Why the Off-Season Is the Best Season in Jackson Hole

We’ve already written about why Aspen is at its best in the summer, and now it’s time to reveal another ski town that’s positively in bloom this time of year: Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Jackson Hole is an open secret among travelers, and its jagged mountaintops are more inviting when the temperature is above freezing. Though the area is renowned for its terrain, its stunning beauty is best appreciated off the slopes.

Jackson Hole is a completely different town in the summer — gone are the ski people from out east, and here to stay are cowboys in town for the rodeos, bison herds roaming the plains, and fly-fishers on the Snake River. Book a trip in June or July to appreciate the clearest view of the mountain range, as the mountain range in August can be notoriously smoky — although the gray fog can provide its own haunted, romantic atmosphere for experiencing the American West.

From the best places to stay to the most hidden vistas to explore, read on to find out why this mountain oasis in Wyoming is even better as a summertime getaway.

Stay

Spring Creek Ranch: This gorgeous retreat offers a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the Tetons. Book a two-hour ride through the butte to explore the pioneering vistas unchanged from centuries ago.

Snake River Lodge & Spa: Hop off your saddle and pick up a rod for a stay at the Snake River Lodge. With its relaxing spa treatments and gorgeous Western décor, this retreat is sure to appeal to the leisurely traveler as well.

Four Seasons Jackson Hole: Speaking of ambiance, the Four Seasons can’t be beat. Located at the foot of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the accommodations are walking distance from the tram, so you can head to the top of the mountain for a morning hike and unwind in one of the hot tubs come sundown. The hotel is also right next to the Mangy Moose restaurant: the winter après-ski capital offers up tasty drinks and even tastier nachos year-round.

Jackson Hole Racquet Club at the Aspens: Assemble your friends and reserve a condo at the Aspens, situated ideally on Moose Wilson Road between the mountain resort and downtown Jackson. Head to the Aspens Market for some elk jerky before heading out for a day of adventuring. Early-morning travelers should keep a lookout for the moose population that also calls the Aspens home (it’s called Moose Wilson Road for a reason).

Eat and Drink

Million Dollar Cowboy Bar: If you travel to Jackson Hole and don’t pay a visit to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, were you even there? Saddle up (literally) on one of the bar stools, order a round, and prepare for a night of dancing — the live music is consistently spectacular.

The Silver Dollar Bar: Speaking of live music, the Silver Dollar offers up traditional country fare in the nearby Wort Hotel. Leave your inhibitions behind for an evening of line dancing.

The Rose: For a more local option, head to the Rose, where the musical fare errs on the side of current favorites — think Cardi B and Drake. It’s also situated right in town for easy bar-hopping.

Local: Speaking of local, head to this neighborhood haunt for a bison burger before a night on the town square. The restaurant is right next to the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar.

Café Genevieve: A historic log cabin in downtown Jackson houses the go-to brunch spot in town. Book a table outside to enjoy the crisp mountain air and endless people-watching.

Do

Westbank Anglers: Explore the famous Snake River with Westbank Anglers, headquartered near the Aspens. Request Pat Sheehy for a day spent fly-fishing, and you can pretend you’re starring in the Wyoming version of A River Runs Through It.

Jackson Hole Whitewater Rafting: Another fantastic option for getting out on the water and enjoying the pristine Wyoming wilderness is to spend a day rafting. Don’t be afraid of getting wet, and remember to look up: The excursion is a prime opportunity to spot eagles and hawks soaring overhead.

Jackson Hole Rodeo: A must-do activity in the summertime, Jackson Hole Rodeo is the best way to witness the skills and swagger of local and visiting cowboys. This ‘grammable event is enhanced by the dramatic view of the sunset on the Tetons — fire on the mountain, indeed.

National Elk Refuge: Though famous for its sleigh rides in the colder months, the refuge is also picturesque in the summertime. Get lost in the open fields at the foot of the mountains for an equally Instagram-worthy adventure.

