
Mountain Character &
Alpine Living
Architecture Firm
Northworks Architects Northworks.com
CLB Architects: Wyoming CLBArchitects.com
GYDE Architects GYDEArchitects.com
Clothing Store
Penny Lane PennyLaneJH.com
Stio Mountain Studio Stio.com
Grit General GritGeneral.com
Eco-Friendly Business
Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures JHEcoTourAdventures.com
Blue Spruce Cleaners BlueSpruceCleaners.com
Healthy Being Café & Juicery HBCafeAndJuicery.com
Best Dressed
Tim McLaurinJackson’s Biggest Rockstar Maggie Goodman Alison Maxim Cleaning Company
O2 Cleaning O2CleaningJH.com
Premier Green Cleaning PremierGreenCleaning Services.com
Kiss My Glass Window Cleaning KissMyGlassJH.com
Building/Contracting Company
Habitat for Humanity Greater Teton Area TetonHabitat.org
New West Building Company NewWestBC.com
Two Ocean Builders TwoOceanBuilders.com
Mountain Character and Alpine Living encapsulate this special town’s unique and cherished aspects. These categories celebrate the outstanding professionals who have made a lasting impact in their respective fields, from accomplished lawyers to dedicated real estate agents who help clients find their dream homes in this idyllic setting.
Bank of Jackson Hole BankOfJacksonHole.com
First Interstate Bank FirstInterstateBank.com
Wells Fargo Bank WellsFargo.com
Consignment/ Resale
Store
Browse ‘N Buy BrowseNBuyJH.org
Habitat ReStore TetonHabitat.org/Restore
Headwall Sports HeadwallSports.com
Interior Design and Home Furnishings
Mountain Dandy MadeJacksonHole.com
Home Again HomeAgainJH.com
WRJ Interior Design WRJDesign.com
Jewelry Store
Jackson Hole Jewelry Co . JacksonHoleJewelry.com
JC Jewelers Jackson Hole JCJewelers.com
MADE MadeJacksonHole.com
Interior Designer
Alex Nye NYEDesign.com
Kristen Fay TraunerFayDesigns.com
Emily Janak EmilyJanak.com
Gift Shop
MADE MadeJacksonHole.com
Museum Shop at the National Museum of Wildlife Art WildlifeArt.org
Lucky You Gifts (307) 734-2700
Hotel
The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection TheCloudVeil.com
The Wort Hotel WortHotel.com
Teton Cabins TetonCabins.com
Local Apparel Brand
Stio Mountain Studio Stio.com
Give’r Give-r.com
Cowgirl Mermaid CowgirlMermaid.com
Boss
Tom Fay Pinky G’s Pizzeria
Taylor Phillips Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures
Gavin Fine Fine Dining Restaurant Group
Florist Shop
Lily & Co. LilyAndCompany.com
JH Flower Boutique Shop.JHFlowerBoutique.com
Albertsons Floral Local.Albertsons.com
Money Management Firm
Bank of Jackson Hole BankofJacksonHole.com
Singleton Peery
Financial SingletonPeeryFinancial.com
JP Morgan Chase Chase.com
Locally Owned Store
Creekside Market CreeksideJacksonhole.com
MADE MadeJacksonHole.com
Skinny Skis SkinnySkis.com
Lawyer
Dick Stout Defazio Law
Elisabeth Trefonas Trefonas Law
Mel Orchard Spence Lawyers
Mechanic Shop/ Garage
Shervin’s Independent Oil Center ShervinsAutocare.com
Levi’s Tire and Auto LevisTireAndAuto.com
Rabbit Row Repair RabbitRowRepair.com
Nonprofit
Animal Adoption Center
AnimalAdoptionCenter.org
Wyoming Untrapped WyomingUntrapped.org
Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding JHTR.org
Place to Learn
Teton County Library TCLib.org
Center for the Arts JHCenterfortheArts.org
Art Association of Jackson Hole ArtAssociation.org
Pet Store
Teton Tails TetonTails.com
Pet Place Plus PetPlacePlus.com
Radio Station
KHOL - Jackson Hole Community Radio 891KHOL.org
KMTN KMTN.live
KJXN - FM 105.1 South Park KJAX.live
Teacher
Collin Binko Teton Music School
Bill Wiley Jackson Hole High School
Andrea Overly Jackson Hole High School
Property Management Company
Outpost OutpostJH.com
The Clear Creek Group TheClearCreekGroup.com
Abode Luxury Rentals AdobeJacksonHole.com
Real Estate Agent
Brett McPeak SothebysRealty.com
Ashley DiPrisco AshleyDiPrisco.com
Marybeth Hansen MarybethHansen.com
Wedding Venue
Diamond Cross Ranch
DiamondCrossWedding.com
Snake River Ranch SnakeRiverRanch.com
National Museum of Wildlife Art WildlifeArt.org
Veterinary Clinic
Jackson Animal Hospital JacksonAnimalHospital.com
VCA Spring Creek Animal Hospital VCAHospitals.com/SpringCreek
Fish Creek Veterinary Clinic FishCreekVet.com
Best of Jackson Hole Rounded up...
Ashley DiPrisco, Associate Broker (Silver)
Brett McPeak, Associate Broker (Gold)
MaryBeth Hansen, Associate Broker (Bronze)
Dogs of Jackson Hole
By Marianne Zumberge
Idon’t know anywhere that loves their dogs more than Jackson,” photographer Helena Hermosillo said. “I want to be a dog in Jackson Hole. This is the perfect dog town.”
Hermosillo would know. Her book, “Dogs of Jackson Hole,” contains close-up portraits of Jackson’s canine residents of all sizes and colors. Teton County is home to an estimated 1,500 dogs, accompanying their humans on hikes, fishing trips, horse treks, jobs, post office runs and so much more.
