Archives for July 2011

String Lake – Hiking Grand Teton National Park

It probably was once a river channel connecting Jenny Lake to the South and Leigh Lake to the North. Now, String Lake is nothing short of a spectacular narrow body of sparkling water ringed on its Western and South Western sides by majestic mountains that seemingly stretch from the shore to the clouds.  On its eastern shore are numerous small beaches, some immediately adjacent to the parking lot and others to the North that provide some semblance of privacy.

The trail that rings the lake is easy, especially the stretch from the parking lot north to the bridge that crosses a mild set of rapids to the Western side (about a fifteen minute walk).  The shaded walk keeps you in close contact with the water on the left and the woods on the right.  Should you want to go further, after crossing the bridge follow the trail for another couple of hundred yards until you reach a branch heading South (to your left).  It will lead you back to your starting point in another hour after first circling the lake.

String Lake is not just for viewing. It is also for swimming as well.  [Read more…]

Jackson Hole – Great Harvest Bread Company

Ok.  I can’t believe I am recommending a franchise.  I can’t believe I am recommending that you go all the way to Jackson Hole and then frequent an eatery that you might have back home.  However, this ain’t just your ordinary Great Harvest Bread Company store (and the ordinary ones are pretty darned good too!).  This bakery is special – at least it is to me and everybody I have brought in there.  It is quite different than the franchise that is located where I live.  The owners appear to have taken special care to put their own distinctive twist on the brand.

It starts with the free samples.  They offer you gigantic portions of several different types of bread, swathed in butter or jelly that, except for your guilt, would be enough to eat along with their Snake River Roaster coffee sold by the cup.  However, even though they serve fine looking breakfasts that is not what brings me in.  Even the tempting smells emanating from the freshly baked loaves of bread would not necessarily warrant a stop there an almost command performance.

For me, it is their sandwiches and desserts.  Specifically, it is one of each.  Usually I am a roast beef or corned beef sandwich guy.  However, once I ventured out of my comfort zone when I saw the description of their Cowboy Cobb.  It included:

  • Fresh avocado
  • Smoked turkey breast
  • Crispy bacon
  • Blue cheese spread

When I opened it up forty minutes later up at the Oxbow (see a future post on this incredible wildlife viewing location), I thought I had died and gone to heaven.  I was so impressed that between bites I called my wife in Maryland and told her I had found Nirvana.  [Read more…]

Jackson Hole – Creekside Market and Deli

This little gem is a great place to stop for a surprisingly inexpensive sandwich to take along on your outdoor adventure.  The turkey club is especially good, but alternatively you have your choice of:

  • 13 meats
  • 8 cheeses
  • 12 breads
  • 19 fixings

or 9 other specialty sandwiches.  Along with all this you get the benefit of a small grocery ( a clean bathroom for those in need) and personal assistance.

It is located at 545 N. Cache Rd. ( the main road heading north out of town).  As you are leaving town, you will see a long low strip center on your left.  The Deli is located in the middle of the structure.

Jackson Hole – Dornan’s

If you want the best Bloody Mary for the best price in the world, Dornan’s is the place to go.  If you want world class views of the Tetons while savoring incredibly tasty pizzas, calzones, and salads washed down by local beers, Dornan’s is the place to go.  If you want to rent bikes to ride into Grand Teton National Park or just pick up a few grocery items before you enter the Park, Dornan’s is the place to go.  If you…. well you get the idea – Dornan’s is the place to go! [Read more…]

Wilson – Hungry Jack’s General Store

If you are heading west towards Teton pass, you will enter the town of Wilson just before the road begins its ascent over the mountains.  The town is small and unassuming, but contains a gem that should not be missed – Hungry Jack’s General Store.  It will be on your right (north side of the road), just to the left of the Post Office.  If ever you wanted to step into culture of the past fused with the products of the present this is it.  Hungry Jack’s is a general store where you can pick up basic grocery items, clothing, DVDs, etc. in an eclectic menagerie that harkens to the working West.

I usually enter thinking of one or two things that I need, and leave with having not found them but being drawn to purchasing several other items that catch my passing fancy.  It is a store that you feel good about making a purchase in.  It has a family run atmosphere that shakes you free from the corporate retail culture that we have all become used to navigating.  When you leave with a pair of work gloves with Jackson Hole insignia, Carhartt jeans or some other item you feel you are also leaving with a piece of this wonderful valley.