With the recent cool breeze in the air, and the changing of leaves, I guess fall is really here. But we’re not ready to say goodbye to summer just yet, because saying goodbye to summer means no more heirloom tomatoes, no more peaches, and no more summer drinks on porches. Acknowledging the fact that we are stubborn and refuse to let summer slip through our fingertips so easily, we are going to wean ourselves off all the summer goodness. Here are a few things we recommend doing, eating, and drinking before the green grass get blanketed in white.
1. Overdose on Oysters- Even in the middle of Wyoming, we still have access to the salty, slimy 
aphrodisiac that is best consumed when covered in spicy cocktail sauce. Local and Rendezvous Bistro offer some super tasty oysters, and their origin varies from the Pacific Northwest to the southeastern U.S. Enjoy them on the half shell; they come in half a dozen or a full dozen. If you are in the mood for oysters, but can’t stomach them straight from the shell, oyster shooters are a fun way to get them down, and they’re mixed with alcohol. I’ll take two. The shooters at Local are served margarita style with salt, tequila and margarita mix. The ones at Rendezvous Bistro are served three different ways including a red sauce, a green sauce, or with bloody mary mix.
2. Drinks and Eats with a View- If you haven’t taken a gondola ride up to The Deck this summer, we suggest dropping what you’re doing and taking off work, because the deck closes on Friday. The deck, at the top of the Bridger Gondola is home to some million dollar views, and one of the best happy hours in the valley. But that’s just it, it’s just one happy hour from 5 to 6 p.m. where you can enjoy $2 off of draft beers and $5 specialty cocktails that change daily. The specialty drink not to miss is the Huckleberry How Pow: 44 North huckleberry vodka, lemonade and soda water. And they throw fresh huckleberries in there, too! The drink is normally $9, but it’s $5 during happy hour. And, of course, there is the roof deck at Dornans. The crowds have thinned and there is a better chance of snagging a table to enjoy a bottle of wine from the huge selection next door and a pizza.
3. Last Sips of Summer- Like we’ve said before, we love sitting on porches and sipping on delicious summer drinks. Unfortunately, they have an expiration date and become extinct during the cold winter months. Even though we can’t wait for hot drinks covered in whip cream, we are going to miss the summer-in-a-glass cocktails. Cafe Genevieve offers a mean watermelon margarita, full of tequila and fresh watermelon. This drink is best consumed on the porch with or without a salad. 
Another drink to try before summer is gone is The Handle Bar’s Sangria. They have a red and white wine sangria, both mixed with fresh summer fruits, cointreau and brandy. This drink is $12 and will be gone before you know it. The Four Seasons’ Summer with Cliquot special ends on Sept. 30. Buy one glass of Veuve Cliquot and enjoy the other one free. The special offer also includes two complimentary appetizers of your choice with the purchase of one bottle of Veuve Cliquot.
We encourage you to cram in the last few tastes and memories of summer, they’ll be gone before you know it. As always, eat, drink, and be merry.