Originally from Mexico City, Hermosillo arrived in Jackson in 2021. Photography had been more of a hobby until she found herself missing her pug and golden retriever, who stayed with family in Mexico. Looking for new friends – of both the human and canine variety – she volunteered with PAWS of Jackson Hole to take photos of their adoptable animals. She discovered she loved dog portraiture, and the idea for a yearbook or magazine-style collection of the area’s dogs started percolating.
“When I’m shooting photos of dogs, I’m so happy,” Hermosillo said. “They make everybody happy. I compare shooting dogs to shooting kids. It’s hard to have them stay still and smile at the camera, so I use a treat or a toy for them to pay attention. With people, I try to capture the moment, but with dogs, I capture the essence, the face, the expression.”
“I can’t tell a dog to laugh, though,” she joked.
After dog owners in town continued to request photo sessions, the book project grew. All told, it came together in two months and has since sold out in stores around town. A second volume is already in the works.
Hermosillo notes that goldendoodles and border collies make diligent models, French bulldogs love to pose lying down and pugs’ attention spans are fleeting.
“I don’t use flash in these photos because there’s already a lot going on – cars, people, other dogs going by,” Hermosillo said. “I try to maintain a natural environment. If the dog is nervous, I let him smell the backdrop, smell me, smell the camera, get him used to it. It’s like people: not every person is comfortable in front of a camera. I respect that.”
Proceeds from the book are donated to PAWS, which auctioned off the chance to grace the book’s cover at the PAWS Annual Gala. The winner was a blind dog named Muffin, who was rescued from the woods.
“This book has made me more attached to dogs in a way,” Hermosillo said. “People respect dogs here. At first, I wondered why people bought shoes for their dogs, but now I see they take care of them and treat them with the love and respect they deserve. Jackson made me closer to dogs.”
Photos: Helena Hermosillo
125 & Counting:
Wilson is Aging Gracefully
By Tibby Plasse
The iconic hamlet of Wilson celebrates its 125th birthday this summer. On the heels of the Wilson Jubilee, which happened in June, the unincorporated town founded by Elijah Nicholas Wilson in 1899 at the base of Teton Pass is a destination for locals and visitors alike all summer long.
The boardwalks that allow pedestrians to take in Rocky Mountain ecology through the Fish Creek wetlands were replaced last year through an all-volunteer effort made possible by Wilson Advocacy. The restored Wilson Wetland Boardwalk connects Owen Bircher Park with downtown Wilson near Hungry Jack’s.
The boardwalks are just one way to take in “the Last of the West” in what Wilson Advocacy has dubbed “Rolling, Strolling Fun in Wilson.”
With bike-friendly downtown streets and byways that connect to Rendezvous “R” Park’s swimming hole and Thomas Dambo’s larger than life-sized troll sculpture affectionately named “Mama Mimi,” there’s a high probability of catching a moose standing in the creek, hearing a Great horned owl or seeing a Red-tailed hawk fly by.
Public Art, Teton Gravity Research’s headquarters, Hungry Jack’s and Pearl Street Bagels are just a few of the stops on Main Street that take visitors of all ages back to a simpler time. In Wilson, small-town charm endures with the help of Friends of Pathways and Jackson Hole Land Trust.
“Wilson is a prime location at the bottom of Teton Pass,” said Ginny Hutchinson, Wilson Advocacy Committee member and Jubilee chair.
Created by Thomas Dambo Mama Mimi is a life-sized troll sculpture using natural materials. It perches over the pond in R Park and is a playground for all ages. Photo: Nick Sulzer
The award-winning Nora’s Fish Creek Inn is an ideal place to start the morning off right with its famous breakfast or end the day with its “hour and a half” happy hour. During the day, people can head to Basecamp to select unique rations for a peaceful picnic at Owen Bircher Park.
“When it comes to summer activities, people are biking whether with families; if they’re hard-core bikers, they might ride down The Pass or just using the pathways as an extension to Grand Teton National Park, or wandering up Old Pass Road or through the woods,” Hutchinson says.
Hutchinson notes that the town has worked hard to maintain the local fragile ecosystem to support native species like moose, fox and elk that pass through on their migration patterns.
Once a rodeo ground, the historic Stagecoach Bar is a post-recreation destination for Ski Lake visitors, Old Pass Road users and those who just completed a Phillips Canyon lap to enjoy downhill mountain biking or to take in the abundance of wildflowers.
Wilson Backcountry Sports has been outfitting athletes and first-time adventurers for over thirty years, and much like most of Wilson, once something finds its footing it doesn’t relocate.
“Wilson is located in one of the most beautiful parts of the world where people travel from far and wide to experience this place,” Camille Obering said. “Wilson has a soul and is a rare gem.”
Obering is a native Wilsonite, serves on the Wilson Advocacy Committee and operates the private art studio, Guesthouse in Wilson.
Wilson is also home to The Teton Raptor Center, a non-profit raptor conservation organization that operates out of the historic Hardeman Barns. The Raptor Center runs regular programming from June 1 to Sept. 30, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 2 p.m. at the 27-acre Wilson campus and in the historic Hardeman Barns.
No matter what a family chooses to do, downtown Wilson’s steadfast personality demonstrates what it means to call the West home.
Streetfood at the Stagecoach. Photo: Nick Sulzer
Teton County Pathways: Threads of the Community Fabric
By Lindsay Vallen
Teton County, Wyoming, has an extensive pathway system, stretching 72 miles, connecting neighborhoods from Rafter J to Kelly.
In the summer, you’ll see everyone on the path; bikers, walkers, joggers, rollerbladers, rollerskiers (imagine cross-country skiing but with wheels), one-wheelers, skateboarders and even horseback riders. In the winter, fat bikers, cross-country skiers and a few runners take to the pathways.
The pathways are part of the fabric of the community, offering more bypasses than the road system, and they are a shared space for community members to recreate and commute.
