|
|
According to research, Jackson Hole is the most expensive airport
destination; perhaps it is because their wealthiest residents make 132
times as much as everyone else. "The Jackson Hole Airport is located
at the base of the spectacular Teton mountain range. Located entirely
within Grand Teton National Park, flying into the Jackson Hole Airport
is an amazing way to begin your journey to Jackson Hole." In fact, it
is the only airport located inside a National Park. Our group was on
a driving journey but you have a fantastic view of the planes landing
and taking off as you make that unbelievable drive into Jackson; the
views of the mountains are breathtaking.
In case you are wondering, there is a difference in Jackson and
Jackson Hole. "Jackson Hole refers to an entire valley, including the
town of Jackson, Teton Village, Wilson, The Aspens, Moran Junction,
Moose, and the surrounding areas; Jackson is the name of the main town
located at the southern end of Jackson Hole. " Simply put, Jackson
Hole is the valley; Jackson, Wyoming is the legendary town.
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Jackson Hole has a population of
10,400 people. Although you often read about the winter wonderland,
the Jackson area is actually visited more by tourist during the summer
than in the winter. Apparently the rich and famous either do not come
into town or they do not visit during the summer because we never
caught a glimpse of a movie star, and yes, we watched for them.
One item on my bucket list was to have my picture made at the famous
arch in Jackson, but what I did not understand is that there are four
of these arches, one on each corner of the park that is located in the
center of town. Every time we circled around looking for a parking
spot, there were tourists taking photos of the stacked antlers.
Here are some details about the arches that you might not know; it
takes from one to two thousand pound of the antlers to make each
landmark with the original one being constructed in 1953 by the local
Rotary Club. Some of the antlers are hunted and gathered by Boy
Scouts who pick them up on the National Elk Refuge each year, and
others are purchased from antler dealers in the Mountain West. The
beginning of the arch is a steel frame and workers fit the antlers so
they wind around the frame and look realistic.
Here are interesting facts; the arches were featured in the Clint
Eastwood movie "Any Which Way You Can." The arches have to be
replaced periodically and to fund the project, they sell the old
arches. The last one sold for fifty nine thousand dollars. The park
is officially named the George Washington Memorial Park.
Located fifteen minutes from the Grand Teton National Park and two
driving hours from Yellowstone, Jackson is an amazing town if you are
looking for Western souvenirs and a quaint place with class.
Brenda S. Brown
Click here to return to Brenda S. Brown main page.
|
|