Summer Guide 2010

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

By JH Weekly Staff

Jackson Hole, Wyo.-We at JH Weekly have a pet peeve about writers falsely proclaiming the arrival of summer. The announcements, which tend to begin at the earliest sign of warmth, usually appear in the intro to some column, blog post or newsletter. The problem is that people begin stating ‘yes, summer has arrived!’ as early as May, or even the first half of June, when the proclamation is usually followed by days or weeks of chilly, wet weather that is decidedly spring-like.

One marketing type even proclaimed that summer was “officially here” at least three or four weeks before the summer solstice, the day summer “officially” began.  Alas, even we are guilty of this faux pas: some of our own columnists have a habit of prematurely announcing summer’s arrival.

Having said all that, summer is officially here!  Herewith, we bring to you our inaugural JH Weekly Summer Guide, a pull-out section which you can actually save.
Inside you’ll find information about all sorts of outdoor activities, cultural events, miscellaneous summer events, and even a bit about where to find Aaron Wallis, the controversial art world figure who has a murky connection to a mysterious playboy named Johnny Ocean.

The days only get shorter from here, and may the summer continue to unlock worlds of possibility. – Ben Cannon

JUST FLOAT
You probably already knew about the world class whitewater rafting that occurs in the Snake River Canyon, but did you know about the relaxing and scenic float trips found upstream?

It doesn’t matter if you’re a local with a day off or a tourist looking for the best way to spend a day in Jackson Hole. To first-timers, I always recommend an early morning scenic float of Deadman’s Bar to Moose on the Snake River. It’s arguably the most beautiful stretch of commercial river in all of the National Parks. If it leaves you jones-ing for more, hit the whitewater section in Snake River Canyon in the afternoon.

For locals and returning floaters, you may want more solitude. Consider renting a canoe and taking it to one of the following: Lower Slide Lake in the Gros Ventre Mountains, Jenny Lake and String Lake in Grand Teton Park, Teton River in Teton Valley, or the Salt River near Alpine. For tubing adventure, try South Park Bridge to the Hoback stretch of the Snake.

Keep in mind that most sections of the Snake require expert navigation. And while lakes are generally safer, keep an eye on the afternoon wind forecast and you’ll need a non-motorized boat permit ($20) for the national parks.

A hard boat like a touring kayak is perfect for exploring one of several lakes in Grand Teton National Park where boating is allowed. A favorite summertime activity among many of the young locals involves taking tire inter-tubes down Flat Creek, flowing right through the heart of Jackson. – Aaron Davis (with Ben Cannon)

A.J. Derosa Wooden Boat Tours 5455 W. Hwy 22, 732-BOAT, www.woodboattours.com
Lewis & Clark River Expeditions 335 N. Cache, 733-4022
Mad River Boat Trips 1255 S. Highway 89, 733-6203?
Solitude Float Trips 110 E. Karns Avenue, 733-2871?
Teton Scenic Floats and Fly Fishing 413-4464
Teton Scenic Float Tours 200 N. Cache Drive, 699-2779?
Charlie Sands Wild Water 110 W. Broadway, 733-4410
Barker-Ewing River Trips 945 W. Broadway, (800) 448-4202?
Rendezvous River Sports 945 W. Broadway, 733-2471
Acme Raft Rentals 650 W. Broadway, 739-8899

HIT THE TRAILS
Always a runner but never entirely dedicated, when I began trail running, something changed.

Instead of stomping my feet on unforgiving pavement and huffing car exhaust, I was hopping streams, dodging rocks and roots, soaking in smells of sagebrush and wildflowers, and rendezvousing with wildlife.  While running in Cache Canyon, on more than one occasion, I have arrived within several feet of a mother and baby moose whose sheer presence I felt moments before approaching them. And during a run through Lupine Meadows, I saw my first bear. These moments are humbling; soul quenching and distracting from the painful glory of running long distances.

Trail running takes what can sometimes become a mundane activity and involves a more colorful playing field. Breathtaking views, total serenity and a sense of oneness with nature are just a few of the tools provided that can push you to your eighth, ninth and tenth miles. Finding a new trail to conquer each day, set back in the woods away from the valley’s summer congestion, keeps trail running exciting and meditative while the cardiovascular benefits - as well as improved balance, coordination and endurance - make this a worthwhile endeavor for the body and the mind.