Teton County/Jackson Pathways Director Brian Schilling says the pathways are, “The living room of the community.”
fall and late spring, countless e-bikes are parked outside of the middle school.
“The pathway system connects our region not just geographically,” Schilling said. “You talk to your neighbors, see friends and experience the community in a different way than inside your car.”
Stephanie Thomas lives in East Jackson with her family and said that being able to bike around town has afforded them all a level of independence.
“Basically in the summer, we bike everywhere,” Thomas said. “It’s very rare for us to be driving. We have a slew of bikes; everything from the old cruisers to get to the community garden, to multiple e-bikes for longer hauls to summer camp, sports practices or school.”
Thomas says that between her three kids, her family spends almost every afternoon in the fall and spring at the middle school fields for sports. “We bike to avoid traffic but also to enjoy being outside,” she said.
Thomas’ kids are 7, 9 and 14 years old. Her oldest child bikes to Jackson Hole Middle School every day in the fall and spring, a popular mode of transportation amongst his peers. In the early
Because the system is accessible from every neighborhood, Schilling said kids in the community have a unique opportunity to gain independence through mobility.
“If you go back to the mid-century, kids had an amazing amount of independence,” Schilling said. “You could explore your world with an increasing radius as you got older. We’ve lost that as a society between the 1980s and now and most communities don’t have this [pathway system], where kids can roam and explore their environment.”
“On the surface, it’s just mobility, but it’s so much more than that for our kids,” Schilling said.
Thomas echoed this sentiment, saying that allowing her oldest to ride his bike teaches him time management, responsibility and authority over his own time.
“He wants to be able to bike around and get places and do his thing,” she said. “I think it’s awesome, especially before kids can drive.”
As for her younger kids, Thomas says they enjoy their own level of independence, too. Her 9-yearold daughter has biked to the library on her own and will be biking home from summer camp, which Thomas said she’s excited about.
While the seasonal bollards have been a point of contention in the community (parking spaces are removed to make way for the dedicated bike lane), Thomas said that for her, the bollards provide added peace of mind.
“Knowing that my kids have a visually safe space to get where they need to go is nice,” she said. “The more that we can have designated safe spaces for kids to ride around town and be more independent the better.”
“The more kids we can get on bikes the better, for so many reasons,” Thomas said.
John Kennedy, a Rafter J resident, said since he moved to Jackson he’s used the pathways to commute to work on his road bike during the spring, summer and fall to beat the traffic, but this past winter he began riding a fat-tire bike, so he can commute year-round.
“I think in general what surprised me was how well-maintained the pathways were during the wintertime,” Kennedy said. “I’m at work at 7:30 a.m. and for the most part the pathway was already plowed every day.”
Kennedy said his commute is a no-brainer because he lives about 2.5 miles from work.
“It’s just such a nice option,” Kennedy said. “It didn’t feel that hard to make it a regular everyday thing.”
When you walk in the door at Shervin’s a friendly face is always there to welcome you. Whether you need new tires or experience an unforeseen car problem, the folks at Shervin’s are there to give you peace of mind and get you back on the road.
Q: How many cars get work done at Shervin’s each year?
A: About 10,000 vehicles pass through our bays. Shervin’s has the best crew for all your repair needs, and it shows — the community voted Shervin’s “Best Mechanic/Shop Garage.”
Q: For visitors with car trouble, why is Shervin’s the best option?
A: We’ve got tires for your car, truck, SUV, camper, trailer or ATV. We carry a full range of Bridgestone and Firestone tires, known for their quality and durability. When winter arrives, we can get your snow tires installed quickly to keep you safe in snowy conditions. When spring returns, we’ll get your regular tires back on and get you back on the road. We offer a complete range of tire services including tire repair, tire rotation, tire balancing and front-end alignments.
Q: What is the history of Shervin’s in Jackson Hole?
A: Shervin’s has a reputation of 54 years in the making. Shervin’s Tire & Auto Care has been serving Jackson residents since 1969. It’s a fixture of the community, and the team at Shervin’s is dedicated to treating all customers like family. Whether you need a new set of tires, a tune-up or just some snacks for a road trip, Shervin’s has you covered.
Brought to you by:
Photo: Nick Sulzer
The Locals’ Guidebook:
Teton Wining & Dining
At the base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort sits the iconic Mangy Moose Saloon, a world-famous aprés ski destination beloved by locals and visitors alike. Since 1967, the Moose has delivered delicious eats and legendary live music acts to Teton Village, solidifying its reputation as the best place to get loose after a day on the mountain.
Q: How has The Mangy Moose served as a Jackson Hole cultural hub in its over 50 years of operation?
A: We are the iconic après ski bar that embodies the historic ski bum culture of Jackson Hole. We support the local mountain sports culture and community organizations. We are also a world-famous live music venue that brings music diversity and great times to our community.
Q: Can you elaborate on the spaces and services offered at the Mangy Moose?
A: We have a restaurant that serves rocky mountain inspired cuisine, a café that serves an incredible breakfast, lunch and dinner, a grocery store and wine shop, a merchandise shop that sells attractive Mangy Moose gear, private event spaces, and we bottle our famous spicy margarita and vodka that are sold throughout Wyoming. Oh, did I mention the live music venue that brings artists from all over the world?
Q: What is the story behind its décor; do you still add things to its walls today?
A: The previous owner was an antique collector. He essentially made The Mangy Moose into a museum. Since then, the walls of this building have taken on a life of their own. These walls can speak volumes, and their depth continues to grow every day.
Voted The Best Of Jackson Hole
Teton Wining & Dining
Après Scene
Mangy Moose Restaurant and Saloon MangyMoose.com
Snake River Brewing Co. SnakeRiverBrewing.com
Bakery
Persephone Bakery PersephoneBakery.com
The Bunnery Bakery & Restaurant Bunnery.com
Pearl Street Bagels JacksonHoleBagels.com
Breakfast
Nora’s Fish Creek Inn NorasFishCreekInn.com
Virginian Restaurant
VirginianRestaurant.net
Cafe Genevieve GenevieveJH.com
From cozy cafes serving hearty mountain fare to upscale restaurants showcasing innovative farm-to-table creations, these categories recognize the diverse and exceptional culinary offerings that make Jackson Hole a true food lover’s paradise.
