Jason Ziernicki, founder of Jackson Hole-based news website Antlers Arch, is an East Coast transplant who fell in love with the area over a decade ago. After years of watching countless visitors rush through the valley trying to check boxes rather than truly experiencing what makes this place special, he’s developed a better approach to spending time in the area.
“We built a house in Jackson Hole around 2021-22 after a few vacations in the area,” Ziernicki explains. “NW Wyoming is beautiful, like God painted mountains and trees for us to see.” But what really hooked him was discovering the authentic community that exists beyond the resort amenities.
This is his expert insider’s guide to spending three days as if they actually live in Jackson Hole.
Day One
9:00 am – Coffee with the Locals
Head to Cowboy Coffee or Pearl Street Bagels, not the hotel lobby. Cowboy Coffee has been voted Best Coffee Shop in Wyoming by Business Insider, while Pearl Street Bagels serves authentic boiled and baked bagels made fresh daily. Strike up conversations with contractors, shop owners, and other early risers. You’ll learn more about current trail conditions, weather patterns, and community happenings in 20 minutes than most guidebooks offer.
11:00 am – Browse the Local Shops
Hit the shops that serve the regulars: the hardware store, outdoor gear stores where locals buy work clothes, art galleries featuring regional artists, and bookstores with sections on local history and wildlife.
Look for spots where you see work trucks parked outside to get an idea of the types of businesses that Jackson Hole has.
1:00 pm – Lunch Like a Local
Go for a tasty bite at Nora’s Fish Creek Inn. It’s where the locals flock and is one of the few places you’ll see them “patiently” waiting in a line for longer than 10 minutes. This James Beard Award-winning restaurant was family-owned for more than 35 years and still has that old Jackson feel.
3:00 pm – Community Connections
Check bulletin boards at the library, community center, or grocery stores. Look for upcoming town halls, volunteer opportunities, or local events happening during your visit.
6:00 pm – Dinner and Evening Plans
Consider Hand Fire Pizza, a casual family-friendly restaurant that serves wood-fired pizzas. It’s located right off the Town Square in the historic Teton Theater building. If woodfired pizza isn’t your thing, avoid tourist destinations as this is not going to enhance your Jackson Hole experience.
Day Two
6:00 am – Early Wildlife Viewing
Head to areas the locals frequent rather than the crowded elk refuge viewing spots. Bring coffee and patience! Wildlife viewing works best when you’re not competing with tour buses.
“Once you understand how locals move through the valley, you can find experiences most visitors miss completely,” Ziernicki says.
9:00 am – Working Ranch Visit
Visit functioning ranches that welcome visitors. A working ranch isn’t some kind of theme park. They’re businesses where people work cattle, cultivate fields for hay, and simply maintain the valley’s agricultural heritage. If you’re a city slicker, this is the kind of experience you’ll never forget.
12:00 noon – Sample a Local’s Lunch
Stop by Creekside Market & Deli, a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. They have excellent adventure provisions including bear spray, camping supplies, snacks, sandwiches and drinks. Pack lunch like someone who’s heading out for a regular Tuesday hike, not a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
1:00 pm – Trail Time
Choose trails that locals hike for exercise and stress relief, not just Instagram photos. Ask at local gear shops which trails they personally recommend for different fitness levels.
4:00 pm – Afternoon Break
Stop at Stillwest, the official new kid in town that opened in late 2018 and has quickly become a local favorite. They offer great beer and food, as well as cocktails and wine. Situated at the base of Snow King, their massive floor-to-vaulted ceiling windows offer an unobstructed view. Talk to bartenders and servers about what makes Jackson special to them.
7:00 pm – Dinner Where Locals Eat
Try Calico, an Italian spot located between Wilson and Teton Village. They’ve got a gorgeous patio and a giant lawn fenced off from the road made for kids to roam around.
Day Three
8:00 AM – Morning Routine
Start your day where locals start theirs. Hit one of the local stores or coffee shops, pick up a coffee and buy a local newspaper. Just be careful you don’t browse the real estate and start getting ideas about staying!
12:00 Noon – Lunch at the Counter
Try Bin 22, a small wine shop and liquor store with a full restaurant located at the back. Sit at one of their communal tables and enjoy European-style small plates. There’s no corkage fee, so if you don’t finish your bottle, you can take it home.
2:00 pm – Hit the Trails
There really is no shortage of hiking options in Jackson Hole. Just pick one that ticks all the boxes for your fitness level, time of year, and available time.
6:00 pm – Final Dinner in Jackson
Consider visiting Local Restaurant & Bar, a modern American steakhouse located on Jackson’s historic town square. Owned and operated by chef Will Bradford, he showcases his enthusiasm for reviving the craft of in-house butchery, focusing on dry-aged steaks and house-made sausages.
8:00 pm – Evening Reflection
Head to Teton Tiger for a nightcap. This is a local favorite with the coolest interior and ambiance in Jackson, featuring a stylish bar and large booths for groups.
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