And the sport is easy for just about anyone to pick up. All you need to get started is a pair of trail running shoes, patience and, for some, the will to go further and steeper. – Robyn Vincent

Best runs for beginners
Cache Creek Sidewalk Trail
Game Creek
Sink or Swim
Most scenic runs
Bradley Lake via Taggart Lake trailhead
Death Canyon to Phelps Lake
Jenny Lake to Hidden Falls
Best runs to bring the dog
Wilson Canyon, via Snow King Summit
Josie’s Ridge
Goodwin Lake
Best long runs
Death Canyon to Taggart Lake
Pacific Creek to Emma Matilda Lake
Cache Creek to Game Creek
Best places to buy the gear
Teton Mountaineering 170 N. Cache, 733-3595
Skinny Skis 65 W. Deloney, 733-6094
Sports Authority 455 W. Broadway, 733-4449

CHALK UP
A few years back when I sold my all of my climbing gear except for my crash pad, a traditional climbing friend asked me – in a way considerably less derogatory than most traditional climbers – how I could consider bouldering a sport into itself – versus “training” for trad climbing. I took him out to Boulder City in Grand Teton National Park, where I attempted to demonstrate the heightened nuance of the moves and thrill of topping out.

In my eagerness, I ignored that it was raining lightly, and the rock was slick. When the sticky rubber soles hit the top of the rock, they slid right off and so did I, 15 feet or so to the bottom. My buddy luckily saw me coming and batted me towards the crash pad. I sprained my wrist and bloodied my knee in the fall, then said, “Some other time, then.”
– Matthew Irwin

Gear
Teton Mountaineering, 170 N. Cache, 733-3595, www.tetonmountaineering.com
Skinny Skis, 65 W. Deloney, 733-6094, www.skinnyskis.com
Wilson Backcountry Sports, 1230 Ida Dr. (Wilson), 733-5228 www.wilsonbackcountry.com
Moosely Seconds, 12170 Dornan Rd. (Moose), 739-1801
Guides
Exum Mountain Guides, South Jenny Lake, Grand Teton National Park, 733-2297, www.exumguides.com
Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, 165 N. Glenwood St., 733-4979, www.jhmg.com


WHERES'S WALLIS
After a hard day of mountain biking, rafting, or working that J-O-B, nothing beats an ice-cold pint and shots. With the exception of AA meetings just about any social activity in Jackson involves drinking, and boy can people here hold their liquor. With more police per capita than North Korea, and only two roads out of town, the cards are marked and the deck is stacked. So use the threat of a DUI as an excuse to crash on a friend’s couch, and maybe cop a feel. But first get warmed up at one of my favorite local watering holes.

n Thai Me Up’s IPAs are on par with the best West Coast micro brews. If you want to be stuck in a monogamous relationship with the other brewery in town that’s cool. But I’ll tell you what; the head and the hops are better on the East Side.
n Well, it’s kind of small and crowded, but that makes me feel like I am in a real city. And if I am going to pay for an expensive drink, I expect there to be alcohol in it. That’s why I go to Koshu.

n Two-for-one, that should be illegal. But it’s not at the Cadillac Grille, though after 10-for-five I might just go home with a fat girl, if there were any in Jackson.
n If your roommate or family member did not come home last night, odds are you can find them at Teton County Jail. – Aaron Wallis
Thai Me Up 75 E Pearl St., 733-0005
Koshu Wine Bar 200 West Broadway, 733-5283
The Caddie 55 N. Cache St, 733-3279
Teton County Jail 175 S. Willow Street, 733-2141

SKI RESORTS DURING SUMMER
Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole ski resorts are action packed for the summer, with ski lifts specially rigged to hoist mountain bikes to the top and beyond – depending on when the snow melts!

Grand Targhee will open for the summer on June 26 with mountain biking, camping and two music festivals (See “Holed up with Music,” p. 16). The 15th annual WYDAHO Bike Race is on July 3, first in the Targhee Downhill Series/Race 1 on July 25 and the Grand Targhee Disc Golf Tournament on July 31. Events continue into September.

Jackson Hole’s Teewinot Quad chairlift opened June 19 for mountain bikers. It will remain open until mid September with bike rentals extended to the end of the month. Downhill biking is not permitted above Amphitheater Bowl. Other summer events include the Taming the Teton Mountain Bike Race and the Jackson Hole Half Marathon, both on June 26, the car auction on July 3 and the LOTOJA classic on September 11. – Marilyn Ellis (with Matthew Irwin)

Grand Targhee Resort 800-TARGHEE, www.grandtarghee.com
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort 307-733-2292, www.jacksonhole.com

CYCLING THE HOLE
No matter what style or pace of cycling you prefer, Jackson Hole is a cyclist’s paradise.

