Exterior of the Double Queen Cabin at the Rustic Inn Creekside Resort
STAY
Rustic Inn Creekside Resort // We cannot recommend the accommodations here enough! At the Rustic Inn, you can stay in your very own cabin. The rooms are spacious, warm and comfortable, with vaulted ceilings and charming private verandas. It may be too freezing to enjoy the Adirondack chairs in winter months, but it is a cute touch nonetheless. There's a fitness center near the lodgings and the daily buffet breakfast is in the main cabin, about a two-minute walk from the rooms. The best perks were the on-site ski rental shop and car service to anywhere in town, the airport and ski mountain. All of these amenities were included for a reasonable $10 resort fee a day.
EAT
Persephone Bakery // One block from the Town square, you will find Persephone Bakery. This cafe was the foodie highlight of our trip and we returned many times throughout our stay. The farm omelette is fresh and delicious, the sweet potato and brussel sprout hash is hearty and filling, and the quiche Lorraine is decadent and savory. Each time we ordered lattes or hot chocolate, we opted to include a homemade, gooey vanilla marshmallow. They also sell them by the bag if you're looking to bring home some sweet treats. The only fault is that it's not open for dinner.
Million Dollar Cowboy // Owned by Sandra Bullock, this downtown bar is quintessential country. From the saddle bar stools to the downright honky-tonk feel, Million Dollar Cowboy is a wild time. Although we didn't eat here, the menu is full of hearty options and has an extensive beer list for a different kind of apres-ski experience.
CocoLove // After shopping around downtown Jackson, CocoLove is a wonderful spot for a sugary snack. Made for chocolate lovers, this top-rated cafe boasts an incredibly delicious Mexican hot chocolate. The delicate truffles and delectable pound cakes, such as the lemon and cinnamon loaves, are also not to be missed.
Rendezvous Bistro // We came here twice for dinner and had a lovely French-inspired meal both times. There are plenty of seafood options and classic French fare, like Croque Madame and duck confit, to satisfy anyone with big eyes. The atmosphere was upscale-casual and most diners were in relaxed warm-weather gear. We also found the service here to be extremely friendly, and even spoke with some other tables who were all interested to share their love of Jackson.
DO
National Elk Refuge // Located directly across the street from the Rustic Inn, the National Elk Refuge is the perfect wintry activity to take advantage of on your stay in Jackson. For an amazing one hour experience, a horse-drawn sleigh will take you on a ride through the refuge, passing by thousands of elk. The guide was very informative and it was stunning to see these indigenous creatures against the backdrop of a winter wonderland.
Visit the Square // In downtown Jackson, it's impossible to miss the iconic antler arch in the Town Square; we love the pictures we took in front of it. Make sure to visit all of the shops surrounding the square, especially Overland Sheepskin Co. for high quality products. Exploring downtown is the best way to get a feel for the local area, and there are plenty of shops, including an independent bookstore, to check out.
Ski or Hike Jackson Hole Mountain Resort // It goes without saying that a main draw to Jackson in the winter is its infamous beast of a mountain. With a 4,139-foot vertical drop, it is one steep ride down, no matter which piste you choose. The lack of crowds and the large, diverse terrain make this mountain both a snowboarder and skier's dream, lest we forget the oh-so deep powder. But fret not off-winter travelers, the summit offers as much of a thrill in the summer months, and without the weight of heavy snow gear. From the base at Teton Village, ride the tram up and then hike one of the many trails until your stomach rumbles like the bear you've just spotted. Head to Corbets Cabin for unpretentious waffles or to Piste Mountain Bistro for some serious views with your meal.