Tax Day Silver Lining

/in /by

We are firm believers in silver linings, even on Tax Day. And in Wyoming, the silver lining is state shaped considering the nearly non-existent levying of state taxes. So if today finds you tearing your hair out, consider becoming a cowboy.

“Unlike most states, Wyoming does not impose any sort of tax on the incomes of individuals, companies, or trusts,” says attorney Christopher M. Reimer of Long Reimer Winegar Beppler LLP, the firm TCCG turns to for sound counsel. “Therefore, if a person can change residency from a state that does impose a tax to Wyoming, they can completely avoid state level tax. This is important because the highest state income tax rates exceed 10%.”

CNBC underscored this point in an August 2013 article titled, Move Here! The Most Untaxing States for Retirees. While many retirees consider climate, culture and cost of living as crucial criteria, taxes should top their lists. “If Yellowstone National Park or the snow-capped peaks of the Grand Tetons are your idea of a great backyard, the Cowboy State could be an ideal spot to spend your retirement,” Shelly Gigante writes on CNBC.com. “That taxes are senior-friendly is an added bonus. Wyoming has no state income tax, no estate or inheritance tax, and sales taxes are minimal. Retirement income, including Social Security benefits, is also tax-free.”

And Wyoming is growing ever-more tax friendly. “The most recent changes to Wyoming law that impact taxes have to do with trusts and trustees,” Christopher Reimer says. “For example, even if a person is not able to become a Wyoming resident, they may be able to use Wyoming law to establish a trust that could own property that would not be subject to state income tax.”

Everyone agrees: Wyoming welcomes all with open tax arms. Even businesses, as recognized by the Tax Foundation, an independent tax policy research organization. In October, the Tax Foundation released its 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index. Wyoming ranked No. 1. So why wait? Start plotting your move today, on Tax Day.

 

What makes Wyoming so attractive, tax-wise:

  • No personal income tax.
  • No tax on corporate income.
  • No inheritance tax.
  • No estate tax.
  • No tax on out-of-state retirement income.
  • No gift tax, so real estate can be gifted to heirs without paying a gift tax.
  • No intangible tax on financial assets like stocks and bonds.
  • No excise sales tax.
  • No tax on mineral ownership.
  • No real estate transfer tax.
  • No tax on Social Security, private pension, and individual wage income.
  • Low property taxes.
  • Dynasty Trusts shield real estate from federal estate taxes for up to 1,000 years.

A Local’s Look at the Market

/in , /by

A 35-year resident of Jackson Hole, Reynolds Pomeroy knows the market inside and out, quite literally considering his diverse professional experience. A recent addition to TCCG Brokerage Team, his resume includes founder and co-owner of Westbank Anglers, general manager of Crescent H Ranch, general manager of Watchguard Security Systems, Teton County Planning Commissioner, Jackson Hole Land Trust board member and 10-year board member of the Snake River Fund, currently Emeritus. At TCCG, he channels his wide knowledge of the valley into thorough market analysis and superior customer service. Here, he shares his insight on Jackson Hole real estate for prospective buyers’ edification.

 

What are some criteria unique to Jackson that potential buyers should consider when approaching this market?

Amongst the many criteria that come to mind, there are several that recur and/or are the most common whenever I speak with new clients: first is the significant shortage of private land available either for development or for sale which ultimately impacts supply. Others are undoubtedly Wyoming’s meaningful tax benefits, first amongst those being no state income tax; Teton County’s unique and incomparable quality of life, including everything from the surrounding public lands, their abundant wildlife and preserved natural settings; their varied attributes (mountains, rivers/streams, forests, trails, open spaces) and amazing access availability; and Jackson Hole’s diverse and robust community (schools, arts, music, philanthropic culture, etc.). It’s no surprise the ‘paradise’ descriptor is often used.

 

What time of year is the best for buyers? Sellers?

An interesting question which, given the rapidly decreasing available inventory, causes me to think “now,” “right away,” even “before it’s too late” (especially on the buyer’s side). Seriously, though, the fall season (late August through end of October) may be best for buyers as some inventory which hasn’t sold can see price reductions (aka repositioning) as sellers come to terms with their exposure vis-à-vis expectations for offers and, well, selling their property. This is not to suggest there’s a wait-and-see strategy to be applied here as, again, shrinking inventory is happening rapidly.  Buyers should realize they better make their decision to purchase with the knowledge that waiting usually means another buyer beats them to the punch. For sellers, the late spring through the summer season is demonstrably the peak season/time of year, with the holidays through spring break period being a somewhat distant second timeframe.

 

What segments of the market are hot right now?

Frankly, with the decreasing inventory, all segments have rising temperatures. One interesting note:  activity on vacant residential lots has begun to pick up noticeably as existing improved properties no longer provide the range of style, construction finishes, location, etc. that has allowed discriminating buyers to review numerous properties before they find (maybe even settle for) a property they will purchase, remodel tolerance notwithstanding.

 

What are potential home buyers asking about in 2015?

Some buyers are still asking about deals which are, for the most part, now few and far between in Jackson Hole, in all segments of the market. Others ask for help justifying Jackson Hole prices when similar properties in other markets can be had for relatively less; in some markets, considerably less. However, any Realtor and most buyers will tell you that other markets are not Jackson Hole – they’re simply incomparable. Sticker shock is a constant here, and has been both before and after the recent recession’s adjustments. Most also ask about the rental performance of homes both within and outside the various lodging overlays, as this performance can and does make a difference with operating costs as well as the ultimate determination to purchase.

 

What should potential home buyers be asking about in 2015?

Advice on how to make a strong offer that will meet the seller’s increasingly high expectations:  cash only, quick closes, few if any contingencies.  Take this year’s “cabin-product” activity in the Teton Village area. Shooting Star Resort just south of Teton Village has had remarkable success with this type of product recently, pre-selling their full inventory of every cabin development. Similar products at Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis have had similar interest from buyers, such that inventory is literally non-existent in the first case, and increasingly scarce in the latter. This winter, similar products in the Granite Ridge development at Teton Village have all but disappeared since the first of the year as properties that have been available for up to 1,400 days have gone under contract within the last 60 days, without price reductions. There are almost weekly requests from the real estate community for leads on available, unlisted and potentially available cabin product. One Granite Ridge Lodge home sold for $3.9M after an unsolicited offer before the holidays; recent sales had peaked at the low-to-mid $3M range before the recession. Another Granite Ridge Lodge is reportedly available for a cool $4.9M, a price the seller is not likely to get soon, but interesting nonetheless.

 

What does the Jackson Hole real estate market look like moving into 2015, in terms of availability, land use restrictions and market trends?

As to availability: More of the same – shrinking inventory with a likely upward creep in pricing and expectations for both developed and undeveloped properties.

Land use restrictions: This is presently a potentially big unknown as both the Town of Jackson and Teton County struggle to move forward on designing, agreeing to, voting on and then implementing revised Land Development Regulations. The result of this uncertainty is increasingly identified as the reason few if any new developments of any size are being proposed, let alone approved. Speculative building has been at a relative standstill for many years. Bank funding, too, is hard to come by, even for long-standing developers with proven track records. There is light at the end of the tunnel, however, as elected leaders in both jurisdictions are committed to breaking recent inertia.

As to market trends, the decreasing inventory is driving all segments upward.  As mentioned previously, undeveloped lots are beginning to sell as buyers determine they’d prefer to build-to-suit rather than redevelop or remodel.

 

How does the local real estate market compare to the national market in 2015?

It doesn’t in any more than the broadest sense. Many will say it’s hotter and for the reasons and trends discussed previously. In many ways, Jackson Hole is its own market subject to its own macro and micro influences and trending in ways that are not always comparable to the rest of the country, let alone other resort markets at this moment in time. With developers still uncertain about the regulatory regime, I do not foresee meaningful jumps in available property (inventory) increasing for several years, a steady-state contrasting with other regional and national markets.

 

Final thoughts?

This myriad of influences should motivate both buyers and sellers of Jackson Hole real estate to look or list now as the 2015 summer selling season is essentially upon us.  The team at TCCG Real Estate is here with up-to-the-minute data and availabilities, and our broad knowledge of the market specifics means we are well positioned to find buyers the best property at the best price, and provide sellers the best advice and market analysis for positioning their properties to sell.

 

 

REYNOLDS POMEROY, Sales Associate

[av_one_fifth first]

tccgre_pomeroy[/av_one_fifth]

Reynolds is committed to providing the superior customer service and detailed area knowledge that are the well-established hallmarks of The Clear Creek Group. His deeply rooted background in Jackson Hole have provided him with a robust knowledge of the area, its attractions, amenities and real estate. 

Valley Nonprofit Nurtures Entrepreneurs

/in /by

In French, “couloir” means a passage or corridor, from which English extrapolated a way to describe the dramatic terrain – a steep mountainside gorge – a feature so often found in the Rocky Mountain West.

The Teton business community has taken the term one step further by using it to describe the steep, but rewarding, climb entrepreneurs face when building a business hemmed-in by mountains. In just three years, Silicon Couloir, an incubator group dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship in the Tetons, has worked with more than 140 companies and nurtured 42 graduates from its 10-week business boot-camp, the Start-Up Institute. Last year alone, more than $1.2 million was raised as a result of Silicon Couloir introductions.

True to its name, Silicon Couloir approaches Teton entrepreneurialism as an ecosystem rich with capital and talent. Now more than ever, business pioneers are able to translate the technology opportunities afforded by the emerging economy and base their high-growth business at high altitudes. And Wyoming is particularly open to such entrepreneurial activity considering Governor Mead’s commitment to make technology the fourth largest industry in the state. To do its part, Silicon Couloir hosts monthly networking events (dubbed Chance Meetings) and angel introductions, an annual Pitch Day and this spring, Jackson’s first Leadercast event, a national initiative to nurture leadership development.

To examine this exciting moment in valley history, we turned to Charlotte Moats, Executive Director of Silicon Couloir. A former professional freeskier and Junior Olympian racer, Charlotte left the valley to earn her MBA from the Wharton Business School before joining McKinsey & Company. She returned last fall to helm the nonprofit incubator.

What niche did Silicon Couloir fill at its formation? How did it grow from an organic gathering of entrepreneurs into a volunteer organization and now, a full-fledged sustainable nonprofit?

Silicon Couloir was born out of the Charture Institute’s 22 in 21 conference, which asked what we wanted Teton County to look like in ten years. A group of people got together and discussed the housing crisis and the need for good, year-round jobs that didn’t increase the demand for a large seasonal workforce. Technology enables many great minds to work from Jackson, and the thought for the first Chance Meetings was to get these people out from behind their laptops in their kitchens and into one room to put their minds together. The first event lured almost 80 people out of the woodwork, and our founders knew they had identified a need. From there, our programs and our organization have grown and become more structured. We are constantly seeking to better serve this part of the community.

What sets Silicon Couloir apart from other incubator initiatives around the country?

I think what makes Silicon Couloir unique is that we’re organized as a non-profit, and our services are open and free to all of our community members. A traditional incubator has a strict application process, and then typically takes an equity stake in the companies that it admits. We try to be inclusive of entrepreneurs at all stages – whether you just have an idea on a napkin, or already have millions in revenues. In a sense, we are sort of by the community, for the community, rather than an offshoot of a venture capital company. We help connect companies with potential investors and coach them on their pitches, but Silicon Couloir does not provide direct investment (at least not yet).

What drew you to the role of ED? How does your background – in freeskiing, business school and consulting – inform your leadership of and vision for Silicon Couloir?

I see such incredible talent in this valley across the sometimes stereotypical sectors – the ski bums, the retirees, the business owners, the ranchers, the Latino community, etc. These sectors are often somewhat silo-ed in many ski towns, but we strive to be an umbrella that links them all together. We are one of the most over-educated and wealthy counties in the country. Moreover, it takes a certain degree of “grit” to live in Jackson. It’s cold, it’s wild, and it tends to draw people with a naturally pioneering spirit. At Wharton and at McKinsey, one of the primary characteristics we tried to screen for in applicants was “grit.” We tried to find people who have a sixth gear of sorts, and experimented with all types of personality tests to incorporate into the admissions process. Jackson, on the other hand, is full of these people, and when you can knit together an ecosystem that provides connection, education and support, the opportunities are endless. It’s quite exciting to see how connection can spawn innovation. The result is also a more engaged and balanced community – our mentors feel excited to be able to have significant impact in their own backyard, and our entrepreneurs learn from some of the most experienced business people in the country. Of course, as an organization, we are also a start-up, so we are also learning and evolving as we grow.

