When you live in Wyoming, it's easy to begin to think of Yellowstone as a bit of a tourist trap. That's not to say that the stunning wildlife and scenery is anything to scoff at, but the crowded trails and overwhelming, hokey marketing can start to get under your skin. It's understandable, then, that may Wyomingites are cynical of the "Wild West" adventures that many Yellowstone lodges offer to their guests. However, there are quite a few gems being offered in the park that will please even the most cynical cowboy, and the Roosevelt Old West Cookout is one of these adventures that's worth the crowds and worth the price.
The Roosevelt Lodge has been a part of the Yellowstone Landscape since the early 1900s. Today, you can take a trip back in time on the lodge's Old West Cookout.
The wagon rides are fun for everyone, and the scenery you spot on your way is nothing short of breathtaking. You'll be on the stagecoach trail for about 40 minutes.
The one-hour ride takes you through sagebrush flats to the cookout site. The two-hour ride goes through woods, flats, and meadows. Both rides offer a straightforward 30-minute ride back after dinner.
Each person is served a delicious, juicy steak cooked to their liking. Along with the steak, you'll have endless coleslaw, potato salad, baked beans, chuck wagon corn, corn muffins, and watermelon. Finish your meal with a tasty fruit crisp!
As you dine, you'll be able to enjoy live music and stories from the cookout's own singing cowboy. This is truly an all-encompassing Old West experience!
The prices for this Old West Cookout vary, depending on your method of transportation, and your age. For a two hour horseback ride, adults will pay $94. Children (ages 8-11) will pay $86. For the one hour ride, adult tickets cost $84, and children are $72. For the wagon ride, adults pay $63, and children (ages 3-11) pay $50. Children under 3 who share a plate are free. Though these prices may seem high at first, when you consider they include a tasty steak, a guided Wild West trail tour, endless fixings and entertainment, it's easy to see how it's so worth it to splurge. You can make reservations right here.
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Of course, while you're in Yellowstone, don't forget about the beauty of the park! After all, that's what Teddy Roosevelt fell in love with when he was out west. In fact, some of Yellowstone's Trails are among the best in the world. Check out our favorites right here: 11 Of The Greatest Hiking Trails On Earth Are Right Here In Wyoming.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
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!
