BROWN V.S. THE WILDERNESS: A JACKSON HOLE ADVENTURE

This past June, my 15 year old daughter Finlay and her Brentwood bestie headed out west to spend part of their summer with the team at Wilderness Adventures Camp. I decided to head out early with them for a few days to explore Jackson Hole, a picturesque valley and wilderness recreation area in western Wyoming that borders the jagged peaks of the iconic Grand Tetons. We arrived on American Airlines newest direct route from JFK to JAC in under five hours ( the Klein’s arrived in 2 hours via LAX on United ) to an unprecedented west coast heat wave... 97 degrees, but who is counting?

Jackson is an idyllic paradise year-round, drawing more then 2.6 million visitors annually who come for the epic ski conditions in the winter and to explore glorious Mother Nature’s offerings in the summertime. It is also a gateway to many National Parks.

Over the past few years, the landscape of this Wild West town has added some modern elements and we are not mad about it. While we are big fans of Amangani and Four Seasons, some new boutique hotels have popped up such as Hotel Jackson, Caldera House and the Cloud Veil, alongside creative restaurant concepts and shops.

In true MAPPS fashion, we left no stone unturned and only recommend what we truly loved.

The details below — E

P.S. I had to be dragged home when this trip was over… I seriously could live all summer in Jackson, it was that perfect as was the time with my daughter.

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STAY

Amangani is a 40 suite luxury property in the foothills of the breathtaking Grand Tetons. This beauty is located only 7 minutes from downtown Jackson and 10 minutes from the nearby snow-sports paradise of Jackson Hole Mountain by car.

Amangani looks directly out across the Grand Teton Mountains and plains of the Snake River Valley. Each suite ( 7 categories ) has either a terrace or patio, all have a fireplace and are decorated with a blend of that Amanesque minimalism that they are known for while staying true to the pioneering spirit of the Old Wild Wild West.

It is no wonder this property time and time again is one of our client’s favorite stays in the US #Amanjunkies

Mapps X Amangani: VIP priority upgrade, complimentary daily breakfast and resort credits. #MappsWasHere

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EAT & DRINK

OUR HIT LIST

Downtown Jackson Area

Glorietta ( Italian )

Colette ( farm to table )

Hand Fire Pizza

Snake River Brewery

Teton Tiger ( Thai )

King ( Sushi )

Persephone Bakery ( brunch )

Bin 22 ( wine and tapas )

Local (meat )

Healthy Being Cafe & Juicery ( juice and smoothies )

Teton Village Area

Teton Thai

RPK 3( lunch or apres ski )

Old Yellowstone Garage

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SEE & DO

MAY-SEPTEMBER: Hiking, Mountain Biking, Kayaking, White Water Rafting, Fly Fishing, Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding, Hot Air Balloon Rides, Grand Teton & Yellowstone National Park, Jackson Hole Rodeo, ATV and Clay Shooting.

DECEMBER-APRIL: Skiing, Snowshoeing, Snowmobiling, Dog Sledding, Tubing, Ice Skating, Heli and Cat Skiing and Fat Biking.

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WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

GETTING HERE: The town of Jackson and Teton Village ( ski mountain area ) are both located roughly 20 minutes from Jackson Hole Airport ( JAC ) by car.

IDEAL GUEST: We love this for anyone who wants to get out and explore the great outdoors, especially families and multi-generational crews who want an active holiday to keep everyone busy.

MAPPS TIP: we highly recommend renting a car as there is so much ground to cover and you do not want to be at the mercy of Uber. We rented ours through Hertz at the airport and it was a seamless process.

*white water rafting photo compliments of Jackson Hole White Water and Wildlife photo compliments of Amangani.

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TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT: A WEEKEND GETAWAY IN CONNECTICUT

Located in the charming town of Washington, Connecticut, lies the Mayflower Inn & Spa, an exquisite country retreat, nestled in 58 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens and woodlands. Just a two hours’ drive from New York City, it is renowned as one of northeast America’s most distinguished luxury hideaways. 