Coffee Shop
Calico Bar and Restaurant CalicoRestaurant.com Chef
Brewery
Bar
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
MillionDollarCowboyBar.com
The Bird TheBirdInJH.com
Silver Dollar Bar & Grill
WortHotel.com/SilverDollar-Bar
Caterer
Genevieve Catering GenevieveCateringJh.com
Provisions ProvisionsJH.com
Sweet Cheeks Meats SweetCheeksMeats.com
Snake River Brewing Co . SnakeRiverBrewing.com
Roadhouse Brewing RoadhouseBrewery.com
Melvin Brewing MelvinBrewing.com
Burger
The Bird TheBirdInJH.com
Liberty Burger GiveMeLibertyBurger.com
Local Restaurant & Bar LocalJH.com
Cowboy Coffee Co. CowboyCoffee.com
Snake River Roasting Company
SnakeRiverRoastingCo.com
Persephone Bakery PersephoneBakery.com
Health Food
Healthy Being Café & Juicery HBCafeAndJuicery.com
Whole Foods Market WholeFoodsMarket.com
Teton Lunch Counter TetonLunchCounter.com
Food Vendor/Truck
Streetfood @ The Stagecoach StreetfoodJH.com
Pinky G’s Pizzeria PinkyGs.com
Everest Momo Shack EverestMomoShack.com
Best Of Jackson Hole Winners
So prepare to indulge in a mouthwatering journey as we honor the establishments that have earned the admiration and appreciation of the discerning diners of Jackson Hole.
Sushi is often associated with coastal towns or island cuisine, but landlocked states shouldn’t be overlooked. In Jackson Hole, high-altitude sushi is a cornerstone of the valley’s food scene, offering highquality, fresh fish in a unique mountain setting.
Dustin Rasnick, partner, head chef and general manager of Sudachi, said that Jackson Hole faces no more challenges obtaining fresh fish than states that aren’t landlocked. According to Rasnick, sushi bars rarely serve their fish directly from their local waters.
“It’s a pretty common practice for sushi restaurants, no matter if you’re in Wyoming or on the coast,” Kyle Proman, head chef at King Sushi’s Jackson location, said of having fresh fish delivered.
At King Sushi, Proman said all fish are processed, packed, shipped and received within 24 hours. Re-freezable gel packs are used so that the fish is never on ice. According to Proman, King Sushi typically has four fish deliveries out of the five days of the week they’re open, so ingredients are coming in fresh on a regular basis.
Exquisite dishes from Kampai. Photo: Ryan Sheets
Proman said he uses a variety of purveyors, with tuna and specialty ingredients like uni coming in from Hawaii; salmon, oysters and rice sourced from Seattle; scallops, oysters and bluefin tuna from the East Coast; and several imports from Japan. At King Sushi, the menu is mostly based on fish that are available year-round with seasonally available fish used in the nightly specials.
Proman said winter weather delays present the only real challenge to the operation. When storms are forecasted, he will order extra fish ahead of time and wrap everything to preserve the freshness and quality. Proman and Rasnick say that a fish that’s properly cared for can be utilized up to about three days from delivery.
the cut, delivered via FedEx and prepared almost immediately.
Janjigian said Chef Massad, the creative force behind the menu, travels around Japan during the off-season to meet with soy sauce makers, sake distillers, fisheries and other top-tier chefs of Japanese cuisine.
Reservations at Kampai, King Sushi and Sudachi book up in advance, proving that the local sushi scene is not only appreciated but sought out time and time again. While Chef Massad, Proman and Rasnick honor the Japanese tradition in many ways, being in the heart of the American West gives the exotic cuisine a unique and engaging setting.
Although in the West we tend to associate sushi with raw fish, the term “sushi” refers to the rice and not the fish. The piece of the raw dish is called “sashimi.” Sushi means “sour-tasting,” which hails back to its origins.
At Sudachi, Rasnick said their fish is sourced from the U.S. coastlines up to Alaska, British Columbia, Hawaii and a fish market in Toyosu, Japan. All inventory is flown directly into the Jackson Hole Airport or trucked in from Denver; during the busy season, Rasnick says he generally receives fish every day the restaurant is open to avoid ever using frozen or gas-treated fish.
Sudachi’s menu, which offers eight specialty rolls nightly, always varies slightly depending on what fish Rasnick says they have in the restaurant.
Dan “Jiggy” Janjigian, general manager at Kampai, said Head Chef Chris Massad works directly with the Sakasyu team and their fish market in Japan to order fresh fish. The salmon they use comes from Big Glory Bay in New Zealand. According to Janjigian, the fish is packaged based on the type and
“American sushi chefs are becoming more of a thing,” Proman said. “I’ve been to a few sushi experiences where you can’t engage with [the sushi chefs] or ask them about what you’re eating. It’s a special thing to be able to guide your customers and figure out what they may or may not like.”
Case in point, King Sushi’s owner, Jason King was named a 2024 semifinalist for the James Beard Award, which Proman says is incredibly special and well-deserved.
Find King Sushi in an intimate log cabin in the heart of downtown Jackson at 75 S. King St. or over Teton Pass at its Driggs location. Kampai is right off of Town Square at 175 Center St, and Sudachi is located in the Westbank community of Wilson.
