Jackson Hole Anniversary Trip: Yurts, Wildlife, Food, & Romantic Memories

Just back from Jackson Hole, Wyoming, I already cannot wait to return. It was every bit as charming as it was 33 years ago when Scott and I honeymooned there. (We married on Valentine’s Day.)

Some places hold their beauty. Others deepen with time. Jackson Hole has done both. Here’s what made this winter anniversary trip special for us.

My son Hampton planned this trip for Scott and me, joining us with his wife Abbi, and it became one of those rare trips you know you’ll talk about for years.

The Great Airport Scramble

Our journey to Jackson Hole began with a lesson in letting go — of our luggage, that is.

We arrived at the Montgomery airport about fifty-eight minutes before departure, confident we had plenty of time. Instead, we stood at the baggage counter waiting… and waiting… with no agent in sight. By the time we made our way upstairs, we were informed luggage check had closed.

So we did the only thing we could do: we ran back to Hampton’s Jeep, left our suitcases behind, stuffed a few essentials into backpacks, and hurried back through security.

When we reached the gate, though, it was already closed. For a brief, breathless moment, it felt like the Jackson Hole anniversary trip might end before it began. But someone kindly opened the gate for us after a little pleading. Soon we were on our way west with only what we could carry.

Honestly? It was freeing. No lugging big suitcases around, and no wardrobe decisions to make. Just three jackets layered on the plane, long underwear and a few other items in my bag, and the realization that we really don’t need much.

A Few Finds Along the Way

Scott loves marking our travels with meaningful souvenirs. Thirty-three years ago, we found a red lined canvas hoodie at the outdoor store of Ralph Lauren in town. That hoodie has traveled with me all over the world. This time, I discovered a goatskin jacket I absolutely love. I can tell this jacket is going to become a part of future stories.

Food First, Always

We always travel with food at the top of our priorities, and our first dinner did not disappoint. At Gun Barrel Steak and Game House, I ordered the bison, and it was extraordinary — deeply flavorful and perfectly prepared. It was, without question, my favorite meal of the trip.

Our last day in Jackson Hole, we revisited The Bunnery, where we ate the first day of our honeymoon so long ago. It was just as delicious this time as it was the last. It began as a log cabin back in 1975! It’s in the middle of town now, but the food is just as authentic.

Revisiting More Memories of Our Jackson Hole Honeymoon

Although it is different now, more casual, we hit Alpenhof, where our waiter served Bananas Foster table-side on our honeymoon.  It wasn’t quite as fancy this time, but still we enjoyed our pretzel and cheese. 

I tried to recreate some of the photos we took on our honeymoon. If you ever visit Jackson Hole, you simply must stand beneath the Elk Antler Arch in the town square. It’s a rite of passage, and for us, it was a marker of memories old and new.

Enjoying the Snowy Landscape—from a Yurt

One of the highlights of the trip was our accommodations! We stayed in yurt-style geodesic domes at Tammah. Hampton was so kind as to give us the one with the best view, and boy, was it gorgeous. The ceiling spread arched overhead like a hanging quilt, and the yurt glowed with the warmth of the gas fireplace. I would return in a heartbeat.

Pastries Before the Slopes

We stopped at a lovely bakery and ordered what felt like half the menu. Since Abbi had never skied before, we decided the proper preparation involved plenty of butter and sugar. It seemed only right to “butter her up,” so to speak, for the challenge ahead.

Then and Now in Jackson Hole

At Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Hampton and Abbi spent the day skiing while Scott and I rode the lift and sipped hot chocolate at the summit, watching the Tetons stretch endlessly into the sky. It felt like standing inside a postcard.

Memories of our honeymoon flooded back to me.

Jackson Hole’s Wildlife and Wide Open Spaces

The next day we hiked toward the Elk Refuge and saw mule deer, elk, and even bighorn sheep. At one point, a ram bounded across the road so close it nearly knocked Scott over.

Moments like that remind you that out here, the land still belongs to the wild.

Until Next Time…Cooking Up Some Memories

Snowmobiling will have to wait for our next trip — and there will be a next trip.

I love Jackson Hole so very much. Proof of that is the fact that I recreated the food we enjoyed on our honeymoon and added it to my latest book, Love Language of the South.

Jackson Hole cuisine consists of elk burgers, venison, trout and fish fry dishes, and chicken fried steak. Of course their breakfasts are also amazing with pastries, pancakes, and waffles. 

If you’ve visited Jackson Hole, I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments.