Everybody knows about the Teton Mountains of Wyoming, the spectacular peaks soaring out of the west side of Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I had an uncle who had a drug store right on the square in Jackson and when I was a kid we visited him a lot so we got to see the mountains a bunch. Things are far different now than then. The gazillionaires have taken over. They have bought the ranches and built their big houses. The traffic is horrendous and prices for food lodging is ridiculous. Depressed? There is an alternative.
The west side of the Tetons overlooks the Teton Valley of Idaho. There are only about 6000 people in the whole valley and farming and ranching dominate the economy. There is no traffic and everybody is pretty laid back. It is called the “Quiet Side of the Tetons.” There is lots of history here. Lewis and Clark journeyed through the valley on their expedition. The fur trappers of the early west held their annual Rendezvous in the Valley in 1829 and 1832
You better hurry though, the signs of the early Californication of the Teton Valley are there. Big houses are going up and you can tell the tourist trade is on the upswing it appears. Word is that the Billionaires in Jackson are squeezing out the mere millionaires to the small towns of Driggs, Victor, and Tetonia.
Outside the Teton Valley to the south is Swan Valley. On your way to Swan Valley check out Rainey Creek Country Store. A small convenience store at the crossroads of Highways 26 and 31. They sell ice cream there it is pretty darn good. Especially the Huckleberry and Cream. They also use square scoops. I don’t know why but I think that the square scoops make the ice cream taste better. Why? Who knows. Check it out!
Linking with Skywatch Friday
Anybody know of an Ice Cream Meme??? Should I start one?
And a postscript, Heather and I are fans of HGTV’s House Hunters section. Here you can find an episode where this typical self obsessed TV actor couple that has ruined Jackson, Wyoming look at houses in Driggs, Idaho. A charming couple but they don’t realize how much destruction they cause.
Such a glorious sight, the mountains!
I’m so sorry to hear the rich have taken over. There seem to be lot of them and they take the very best…and don’t share. Okay, my rant is over…for now. 😉
Enjoy now cause soon even the ‘quiet side’ will be gone. We ventured through Jackson Hole area in ’75 on a cross-country adventure. Not bad then. 40 years can do some damage.
I love this area and have biked through it. I’ve skied at the smaller and less polular Grand Targhee. It is a very scenic landscape and much less crowded than Jackson. I do love to ski at Jackson but haven’t made the trip there in about 10 years. Just like all the major resorts (Breckenridge included), it is crazy-busy in season and has been overdeveloped.
PS I meant to say that I love the landscape photo.
Oh, yes!! I’ll rant with the others!!! It is SO sad to see what those with full pockets can and will do to such magnificent places as this!! Terrific post and photo for the day — delicious looking ice cream, too!! Enjoy lots of that this weekend!!
Wow – stunning shot of the mountains. And that ice cream looks so delicious!
The image is simply stunning. Perfectly captured. The trend you mentioned seems to be spreading throughout the country. Even in our little part of the world real estate prices have escalated to the point that the average family cannot afford to purchase a new home. Along with the money comes an elitist attitude and persona that I find off putting. They call it “The Good Life”. I call it self absorbed.
Beautiful view of the Tetons! Lovely image and the ice cream looks delicious! Have a happy weekend!
What a gorgeous place!
Beautiful shot, and the west side sounds more like my speed. Been to the Tetons only once, many years ago, but one of the most beautiful areas I’ve ever seen.
Beautiful photo of the quiet side. We’ve been through there a lot of times. I agree, the Jackson area has become crazy with all the money moving in and chasing out the regular folks, and probably even the millionaires!
Fantastic landscape and view.
Beautiful place. Very scenic.
What a gorgeous place! Beautiful shot.
you make me long for Yellowstone again. Love the image of the Teton.
Majestic mountain range…as is your photo!! And to have the Snake River meandering in the foreground makes it even more magical!!
pretty interesting & informative post! The ice cream surely looks tempting…And did I mention that the first picture is superb!
The scene is simply beautiful!
WOW to your mountain shot. Absolutely stunning.
I’m going to bookmark this post as we’ll be heading out that way next year again. Your photo of the Grand Tetons is fabulous and that ice-cream looks delish. Wish I had some now 🙂
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Nice to have a ‘quiet’ side. I can appreciate that being on the North versus South rim. Square ice cream? Really? I’d eat huckleberry in any shape.
Alan,
You nailed it–been on that side once, but not long enough to drink it in like you have. Bravo.
And since it is, Californication, then they must be Californicators
This is wonderful! So many beautiful places to go.