Thirty Years On Tap:
Snake River Brewing Celebrates Three Decades as Jackson’s Living Room
By Tibby Plasse
Known as Jackson’s living room or simply referred to as the brewpub, Snake River Brewing is Jackson’s original microbrew nexus and celebrates 30 years of hops and barley in 2024. The brewpub opened on March 25, 1994, under Albert and Joni Upshur. Albert was a former AnheuserBusch distributor from McMinnville, Oregon, and saw the potential for his favorite ski town to get in on the microbrew scene. In 2008, the Staryks purchased the brewery, leaving Minneapolis for their favored ski community.
Locally owned Pinky G’s Pizzeria has been a staple in the community since 2011 and has expanded to Victor, Idaho; Big Sky, Montana; and Bend, Oregon.
Open late and offering one of the best lunch deals in town, Pinky’s fuels pizza patrons in a casual, friendly atmosphere.
Q: Who is Pinky G?
have been here for the whole 30 years. We have patrons that have been coming in for 30 years too, and that’s pretty cool.”
“I really appreciate that,” he added.
When Staryk is asked about quintessential brewpub culture he points to the restaurant’s comradery.
A: I wanted a name that tied into the location, but also wanted it to be creative. We wanted to create a story where Pinky G, is the daughter to the matriarch,The Rose. Pink garters have little roses on them, so Pinky G has a rose in her hair, a nod to the Pink Garter Theater and Pink Garter Plaza.
Q: What’s the most popular pizza?
But among the many accolades SRB has garnered, owner Ted Staryk says the real blue ribbon goes to his steadfast staff. Head Brewer Rudy Borrego has been tending the ales since 1998.
“What I’m most proud of is the people; our staff and our patrons,” Staryk said. Some of our people
There are almost too many awards earned by the brewery to count, but SRB’s tried and true brews are Zonker Stout and Jenny Lake Lager, both of which have won multiple awards at the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup. The boutique brewery produces about 10,000 barrels annually and has twice been recognized as Small Brewery of the Year.
“I think actually not being on Town Square helps us,” Staryk said. “Thirty years ago when Albert Upshur decided to put the brewpub where it is, people thought it was crazy, that it might as well have been in Victor!”
These days SRB doesn’t seem all that far from the Town Square, but Staryk says being off the main drag ensures that the brewpub remains a locals hideout.
“I think too when we took the parking lot out and put in the yard even though we know parking is precious, it became something for everyone to enjoy all year round,” he said.
A: Besides cheese and pepperoni, hands down it’s The Abe Froman; named after Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Being a Chicago born kid, I fell in love with that movie. I made this pizza with Italian sausage, buffalo mozzarella, fresh chopped basil and balsamic reduction. In the movie Abe Froman is the “Sausage King of Chicago,” and the guy that Ferris steals a lunch reservation from.
Q: How does Pinky G’s give back to the community?
A: When I was putting my business plan together I thought the best way to reach out to my community was by supporting all the teams I was involved with growing up here, through pizza parties and fundraising events. It’s evolved into this amazing heartfelt community space where we support all sorts of organizations, and that’s what Pinky G’s is all about. - Tom Fay, Owner
Brought to you by Pinky G’s Pizzeria
Photos: Nick Sulzer
Success is measured
MANY WAYS
The moments we celebrate the most?
Big or small, noteworthy or not, it’s the time we gather around the table to connect with each other.
Thank you for including us in these award-winning moments, time after time.
Noa, Staryk’s wife, said that when they completed the recent remodel and added the garage door, they just augmented that living room vibe a little more, especially when they can open it up during the summer months.
The other comfort in the brewery is the food. SRB is most famous for its Bison Chili and Mead Ranch Beef Burgers. The Bison Chili recipe still maintains a “secret ingredient” that hasn’t been altered in years. This summer they also started serving breakfast.
SRB has hundreds of beer recipes, but the core lineup has never been abandoned: Pako’s IPA, Jenny Lake Lager, Earned It Hazy IPA, Zonker Stout and the Snake River Pale Ale. Staryk says his personal favorite is the Monarch Pilsner.
You always have a seat at our table.
A light lager program alternates different recipes throughout the year with the summer selection set for La Cerveza Mexican Lager. Also on tap for Wyoming’s endless summer days is Hike It Out Hefeweizen, which will be available through September. Lagers have always set SRB apart from many breweries as most operations don’t want to dedicate the time and space to lager yeast’s fermentation process but Broc Seipp, marketing and events coordinator for the brewpub, said SRB doesn’t shy away from that process.
“I think we’re all really proud of 30 years,” Staryk said. “Thirty years is a long time, and one thing that’s really cool is that this is also the 30th anniversary of the Tram Jam Band and Friends of Pathways. That’s pretty amazing.”
In addition to seasonal beers, the brewpub will be hosting summer fun with cornhole tournaments and live music.
The Locals’ Guidebook:
High Altitude Health & Wellness
Brought to you by:
Join us to unwind, reset and balance your energy.
Q. My body hurts, what services at Inversion will help?
A: We believe that movement is medicine. Join us for a Yoga, Barre, Sculpt or Pilates class and FEEL the difference within your body. Book a Vitalistic Chiropractic session with Dr. Sohrob Nimrouzi. Dr. Sohrob offers a full somatic experience in his sessions to treat subluxations in your neurospinal system and to open the channels of communication within your body. Join us to unwind, reset and balance your nervous system.
Q. What’s tasty at the Inversion Cafe?
A: We are embracing the sweet pleasures of life by serving healthy smoothies, cold pressed organic juice, delicious açaí bowls and the best gelato in town! We are thrilled to share local chocolatier Chef Oscar Ortega’s pastries and gelato. New to the summer menu: Affogatos! Cafe is open 7-7 daily.
Q. What is so special about Inversion?
A: Our shared gratitude and love! The Tao Te Ching says, “In work, do what you enjoy.” We LOVE serving our community. Inversion Yoga has been a local hot spot for authentic connection for 14 years. We are so grateful that we are a safe space where people go to feel good. It is a gift for us to enjoy our work in a positive and happy community. For this, we thank you!
