My husband and I just spent four days in Jackson Hole, Wyoming and it was wonderful!  Even with the Teton National Park and Yellowstone closed we still found plenty to do and see.  If you are looking for an idea for a relaxing vacation, Jackson Hole is it.  Below are photos of some of the things we saw as well as ideas where to eat.  Plus, there is great shopping.

Lunch at the Snake River Brew Pub  Great food in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.  Many delicious beers to choose from too.

Another lunch at El Abuelito Mexican Restaurant has the freshest chips and salsa you have every tasted.  They make the tortilla’s fresh, in-house, each day.  Also, great margaritas!!

Dinner at The Wild Sage Restaurant, it’s part of The Rusty Parrot Lodge and is just off the square in downtown Jackson Hole.  Get the chef’s table if you can.  Chef Travis and his crew put on a great show, the food is phenomenal and servers Jean-Paul, and Tilly attend to your every need with a wonderful smile on their faces.  Also, make sure to pick up the Rusty Parrot Lodge Cookbook.  It is full of delicious recipes, information on the area, and beautiful photography.

Visit the National Wildlife Museum to see beautiful bronze statues, as well as great wildlife artwork.

As far of photos I took on the trip, keep in mind I am still trying to learn to use an actual camera instead of a “point and shoot”.  So if the images aren’t  real sharp, sorry!  Also, these images do belong to me and only to me:

  First time I have seen a moose in real life.  I was so excited.  This girl was about 1 mile north of the cabin we stayed in.  She was perfectly content to let everyone take photos and people were very respectful and kept their distance.

  Came across this guy as we were heading home one night.  He was just three blocks from our cabin.  He was in no hurry and everyone gave him the space he needed to get where he was going.

  We saw this owl as we were exploring one afternoon on a back road.  There were about 30 people gathered around him just enjoying his presence.  Thank goodness the residents of the area are used to tourists pulling off the road with no notice.

  There was a beautiful herd of buffalo that hung out in the valley.  Each day they would be in a different place but always within view.  These two were right by the road.

  This shot shows the Tetons in the background with the Snake River in front.  The colors were beautiful and the temperatures perfect.

I guess the purpose of this post is to let everyone know that even with the national parks closed, there are still great things to see and do in most of the areas.  I am looking forward to going back to Jackson Hole when the government isn’t shut down so I can tour Yellowstone.  It is one of my favorite parks and Jackson Hole is like home away from home.