How To Summer in Jackson

I’ve never been an early riser, but something shifts from May through September in Jackson and mornings become effortless. Maybe it’s the pull of the alpenglow, that fleeting wash of pinks and golds over the Tetons that feels completely still and captivating and sets the tone for everything that follows.

By the time the sky turns that clear, endless blue, we’re already moving. Summer here has a rhythm that leans into whatever the day brings. More often than not, that includes horses. Riding has always been something I’ve loved, but living in Jackson has deepened that connection in a way I didn’t expect. Nikki, Ruby and I spend as much time as we can on the trails, and even the in-between moments, driving past open land near Teton Village and catching sight of a herd grazing against the fields and mountains, feel cinematic in their own quiet way.

Some days unfold closer to home. Others take us out, like floating down the Snake River, one of Nikki’s favorites. It’s a ritual that never gets old. The water, the light, the occasional horse along the banks. Nothing feels rushed here. The season is fleeting, and everyone seems to know it, so the everyday becomes the occasion.

Entertaining follows that same philosophy. Effortless but thoughtful. Lela Rose’s Prêt-à-Picnic has become one of my favorite ways to do it. Offered exclusively in Jackson and created with Chef Nick Alessandro, it’s beautifully prepared comfort food, packed and ready for wherever the day takes us, whether that’s Jenny Lake or a spontaneous stop by the river.

Evenings tend to gather us back in the Village. We love spending time at Caldera House, especially on nights when the fireworks light up the Tetons. It feels like the heart of summer. The Grand Teton Music Festival is always part of our rhythm too, with seven weeks of world class music led by Sir Donald Runnicles. Nikki and I anticipate it each season, and watching Ruby experience it makes it even more special.

There are moments that feel a little more elevated as well. Dinner at The Hoback Club, where Jean Louis Dumonet brings a Michelin level sensibility to an alpine setting, is always a favorite, just as perfect for a quiet date night as it is for a long lunch with friends.

And then there are the gatherings that mean something deeper. We host several experiences with my brand Bouquet Box Flower Bar throughout the summer, but one that always stays with me is the Alex’s Lemonade Stand evening on July 28th. Hosted by our friends Kristin and Mike Kelly, it moves between Kampai and the rooftop at The Cloudveil, where Gavin Fine creates an incredible seated dinner. It’s beautiful, meaningful, and one we look forward to each year.

Of course, not everything needs to be planned. Some of the best days are the more playful ones, like popping into Midnight Lunch to make custom trucker hats with Ruby or heading to the rodeo, which never loses its charm. And when the fair rolls into town at the end of July, it feels like the entire community shows up.

Somewhere in between it all, the days fill up in that full, satisfying way that comes from being outside, being together and leaning into what’s right in front of you. And just when it feels like it couldn’t get any better, the light shifts again, the Tetons take on their alpenglow and the rhythm resets.

Summer in Jackson is just… everything.