Inversion Yoga, Pilates + Cafe
Alternative Medicine Practitioner
Dr. Mark Menolascino MenoClinic.com
Kevin Meehan KevinMeehanJH.com
Angela Tong PeakPTJackson.com
Chiropractor
Tiger Steuber (307) 733-3386
Tyler Wright JHBackcountryHealth.com/ Tyler
Christopher Koch (307) 733-5559
Esthetician
Grace Mahoney GraceSpaJH.com
Robye Heron PrettyBirdME.Square.Site
Shannon Asbell
Voted The Best Of Jackson Hole
High Altitude Health & Wellness
Nestled amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Teton Range, Jackson Hole is a haven for those seeking a balanced and rejuvenating lifestyle. These categories celebrate the exceptional businesses that prioritize the well-being and vitality of the community.
Dentist Office
Larsen Family Dentistry LarsenFamilyDentistry.com
Jackson Family Dentistry JacksonFamilyDentistry .com
ElkRidge Dental ElkRidgeDental.com
Full Service Spa
The Spa at Four Seasons Resort and Residences FourSeasons.com/ JacksonHole/Spa
As one of the top outdoor meccas in America, Jackson Hole is no stranger to injury and recovery. But a growing number of people are seeking out more than just medicine, and they are joining the community of alternative practices to strengthen the mind and body connection.
Deidre Norman, a master Sattva yoga teacher and medical intuitive who’s been in Jackson for 17 years, says that she’s seen participation in holistic and energetic classes grow at a very fast rate since she first arrived in the valley.
“People in Jackson are looking for something a little deeper,” Norman said. “If you’re attracted to Jackson, you already have some type of connection in you to the land, to nature. I just feel like because so many people are active in the community, our bodies are craving something softer, something healing to go along with it.”
After a physical injury prevented her from all movement but yoga, Norman witnessed firsthand
how practices that incorporated emotional wellbeing made self-healing possible after physicians practicing Western medicine told her she’d never run again. While Norman has participated in many healing journeys abroad, including in India, she emphasizes that the healing she experienced in Jackson was “massive.”
And through her work, Norman knows she’s not the only person who finds empowerment living here.
Norman now guides others through self-discovery and recovery with place-based practices that include sound bathing and full moon circles. Norman says sound baths that utilize gongs and vibrations can restore the body’s natural rhythm and flow, influencing the cells and allowing the body to heal deeply after strenuous activity like hiking the Tetons.
For full moon circles, Norman says that participation feedback has shown her that these events create space for community in the valley outside of work and sports. According to Norman,
Hot Spots for Alternative Medicine
• Medicine Wheel Wellness
• Simply Health Collective
• Jackson Hole Holistic Healing Center
• Meno Clinic
• Nurse Georgie Nutrition & Health
• Reincarnation
• Healing Water Therapeutic Wellness Center
In the heart of Teton Village located inside the Teton Club, you will find Thee Spa, a boutique spa that is locally owned and operated. Whether you need a recovery day from activities or are just looking for a relaxing spa day to unwind, Thee Spa can provide customized treatments for you. Owners Christian Horger and Lisa Marapese have been in the spa industry for over 30 years and prioritize a high level of customer service to their guests.
Q: What inspired the creation of Thee Spa?
A: Since meeting in 2012 at the Atlanta School of Massage, we’ve dreamt of owning our own spa. Our common goal was to take all the positive aspects we’ve experienced while working in luxury 5-star spas and add that to a more personal atmosphere. We came up with the name “Thee Spa,” from the definition of Thee, meaning “oneself,” to prioritize self care.
having emotions validated and normalized by a group of people is deeply important to healing, and in the landscape of the mind and body connection, strengthening one’s community can give strength to one’s physical capabilities.
Norman says that both sound bathing and full moon circles are very beginner friendly, with no prior knowledge of yoga poses or meditation necessary. Norman points out that no one is really pursuing a stereotypical life if they’re drawn to the extremities of Jackson, so she invites everyone to expand their lifestyle to include a little more self-healing.
“There is an energy in the mountains that you won’t find anywhere else,” Norman said. “It is so powerful.”
Can you walk us through some of the signature treatments that guests can enjoy at Thee Spa?
A: Our spa menu offers massage, facial and seasonal body treatments. All treatments are personalized to the unique needs of each guest. Before each treatment you will have a consultation with your service provider to discuss personal needs for the session. We believe that your treatment is 100% your time and we want you to be as comfortable as possible.
What amenities does Thee Spa offer?
A: Spa guests are provided with a locker, robe and slippers and have access to separate men’s and women’s locker rooms with steam rooms and four outdoor hot tubs that sit directly under the iconic aerial tram.
Hot Springs:
Holding Healing & Cultural Significance in Wyoming
By Leigh Reagan Smith
Hot springs are a geothermal phenomenon of the western landscape, and Wyoming is home to many of these therapeutic and culturally significant features.
People have enjoyed soaking in mineral pools, which are heated within the earth’s interior, for centuries. As water passes through rock layers on the earth it can accumulate natural trace minerals, including calcium, chloride, iron, magnesium, potassium, silicate, sodium, lithium and sulfate. It is believed that the high mineral content of the water, once absorbed into the body, boosts overall oxygen flow and circulation and in combination with heat, creates healing properties.
According to the National Park Service, in volcanic areas, water that comes in contact with magmaheated rock can produce superheated water so hot that immersion can result in injury or death. In non-volcanic areas, the temperature of rocks within the Earth also increases with depth — known as the geothermal gradient. If water percolates deeply enough into the crust and comes into contact with hot rocks, it can circulate to the surface to form hot springs.
One of the main features of Yellowstone National Park is its abundant thermal activity, with more than 500 geysers and numerous hot springs. According to the United States Geological Survey, hot springs emerge in Yellowstone as hot as 198°F and steam vents can be as hot as 275°F. While most of Yellowstone’s hot springs do not allow for soaking, the waters have led to breakthroughs in medicine and become a source of energy for buildings and
fish hatcheries in the park. Boiling River, which is about 140°F at its source, does allow for soaking in certain areas where the water is cooler.