Just Outside Jackson

Grand Teton National Park: Explore this picturesque national park for a day trip or an overnight stay at the iconic Jackson Lake Lodge. Summer is peak season in the park, so head to Two Ocean Lake to avoid the crowds for a day of kayaking. Embark on the Teton hiking trails around Ampitheater Lake for another can’t-miss adventure. A visit to Dornan’s is required for the incomparable pizza and even more incomparable views of the mountain range. The Tetons are snowcapped year-round, providing the perfect backdrop for your #WildWest Instagram. Pack a sweater and a raincoat, since blizzards are known to happen in June — though the park is always worth it, rain or shine.

Tag us in your favorite underappreciated summer vacation spots on Instagram!

(Photos via Getty)

Spring is finally in full swing, which means that summer is just around the corner! Whether you just got back from spring break or are planning your first getaway of the year, one truth remains the same: you deserve a vacation. Head to a local beach town to relax and unwind in style, or grab your passport for the culture dive of a lifetime. As a writer and frequent flyer who maps out travel plans three years in advance, I've rounded up the coolest summer vacation ideas for 2024. Keep reading for tips on how to plan your perfect getaway to one of these trending cities!

Summer Vacation Ideas That Don't Require A Passport

Photo by Ken Cooper/PEXELS

New Orleans, Louisiana

It's an understatement to say that New Orleans is festive. While we all know about Mardi Gras, it's safe to say there's something fun going on all year round. Our favorite area to explore is the famed French Quarter, but we recommend booking a hotel in the slightly tamer Garden District or a haunted property elsewhere in town. Luckily, NOLA is highly walkable and Ubers are readily available, which makes it so much easier to see it all. Get spooked on a ghost tour with Free Tours by Foot (they offer a variety of other, non-occult tours too!). Dance the night away on Frenchman Street, where the best jazz musicians in the city play.

Photo by Pixabay/PEXELS

Napa Valley, California

It's hard to believe that Napa Valley is only 50 miles from San Francisco and the bay area. The region, which is made up of five towns (Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, American Canyon, and the city of Napa), is tucked between two mountain ranges. This means that the scenic views are endless, whether you're having a vineyard day or strolling through town. For a first visit, we recommend staying in Napa (colloquially known as Downtown Napa). Visitors will love the riverfront promenade and Napa Valley Wine Train. Yountville, the charming home to multiple Michelin Star restaurants, and Calistoga, which is a mix of Napa and Sonoma, are both absolutely worth a day trip while you're there, too.

Photo by Allie Feeley/PEXELS

Joshua Tree, California

Joshua Tree was designed with nature girlies in mind! It's made up of two different deserts, both with their own unique landscape, and dozens of picturesque hiking trails. The national park is just a two hour drive from Los Angeles, so flying into LAX is best if you're not a SoCal local. Make a list of your can't miss hikes (we recommend Hidden Valley) and get an early start. After a morning of hiking, cool off at a hot springs hotel (day passes are available for $8-$45, depending on the location).

Summer Vacation Ideas That Are A Short Flight Away

Photo by Ennvisionn/PEXELS

Toronto, Canada

Toronto is one of Canada's biggest (and most famous) cities. Fun fact: most NYC scenes in movies and TV shows are often shot in Toronto, thanks to the city's expansive skyline. Air Canada allows passengers to schedule a layover of up to 7 days in Toronto for free, but we think there's enough here to warrant a trip of it's own. One of the most iconic spots to visit is Casa Loma, a 98-room castle that's one of Toronto's most famous landmarks. Venture down Philosophers Walk, a scenic footpath, and spend the afternoon in Baldwin Village, famous for it's small shops and foodie-approved eateries.