There are mountain bike trails to entertain riders of any experience level, from the family of beginners looking for a leisurely tour to pros who like to flirt with bodily injury.

For road warriors, the vistas, open space and relative flatness of the valley floor make this an ideal destination for biking. 

A new bicycle pathway that begins at the Moose entrance into Grand Teton National Park, resplendent with up-close views of the dramatic Tetons, promises to make the park one of the most desirable biking routes in the country.

It can also be a lot of fun to just hop on a cruiser, even an old Scwhinn, and check out all that Jackson the town has to offer. A number of friendly bike shops staffed by world-class mechanics and fitters can either tune-up your old set of wheels or put you on a new one. All of the following shops offer rentals of bikes equipped with the latest technology. To go from there, simply ask someone with the shop to point you in the right direction. – Ben Cannon

In Jackson
Fitzgerald’s Bicyles 245 W. Hansen, 734-6886
The Edge Sports 490 W. Broadway, 734-3916
The Board Room 225 W. Broadway, 733-8327
Hoback Sports 520 W. Broadway, 733-5335
Sports Authority 455 West Broadway, 733-4449
In DRIGGS
Peaked Sports 70 E. Little Ave, 208-354-2354
In moose
Adventure Sports 5 Dornans Rd., 733-3307 
In Wilson
Backcountry Sports 1230 Ida Dr. 733-5228
In Teton Village
Teton Village Sports 3285 W. McCollister Dr., 733-2181
Jackson Hole Sports 305 Granite Loop Rd., 739-2649
Jackson Treehouse 3335 W. Village Dr. (Base of Hotel Terra), 739-8733
Wildernest Sports 3275 Village Drive 733-4297

ON THE STAGE
Last summer, I was privileged to be part of Off Square Theatre’s production of Petticoat Rules, and I’m excited to see that it’s returning again this summer. Favored by locals and visitors alike, the musical is an entertaining and oft comedic history of Jackson Hole’s first ever all-women’s town council. The performance will be gracing the Center for the Arts stage and will be produced in repertory with Always…Patsy Cline, also produced by Off Square. Filled with 27 of Cline’s greatest hits, the musical is a delight for both fans and newcomers.

The Jackson Hole Playhouse is back in action with pistols cocked and rifles loaded as Annie Get Your Gun returns to an iconic, local theater. The classic musical about Annie Oakley and her gun-slinging beau, Frank Butler, is a high-energy romp filled with familiar tunes and quirky choreography. Don’t forget to catch the pre-show in the lobby before each performance.

The valley’s “community conscious” theater company, Riot Act Inc., will also likely host a performance of The Bogeyman, an original production pulling from just about every artform and from within the area’s talent pool.

Off Square’s acting classes are pumping out more young talent every year with the “Legends of the Wild West” and “Kings, Queens and Castles” performance camps.
The Laff Staff improv comedy troupe is also offering free open sessions throughout the summer.

Housing a professional dance company and a junior repertoire dance troupe, Dancers' Workshop also brings the world's finest dance organization to the valley, including The Chamber Ensemble of New York City Ballet, which will be in residence at DW, August 2 to 7. NYC Ballet will hold open rehearsals, master classes and three performances over the week. In addition to teaching many forms of dance to all ages, DW also holds classes in Zumba, Pilates, yoga and more. – Andrew Munz (with Matthew Irwin)

Petticoat Rules July 8 to 30
Always…Patsy Cline July 10 to 31
733-4900, www.offsquare.org   
Annie Get Your Gun  Now through August 28.
Jackson Hole Playhouse
733-6994, www.jhplayhouse.com
Legends of the Wild West Camp (ages 8-14)
Camp I:  July 5 to 16  • Camp II:  July 19 to 30
Kings, Queens and Castles Camp (grades K-3) Aug. 9 to 13
733-3021, www.offsquare.org
The Laff Staff Improv Sessions
“The Laff Staff” on Facebook, 690-6480
Riot Act, Inc. www.riotactinc.org
Dancers' Workshop in the Center for the Arts, 733-6398, www.dwjh.org
The Chamber Ensemble of New York City Ballet in Residence, August 2 to 7.
Free Open Rehearsal and ballet master class, Aug. 3 and 4
Free Open Rehearsal, Aug. 5
DW Fundraiser Gala and NYC Ballet performance, Aug. 6
Two NYC Ballet performances, Aug. 7
For a full list of classes, visit www.dwjh.org.

HOLED UP WITH MUSIC
Live music options—ranging from free to $75—are plentiful this summer. I wouldn’t miss these…

The 6th Annual Targhee Fest (July 16 to 18) and the acoustic-oriented 23rd Annual Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival (August 13 to 15) are always memorable, even if for one day.

