Video Courtesy Karen Eason Photography

This is the ultimate commercial for why Jackson is so much fun in the summer. I cant imagine having a better time with friends and family. Some best bets from our visit and from reviews I’ve read lately are:

Get a vacation rental – even though the food is great here, it can be expensive. If you choose a condo or home rental you will have a kitchen to cook a few meals in, even if you just do breakfast in you can save a good deal of money.

If you’re headed to Grand Teton or Yellowstone, leave early. Summer time traffic in both parks can be a bit of a problem sometimes, so be prepared to wait and be prepared to have FUN!

Book your “extra-curricular” activities before you get there. Rafting, climbing and other types of activities book up quick, if you make reservations for these things before you even get to Jackson you’re guaranteed the chance to participate.

The animals are WILD, people – dont try to feed them skittles or some other sort of “people food.” Buffalo are not nice animals, they’re beautiful, but mean – stay away! Same with elk and moose.

Most of all, come with a few extra memory sticks for the camera, let loose and have a good time – you wont regret it.

Dining Recommendations:
Breakfast – You cant miss The Bunnery – best bread in the country, let along Jackson Hole
Lunch – We enjoyed the Cadillac Grille when we were there, but the Tripadvisor.com reviews are mixed a bit. Their burgers over at Billy’s Giant Hamburgers were great (one side is the grille, one side is the hamburger joint)!
Dinner – We liked the Mangy Moose – and they have decent Tripadvisor reviews. The gift shop that is attached is great fun also.

Lodging Recommendations:
Mountain Property Management of Jackson Hole offers great vacation rentals and is definately a Jackson Hole Lodging alternative to hotels.
Wagon Wheel Village – Motel rooms for budget travelers to Jackson – I havent stayed here but they have pretty good reviews in Tripadvisor.

Grizzlies and Wolves Safari 2007
Choose from Four night Packages:
April 21-25, April 25-29, April 29-May 3, May 3-7, May 7-11, 2007
Choose From Three night Packages:
May 11-14, May 14-17, May 17-20, May 21-24, May 24-27, 2007
The Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, in conjunction with the non-profit Teton Science School, presents exclusive packages to explore Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and the abundance of springtime wildlife.

Guests will arrive in Jackson for a night’s stay at the Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, before departing for Yellowstone National Park’s grizzly and wolf territory. Accompanied by Wildlife Expeditions biologists, adventurers can observe predator such as grizzlies, black bears and wolves roaming in the park’s evergreen forests and rolling meadows. See baby elk and bison frolic at their mothers’ sides while bald eagles soar overhead and trumpeter swans and white pelicans nest near sparkling lakes. The small groups (8 per naturalist) will travel in custom safari vehicles, most with opening roof hatches.

Package includes two nights lodging at the Rusty Parrot Lodge and Spa, one or two night’s lodging in Cooke City, Montana (three and four night plans, respectively), expertise of a biologist/guide, specified meals on the expedition, snacks, beverages, dinner gratuities, round trip transportation from Jackson in the safari vans, use of optics, park entrance fees, and dinner for two at the Four Diamond Wild Sage restaurant upon returning from Yellowstone

$925 per person, three night plan
$1,275 per person, four night plan

Based on double occupancy, first floor king or double queen room.
Plus tax and resort fee.
Fireplace, King-Fireplace-Jacuzzi rooms, and extra nights available