Photo by Jose Espinal/PEXELS

Montego Bay, Jamaica

Montego Bay is a lazy girl's best friend. While it's a tropical paradise that any traveler would adore, the hotels go above and beyond to ensure you never have to (nor want to) leave. Check into the S Hotel and spend your days enjoying the crystal clear beaches, dreamy pools, and delicious restaurants located right on site (there are four of them!). If you're feeling adventurous, book a catamaran tour or go rafting down the Marta Brae River.

International Summer Vacation Ideas Totally Worth The Trip

Photo by Sparks Darby/PEXELS

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is one of the seven modern wonders of the world, and something you have to see to truly believe. To get there, fly into Lima and spend a few days in the coastal city. From there, take a domestic flight (1-2 hours) to Cuzco and begin making your way to the mountains. Getting around the small mountain towns of Peru is no joke, so I recommend joining a guided tour for ease. Stay overnight in a traditional hacienda to continue taking in the beauty of your surroundings, and consider extending your trip to visit the Rainbow Mountains.

Photo by Niklas Eichler/PEXELS

Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town has a little bit of everything: pristine beaches, vibrant city life, and untouched natural wonders. An extremely walkable port city, every neighborhood has its own personality. Check out the street art in the Woodstock neighborhood and then enjoy a fresh seafood lunch near the V&A Waterfront. Visit Boulders Beach, where several species of penguins live in harmony right on the beach. Take a day trip to the regions famous wineries, like Stellenbosch or Franschhoek, both of which are just two hours out from Cape Town proper. Spend two days on the Western Cape, where you can go on an African Safari and get up close and personal with the best of South Africa's wildlife.

Photo by Nhi Uyen/PEXELS

Copenhagen, Denmark

Within the past few years, Denmark's capital has emerged from under-the-radar locale to a must-see destination for in-the-know travelers. Copenhagen was named one of the happiest cities in the world and in our expert opinion, it's also one of the most beautiful, thanks to Nyhavn, the famous 17th century harbor. First time visitors should stay downtown in Indre By, which is centrally located to fun activities and some of the most picturesque parts of the city. We recommend Hotel Bethel or The Socialist, for a more luxe hotel option. Stroll down the waterway and explore the medieval architecture, like Rosenborg Castle. Wander into Tivoli Gardens, a small amusement park with aesthetic gardens. Embrace the playfulness of Scandi Girl style, by supporting CPH-based designers like Saks Potts and Ganni.

Photo by Haley Sprankle

Santorini, Greece

When thinking about Greece, Santorini is the first thing to come to mind. And for good reason! The infamous white-and-blue buildings have made their way into (almost) every piece of media surrounding Greece, and for all the girlies who grew up on a diet of Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants rewatches, it makes our Y2K hearts happy knowing that the idyllic island exceeds expectations IRL. Since others have heard about the magic of Santorini as well, we recommend visiting at the beginning or end of the season to avoid the crowds and high prices. Oia and Thera are the most popular towns, but staying on the eastern side of the island will offer a more low-key and secluded getaway. We love Imerovigli, which offers an unobstructed view of the volcanic crater. To get the full experience, stay in a cave hotel. We love Perivolas Hotel for a luxe option, or The Architects Cave for a midrange hotel.

Photo by Pixabay/PEXELS

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea is a small country with so much to see and do. Make Seoul as your home base, and plan day trips to other areas of interest. Start in Hongdae, Seoul's most vibrant neighborhood, where you can try the newest street food and see edgy fashion trends up close. From there, make your way to Gyeongui Line Forest Park, a disused railway line turned lush, 3.7 mile walking trail. Venture into historic Seoul with a trip to Gyeongbokgung Palace, which was first built in 1395.

Photo by Taryn Elliott/PEXELS

Marrakesh, Morocco

Morocco may seem like a world away, but with a 7 hour flight from NYC, it's actually closer than most of Western Europe. Fly direct into Casablanca, where you should stay for 1-2 days until you get sick of quoting the famous film. From there, catch the high speed train to Marrakesh, which is even more aesthetic than Instagram would have you believe. Check into La Mamounia (Anna Delvey's hotel of choice) and take your time exploring the local markets. Plan a morning at the Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent's picturesque garden, and take pictures at the famed Ben Youssef Madrasa.

