The Jackson Hole valley is one of the most beautiful and fascinating places on Earth, and there are endless things to do here. Every year, paddlers, kayakers, and whitewater rafters explore the wild and scenic Snake River, which runs through the valley. From the roaring rapids and calmer waters, you'll see some of the gorgeous scenery and breathtaking wildlife that western Wyoming is known for.
For one of the best ways to spend a day on the Snake, head out on a float trip with Barker-Ewing, then head across the street for a great meal at Fiesta Mexican Restaurant in Jackson, Wyoming.
Barker-Ewing offers a slew of options, from scenic floats to wild whitewater days. For any of the boat trips, you'll meet at the main office on the outskirts of Jackson, on the south side of town.
For a quieter day on the water, book yourself a scenic float. From their quieter boats, you'll get to spot wildlife and scenery that's sure to leave a lasting memory.
Once you're done with the day, you'll end up back at the Barker-Ewing headquarters. Unlike the middle of town, though, there aren't a ton of dining choices nearby. Luckily, one of the best restaurants in Jackson is right across the street at Fiesta Mexican Restaurant.
...and so much more! There's no better way to wrap up your day on the river than with a big, hearty meal from the best Mexican restaurant in Jackson, Wyoming.
The Barker-Ewing website details all of the float trips you can book, so you can be sure to schedule the adventure that's right for you. To take a peek at the menu and current hours for Fiesta, visit their website, here.
The Best Apple Cider in Wyoming Comes From This Unique Hard Cidery
The apple cider from Farmstead Cider in Jackson may only be for the 21+ crowd, but it's a top-notch fall beverage worth indulging in ... with an eco-conscious twist.
After crushing another epic day hiking through one of the most breathtaking, colorful landscapes on Earth, it's definitely time to treat yourself. But what’s the perfect beverage to recuperate? In summer, we personally want something ice cold with a dash of the tropics. And in fall? Something that warms you up from the inside out! Whether in beer form or caffeinated form, the flavors of autumn are unmistakable: pumpkin spice, cardamom, vanilla … rich spices that just ooze sunny days, crisp nights, and cozy sweaters.
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But while PSLs are doing their best to take over the seasonal coffee flavor world, we'd like to argue that the humble apple is as quintessentially fall as it gets. What's more, a refreshing hard cider that’s as crisp as the mountain air and as vibrant as the views is exactly what the doctor ordered, regardless of the season! Enter Farmstead Cider in Jackson, Wyoming: your new go-to for liquid gold. This isn’t just any cider; it’s an experience that pairs adventure with a side of eco-friendly vibes and a dash of local flair. Buckle up, because we’re diving into what makes this spot a must-visit for all apple-loving aficionados!
summer scenery at Jackson hole (a very small village)
The mountains may be what beckon travelers from across the country, but Jackson Hole isn’t just a pretty backdrop; it’s a playground for thrill-seekers and foodies alike. Whether you’re shredding powder in the winter or hitting the backcountry in the summer, there’s always something to get your adrenaline pumping and your stomach rumbling.
After a day of conquering the great outdoors, Farmstead Cider on the outskirts of Jackson is the perfect place to kick back and relax. With its unique cider bar and jaw-dropping mountain views, you’ll find yourself in cider heaven, ready to recharge for your next adventure.
Farmstead Cider came to be when a couple of locals realized that unpicked apples all around the region were attracting a host of wildlife and causing some major people-wildlife conflicts. Rather than see Wyoming's resident bear populations bite off more than they could chew, Jackson Hole's first cidery was born, utilizing regional apple harvests.
The result? You get a refreshing glass of hard cider made with fresh, local crab apples and resident bears are safe from the boozy and dangerous consequences of becoming too friendly with their human counterparts. It's a win-win!
Typically, the tart crab apple doesn't get much love, as far as apple varieties go, but they make some spectacular cider. Add a little fermentation, some science-y magic, and plenty of love and you've got a seriously refreshing taste of the wild!
Every bottle of hard cider at Farmstead is hand-crafted in small batches, each delicious flavor pressed and bottled right here in Jackson.
A little history lesson if you're not quite up-to-date on your beverage history: hard cider may not be as popular as other brewed beverages these days, but that wasn't always the case. Cider was, in many regards, the original libation of choice up until Prohibition, and crab apples were cultivated specifically for the purpose of fermentation.