Inside the grand façade of the Center Theater, you’ll have the opportunity to see jazz legend and 12-time Grammy-winning pianist and composer Herbie Hancock. He will grace the stage on August 26 ($50 to $75). Wow.

Teton Valley Foundation will host six weeks of Thursday night, all-ages outdoor concerts at Victor City Park, July 15 through August 19 (free). Austin’s Americana princes The Band of Heathens and local folk-rock variety show One Ton Pig will be a highlight on July 29.

Poppa Presents will produce a few concerts at The Spud Drive-In near Driggs, Idaho. Spud party of the summer may be Widespread Panic on July 4, but The Rhythm Devils & Keller Williams on July 24 is a close second.
Also in the back of my mind are The Lonesome Heroes at the Mangy Moose on July 2, Elephant Revival at Town Square Tavern on July 30, and Willie Nelson at Snow King on Sept. 4. – Aaron Davis
GrandTarghee.com
JHCenterForTheArts.org,
TetonValleyFoundation.org
PoppaPresents.com
MangyMoose.net
Gtmf.org
Snowking.com

ART WALKIN'
Art galleries in and around the town of Jackson have become the center of the region’s social and cultural universe – no doubt a result of the influx of young artists and a general burgeoning of the arts over the last 10 years that came with the completion of the Center for the Arts. Nonprofits in the Center, such as the Art Association, Teton Artlab and Center of Wonder, engage local, up-and-coming artists as teachers and exhibitors. The Center of Wonder also leads the area’s public art initiative.

Contemporary galleries like Alta Mira, Heather James, Tayloe Piggott and CIAO have also cropped up over the last decade, bringing new views and ideas to the region’s long-established collection of wildlife and Western art. For the more traditional fine arts, check out Astoria Fine Arts, Trailside Gallery (which carries local plein air legend Greg McHuron) and Images of Nature (home gallery to photographer Tom Mangelsen). Trio Fine Art also has a regular collection of regional artists. Galleries will have openings throughout the summer, but look out in particular for art fairs, as well as First Friday and Third Thursday art walks, when local art lovers and socialites hit the streets. – Matthew Irwin

For a complete list of area art galleries, see our regular gallery listings on page 24.

Art Fair July 16 to 18 & August 20 to 22, Miller Park, www.jhartfair.org
Teton Village Antique Show July 9 to 11 and Aug. 27 to 29, 733-5898, www.thevillagemix.com.
The Art Show in Teton Village July 23 to 25 and Aug. 20 to 22, www.jacksonhole.com

Grand Teton Music Festival
For seven weeks, Jackson Hole’s classical music festival provides five to six days a week of the world’s greatest classical composers, ranging from free discussions and performances to “cowboy formal” events. The Music in Nature series is a great way to mix sightseeing and high culture, but be sure to check out the rest of the festival’s schedule online and in the JH Weekly cover story next week (June 30).

Music in Nature
Tuesdays & Thursdays (Beginning June 29)
11:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Colter Bay Visitor Center       
Wednesdays & Fridays (Beginning June 30)
2 p.m. & 3 p.m., Craig Thomas Discovery & Visitor Center
5 p.m. and 6 p.m., Jackson Lake Lodge
Thursdays (Beginning July 1)
5 p.m., Teton Village Commons
Grand Teton Music Festival 732-9961, www.gtmf.org

BEST of THE BEST
Summer reading
For those who don’t want to spend money to enjoy themselves this summer, Teton County Library is offering a wide variety of free events and clubs. The very popular Toddler time and Storytime events will carry on every Tuesday and Thursday morning, and the library will also be offering book and cooking clubs. The next books will be The Book Thief by Markus Zusak and The History of Love by Nicole Krauss and will be discussed by members mid-July. Youth Services hosts two summer reading programs full of creative programs and thrilling events for young readers such as a graphic novel writing workshop with novelist Christian Burch. Sign up for summer reading at any time! Coming up in July, the Library will host an outdoor summer bash for patrons both young and old.
– Andrew Munz
Teton County Library 733-2164, www.tclib.org

Writing in the Tetons
It’s hard not to get inspired by the beautiful summer surroundings in the valley, so why not put those ideas to paper? The Grand Teton Association is hosting “Writers in the Park,” which invites writers to perform outdoor writing exercises with the help of a guest author in the shadow of the Tetons. Facilitator and local author Tina Welling has invited authors Patti Sherlock, Matt Daly and Jeremy Schmidt to present for July, August and September, respectively.

