18 Oct 2011

WhatIWore: It’s official. I’m in love with the American West.  Adam and I had such a wonderful time on our road trip between Utah, Wyoming and Colorado.  I’ve always lived in a relatively flat part of the country and I was in awe of the scenery.  Not to mention the friendliest people, most amazing food and wonderful hotels.

Should you head out west, here’s what we’d recommend.

Getting there: We flew out of Indianapolis to Salt Lake City with Southwest.  Thanks to the no baggage fees we were able to check in our camping gear and nine days worth of clothes for free (4 bags).  We rented a car through Hertz and although our check in lady was not in the best of moods, the car was great once we hit the road.

STOP 1: UTAH

Our stay in Utah was short but sweet with time spent in Salt Lake City and Park City.  On our first evening we dined at the Red Iguana (see below) and called it an early night.  The following morning, my new friend Heidi gave us a great tour of the Temple Square.  The city is so clean and has such a fascinating history!  Here I am with Heidi and solo in front of the beautiful Temple which took over 40 years to complete! Isn’t it beautiful?

On our drive to Wyoming, we stopped for lunch in Park City.  That is one cute city! We had a nice, leisurely meal outdoors, did a little strolling and then jumped back onto the road. I’d love to spend more time there, especially during ski season! 

To Eat:

Red Iguana in SLC
736 West North Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 322-1489

I had a classic margarita with the Enchiladas Suizas (avocado and chicken with an AMAZING mole sauce) and Adam had a Girasol cocktail (pineapple, rum, mint and sparkling water) with the Iguana platter. It’s worth the wait and we’d highly recommend this stop for anyone visiting Salt Lake City. 

Bandit’s Barbeque in Park City
440 Main Street
Park City, UT 84060
(435) 649-7337

Adam and I agree we had some of the best BBQ sandwiches of our lives! 

EN ROUTE TO JACKSON HOLE

The driving during this trip was just as enjoyable as each destination. I took a lot of photos from the road - the horizon seems so much more vast than it does back home in Indiana. The sky is so blue! It’s just so beautiful! 

Whoa there! Before we found ourselves in Jackson Hole, we did a little roadside stop on the way. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. Two older gentlemen, obviously best friends, are hanging out by this little jerky stand.  If you’re familiar with Car Talk, they are like the Click and Clack of Wyoming.  Their back and forth banter had me doubled over laughing and we walked away with the most delicious jerky I’ve ever tasted. Mainly because I’d never wanted to eat jerky before, but now I’m hooked! This trip had me loving all kinds of things I’d sworn off in the past.  These guys were just the first of many kind and friendly folks we’d meet in Wyoming. We parted ways with big ol’ hugs.

More views from the road…

STOP 2: JACKSON HOLE, WY

Our first Wyoming overnight was near the Teton Mountains in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.  We loved just about everything on this leg of the trip - our hotel, the food, the town of Jackson and especially horseback riding!

Fun Fun:

Horseback Riding at Spring Creek Ranch
1800 Spirit Dance Road
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 733-8833

Our hotel called and made our reservations for an hour long ride at Spring Creek Ranch.  This is the way to see Jackson Hole! Our small group of four was led by a real deal cowboy named Charlie and included a little tag along spotted dog name Dwight.  I’ll let the views speak for themselves here.  It was absolutely one of our favorite parts of the trip and I totally recommend it!

To Eat:

Cascades (In the Teton Lodge)
3385 W Village Dr,
Teton Village, WY 83025
(307) 732-6932 ‎

Adam and I both ordered a Dark and Stormy to drink and then did the prix fixe menu. I wish I could remember our first plates (because I know they were delicious), but the Kobe beef sirloin was knock-your-socks off good. For dessert we did a flourless chocolate brownie and huckleberry ice cream with white chocolate chips (two different options). Very very good! 

Cafe Genevieve
135 E. Broadway
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 732-1910

Another super impressive meal. Adam ordered the Reuben sandwich (which he declares is far and away the best he’s had in his life) and I did Chicken and Waffles. Don’t miss this charming restaurant just off the main square! 

Osteria (in the Hotel Terra)
3335 W Village Dr
Teton Village, WY 83025
(307) 739-4000

Instead of ordering starters, entrees and desserts, we opted to order 6 small dishes. We went two plates at a time with fried olives stuffed with homemade sausage, butternut squash risotto, seared buffalo carpaccio, homemade ricotta and fig bruschetta, a cheese plate and cannoli for dessert. Needless to say, it was all delicious!  If you’re staying in the area, this is an awesome place for a romantic, sophisticated dinner date!

Imbibe:

The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar
25 North Cache Drive,
Jackson, WY 83001
(307) 733-2207

We stopped by midday to try one of the area’s awesome micro brewed beers! 

To Stay:

Hotel Terra
3335 W Village Dr
Teton Village, WY 83025
(307) 739-4000

We can’t stop thinking about this awesome, eco friendly (and LEED certified!) boutique hotel! Our room was beautiful, the staff were amazing and our sunrise (and sunset) views were great (check out that rainbow!).  It’s actually part of a ski resort area and about a 10 minute drive from Jackson. I can only imagine what it’s like to stay there in the winter! 

And how about this moose!? 

STOP 3: YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK

You can’t deny the natural beauty of Yellowstone National Park.  We happened to arrive during some unpredictable weather (caught in a hail storm in tee shirts!) but really enjoyed our walk around the geisers and colored pools.  Originally we planned to hike and do some back country camping, but warnings of hungry bears and more bad weather had us heading to Colorado a day early.

All this in only four days! Recommendations for Colorado coming right up!