Mountain Dandy Featured in Condé Nast Traveler
We understand the impulse to hunker down in the fall—crisper temperatures and sweaters just pulled out of storage beg for weekends spent cozying up inside. But fall is a great time to plan a getaway, whether that looks like a long weekend at a cabin or a road trip designed to burn up the vacation days you didn't use this summer.
The weather's ideal from the Northeast to Texas seasonal produce is rejuvenating outdoor dining menus; and the changing of leaves is enough to make the cynics among us want to hit the roads and ogle. The summer crowds have also thinned, meaning you can more comfortably visit well-loved spots without the stress of unexpected mass gatherings.
With a little research (namely, into local travel restrictions and CDC recommendations), an assessment of your personal comfort zone, and a bit of travel inspo, there's a trip for everyone this season. And hey, we all deserve a change of scenery now more than ever.
For the best valley views, try Jackson Hole’s Via Ferrata, a guided climbing experience through the high alpine terrain via fixed cables and iron rungs, which has just been expanded with four new routes—then refuel at Bar Enoteca, with its locally made charcuterie and superb wine list. Book a room at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Teton Village or the new Continuum, just a mile south of the gate to Grand Teton National Park. The early morning wildlife viewing is unbeatable this time of year (expect moose and bison), and before dusk you’ll hear the elk bugling while they mate and migrate. Or stay in the town of Jackson at the boutique Hotel Jackson and after lunch at Coelette, a new opening in a historic cabin by the team from local fave Persephone, spend an afternoon shopping the square for haute Western-themed leather accessories at Man Toy Shop, blankets at Pendleton, or vintage books and home goods at Mountain Dandy, followed by a dinner of wood-fired Italian at Glorietta. No matter where you stay, a night at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, with its giant taxidermy and honky-tonk dance floor, is a must. —Alex Postman