How can people new to the valley – or just visiting – engage with Silicon Couloir?

The easiest way to learn about our events and get monthly updates on the local start up scene is by signing up for our newsletter at www.SiliconCouloir.com. We also encourage people to join our MeetUp Group, and follow our Facebook and Linked In groups. Our monthly Chance Meetings are open to anyone, free, and take place at The Rose downtown from 5 – 7pm on the first Monday of each month (except major holidays, when it sometimes gets bumped to the second Monday).

In addition to start ups, we are always looking to engage speakers, mentors, investors, volunteers, and skilled talent.

The Silicon Couloir often centers its monthly gatherings with industry speakers and entrepreneurial keynotes.

The Silicon Couloir often centers its monthly gatherings with industry speakers and entrepreneurial keynotes.

Reimagining High Country Gastronomy: Gavin Fine

/in /by

One of the key elements of fine dining is plating. How the food is presented to the diners plays an integral role in setting the atmosphere and character of the restaurant. Through the skill of the chef, the plate will ideally highlight star ingredients and balance colors and textures. He or she also must ensure that the dish fully embodies the spirit of the restaurant and manages to encourage diners to return.

Gavin Fine, the gastronomic mastermind behind Fine Dining Group in Jackson Hole, understands plating on an entirely different level. In partnership with culinary savant and Snake River Grill founding Executive Chef, Roger Freedman, Gavin and Roger’s restaurants have been established as the most characteristic and consistently balanced restaurants in the valley.

The triumphant 2001 opening of their first restaurant, Rendezvous Bistro, encouraged a trend of Jackson Hole restaurants that served high-quality, comforting American bistro fare in an unpretentious atmosphere. Since then, Fine Dining Restaurant Group’s establishments have become synonymous with quality, value, comfort, and innovation.

“Back when we started Jackson needed options… It still does,”
Gavin says. “We try to find and provide the dining experiences that
Jackson needs.”

Building on the instant success of “The Bistro”, Gavin and Roger went on to create the Fine Dining Restaurant Group, including Bistro Catering (2003), the Q Roadhouse & Brewing Co. (2006), Il Villaggio Osteria (2008), The Kitchen (2011), Park City’s Silver (2011), Bin22 (2012), and most recently Bodega in Teton Village. The carefully crafted menus emphasize simplicity, authenticity and the utilization of seasonal flavors and ingredients.  If each of his restaurants were presented on a single plate, Fine Dining’s ability to balance aesthetics, highlight worldly cuisines, and sustain consistency and exceptional service illustrates that they are culinary artists as well as a restaurateurs.

“Finding and working with great people is the key,” Gavin says. “I try to create a culture where everyone is excited to come to work.”

Sure enough, if Gavin walks in the room, his employees light up. This love and respect for the man and his restaurant is showcased the moment diners walk through the door to the moment they wipe the sides of their mouths.

“Eating is the most intimate thing we do in public,” Gavin says. Luckily, diners at Fine Dining Restaurant Group restaurants can be comforted by the fact that this comforting level of intimacy is only one of the elements that have been strategically placed to ensure a unique, incomparable dining experience.

Conversations With Phil: Meet Phil Stevenson

/in /by

The first thing you notice when you step into Phil Stevenson’s office at 120 West Pearl Avenue are the windows. Stretching from floor to ceiling and occupying nearly all of the available wallspace, the windows are a charming, albeit unavoidable distraction into the magnetic buzz of daily life in downtown Jackson. Phil’s back is turned to all of them. Surrounded by stacks of neatly organized spreadsheets, The Clear Creek Group founding Partner and Responsible Broker sits unconcerned, completely engrossed in his work.

In the ten years since leaving Atlanta and staking his claim in the competitive Jackson Hole real estate market, Phil has emerged as one of the leading brokers in the valley. Formally the development partner at the largest real estate firm in the southeast, Stevenson moved to Wyoming with his wife Betsy in 2004 to embark on what he refers to, with a smile, as his second act.

Personally, Stevenson has very little of the highbrow manner you might expect of someone with an industry leading portfolio, and given the significant nature of his accomplishments, he is exceptionally modest. In many ways Phil is both a perpetual optimist and an uncompromising idealist. His belief that the most profound outcomes are a result of the smallest details have helped to make The Clear Creek Group synonymous with an upper echelon of personal service.

