Living in Jackson year round, it’s about this time of year that we all start to take vacations. It’s always nice to get away for a little bit to warm up after a fun winter season. This spring my husband and I were lucky enough to head down to the Caribbean for some time at the beach with toes in the sand. This year’s trip was for a very special occasion- our honeymoon! It also got us thinking… a honeymoon in Jackson Hole, WY would also be a special treat!

As the beautiful summer months approach, and many beautiful spring and summer weddings are taking place, why not start planning your Jackson Hole, Wyoming Honeymoon?

Maybe you are an adventurous couple: we have hiking, biking, white water rafting, climbing, and more. If you like being outdoors this is the place for you. With temperatures in the 70s-80s during the day and cooling off at night, Jackson Hole has a great climate to play outside all day and cozy up by the romantic fireside at night.

Perhaps you are a foodie couple: with world renowned dining at your fingertips, Jackson is a culinary delight. Try local game meat, excellent Mexican and Thai food, amazing deserts and pastries, and more! With all our great restaurants, you have excellent options breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Any honeymoon needs to be romantic, right? Look no further then Inn on the Creek, our beautiful bed and breakfast. Touted as the most romantic bed and breakfast in Jackson, we have a variety of rooms to offer that are the perfect place to relax and enjoy your honeymoon in Jackson Hole, Wy.

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Spending a day hiking is a wonderful activity on your Jackson Hole Summer Vacation and is highly recommended by Inn on the Creek. There are great day hikes available in Grand Teton National Park of varying degrees of difficulty that offer both beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for wildlife viewing.  To start off any hike in the park we always recommend stopping in at Creekside Market and Deli to grab some delicious snacks for the trip.  As you continue north towards the park you will find that shortly after leaving Jackson proper the valley opens up, and you will surely be amazed by the awe-inspiring views of the mountains you’ll be faced with.  The Tetons are a unique mountain range, in that, they seem to spring right up out of the flat valley.  Take your time, and be sure to stop at some of the pull-outs along the road to take pictures.

Once you reach Moose, take a quick stop at the Grand Teton National Park Visitor Center to enjoy some of the neat displays they offer as well as learn more about the history of the park.  Grab yourself a map and start your journey into the park.  While there are plenty of day hikes to please any interest, there are two in particular that we here at Inn on the Creek recommend.  First, stop at Bradley-Taggart Lake trailhead for the first recommended hike (about 3 miles from park entrance).  From here you can hike to either one, or both of the beautiful alpine lakes just at the base of the mountains.  It is a relatively flat hike that offers a loop between the lakes.  If you decide to see both lakes it is approximately 5.3 miles and will likely take you 2.5 to 3 hours.  If you simply want to see Taggart Lake it is a short 3.2 mile round-trip hike.  The forest along this hike isn’t terribly thick so you’re sure to experience impressive views of the Tetons along the way.

The next day hike we recommend takes you just a little further into the park to the String Lake and Leigh Lake trailhead.  From here you once again will have a couple of options.  You can either hike around String Lake (3.3 miles) and then stop for a quick picnic near the parking area or you can do an even shorter 2 mile hike around Leigh Lake.  Perhaps you could even bring your swimsuit and take a refreshing dip in either lake—careful though, the water is generally fairly cold.

After your hike, if you still have a bit of time, one of our favorite ways to end a day in the park is to stop off at Dornan’s in Moose.  Here you can grab a beer or some nachos and sit outside on their beautiful patio offering unobstructed views of the Tetons.  You might even be lucky enough to catch some live music!

Regardless of what hikes you choose to go on in Grand Teton National Park, you will most certainly have the opportunity to experience the splendor of our unforgettable landscape here in Jackson Hole.  All of us here at Inn on the Creek are more than happy to recommend additional hikes or simply help you to figure out how you’d like to spend your Jackson Hole Summer Vacation.

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The ‘No Vacancy’ sign will be hanging out front of Inn on the Creek, a Jackson Hole Boutique Hotel, for the next 17 days but not because all the rooms are occupied. It is because we are temporarily closed for the third and final stage of the remodel at Inn on the Creek!

Since purchasing the Inn in 2010, Casey and Amy have been working tirelessly on updating this wonderful property. They first tackled the Suite in April of last year renaming it The Swans Suite. We worked with a local designer to achieve a modern western décor, while also increasing the functionality of the room. A lock off door was added to enable guest the flexibility to book the two room Suite individually. We also added a queen bed and a queen sofa sleeper so the two room Suite now sleeps 6 people making it ideal for a group or family.

The Swans Suite

The second phase of the remodel kicked off the first of January 2013. Rocky Mountain Home and Paint, LLC , an award winning construction company with 25 years of experience was brought in for the second and third phase. The second phase of the remodel focused on the Creek Side Rooms. These cozy, charming rooms received new paint, tile, carpet and woodwork for a fresh look. New linens, drapes and blinds were created special for us by DJU Designs to capture the unique mountain inn experience of the Inn on the Creek.