The thermal features in Yellowstone are believed by some historians to hold spiritual and cultural significance to the Native American people who once lived there. According to Karen Warren, author of “Secret Bath,” there is evidence that tribes made use of the springs for cooking and bathed in the water for medicinal purposes. On occasion, they also buried their dead in the bubbling water.
For thousands of years, the smoking waters of Big Horn Hot Springs were considered sacred to the Native American tribes living in the region. According to the Wyoming Historical Society, with the rise of disease and the extermination of the buffalo, tribes were pressured to sell reservation lands. In 1896, the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes agreed to the sale of the land surrounding Big Horn Hot Springs to the federal government, now known as Thermopolis, for $60,000. This region became Wyoming’s first state park, the Big Horn Hot Springs State Park in 1897. The treaty included a sale agreement with the tribes to always allow free access to the mineral springs. Today, the park’s free bath house is open to the public year-round and the water is maintained at 104°F for therapeutic bathing.
Saratoga Hot Springs, located in southern Wyoming, also holds a rich history; it’s believed that the thermal features of the North Platte River Valley attracted the first settlers to the area. The hot springs were considered neutral territory and the
Cheyenne, Ute and Arapaho frequently soaked in this “place of magic waters.” Saratoga Hot Springs ranges from 101°F to 110°F.
Locally, Astoria and Granite Hot Springs attract people from all over and these thermal waters can be accessed throughout the year. Astoria Park
Conservancy has six temperature-varying, manmade pools filled by the natural springs nearby.
Past and present, Wyoming’s mineral-rich thermal springs continue to be hot spots for warmth and healing.
Thank you Jackson Hole for your continued support! — The TM Crew
The TM Crew Winter ‘22/‘23:
Standing L-R: Mike M., Levi, Will, Keith, Oscar the Grouch, Sierra, Jeff, Kat, Alex, Wyley, Charlie
Sitting L-R: Wade K., Mike K., Jack, Palmer, Jackson, Wade D., Scott
New Crew/No photo: Mason, Mason, Sophie, Owen, Maria, Yael, Lucas
The Locals’ Guidebook:
Elevated Arts & Entertainment
The National Museum of Wildlife Art, founded in 1987, is the world’s premier wildlife art museum holding more than 5,000 artworks representing wild animals from around the world. Featuring work by prominent artists like Georgia O’Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Thomas Moran, John James Audubon and Carl Rungius, the Museum’s unsurpassed permanent collection chronicles much of the history of wildlife in art, from 2500 B.C.E. to the present.
Q: Where is the Museum located?
A: Built into a hillside overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the National Museum of Wildlife Art is only two-and-a-half miles north of the Jackson Town Square, and two miles from the gateway of Grand Teton National Park. Situated on a dramatic cliff, the Museum appears to emerge from the earth like a natural outcropping of rock. The Museum’s location provides a rare opportunity to view wildlife in its natural habitat, as does the artwork that pays tribute to it.
Q: Is the Museum fun for families?
A: Yes! We have a Children’s Discovery Gallery with an art-studio, wildlife costumes, life-sized diorama, a puppet theater and a reading nook. It is open during regular Museum hours. We frequently display student artwork in our Wapiti Gallery created by local students. The Sculpture Trail is also an exciting place for families to explore.
Q: When is the Museum open?
A: During the summer (May 1 – October 31) the Museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy lunch at Palate restaurant from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. During the winter (November 1 – April 30) we are closed on Mondays. Please visit our website for holiday and special event hours.
Brought to you by:
Voted The Best Of Jackson Hole
Elevated Arts & Entertainment
Actor
Tatum Graham
Elise Baker Mumford
Annabelle Dombroski
Dancer
Tim Mclaurin
Tatum Graham
Lauren Arndt
Artist
Kathryn Mapes Turner KathrynMapesTurner.com
Amy Ringholz AmyRingholz.com
Nicole Felton Facebook.com/NicoleGaitanArt
Art Gallery/Musuem
National Museum of Wildlife Art WildlifeArt.org
Gallery Wild GalleryWild.com
Mangelsen Images of Nature Gallery Mangelsen.com
Illustrator/Graphic
Designer
Ryan Stolp
RyanStolp.com
Trisha Taggart
UntamedCreative.com
Haley Leeper
HaleyBadenhop.com
Jackson Hole has long been a source of inspiration for creative souls. With its rich, artistic heritage and vibrant arts community, Jackson Hole has become a hub of creativity, attracting talent from far and wide. These categories pay tribute to the talented individuals who have captivated audiences with their artistic expressions and melodic performances.
Entertainment/Live Music Venue
Center for the Arts JHCenterForTheArts.org
Pink Garter Theatre TumbleweedCreativeArts .org
Million Dollar Cowboy Bar MillionDollarCowboyBar .com
Musician
Bill Briggs JHHootenanny.org
Missy Jo MissyJoElliott.com
Isaac Hayden IsaacHaydenMusic.com
Filmmaker
Jimmy Chin JimmyChin.com
Jocelyn Stokes JocelynStokes.com
Isaac Larsen @ilarsen_edits
Local Band
One Ton Pig OneTonPig.com
DGS
Sghetti @sghettimusic
Photographer
Savannah Rose Etsy.com/Shop/ SavannahRoseWildlife
Tom Mangelsen Mangelsen.com
Kelly Minor KellyMinorImages.com
King Concert Series: Putting Jackson on the Music Destination Map
By Tibby Plasse
J
ackson is known as a recreation destination, but Snow King’s summer King Concert series has now put The Hole on the map as a music destination. The only venue of its kind in the United States, with a gondola taking concertgoers to a stage at 8,000 feet with the dramatic backdrop of Grand Teton National Park, music atop the Town Hill is quite literally an elevated experience.