For all of Phil Stevenson’s driving convictions – the idea that motivates his decisions most, the one that guides his philosophies, that sometimes keeps him at the office late into the evening is the notion that authentic personal relationships have the power to move mountains. Still, as he reflects on life, work, community and his love for the Jackson Hole lifestyle, he occasionally slips into the offhand intellectual persona so familiar to his colleagues, clients, and family.

Who is Phil Stevenson?

(Laughter) what a question. First and foremost I’m a family man. Betsy and I have seven children and nine grandchildren, and my family is really what keeps me going. I also think I’m basically a happy person, a disposition which is reinforced every day by living in this very special place.

What about Phil Stevenson the Professional?

A gentleman I used to work with in Atlanta had a saying – it’s a bit of a truism, but it’s always stuck with me – he would say; “People do business with people they like doing business with.” I’ve always tried to be relationship oriented. To be an effective broker, you need to be able to build relationships based on trust. You just can’t do that without putting others before yourself.

Jackson Hole is one of the more competitive real estate markets in the country. How did you carve a foothold for yourself?

Jackson Hole is the most beautiful place in the country, but 10 years ago if a family wanted to come out here and rent a nice house – not a mansion, not an estate – just a nice house, like they were used to back home, they couldn’t do it. At the time we saw that as an opportunity, but we knew we had to make the market on both ends, identifying both homeowners who wanted to selectively rent their homes and guests who appreciated the quality inherent in those homes. When Betsy and I were first introduced to Morgan Bruemmer, who subsequently partnered with us to form The Clear Creek Group, it was clear right away that he shared our passion for quality. There was this confluence of seeing a market opportunity and wanting to do things in a high quality – high touch way. That concept of exceptional levels of service is what we stood on and what we continue to stand on today.

 

“People do business with people they like doing business with.”

 

 

You work with many people from various specialties; real estate, architecture, interior design. How do you manage professional relationships across so many industries?

Our clients are extremely intelligent and sophisticated. We very much – Janet Helm, Reynolds Pomeroy, and I – feel that we are here to add value to their experience. We do not want to simply move papers around – “Here’s an offer. Here’s a counter offer. What do you think?” – and we generally go so far as to recommend service providers to better serve our clients. These service providers are organizations that we have built relationships with based on trust and quality of work. We seek out specialists for their ability to raise the bar for our clients, and in turn these types of specialists look to us for the same reason.

What excites you?

In terms of business? In terms of the day to day?

In general. What gets Phil Stevenson going?

Personally it’s family.  Spending time with them is what I look forward to. But I also love my work, and I often feel that I’ve left the office too early and at the same time arrived home too late. On the professional side I love seeing the look on a client’s face when we exceed their expectations. When our clients feel good about it, when we’ve been able to help them make their dream a reality, that’s what makes it fun.

 

“I often feel that I’ve left the office too early and at the same time arrived home too late.”

 

 

Does anything tick you off? What are your pet peeves?

(Laughter) this is silly, but people who don’t check their text messages before sending them.

Autocorrect!

Yes! When you go to check a message and all you end up getting is a lot of “gobbledegoop”, it’s frustrating. Beyond that. . . when I first started in business, I thought that if you just did good work and kept your nose clean you could rule the world. I came to realize pretty quickly that those first two things were prerequisites, but you also had to be able to communicate effectively. I have always been a bit of a nut about grammar, punctuation, spelling. It comes down to doing things thoughtfully. I think my pet peeve is when people don’t care enough to do something thoughtfully.

What’s next for Phil Stevenson?

I’m going to continue doing what I am doing here at The Clear Creek Group as long as it continues to be fun, and I’m effective in what I do. I’d also like to grow the company into exciting new areas along with Betsy and Morgan, and I can foresee some extraordinary developments for our firm in our not so distant future.

The Tipping Point: From Luxury Rentals to Home Ownership

/in /by

While the name “Jackson Hole” is often the impetus for visions of holiday ski sabbaticals, seasonal reunions with area wildlife, and escapes into the refined portfolio of mountain eateries, astute visitors are finding that owning a home in Jackson Hole is as increasingly pragmatic as it is desirable. Navigating the transition between high-country guest and high-country home owner, The Clear Creek Group has created an ecosystem in which the tipping-point between renting and home ownership is a fine line preciptiously balancing between financial means and emotional desires.

