Home on the Range

The modern embodiment of outdoor recreation and Western living emanates from Driggs, Idaho. A rest stop among friendly locals with farming backgrounds and an affinity for skiing that challenges any commercialized Aspen getaway, this small town of 1,736 residents is an offshoot from the more lucrative areas around the Teton Valley like their neighbors in Jackson Hole. Winter and summer alike attracts visitors around the world to experience one of the ten best outdoor recreation destinations in the United States. Its intimate buildings and country-themed Main Street honor its humble agricultural beginnings in 1888, providing dining, art shops and rental stores for any outdoor adventures.

Friday 3 p.m. A Colorful Attraction
The blue, pink, red, purple and green color-splotched Local Galleria (25 South Main Street) sign sparks the curiosity of anyone walking down Main Street. Artwork from the abstract to the amateur hangs from painting sessions conducted by the friendly staff and paying customers. Anyone can learn to paint, or at least attempt to, at an all-inclusive price of $35. Landscapes of the Tetons or a wild moose might be the choice of instruction for the day; visit their website (tetonvalleylocalart.com) to book a session.

Friday 5 p.m. Neighboring Delicacies
Next door, between two glass pane walls, is Three Peaks Dinner Table (15 South Main Street), where New York chef Steve Murphy features duck, bison, elk, trout and locally grown produce. The Idaho Trout piccata Gnocchi ($21) is delicious and competes with any dish over in Jackson. Start with some Oregano Mozzarella Sticks ($8) and let your stomach be your guide…

Friday 8 p.m. Lounge is in the Name
Head east on Little Avenue to Forage Bistro & Lounge (285 East Little Avenue). From the Idaho Hummus ($9) to a Charcuterie Board ($16), the munchiest among us will get down with a glass of wine or a locally brewed craft beer. Try the Wyoming Melvin Pale Ale ($5) or the more local Teton Valley Chasing Paradise Cider ($9). On summer evenings, you can sit on the patio and gaze at the stars above the mountains surrounding the valley.

Saturday 9 a.m. Adventure Fuel
Grab bagels and trail mix (and some spirits, like the locals) from nearby Broulim’s grocery store, then drive 20 minutes up to Grand Targhee Resort for some skiing, boarding, biking or live music. Winter prices charge $80 for a single adult lift pass, whereas summer biking is as low as $15. Comparatively, Jacksonites find themselves paying $134 a day at their own mountain, a steep price for an even steeper resort.

Saturday 11 a.m. Mountain Recreation
Skiers or mountain bikers can find suitable terrain for any skill level in packed soil or powdery snow, for which the Tetons are best-known. Operating hours are from 9 to 4 p.m., leaving plenty of time to crank the adrenaline for a morning routine. Three high-speed-quad lifts - Sacajawea, Dreamcatcher and Blackfoot - provide access to the 2,602 acres that encompass the resort. When the light, fluffy snow arrives, grab the powder skis from the resort’s rental shop, or at Peaked Sports (70 East Little Avenue) in town, to experience how locals "do Ghee."

Saturday 1 p.m. It’s a Trap, Bar
The pleasure of removing your boots and ski clothing in the warm, inviting Trap Bar is only surpassed by the oozing cheese on the full order of brisket-laden Wy-daho Nachos with waffle-fries and a dollop of guacamole and sour cream on top ($14). Local bands play on the small stage in the center of the room while outdoor enthusiasts relax from the winter chill or the summer sweat. Outdoor films, gear, posters and 32-ounce personalized mugs hang on the walls of the cozy, adult-only hangout. With a glass ($6), or a pitcher ($13), of Deep Powder Ale from Grand Teton Brewing Company, lunchtime on the slopes is a vacation on its own.

Saturday 4 p.m. Gear Up
After a full day of skiing, Teton Mountain Outfitters at the base of the slope has any gear you might need to upgrade. Base-layers, boots, poles, pants, gloves, coats, goggles and Targhee accessories line the shop for all gearing needs. The Board Shop across the way handles all snowboard and bike related necessities from rentals to purchasable setups. Tips, lessons and ski, board or bike tunes can also be obtained from these well-equipped retail outlets.

Saturday 7 p.m. Fancier Fare
For the finest dining Grand Targhee can offer, The Branding Iron features pricier plates with Teton specialties from Elk Bolognese ($24) to the Beef Short Ribs ($25). For starters, the Smoked Trout Jalapeno Dip ($14) is a must, giving a spicy kick to the charred aftertaste of Montana Trout. Elevated ceilings with wooden beams and antler chandeliers comprise the Western-themed vibe of the slope-side dining experience.

Saturday 9 p.m. Nightcap
Back on Main Street you'll find Tatanka Tavern (18 North Main, Suite 315) on the third floor of the Colter Building. The faux-rustic interior is complimented by a wooden overhang and steel fixtures amid a wall-covered mural of a rainbow-colored bison. Brick-oven pizza is their specialty, and you can watch them make it every step of the way behind the protective glass. Nightcap options are almost two-dozen craft beers on tap and an extensive wine collection to delight any sommelier. Patio views feature a bird’s-eye-view of the expansive Teton landscape to end your evening in Driggs.

Sunday 10 a.m. The Big Hole
Starting the day is best when stopping by Big Hole Bagel & Bistro (285 North Main Street). Sit outside and enjoy eggs benedict, omelets or a wide array of traditionally crafted bagels and spreads. Locally roasted coffee from Teton Coffee Company accents any of the morning dishes.

Sunday 11:30 a.m. Natural Adventure
Explore the base of the Tetons by visiting Treasure Mountain Camp east of town. This internationally renowned location has access to miles of pristine hiking trails, natural waterfalls, rock climbing, wildlife and wind caves. The historic and untouched landscape stands as a natural monument to the beauty of the Teton Valley.

As with most everything in town, the Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport is on Main Street, allowing close access to franchise hotels or B&B’s. Tickets run high coming from such a small airport, so consider driving from Jackson (41 miles), Idaho Falls (74 miles) or other surrounding cities to save on the trip over. Lodging facilities like Best Western Teton West (476 North Main Street) are in the center of town, with amenities such as a pool and hot tub for approximately $60 - $80 a night. More rustic accommodations can be made with Teton Valley Cabins (1 Mountain Vista Drive). At roughly $80 to $135 per night, a personal cabin with one to two queen beds, wi-fi and hot tub access is available for an authentic Idaho getaway.