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With this process, a little sweetness goes a long way toward making these underappreciated fruits a joy to imbibe in liquid form. Fortunately, the Jackson area is uniquely home to a few still-standing crab apple orchards, when many others around the country were cut down during Prohibition, or alternately, remain standing, but are underutilized.
Farmstead's dry hard ciders have bagged more accolades than your average overachiever, and it’s easy to see why. Each sip is like a mini celebration on your palate. From bright and tangy to delightfully sweet, their flavors dance with the essence of local apples, meticulously crafted to highlight the unique terroir of Wyoming. You’re not just enjoying a drink; you’re savoring a forgotten slice of Jackson Hole itself.
Of course, while crab apples are the mainstay, Farmstead crafts unique cider blends that feature other fruit varieties as well. There's a little something for everyone here! From the volcanically pure Yellowstone to the award-winning Bitter Local to the French-inspired TetonPét-Nat.
Each Farmstead creation is delicious, but what's even cooler is the sustainability aspect of this unique cidery. Apples that would otherwise sit on the ground and fall victim to rot or attract unwanted visitors are used in the coolest way. Even frostbite can't hold Farmstead Cider back! They've finely honed their craft, tasting and understanding every flavor nuance you can imagine, including how an unexpected freeze can concentrate the flavors and create a refreshingly sweet final product.
But Farmstead isn’t just keeping this liquid treasure to themselves; their ciders are flowing into restaurants and shops across the region, making waves and winning hearts. Their mission? To connect people through the joy of hard cider while celebrating the local culinary scene and even partnering with local businesses and youth programs.
Check out their full lineup, where they're on tap, and shop both cans and bottles online. And, if you happen to have some extra fruit lying around, let them know.
The next time you're in Jackson, pop in and have a glass or two. For a true taste of fall, this apple-loving hotspot is an absolute treasure, so cheers to good times, great cider, and unforgettable memories at Farmstead Cider!
Unknown to many, Wyoming has a pretty epic craft beer scene. And with over two dozen breweries scattered all around the state, beer enthusiasts can explore a variety of flavors and styles. From the historic Snake River Brewing in Jackson to the cozy Ten Sleep Brewing Co. in the Big Horns, you're never too far from an ice-cold beverage and a hot meal to go with it! Whether you’re a hophead, craft connoisseur, or prefer a smooth porter, crisp ale, or whatever happens to be on tap, checking off all of Wyoming's breweries is a worthy endeavor. But if you'd like an extra helping of views to go with your beer flight, the rooftop deck at Gruner Brothers Brewing in Casper is a must-visit!
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Aesthetically, good beer is pretty easy on the eyes - the foam, the chilled glass, the rich, amber color - but the visual is only part of what makes a brewery experience a memorable one. The atmosphere is just as important and the right setting can elevate imbibing into a delicious experience that lingers long after the last sip of IPA.
Some would argue it makes the beer taste better and we're inclined to agree. After all, would you rather sit in a dark, dated taproom or on a bright, sunny balcony overlooking an epic mountain range?
Up here, you can see for miles, and the vibrant, panoramic mountain views change beautifully with the seasons.
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The north end of the Laramie Mountains envelops downtown Casper, twinkling beautifully by night and glowing golden under the summer sun by day.
There's no shortage of casual seating up here, and the wraparound deck is perfect for enjoying a few drafts of Fluffy Cow Hazy IPA or North Platte Pale Ale with a spectacular view of Casper Mountain. Fortunately, there's not a bad seat in the house.
The brewery and taproom are housed in the old Casper Petroleum Club, and the handcrafted beers whipped up and aged here include the sweet and refreshing Crimson Dawn Raspberry Ale, barrel-aged red ales, crisp IPAs like the Danger Noodle, and even heady wheat beers like the Hell’s Hef Acre Hefeweizen.
Classic pub eats are served up here in hearty helpings, including flatbreads, subs, phenomenal nachos, burgers, and even tasty desserts.
It all tastes even better when sitting above the trees! And the live music and special events only add to the experience.
Next time you're driving around Casper and feeling thirsty, grab a mug, pint, or growler at Gruner Brothers and enjoy the view!
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Not sure where to start? Gruner Brothers Brewing offers full flights, so you can sample around till you find your favorite brew. Check out their menu to start narrowing down your choices, and let us know what you picked!
Speaking of epic patios and enjoying the great outdoors ... adventurers, load up and head out on a fantastic weekend road trip that starts in Cheyenne and ends on the outskirts of the Medicine Bow National Forest! We've even got your accommodations all picked out for you.
