Best Ways to Enjoy the Colors of Fall Foliage

The valley is deep in the throes of changing seasons. The leaves are changing, and falling, fast these days. Luckily, we’ve been graced with some spectacularly sunny days to soak it all in. Before we find ourselves surrounded by snow and bare branches, here are a few remaining activities to get you falling for fall this week.

Dornan’s in Moose

Dornan’s Monday night Hootenanny has moved indoors for the season, but there are plenty of scenic opportunities en route to the Spur bar. The drive to Dornan’s, in Moose, offers ample chances for roadside viewing of the Snake River Valley, with a mountain backdrop no less. With a little extra time, incorporate a stop at Schwabacher’s Landing. This iconic spot is prime viewing for changing grasses and leaves beneath the mountains.dornans

Snow King Mountain

Fall is the perfect time to take a hike up the summit of Snow King Mountain. The popular trail is quieter and cooler, but the views of the valley floor are just as spectacular. You’ll feel on top of the world as you feast your eyes on the Tetons, the National Elk Refuge and the town of Jackson. End your climb with a bite at Hayden’s Post, or a beer at Stillwest Brewery & Grill.stillwest

National Museum of Wildlife Art

Did you visit the National Museum of Wildlife Art this summer? Any day you visit the museum, the best time to soak in the views of the National Elk Refuge and Sheep Mountain behind it is over lunch at Palate. Hurry in before Palate closes for an off-season break October 22.

Scenic Destinations

Looking for a fuller fall experience? Drive south along the Snake River Canyon on a trip to the Melvin Taproom in Alpine. This scenic drive follows the winding river through plentiful aspen trees and then on the cusp of dramatic canyon walls. In Alpine, the Melvin Taproom is situated on the edge of the Snake River, and serving up beers and bites Wednesday-Sunday from 11 a.m.-11 p.m.taproom

Sam Simma

Raised in the land of casseroles and deep fried cheese curds, Sam Simma left rural Wisconsin for the mountains of Wyoming in summer 2012. Her appetite for adventure is the only thing that rivals her passion for food. She has always used writing to document and critique her travel and dining experiences. Her warmest memories among family and friends have been associated with the food that was at the center of the occasion. From staging cooking shows with siblings to perfecting turtle brownies with her dad, today Sam enjoys connecting people over food by hosting cookie decorating parties, wine pairing nights, and Midwest-inspired potlucks. A dessert fanatic, she has come to impress friends and family with key lime pies, Oreo bon bons, and Snickers ice cream cakes that are far simpler than they could ever imagine. Shhh! Don’t tell.