The new linens for the Creek Side Rooms

This spring the lobby, breakfast room and Jacuzzi Fireplace rooms will be getting made over. The Inn will be closed to guests April 1st through the 19th to more effectively tackle the remodel. The lobby will be brightened up with paint and wall art. New drapes and paint will give the dining room a fresh look as well as a specially made built-in breakfast nook to increase seating for guests to enjoy breakfast. The Jacuzzi Fireplace rooms are the last rooms to receive a remake. These romantic rooms will receive new paint, carpets, linens and furniture.

We are thrilled with all the improvements at the Inn. We will be keeping you up-to-date on the progress of the third phase of the  remodel with pictures at each stage. April 20th, the Inn will be reopened with a fresh look for our busy Summer Season. We think you will be very happy with the improvements we are making to the Inn on the Creek!

Summer at Inn on the Creek

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1. 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
2. 2. Mix the Nescafe Cappuccino and the boing water in a cup. Let cool.
3. 3. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
4. 4. Lightly beat the eggs in a bowl. Add the heavy cream, butter, brown sugar and dissolved cappuccino mix.
5. 5. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry- careful not to over mix.
6. 6. Spray the muffin pan with cooking spray. Place the muffin liners into the muffin pan. Scoop muffin mix into the liners till 2/3 full.
7. 7. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes until a knife comes out clean.
8. 8. Let the muffins cool.
9. 9. Combine the heavy whipping cream, confectioner’s sugar and vanilla. Mix to stiff peaks. Scoop a small amount onto each muffin. Lightly sprinkle cocoa on top.

Enjoy!

Adapted from 1 Mix, 100 Muffins author Susanna Tee.

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Here at the Inn on the Creek, we love to share our knowledge of the area and local activities to assist guests in planning their Jackson Hole summer vacations.  In our next blog posts, we’ll provide some recommendations for our favorite Jackson “must dos”.  On top of the list is a trip to the National Museum of Wildlife Art. The National Museum of Wildlife Art has something to appeal to everyone- the specatular architecture of the building, amazing setting and views, large collection of world renowed art, delicious dining and a terrific gift shop. All this, and its only a quick ten minute drive from the Inn on the Creek. These pictures are from a recent trip to the museum on a snowy day.

Located on Saddle Butte overlooking the National Elk Refuge, the museum has amazing views of the valley, Flat Creek and wildlife.  Open 7 days a week 9am-5pm (Sunday 11-5pm) admission is regularly $12 for adults and $6 for children but Inn on the Creek guests receive a special discount!

The Museum is celebrating it’s 25th Anniversary this year. The prestigious collection is internationally acclaimed and contains both well known master artists as well as modern ones.

Coyote- John Nieto Artist

Chief- Robert Batemen Artist

The National Geographic Greatest Photographs of the American West exhibit is currently on display until August 11th. This exciting exhibit’s goals is to portray the Wild West and its evolution through photographs.

Artist- Simon Gudgeon

Artist- Sandy Scott

Winding around the museum is a Sculpture Trail with around 30 pieces scattered along the trail. This free exhibit was designed by Walter Hood, a landscape architect. It’s a unique experience to be outside in such an amazing landscape while enjoying magnificent wildlife sculptures. A very Jackson Hole experience.

The museum has a wonderful gift shop with prints, western collectibles and much more. The shop is a terrific spot to purchase a unique souvenir to bring home.

After your time exploring the museum refuel at their delicious cafe, Rising Sage Cafe. The menu has eclectic offerings that are sure to satisfy any diner. Try the Montana Buff burger, Fish tacos with chipotle aioli or the Sage salad with caramelized pecans. The cafe is also a great spot to have a cup of coffee and a cookie while absorbing all the great artworks you just viewed.

During any season or weather, a trip to the National Wildlife Art Museum is a must on your Jackson Hole Summer Vacation.  For other IOTC recommended activities check out our Innkeeper Recommendations.

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 Imaging waking up to this delicious dish while on your  Jackson Hole summer vacation. French Toast Bake is a regular star on our breakfast menu at Inn on the Creek. This recipe is a family tradition of our breakfast hostess Robyn and is now a tried and true guest favorite. This sweet breakfast treat is topped with pecans for a delightful crunch. Serve with thick-cut bacon and high quality maple syrup for a delicious start to your day.

Ingredients:

  Topping Ingredients:

  Directions: 

1. 1. Slice bread into 1” slices and arrange in two buttered 8”x8” glass dish.
2. 2. In a large bowl combine the rest of the ingredients (not the ‘topping ingredients’) with a whisk. Be careful not to over mix.
3. 3. Pour the egg mixture over the bread slices in the 2 glass dishes.
4. 4. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. 5. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
6. 6. In a medium bowl combine the topping ingredients and spread equally over the egg and bread mixture.
7. 7. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes to an hour. The dish will be done when its puffed and slightly golden. Note: The dish raises as it cooks and may bubble over. Place a cookie sheet under the dishes to avoid any oven spills.

