Best Towns 2007; Jackson, WY

Where the 25,00-Acre National Elk Refuge ends, the town of Jackson begins. Set on the banks of the Snake River, just minutes from Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, Jackson flaunts an impressive backyard. But despite the county's density of five people per square mile, the antler-lined town square and watering hole like the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, this isn't just the Old West anymore. In Jackson, sushi-grade fish gets flown in daily, Wall Street execs-turned-landscapers ride cruisers to the local brew pub, and U.S. Ski Teamers like 21-year-old Resi Stiegler show up for the Stagecoach's Thursday disco night wearing Roller Blades and a leotard. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort is up dating its seventies style with a 100-person tramway to Rendezvous Peak, top-ticket acts like folk legend John Prine perform at a new $35 million center for the arts, and six of greater Jackson's restaurants now boost a Wine Spectator award. All this luxury mountain living comes at a price--a three-bedroom house downtown usually runs you more than a million. (Don't panic: there are more affordable options in nearby Victor, Idaho.) Still, the real draw to Jackson is easy access to some of the most rugged terrain south of Alaska. That hasn't changed since the days of the $7 lift ticket.

48 Hours
...Start with a breakfast burrito at Down on Glen to fuel up for a ride on the Putt-Putt and Hagen trails (rent from Fitzgerald's Bicycles. Then head to the Snake River Brewing Company for a BLT and a pint of their name sake lager. Later, toss a Frisbee in Snow King Park, then dine on three cheese macaroni at the Rendezvous Bistro before catching a band at Teton Village's Mangy Moose Saloon.
Day two starts with breakfast at Pearl Street Bagels, followed up by a five-mile run up the Death Canyon trail. Next head up to Dornan's in Moose, and float back to Wilson while fishing for cutthroat trout. Dinner is carne asada quesadilla at the new Pica's, inside the Stagecoach bar.

























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