Looking for more travel advice? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter so you never miss a thing!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image by Taryn Elliott/PEXELS

We've all been keeping up with Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce throughout the Kansas City Chiefs season, the Eras Tour, and all their adorable vacations. Not to mention I have been LIVING for the songs Taylor wrote about Travis for The Tortured Poets Department. Thanks to the album (and concert ad libs like the iconic "Karma is the guy on the Chiefs coming straight home to me"), we've heard from Taylor quite a bit, and this weekend, we got a little bit of insight into Travis' thoughts too!

Image via Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce showed up at the 15 and Mahomies Foundation Golf Classic on April 27 in Las Vegas, and there was plenty of PDA to boot. The 15 and Mahomies Foundation provides resources to in-need children and communities, and in a move that surprised everyone, Travis ended up getting on stage and announced an additional item up for auction: Eras Tour tickets!

“Alright, alright, alright, I think I was just talking to my significant other, and we might have one other alternate item that wasn’t on the docket," he says (via Page Six). "Um, has anybody heard of the Eras Tour?” Needless to say, the crowd was very excited.

Image via JC Olivera/Getty Images

The evening also had some fun moments like Patrick throwing a ball offstage to Travis, and spending the early hours of the morning at the Wynn’s XS nightclub. My personal favorite detail from the evening is Taylor's green Maria Lucia Hohan dress. The ethereal, metallic shimmer simultaneously reminds me of elves and mermaids, but most importantly, it's giving both Reputation (TV) and Taylor Swift (TV). I can't wait to see what she wears in honor of those two rerecordings!

What's your favorite moment from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's relationship? Check out their full relationship timeline to catch up on the latest news.

Lead images via JC Olivera/Getty Images/Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Sure, chicken breastsare healthy and versatile, but let's be real: the thighs are the real winner. They're cheaper, juicier, and more flavorful, yet they're often overlooked. Why not give them the love they deserve?

Enter these crispy Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs with a yummy, easy pan sauce. Quick, easy, and involving a single skillet and everyday ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those who haven't yet learned their way around a thigh. The best part? They're super versatile. If you want a tangier flavor, add more lemon. If you prefer a more savory dish, ease up on the honey.

Serve with your favorite veggies, and you've got four meals full of crispy, finger-lickin' chicken deliciousness in less than 45 minutes. Say hello to your new weeknight favorite: Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs.


Ingredients for Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • juice of half of a lemon
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, stems removed and chopped

Directions for Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs

  1. Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Pat chicken thighs dry, and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Drizzle olive oil over the skin sides.
  2. Set a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken thighs, skin-side down, until very browned and crispy, about 15 minutes. Readjust them about 5 minutes through so the fat touches the skillet and coats it with liquid.
  3. Remove the skillet from heat, and scatter garlic beside the chicken. Place the skillet in the oven until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  4. When the chicken is cooked through, set it on a separate plate, leaving the garlic and juices in the skillet. Add butter, lemon juice, and honey to the skillet, and stir, scraping off the browned bits, over low heat. When combined, replace the chicken, and spoon the sauce over the thighs. Garnish with parsley.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more easy weeknight recipes!

Photos by Sara Cagle / Brit + Co.

This post has been updated.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s relationship has stood the test of time. They married just a year after meeting for the first time, and their story has bloomed ever since. They’re one of our favoritecelebrity couples, and we simply love to see them happy. Read on for their full relationship timeline!

How long have Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban been together?

Michael Loccisano / Getty Images for BMI

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have been together 19 years. They started dating in 2005 and got married in 2006.

Were Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise together?

Terry Wyatt / Getty Images for CMT

Yes, Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise were married for 11 years before divorcing in 2001.

Why did Nicole and Tom split?

