Wyoming has a way of making everything else feel small — in the best possible sense. As the least populated state in the country, it offers something increasingly rare: genuine solitude, uninterrupted landscape, and a pace of life that hasn’t been overrun by the rest of the world yet.
Jackson Hole anchors the western edge of the state with the kind of mountain town that earns its reputation in every season. The Grand Tetons rise behind it with a drama that stops you cold, and the town itself — boutique hotels, local restaurants, and a culinary scene built on regional ingredients — makes a strong case for lingering longer than planned. Winter here is a particular kind of magic: snow-laden peaks, crisp air, and the particular pleasure of returning to a well-heated hotel after a day in the mountains.
Sheridan, in the north near the Montana border, is the quieter chapter. A small town with a genuinely warm character, a coffee culture that takes pride in doing things well, and The Tasting Library — a self-serve spirits bar built on family and community — that reflects everything appealing about small-town Wyoming done right.
Between them, Bighorn National Forest covers over a million acres of varied terrain - pine forests, alpine meadows, dramatic canyon walls, and wildlife that reminds you this land has always belonged to something larger than any of us.
This guide covers where to eat, where to stay, and the experiences that make Wyoming one of America’s most quietly extraordinary destinations.
Stay
The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection My stay at The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection in Jackson Hole served as my home for the best of winter wonderland magic in Wyoming
The McCann Flat Airbnb in Sheridan, Wyoming Staying at The McCann Flat Airbnb offered me a comfortable, well decorated and safe space for my stay in Sheridan, Wyoming.Experiences
Bighorn National Forest Bighorn National Forest in Wyoming covers over a million acres of varied terrain, offering outdoor recreation, wildlife, and striking geological features
Small Town, Big Taste: The Family-First Spirit Behind The Tasting Library in Sheridan, Wyoming The Tasting Library brings world class spirits to Sheridan, Wyoming - combining self serve innovation with a welcoming atmosphere. I sat down with Gene In to learn the story behind his family’s business.Eat
Gather in Jackson Hole for Food & Drink Dinner at Gather in Jackson Hole for Food & Drink was a delicious and refreshing spot for local regional cuisine in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Hygge Hearth Hygge Hearth in Sheridan serves excellent coffee and house-made pastries in a cozy café accented with local artwork
Java Moon Java Moon in downtown Sheridan, Wyoming offers fresh coffee, homemade pastries, and sandwiches in a friendly, welcoming setting
La Herradura La Herradura in downtown Sheridan, Wyoming offers hearty Mexican and Salvadoran favorites in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere
The Bistro Dinner at The Bistro at the Cloudveil, Autograph Collection was a chill affair, full of local favorites in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Kitchen Restaurant Dinner at The Kitchen in Jackson was a decent place for local fare in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