The Jackson Hole Writers Conference takes place in late June and allows the opportunity for critique and growth for writers from all over the United States. Special guests Janet Fitch, Tim Cahill, Winifred Gallagher, and Louis Bayard. – Andrew Munz

Jackson Hole Writers Conference June 24 to 27 413-3331
Writers in the Park
July to September on second Saturdays
739-3403

Jackson History
Being as we are from all over the country, Jackson Hole residents don’t know a whole lot about the area. We do know, however, where the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum is located, and the historians there are more than willing to help (especially if your aim is to reveal the true history of the valley, versus hyperbolizing the “Wild West” image for a few extra bucks). In addition to free campfire tales, a summer barbeque, and presentations on river running and other local pastimes, the Historical Society offers free walking tours of historic downtown Jackson, twice weekly. – Matthew Irwin
Jackson Hole Historical Society 105 Mercill Ave, 733-9605. www.jacksonholehistory.org.

Balloon Fest
The 4th of July Balloon Festival begins July 1 and lasts through July 4 for three full days of balloon rides, games, a 4th of July parade, rodeo action, bike races, a fiddler’s contest, craft and antique fair and glider rides and balloon flights. The balloons launch at sunrise each morning from the County Fairgrounds located just north of the City of Driggs. Call 208-354-2500 for more information. – Marilyn Ellis

2010 U.S. Sumo National
Championships
July 10
Jackson Hole High School, 208-760-7411

Jackson Hole Rodeo
Wednesdays and Saturdays through Sept. 4
www.jhrodeo.com

Teton County Fair
July 23 to August 2
Highlights
Pig wrestling July 28
Figure 8 Races July 29
Demo Derby August 1
www.tetoncountyfair.com

Wilderness Guides
From full-day trips on history, geology and fauna in Grand Teton and Yellowstone national parks to wildlife photography jaunts, Jackson Hole’s wilderness guides know where to find the hot spots.
Grizzly Country Wildlife Adventures, 413-4989, www.grizzlycountrywildlifeadventures.com
VIP Adventure Tours 699-1077, www.vipadventuretravel.com
Wildlife Expeditions 733-2623, www.tetonscience.org
Gray Line of Jackson, 733-4325, www.graylinejh.com
Jackson Hole Wildlife Safaris, 690-6402, www.jacksonholewildlifesafaris.com

Farm fresh and mostly local
Jackson Hole Farmers Market 8 to 11 a.m., Saturdays on Town Square, beginning July 11, www.jacksonholefarmersmarket.org
Jackson Hole People's Market 4 to 7 p.m., Wednesdays, through Sept. 22, on Gill and N. Willow, www.jhpeoplesmarket.org

Fourth of July
The Jackson Hole Jaycees kick off the Fourth with an annual pancake breakfast, 8 a.m., on Center Street. Then at 3 p.m., Grand Teton Music Festival hosts Music in the Hole, a free patriotic classical music concert on Alpine Field near Jackson Hole Elementary School. The celebration ends with the Jaycees fireworks display, 10 p.m. at the base of Snow King Mountain.
Grand Teton Music Festival 733.3050, www.gtmf.org
Jackson Hole Jaycees 190 N. Cache, 734-0588

TEE TIME IN THE TETONS
Golfers are a lot like a new couple that has had sex for the first time. They want to do it everywhere they can think of, though the act doesn’t change all that much – just the scenery. Of course, with sex there is the risk of getting caught in a public place, and the only thing I find interesting about golf, anywhere, is the prospect of driving a cart on margaritas and beer, but for those of you who do enjoy the links, the Jackson Hole area has many options. The further you drive (in your car), the less you will pay to play. – Matthew Irwin

Teton Reserve 11 East 600 South, (Victor, Idaho), 208-787-4224
Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis 5000 Spring Gulch Rd, 733-3111
Teton Pines Golf Club 3450 Clubhouse Drive (Wilson), 733-1733
Teton Springs Golf Course 10 Warm Creek Lane (Victor, Idaho) 877-787-8757
Targhee Village Golf Course 530 Perimeter Drive (Alta), 208-354-8577
Aspen Hills Golf Course 781 Vista East Dr. (Star Valley Ranch), 307-883-2899
Cedar Creek Golf Course 781 Vista East Dr. (Star Valley Ranch) 307-883-2230
Star Valley Ranch Golf Course 1948 Cedar Creek Dr (Thayne, Wyo.), 307-883-4670    


PERMALINK:
Summer Guide 2010 | Planet JH News Article: Cover Stories

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