A Week Out West

Let’s start with the fun stuff, shall we? A mini guide of sorts to a week out west.

What a pleasant little surprise this stop was—some of the best shopping of the whole trip. Trendy restaurants and cafes.

• Shop at Heyday

• Dinner at Blackbird

• Rarebird Vintage for vintage shopping

• REVOLVR for menswear

• Western Cafe for a classic diner

• Day 1: Grand Prismatic Spring, Grand Prismatic Spring Overlook (I’d recommend doing both, but if you only have time to do one, definitely the overlook!), and Old Faithful. NPS has a website where you can track the estimated time Old Faithful will erupt. People will sit for a long time to wait to see “the show”.

• Day 2: Lamar Valley (the coolest stop of my entire trip. Animals EVERYWHERE. Bison crossing the streets. This is a must do.), Calcite Springs Overlook, Tower Falls (you can hike down to the river and go for a dip if you want; heads up that it smells like sulfur from the calcite near the river).

This town met expectations—I knew it was going to be cool, and it delivered.

• Drinks at Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: I’m sorry but you just have to do it.

• Pastries & coffee at Persephone Bakery.

• Shopping at Lee’s Tees.

• Liberty Burger for burgers.

• Bin22 for wine & tapas.

Unexpectedly amazing.

• Jenny Lake: This was the busiest stop of all the National Park sites we saw. Parking was a zoo, so we skipped it, opted for the Jenny Lake overlook and then moved on. Apparently there is a shuttle boat that will take you across the lake which sounds cool—but everyone else must think the same.

• Taggart Lake: The internet will tell you this is an easy hike, but (as a non-hiker), I’d put this squarely into moderate. It is 3 miles long, very popular route that ends at Taggart Lake. Most people opt for a swim and even pack a lunch to hang for the day. We saw a bald eagle at the lake if that helps persuade you.

• T.A. Moulton Barn: The iconic barn photo you’ve probably seen from anyone that has visited. This place feels like the definition of “did it for the gram” as there isn’t much else to do there.

• JAC: The only airport in the US located INSIDE a national park.

When we think about luxury hotel stays for this kind of trip, there are a few that come to mind. But not without a few caveats. These hotels are removed from major cities and some, in the heart of nature. Which is what makes them both beautiful, and sometimes challenging.

I had a chance to visit One&Only Moonlight Basin; one of the newest to the scene and a 15-20 minute drive past Big Sky Town Center. It really feels like you’re driving into the middle of nowhere…which I think is the point. But Google Maps hasn’t quite caught up yet, signage isn’t very clear and like many O&O properties, it is very spread out.

There were many families and multi-gen, couples and groups for celebrations. It is ski in / ski out for winter, which is one of their major selling points (I’m not much of a skier, so don’t ask my opinion on the nearby mountain). The design is stunning, modern and brutalist against the mountains. Be prepared for a $30 cocktail at the bar and arguably the best pizza I had my entire trip (Diavola).

Candidly, this property needs a bit more time to grow into its service (and the landscaping). But their price point reflects their current state with offers like 3rd night free. I believe setting an expectation ahead of your visit that things are still getting in the swing of things, and some good old fashioned patience, is the best way to enjoy your time there.

A few other big hitters out this way:

• Montage Big Sky: Arguably the OG for this area

• Hotel Yellowstone at Jackson Hole: Newer to the scene and adults only. Very exclusive. Outside guests can’t visit for dinner.

• Four Seasons Jackson Hole: Located in Teton Village, A classic for a reason.

• Caldera House: Great for families or multi-gen, also located in Teton Village

• Sage Lodge: The closest luxury hotel to Yellowstone National Park (only 30 minutes)

Put any other recommendations you have in the comments! Already looking forward to my next trip back to Bozeman & Jackson Hole.

—Julia | It Girls Collective