Vince Bucci / Getty Images

Neither Nicole nor Tom have explicitly confirmed why they divorced. Nicole explained in a 2013 Vanity Fair interview that she and Tom were “so young” when they got married, and that could be why they didn’t work out. Other news outlets have claimed that Tom’s involvement with the Church of Scientology may have led to the split.

Nicole Kidman + Keith Urban's Relationship Timeline

Sergio Dionisio / Getty Images

January 2005: First meeting

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban first met at the G'Day USA gala in Los Angeles. They exchanged phone numbers at the event, though Nicolerevealed Keith didn’t reach out until several months after their initial meeting.

“I had such a crush on him and he wasn’t interested in me. It’s true!” the actress told Ellen DeGeneres on air. “He didn’t call me for four months.”

Brendon Thorne / Getty Images

June 2005: Sparks fly

The couple had been living in New York City when Nicole realized Keith was the one for her. He had sweetly brought flowers right to her apartment for her 38th birthday, and that’s when she really knew.

"That is when I went, 'This is the man I hope I get to marry,'" she toldPeople in 2019. "I believed by that point he was the love of my life."

Christopher Polk / Getty Images

May 2006: Nicole and Keith get engaged

The actress and the musician got engaged on May 15, 2006. Nicole ended up announcing the news at the 30th Anniversary gala for the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images

June 2006: Nicole and Keith get married

Nicole and Keith celebrated their wedding in Sydney, Australia on June 25, 2006. Nicole’s kids – Isabella Jane and Connor Antony (whom she shares with her ex, Tom Cruise) – both played a part in the big day.

The couple later jetted off to French Polynesia for their honeymoon.

Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images for 20th Century Fox

October 2006: Keith checks into rehab

Later that year, Nicole had staged an intervention for Keith, who struggled with alcohol abuse. He was released the following January, and Nicole was there to support him after the fact.

Theo Wargo / Getty Images for Karl Lagerfeld

November 2007: The pair moves to Nashville

As a country singer, Keith had always loved Nashville, Tennessee. He and Nicole purchased a farm on the outskirts of the city to call home when they weren't working or traveling.

Larry Busacca / Getty Images

July 2008: Nicole and Keith welcome their first child

Nicole gave birth to a daughter, named Sunday Rose, on July 7, 2008 in Nashville.

Keith shared the news on his website, saying: "We want to thank everybody that has kept us in their thoughts and prayers. We feel very blessed and grateful that we can share this joy with all of you today."

Jeff Spicer / Getty Images

December 2010: Nicole and Keith welcome their second child

The couple’s second baby, Faith Margaret, was born via surrogate on December 28, 2010. Nicole and Keith had kept this second pregnancy considerably private.

"Our family is truly blessed, and just so thankful, to have been given the gift of baby Faith Margaret," the pair said in a statement. "No words can adequately convey the incredible gratitude that we feel for everyone who was so supportive throughout this process, in particular our gestational carrier."

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty Images

July 2017: Nicole says Keith supported her after filming intense Big Little Lies scenes

Nicole starred in HBO’s Big Little Lies as Celeste, a character who dealt with domestic violence. Though she won an Emmy for her work in the series, she admitted it was emotionally draining. Luckily, Keith was there to support her throughout the filming process when times got tough.

"Luckily I have a partner who is artistic, so he understands what it takes to support that," she toldEntertainment Tonight in 2017. "I came home to loving arms, someone that would hold me, and I was really upset at times. Really damaged, really upset, and physically and emotionally drained and in pain."

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images

February 2021: Nicole and Keith’s daughters appear at the Golden Globes

Nicole and Keith’s two daughters, Sunday and Faith, were spotted alongside their parents on a live video broadcast during the 2021 Golden Globes, where Nicole was nominated for her role in The Undoing.

Rick Diamond / Getty Images

March 2022: The couple steps out at the Academy Awards

Keith supported Nicole at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022, where she was nominated for Best Actress for her role in Being the Ricardos.