In just three short years, Ryan Stanley, president and general manager for Snow King Resort, is realizing his vision. What started with a oneoff event with Duane Betts and friends in 2022 expanded to a short series in 2023. With the full summer offering for 2024 including String Cheese
Incident, Stephen Marley, Old Crow Medicine Show, Blues Traveler, JJ Grey & Mofro, Portugal. The Man, Spoon Benders, Moe., Melvin Seals & JGB, Pink Talking Fish, Cypress Hill and Souls of Mischief, Snow King is now competing with the national music market for summer tours.
In addition to the beefy billing of big national acts, the venue has undergone significant improvements to enhance the concert experience and open up more amenities for additional food trucks, improved pathways and even a large cement pad for the seasonal stage that also doubles as a floor for special events.
A quarter of the size of Red Rocks in Colorado, The King’s summit venue will always be a boutique music experience. And according to Ethan Oxman, talent booker for the concert series, it’s likely to become a bucket list for music fans.
“I can only think of one comparable experience such as the Circle Line Cruises in the Hudson River in New York where everyone wants to go at least once during the summer,” Oxman said. “I anticipate music fans will book a trip to Jackson as an excuse to check out a show at Snow King.”
Stanley couldn’t be more thrilled with how the music venue is evolving.
“We are creating something that is the whole package,” he said. “You can mountain bike, enjoy the ropes course, head to the concert with the family and then go to the planetarium afterward. There is something for everyone in the family to experience,” adding that construction is on the horizon for the mountainside restaurant as well.
“I mean just enjoying spectacular views while you’re enjoying these amazing bands is something you can’t get anywhere,” he said. “People travel all over the place to see concerts at spectacular venues and now this is one of them.”
Stanley said that though the ticket sales show a broad regional demographic, there is no doubt that the King Concert Series is a locals must-do during the summer.
“If you’re enjoying the Jackson lifestyle, you’re not going to miss a concert at Snow King,” he said.
Though the weather atop a mountain, especially in Jackson, can vary greatly, Stanley says there is room to potentially add more shows during the eight weeks of prime-time sunshine in the valley.
“The goal is to put on a bunch of big shows this summer and see what the demand for great music is at the top of the mountain and then tune it in from there,” he said.
The Grand Teton Music Festival will provide exhilarating musical experiences from June 27 to August 17 with orchestral and chamber music performances, Gateway Series concerts, special events, a semi-staged opera and free community events.
Here’s what Emma Kail, GTMF’s executive director, has to say:
Q: What makes the Grand Teton Music Festival special?
A: GTMF presents world-class music in a relaxed environment. Our dedicated musicians return year after year because they love the balance of making incredible music with their peers and exploring the spectacular outdoor offerings of Jackson Hole and the surrounding national parks.
Q: Can you tell us what concertgoers can look forward to this
A: We have some amazing performances by our Festival musicians and fantastic guest artists planned for our 2024 season. Guest artists include Augustin Hadelich, Michelle Cann, Third Coast Percussion, Sérgio & Clarice Assad, Béla Fleck & Abigail Washburn and more. GTMF will also present two special events this summer – a recital by pianist Garrick Ohlsson and an evening with world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma in celebration of the 50th anniversary of our beloved home, Walk Festival Hall.
Q: What can attendees expect from a concert experience?
A: Enjoy a glass of wine on the deck outside Walk Festival Hall before, or join us for a preconcert chat an hour prior to the performance in the Barbara Furrer Goodman Memorial Garden. Once you are seated and the music begins, you’ll be amazed at not only the quality of the acoustics but also the close proximity to the performers. Visit GTMF.org for more information.
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Photos: Ryan Stanley
By River Stingray
Capturing Trout On Canvas
Jackson Hole is considered home to some of the best trout fishing in the world, with access to populations of native Snake River cutthroat trout, Yellowstone cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and brook trout. As a cornerstone of community heritage, trout have come to represent the landscape and character of Jackson Hole through art.
According to Jackson Hole Public Art (JHPA), who commissioned a site-specific trout piece for the town’s Orvis building in 2017, trout art honors the community’s passion for both fly fishing and conservation work protecting local scenic waterways.
Nicole Gaitan, the Jackson artist chosen for the Orvis building’s JHPA commission, says fly fishing has always been a large part of her life growing up here. For her, the movement of fish is what makes it a particularly unique, inspiring subject.
“It’s different than any other animal, and you can really get creative when depicting them,” Gaitan said.
According to Gaitan, inspiration to depict fly fishing for Orvis also came from witnessing it become a primary reason so many people vacation and live in Jackson. Gaitan considers her trout art more impressionistic in style, allowing the viewer to make their own interpretations as to what species of fish she’s depicting to connect it to their individual experiences.
Nate Bennett, a fly fishing guide and artist who founded Teton Fly Fishing, sees a strong connection between getting out on the water and wanting to commemorate it. Bennett says his fly fishing clients are the primary buyers of his art, seeking a permanent reminder of their experiences. Bennett notes that as fish mounts have become less popular, trout paintings are now a great way to hang something up to honor those place-based memories.
According to Bennett, his paintings are inspired by photos he takes during fishing season. He says from there he’ll enhance the features he finds interesting about the fish, particularly the colors.
“You look at the trout, or any fish for that matter, and the colors are amazing,” Bennett said. “They’re just beautiful.”
Shannon Marie Schacht, a professional wildlife artist in Jackson, says she also finds inspiration in the colors; she typically references photos of fish given to her by local wildlife photographers to create her depictions.
With wildlife at the epicenter of Jackson Hole culture, trout represent facets of valley life, work and sport. The contribution of waterways to the community and conservation of Jackson Hole speaks volumes from the canvas, where the art of outdoor tradition is being kept front and center.