The past fifteen years have seen a dynamic maturation within the local real estate market where a veritable “perfect storm” of limited development opportunity and high demand has culminated into a community of buyers whom
are inexorably dedicated to place. “Our home buyers are anything but speculative.” explains The Clear Creek Group’s Founding Principal and Responsible Broker, Phil Stevenson. “The demand is Jackson Hole and our guests are motivated by the extraordinary sense of community found here. Our ability to foster relationships built upon a sense of mutual trust and respect is tantamount to who we are.”

The unparalleled Jackson Hole landscape provides the backdrop for a thriving local community.

The unparalleled Jackson Hole landscape provides the backdrop for a thriving local community.

In the dichotomy between renting and home ownership The Clear Creek Group has emerged as a highly qualified team of specialists – anchored in the company’s history as a full service real estate firm. Sales Associate, Reynolds Pomeroy, describes the company’s multi-service appeal as one rooted in an unremitting benchmark of excellence: “Guests that rent from us have come to expect a certain standard from The Clear Creek Group. When the time comes to buy a home, they know that they will find the same level of care in our real estate sales team. Our reputation for personalized care and attention to detail has led nearly half of these clients to become property renters themselves.”

A series of robust overhauls to Jackson Hole’s Airport have resulted in the valley’s emergence onto the world economic stage, and home ownership in Teton County and the decision to buy, is no longer a simple question of practicality but one of necessity. TCCG Associate Broker, Janet Helm, has a poignant way of putting it; “In the last 15 years Jackson has changed in so many ways. In terms of real estate. In terms of community. In terms of industry. It will continue to change. However, so much of what makes Jackson great has remained. The mountains are the same. The wildlife is the same. Our passion for going the extra mile will remain the same.”

Jackson Hole’s Airport serves as an important economic gateway to the community.

Jackson Hole’s Airport serves as an important economic gateway to the community.

Silent Snowflakes

/in /by

While you may hear the occasional groan when it’s time to put away the hiking boots and pull out the down jackets, nothing binds the Jackson community together like the onset of the upcoming winter months.

The Tetons are the first to taste the snow, of course, but soon the buttes are all frosted with a layer of higher-elevation snowfall. And then, just as you’re walking down one of the wooden boardwalks around the Town Square, you may suddenly see a few white dots falling in front of your face. Moments later, the whole town is overtaken by swirling snowflakes. They catch on your shoulders and then nearly cover the wooden planks under your feet. Looking behind you, your boot prints act as your past—your future is untouched.

Gros Ventre Snow

A fresh blanket of November snow falls upon the Gros Ventre Wilderness.

When the sun sets and darkness takes hold, car headlights showcase the dizzying ballet of snowfall as it comes in heavier and heavier. The dedicated skiers are already asleep, getting ready to wake early and carve their lines in the fresh powder.

The following morning, after the snowplows have cleared the roads and you’re ready for your day, you may be surprised to find a bull moose munching on the willows in your front yard. He’s blocking the way to your car and looks at you with his typical moose-like apathy.

Persephone Tea

Lemon and Ginger tea provides a warm touch to the Wyoming winter.

After calling your boss to explain your tardiness, you might take this moment of calm to brew up a cup of tea, sit by the window, and watch as the snowflakes cover your new friend’s back. He’s taking his time this morning, and so are you. For the residents of Jackson Hole—human and animal alike—winter is season devoid of hectic traffic and packed summer schedules. It’s a time of peace and self-reflection, when even a heavy snowstorm or an uninvited moose can’t break your stride.

Wyoming Number One in Tax Friendliness for 2015

/in /by

Wyoming stands out once again as the most tax-friendly state in the Union, according to the 2015 State Business Tax Climate Index. TCCG Real Estate buyers and sellers are increasingly aware of the benefits of Wyoming’s tax structure to both sides of any real estate transaction. We would be glad to elaborate on these benefits, whether you are contemplating a move to Wyoming for lifestyle, business or retirement reasons, or considering listing your property in as favorable a light as possible. Now’s the time to consider the purchase or sale of real estate in Jackson Hole, and the TCCG Real Estate team is ready to help!