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Nothing is as comforting after a great day exploring Jackson Hole, Wy as a chocolate chip cookie, or two. Kelly’s signature recipe are chocolate chips cookies with a bang! Kelly joined our staff this winter and brings with her years of experience in the kitchen. She was a baker at Lotus Cafe, an amazing restaurant in town and most recently the kitchen and garden manager at a Youth Garden Project in Moab, UT. The secret to Kelly’s delicious cookies is the sea salt, which creates a salty and sweet contrast that enhances the sweet flavor. Make them for the guests in your world.

Adapted from Allrecipes.com                       Ready In: 55 Minutes                          Servings: 42

Ingredients:

 Directions:

 1.         Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (or about 340 degrees F at our altitude).

2.         In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, and then stir in vanilla.

3.         Combine the flour, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture until just blended. Mix in the quick oats and chocolate chips.

4.          Drop by heaping spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets.  Sprinkle tops lightly with coarse sea salt.

5.          Bake for 11-13 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

More recipes to come on our blog- Inn on the Creek Jackson Hole B&B

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If you don’t happen to own your own snowshoes, the park will rent you some historic snowshoes for just $5.  While these extra-long wooden shoes might seem intimidating at first, they are in fact quite easy to manuever around in.  Furthermore, they are far quieter than the modern snowshoes so they allow you to truly enjoy the serenity of the snow-covered park.

After bundling up and strapping down your snowshoes, the ranger will proceed to break trail and take you to some wonderful spots in the park.  The tour is 2 hours, though much of the time is spent at these designated spots where the ranger discusses the various ways that wildlife in the park has adapted to winter.  You’ll hear stories about the mice scurrying around beneath the snow, bears hibernating up the mountains, and the highly-adaptable snowshoe hare.  You may even be lucky enough to see some wildlife while on the tour.

In order to get a sense of how the snowshoes work you will have the opportunity to venture out on your own into some deep, untracked powder.  It becomes a bit more difficult to walk, but your snowshoes will keep you floating on the top of the snow.  Above is a photo of one of our guests as she walks across a frozen portion of the Snake River.

Whether you’re in Jackson to snowshoe, ski or simply just enjoy the scenery, Grand Teton National Park is worth a visit.  Here at Inn on the Creek we’re happy to recommend all types of outdoor adventures depending on the experience you’re looking for.  Jackson is full of fun and exciting ways to spend time enjoying our beautiful landscape.

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Grand Teton National Park is fabulously spectacular in the winter and no trip to Jackson Hole, or stay at the Inn on the Creek, is complete without a visit there. Just a short 15 minute drive from the front door of our Inn is the southern entrance to Grand Teton National Park.

To explore the park, simply strap on some snowshoes, cross-country skis, or climb a peak with your backcountry ski gear! There are plenty of fun ways to get around for everyone.  The trailhead at Taggart Lake is a great spot to start your activities.

There are often adventurous spirits here at the Inn.  Here are photos shared by some of the Inn’s skiers on their approach to 25 short, a popular mountain to ski in the park.

No trip to Grand Teton National Park is complete without a stop at Dornan’s Pizza and Pasta Company. Dornan’s is famous for their amazing views of the mountain peaks and tasty cuisine.  It is also a wonderful place to drop in and have a cold beer after you finish your stroll in the park.

Following a long day in the park nothing sounds better than a quick dip in the inroom Jacuzzi to soothe your tired muscles.  Here at Inn on the Creek we’ve found that some delicious homemade cookies are also the perfect complement to a day of hiking.  After a relaxing soak and a yummy snack you can stroll into town and enjoy a taste of Jackson’s diverse food offerings.

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An Inn on the Creek afternoon tradition of freshly baked cookies greets our newly arriving guests or welcomes back our in-house guests from their adventures in Jackson. These pumpkin cookies have quickly become a guests sensation. The real pumpkin puree combined with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves make these cookies a heart-warming treat. Our new breakfast chef, Robyn Zimmer, created this delicious recipe. Robyn is a Jackson native and loves to share her knowledge and stories of the area with the guest.

Dry Ingredients                                          Liquid Ingredients
2 ½ cups flour                                           ½ cup butter, softened
1 tsp. baking powder                                 1 ½ cup sugar
1 tsp. baking soda                                      1 cup pumpkin puree
2 tsp. cinnamon                                         1 egg
½ tsp. nutmeg                                             1 tsp. vanilla
½ tsp. cloves
½ tsp. salt

Glaze Ingredients
2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1 tbsp. melted butter
1 tsp. vanilla
3 tbsp. milk

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all dry ingredients and set aside in a large bowl.
2. In medium bowl combine all of liquid ingredients. Mix with dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheets by tablespoons.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Cool cookies for 10 minutes.

4. To make glaze: Mix the first 3 glaze ingredients. Slowly add milk till you get the correct consistency.
5. Drizzle glaze with a spoon onto cooled cookies.

Enjoy.

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