Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
County, Idaho, though a small portion (up to the Teton crest) is in Teton County, Wyom-
ing. In Jackson it's dubbed the Tetons' backside, while in Idaho it's dubbed the 'sunny
side.'
Teton Valley (6200ft) was first frequented by Blackfoot, Bannock, Shoshone, Nez Per-
cé and Crow Indian tribes as a summer hunting ground. Lewis and Clark expedition mem-
ber John Colter stumbled upon it in 1808 while hunting for beaver, finding them in abund-
ance. The valley soon became known as Pierre's Hole, a favored mountain-man rendez-
vous, until a violent battle with a band of Blackfoot in 1832 caused the fur company's
abandonment. Trade ended when beaver hats fell out of fashion (although some await
their return with anticipation).
Mountains surround the valley: the Targhee National Forest and the Teton Range to the
west, the Snake River Range to the south and the Big Hole Mountains to the southwest.
Farming has been the valley's mainstay since Mormon families settled here in the late
19th century, but these once-sleepy ranching towns are now a year-round mecca for out-
door adventure and summer music festivals, with fabulous skiing, hiking, mountaineering
and mountain-biking. North of Driggs, however, the classic Fords and antique grain silos
hark back to days of yore.
ON THE FARM
It doesn't get more homegrown than the
farm dinners
(
307-413-3203; onthefarmin idaho@gmail.com; Victor,
ID; adult/child $75/35;
) at the Blue Flax family farm in Idaho, where two long tables flank green fields. Prepar-
ation is on site (check out the old pickup bed recycled into a grill and the field kitchen erected from train depot
walls). Every dinner showcases a different local farm but menus list only ingredients - deciphering each dish be-
comes part of the lively table conversation for the six-course meals. It's a great way to meet locals. Kids get to run
around and are even called upon to pick herbs for the table. Beer from nearby Grand Teton Brewery and organic
biodynamic wine from Cinder Vineyards are served. Latecomers can take advantage of spool seating at a discounted
rate ($35).
VICTOR
A friendly feel, the great outdoors and a growing number of good eats make Victor, Idaho
a growing draw, especially for those who work in Jackson and can't afford to live there.