For a detailed summary, visit the Tax Foundation website or click the image below.

TaxFoundation-2015-SBTCI

Merry Halloween

/in /by

The days surrounding Halloween have always possessed a certain confidence, a reassurance to all that Autumn is at its peak. In more temperate climates, you’d be able to identify all the Martha Stewart Living-esque leaf arrangements, festive lawn decorations and window dressings as you traipse through your local neighborhoods. However, in Jackson, where the blustery, Autumn months can come and go in a blink of an eye, Halloween is often a sign that winter is just around the corner.

No Jackson Halloween is complete without experiencing the early trick-or-treating Town Square event on the afternoon of the 31st. Families go all out dressing up their children for a parade of pint-sized ghastly ghouls and heartwarming mini-princesses.  Each downtown shop hands out candy to all participants and it’s a wonderful example of Jackson’s sense of community. And, of course, its adorable youngsters.

Jackson Hole youngsters fill the town square on All Hallows Eve to trick and treat their way to a bag full of candy.

Jackson Hole youngsters fill the town square on All Hallows Eve to trick and treat their way to a bag full of candy.

Evening trick-or-treating in Jackson is a lot more strategic than simple neighborhood knockery. With the blossoming subdivisions that scatter the Jackson Hole valley, a young candy seeker must make a tough decision on how to access the best possible plunder. Do you make your way south of town to the homes in Rafter J Ranch or South Park? Or do you play on the home field, and maneuver the streets of East Jackson?

Either way, your parents will surely bundle you up and often (“Come on, Mom…”) make you wear your winter coat over your costume. A ghostly white snowstorm on Halloween is never an unusual event, and if you’re answering the door with the candy bowl, expect a snowy dusting on every vampire, witch and ninja that graces your front porch.

Locally made confections like those from Petit Secret are sure to be a hit in the baskets of local goblins, ghosts, and ghouls.

Locally made confections like those from Petit Secret are sure to be a hit in the baskets of local goblins, ghosts, and ghouls.

With annual parties at various locales around the valley, the adults always have an outlet to boogie in true Halloween style. Yes, Jackson Hole Halloweens are unlike any other, and why not! After all, the land of outlaws was made for doing things a little differently. Happy Halloween.

Boot Scootin’

/in /by

The days of petticoats and neckerchiefs may have passed, but you’ll find that the cowboys and cowgirls of Jackson Hole still possess the same lively Wyoming spirit that prevailed a century ago. While the famed Million Dollar Cowboy Bar has experienced its fair share of upgrades, it still encapsulates the timeless joy of hunkering down to some great music and swinging your partner around on the dance floor.

The neon lights of the world famous Cowboy Bar illuminate the Jackson Hole boardwalk.

The neon lights of the world famous Cowboy Bar illuminate the Jackson Hole boardwalk.

Jackson often is referred to as “The Last of the Old West”,  a fitting nickname for a modern town still clinging to remnants of the cowboy era. The clunking of boots on the wood-planked sidewalks and the occasional rattle of spurs pale in comparison to the country tunes and clack of billiards balls that will erupt from “the Cowboy” on the weekends.

Stepping through the wooden doors you’ll immediately get a sense of why people have been frequenting the Cowboy since its official opening in 1937. Knobby pine pillars and saddled barstools along with a fair share of taxidermied animals spread throughout the expansive room, each accent luring you back towards the stage and the dance floor.

The sounds classical of Jackson Hole's western heritage wind through a 1950's audio amplifier.

The sounds classical of Jackson Hole’s western heritage wind through a 1950’s audio amplifier.

Now, western swing dancing is a common sight in any Jackson bar featuring live music. You might see some boot-scootin’ at the Silver Dollar Bar on a Tuesday night, but for the real authentic western swing, look no further than the Cowboy. Gentlemen, you might need to stand back and learn from the best, as the old locals scoop up your ladies for a lively two-step. But don’t feel intimidated. One of the town’s old mottos, “Live and Let Live”, counts just as much on the dance floor. You won’t feel any judgmental eyes shooting daggers at you at the Cowboy no matter what moves you fancy.

Unless, of course, you start square dancing…