Arturo Holmes / Getty Images

March 2023: Nicole and Keith turn heads at the Oscars

The couple pulled up to the 2023 Oscars in some super sleek, matching all-black outfits. Nicole and Keith didn’t shy away from any PDA on the red carpet as they had their picture taken.

Mark Kolbe / Getty Images

June 2023: Keith honors Nicole’s birthday

Keith made a very sweetInstagram postfor Nicole’s 56th birthday – a photo of her in nature, with the caption reading:

"To my gorgeous, sexy, adventurous, curious, nature loving, owl spotting, artist, wife: happy birthday baby !!!!!! xxxxxx.”

Jon Kopaloff / Getty Images for AFI

April 2024: Nicole and Keith’s daughters hit the red carpet

Their family attended the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award Gala to honor Nicole’s Life Achievement Award. The pair’s daughters, Sunday (15) and Faith (13) stunned in red dresses, as Nicole wore a glowing gold gown.

Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on your fave celebrity couples!

Challengers is honestly just one giant tennis match. While we watch Zendaya's Tashi, Mike Faist's Art, and Josh O'Connor's Patrick play the game in a literal sense, we also see their personal relationship spiral, ricocheting back and forth as each character plays a different role every couple of years. And the crazy Challengers ending is a culmination of this intense emotional journey because it solidifies Patrick, Tashi, and Art's relationship — both to one another, but also to tennis itself.

What did the ending of The Challengers mean?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

There is a lot of tension between Tashi, Art, and Patrick throughout the movie, and it all builds to the titular Challenger match. It's Art vs. Patrick, and they're playing for way more than just the title and the money (though of course, they're definitely playing for the title and the money) — this is one final chance to prove themselves to Tashi, who's sitting court-side looking very unimpressed.

Both men lose their cool during different sets, but it's in the third and final set that everything comes to a head. At the end of the match, Patrick confesses to sleeping with Tashi using a tennis ball and racket signal only Art recognizes. For a split second Art is is complete shock, and I expected him to completely lose it. And, technically, he does, but in a totally unexpected way. Rather than jump the net and punch Patrick in the face, Art channels his emotions into his tennis, and the fury he feels actually allows him break through whatever slump he's been stuck in.

Unable to have a conversation about Patrick's secret, Art and Patrick talk with their serves and returns. And because Tashi doesn't catch the signal, for the first time in the whole movie, she's cut out of the conversation.

Did Tashi love Art and Patrick?

Image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios

Tashi's been pulling the strings ever since she met Art and Patrick, and she's never not been in control. After Patrick sends the signal, she knows something is going on between them, she just doesn't know what — and it unnerves her. Thanks to Zendaya's expert subtlety, the twitch of her eyebrow or the particularly anxious way she grips her hands are the only things that give her away. But her confusion, and the men's anger, quickly turn to pure joy in the final moments of the movie.

Patrick and Art end up playing so intensely that they meet at the net and embrace, prompting Tashi's iconic tennis yell before she gives one of her first genuine laughs of the film and the screen cuts to black. The first time I saw the movie, I thought "What?!" but the more I think about it, the clearer the Challengers ending is.

Patrick and Art (whose relationship begins six or seven years before the movie opens) haven't spoken since the big fight surrounding Tashi's injury, and their hug proves they're just happy to be playing together again. It's what they've always loved, and their fight over Tashi almost ended it forever. Tashi's pure elation shows she's happy to watch some good tennis, especially after she failed to help Art break out of his rut.

We've only seen Tashi scream like that once before, when she admits to a perfect tennis match. While Tashi does care for Patrick and Art, the end of Challengers proves the characters' true love was never really each other — it was always the game.

What did you think of the Challengers ending? After you rewatch the movie (and then rewatch it again), check out the other Most-Anticipated Spring Movies For 2024.

Lead image via Niko Tavernise/Amazon MGM Studios