Spring break is currently taking place at the University of Wyoming and my ROTC cadets are enjoying a break from school. I pulled my duty early in the week so I could head north to Jackson to experience a complete itinerary generously put together by Wyoming Travel and Tourism, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Jackson Hole Iditarod Sled Dog Tours, and the National Elk Refuge!
So needless to say, we are about to enjoy Wyoming!
Over the next 4 days stay tuned to the Blogging Bullfighter as I update exciting activities and first rate dinning in Jackson, Wyoming.
Jamie and I decided to drive verses fly to Jackson for our extended weekend. However, I have to say, prices for flights into the Jackson airport are very affordable no matter where your starting point may be.
On our way into town, we spotted a wolf, one moose and thousands of elk! We’ll visit the National Elk Refuge Sunday and blog about the thousands of elk who make their home on the refuge.
Our accommodations for this trip are being kindly provided by the historic Wort Hotel. It was clear the moment we arrived, guests are treated like family.
Upon entering the Wort Hotel, I noticed the warm hospitality and a grand staircase situated in the center of the lobby, highlighted by a massive stone fireplace. I have since learned the stone used to erect the massive fireplace was quarried locally by the Wort Hotel founders, John and Jess Wort in the early 1940’s. The grand staircase has a history of its own; it was spared by the horrific fires that raged through the hotel in 1980. If you look close enough you can still see charred spots on the balusters.
The Wort Brothers’ father, Charles Wort had homesteaded in Jackson back in 1893 and it was his dream to one day open a grand hotel. Charles’ dream would be fulfilled by his adventurous sons in 1941 when the Wort Hotel officially opened for business. Since that time, even Hollywood has visited to film movies which include “Shane” in 1951 featuring actor, Jean Arthur. It is said that, Mr. Arthur would make a grand entrance each morning by sliding down the staircase banister!
Before we could get settled in our room, we were invited to a meet and greet with various staff and guests of the hotel including, the director of sales and lead chef. Jamie and I enjoyed visiting and meeting various guest who have chosen to vacation in Wyoming. We met visitors from, Tennessee, New York, New Hampshire, Illinois, and even the United Kingdom just to name a few.
From there it was time for dinner. We decided to try a local favorite, the Rendezvous Bistro (located at 380 S. Broadway). Pulling into the parking lot we noticed it was full and that is always a good sign! A little background on the Rendezvous Bistro, it features a nightly special and a fabulous oyster bar. To top it off, the menu is moderately priced. The choices are limitless and cater to any appetite. It ranges from the oyster bar to steak and shrimp…and then there is duck, quail and rabbit! In addition, there is a variety of dishes that appeal to the veggie enthusiast…I almost went with the manicotti but ended up going with every cowboy’s choice; beef!
We called it an early night and returned to our room. We have a full day of skiing lined up tomorrow at the famous Jackson Hole Mountain Resort! You can rest assured I will blog about that experience. I just hope I don’t let the cowboy in me dive off a cliff that the snowboarder in me is not ready for!
But back to our room…it’s not just any room! It is one of five suites featured at the Wort Hotel. Each suite has a theme and our theme is the Cowgirl! (Every Cowboy’s favorite!) By simply looking at the entrance door I knew it was going to be special. The door is hand carved featuring a 3D cowgirl holding a saddle on her hip with the Grand Tetons in the background. It is quite the work of art.
Welcome inside…the only way to describe our suite is by simply saying, first class! A full size salon-style bar takes up an entire wall! There are marble floors, granite countertops, bronze statues, beaver blankets, hand paintings and so much more! The furniture is rustic but antique and is highlighted by vibrant colors making the Cowgirl Suite a breath-taking rendezvous.
As a matter of fact you can take a virtual tour by visiting http://www.worthotel.com/
While relaxing in our suite, I read through the book titled “Meet Me at the Wort” by Charles Craighead to get a better appreciation for the history behind our new home away from home.
I learned more about the Wort family, their hotel and the rich gaming history in Jackson. Gambling was outlawed in Wyoming in 1901 but wasn’t strictly enforced by local authorities until the 1950’s. Legend has it that gambling occurred well into the 1970’s…even taking place in the basement of the Wort Hotel to avoid the strong hand of the law.
Perhaps I should put on my cowboy hat, strap a 6-shooter to my side and ease down to the basement tonight and see if I can play a hand like the cowboys did before me!
Be sure to stop back by the Blogging Bullfighter as I continue to report experiences from Jackson, Wyoming!
Forever West,
Jeremy
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