The idyllic countryside of Litchfield Hills has long been a nature lovers paradise and the Inn keeps guests engaged with the great outdoors with offerings such as hiking, biking, kayaking, paddle, pool, spa and tennis. The best part is the food due to the incredible local ingredients found in the surrounding Connecticut countryside and just off the New England coast, from artisan cheeses to the freshest shellfish, sourced through specially cultivated relationships with area farmers and purveyors. 

Room to book? We are big fans of the premium guest rooms that overlook the Shakespeare gardens and The Mayflower Suite. When booking with MAPPS, clients receive a complimentary room upgrade, daily breakfast for 2 and a 100.00 food and beverage credit. 

P.S. Just down the road is Arethusa Farm & Dairy, where Manolo Blahnik’s President and VP George Malkemus and Tony Yurgaitis have been at the helm since 1999. They produce the most delicious ice cream, cheeses and their restaurant is a must when in town. We also love Averill Farm Stand, a great stop before you head home to pick up their famous apple cider donuts, homemade jams, honey, cheeses and pies.

THE CLIENT POSTCARD: FAMILY ADVENTURE IN JACKSON HOLE

Hotel: Caldera House, an intimate boutique hotel offering unparalleled access to adventure in a setting to die for. Each of the eight suites is more like a self-contained home than a hotel suite, with a lavish kitchen and living and dining areas in addition to the bedrooms. Half of them are 5,000 square feet with four bedrooms each, plus a copper hot tub on the terrace, and the rest are 1,500 square feet with two bedrooms. 

“ We loved absolutely everything about Caldera House! The spectacular setting, service, style and our accommodations were next level, matched only by the extraordinary attention to every detail of our stay. Always relaxed, never stuffy, our needs were anticipated and met at our every turn. As if whatever we needed, or wanted, was there before we even asked. Being at Caldera was like being at home…only with a full-time staff, dreamy surroundings and luxurious accommodations. It was really hard to leave."

Trip Highlights: 

“The Via Ferrata guided climbing experience was one of the best family activities we’ve ever done and it was right outside the door of Caldera. Rafting along the Snake River was pretty epic (family member going overboard optional) and while the boys golfed, we girls had a private yoga class in our room which was really lovely.”

Dianne’s Tips: 

The fresh waffles at Corbett’s Cabin at the top of the tram on Jackson Mountain. Hard to know what’s better…the view or the waffles. 

Finally, do yourself a favor and don’t leave Jackson without a trip (or two or three) to Persephone. We rented bikes at Caldera and pedaled our way there. SO worth it! Plus you can work off some of the calories you’ll clearly be piling on. Coffees, pastries, breakfast & lunch specials, salads, sparkling rose, cocktails, take & bake treats, gifts for the home…I could go on. Dare you to go just once. 

Editor’s Note: Not only does Dianne have great taste in hotels, she is also an organizational and design genius. Check out her website www.savvy-spaces.com and follow her on insta @savvyspaces99

THE CLIENT POSTCARD: TEEPEES & TEENS IN COLORADO

Editors Note: While we always ask our clients for feedback, we realize that we rarely ask their kids to give us their take as well. Well today that changes. We were thrilled when Grace agreed to take notes and dish on her family’s recent trip to Colorado. Grace has been all over the world so when she recommends something, we listen. Take it away Grace!

Hotel: Dunton Hot Springs, a resort located in an 1800's ghost town amongst an extraordinary alpine valley setting.

“My family and I had a great time at Dunton Hot Springs. Our Vertical log cabin was beautiful and the beds were so comfortable. Coming off a long quarantine, it was so nice to get outdoors and spend all day hiking and fishing, ending each day with some relaxation in their famous hot springs. It was fun getting to know the staff members and other guests each day in the saloon as the property has a very inclusive feel. The food was incredible as well, and we had a great time playing games at night as a family. “

Grace’s tips: Definitely book a private dinner in the tee-pee and the Colorado honey yogurt with granola is not to be missed at breakfast! It was my favorite!