Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

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Fall Arts Festival

For generations Jackson Hole has attracted artists and one look around the landscape, it’s easy to see why. Inspiration abounds.

But Jackson has become more than just a place for plein air painters to study. It’s one of the top art markets in the United States and each autumn collectors and artists come together to create, view, buy and celebrate art during the Fall Arts Festival.

In its 32nd year, the event runs Sept. 7-18 this year. Galleries feature new and emerging works, as well as pieces from their premier and most beloved artists. Many of the artists spend time in the gallery offering demonstrations or greeting patrons.

Events include a quick draw competition where artists create work with limited time and then sell it. The Western Design Conference brings in more than 130 artists to showcase original furniture, fashion and jewelry.

Historic ranch tours take you inside and behind the scenes of some of the valley’s working ranches. Architects and designers welcome visitors into some of the town’s most exquisite houses during the Showcase of Homes. Taste of the Tetons create culinary works of art to sample at a tasting fair.

The schedule is packed with artist receptions, a wine tasting and one of the premier art auctions in the country.

One of the festival’s highlights, the Palates & Palette Gallery Walk, held this year on Sept. 9, pairs local restaurants with galleries. It’s the perfect evening to get a taste of the art scene, moving from each festive mini-party to the next.

Fall is also a great time to appreciate nature’s works of art  with one of Barker-Ewing’s Grand Teton float trips. They run through Sept. 10. A relaxing Jackson Hole float trip allows you to take in the changing colors and wildlife preparing for winter. You might just find yourself inspired to create your own work of art.

Three reasons to plan your Jackson Hole vacation in the Fall

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Three reasons to plan your Jackson Hole vacation in the Fall

Fall colors, bear sightings and solitude, Jackson is a special place to visit in the fall. You’ll find milder temperatures with crisp mornings, warm afternoons and brisk evenings, everything fall weather should be. There’s fewer people and still plenty to see and do. Read on to discover why fall might be the best time to plan your Jackson Hole vacation. (Just remember to bring an extra jacket. The weather in Jackson Hole is always variable, but especially as the seasons start to change).

  1.       Fewer crowds. Jackson and Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks are brimming with visitors in the summer months of June, July and August. Come September the crowds thin. There’s still a lively bustle in town and plenty of activities, but there’s a little less congestion. Get out on the river this time of year and you might have it to yourself.Less crowds Jackson Hole
  2.       Prime wildlife viewing. Fall is a great time to see animals in Grand Teton National Park. Many of the park’s animals are active during the season. The fall is the rut, or breeding season for elk. You can hear the animal’s piercing cry most often in the early evening as males bugle to attract a mate and show dominance. There’s even a chance to witness sparring between male elk. Moose are also seeking mates during the fall. Bears are especially active in the fall seeking berries and other nutrients to sustain them through hibernation. Scenic float trips down the Snake River make great Jackson Hole wildlife tours, giving you a chance to view animals on the river banks from a safe distance and learn about the area’s history from your guide.Snake River Bald Eagle
  3.       Fall colors. Fall in the Tetons is dependent on weather, but usually starts in early September and runs through mid-October. Fall colors often peak about the third week of September. The forests of the park are comprised of evergreens and deciduous trees. Cottonwoods line the banks of the Snake River. Aspens dot the hillside. And in the fall these trees, along with shrubs and ground cover, turn to yellow, orange and red. Barker Ewing’s Jackson Hole float trips take you through the heart of fall colors.Jackson Hole Fall river trip