Jackson Hole, Wyoming.Photo:Danny Holland
Danny Holland
Jackson Hole is a well-known winter hideaway for ski-loving celebrities, but it’s also establishing itself as a noteworthy creative community — luring musicians, filmmakers and yes, movie stars.
The Wyoming town is as authentic as it is stunning, with locals cultivating an impressive arts scene in the mountain community of picturesque peaks and vast wildlife.
Nestled between Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, the idyllic town just kicked off its inauguralJackson Hole International Film Festival(JHIFF) held at the National Museum of Wildlife Art on Dec. 8-10.
The 51,000 sq. ft. building — built into the hillside of a National Elk Refuge — held eight screenings throughout the weekend, keeping its prominent display of animal artwork open for guests to enjoy.
Jackson Hole wildlife.Juliet Adelman
Juliet Adelman
The Virginian Lodge, which features fire pits, outdoor spas, a diner and bar, hosted an array of activities, including live music each night.
Finn Taylor, writer and director of the festival’s closing night film,Avenue of the Giants, even joined a local band on stage to play his mandolin, whileI’ll Be Right Thereactress Kaylie Carter, who co-stars in the comedy-drama withEdie Falco, showed off her singing skills and director Brendon Walsh cheered her on.
Writer-director Finn Taylor and JHIFF artistic director David Nugent discuss Taylor’s ‘Avenue of the Giants’ film on closing night Dec. 10, 2023.Alexandra Munger
Alexandra Munger
Artist and musicianNikki Sixxof Mötley Crüe who serves on the board with his wife, lifestyle entrepreneur Courtney Sixx, shared how much the new endeavor means to him as he continues to venture more into the film scene.
“We love the idea of bringing arts and culture to Jackson,” Nikki, 65, told PEOPLE of working with JHIFF chair Stuart Suna and executive director Marni Walsh.
“We’ve been talking about this for the last year and a half or so it’s been in motion. There’s a lot of really fantastic people involved. It’s the first of many years. A great kickoff.”
The JHIFF crew of filmmakers and festival staff.Amrita Beverages
Amrita Beverages
“We love calling Jackson Hole our home,” added Courtney, who showed guests how to arrange roses at her Bouquet Box Floral Bar while they sampled Wild Common tequila and mezcal with Amrita Beverages.
“It’s the most magical and perfect setting to not only showcase films, but our skiing, fine dining and spectacular hotels make it the most gorgeous and pristine winter wonderland that’s out of this world.”
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One of the must-see stops recommended in Jackson isDornans Chuckwagon, established in 1922. Located along the Snake River, this bar and restaurant lies on a privately owned patch of land at the base of Grand Teton National Park. The family establishment’s prime views give a front-row seat to one of Jackson’s many fine landscapes.
The site, which “boasts 67 years of outlaw history” was once an illegal, “but tolerated,” gambling hall, according to theNational Trust for Historic Preservation.
Local wildlife in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.Vincent Ledvina
Vincent Ledvina
Though there may be a flock of celebrities — and billionaires — sauntering through the unique town at any given moment, Jackson Hole doesn’t take itself too seriously.
The rugged locale recently held a “Ski in Jeans” weekend where skiers tried to break the Guinness Book of World Records for “the most people skiing and riding in jeans,” perJackson Hole Mountain Resort’s website.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming.Karsten Winegeart
Karsten Winegeart
Whether visiting in summer or winter; seeking rest and rejuvenation or an A-list star sighting; visitors are sure to enjoy exploring Jackson Hole’s magical surroundings.
source: people.com
