I have been incredibly lucky this year, getting to travel to Jackson, Wyoming not once, but twice. We flew out west on a Friday morning and when I walked off that jet bridge into the crisp mountair air, I felt true calm and happiness.
We landed in Wyoming around 1:00pm local time. We got our rental car (a Jeep Wrangler, how appropriate!) and headed straight downtown. Our first stop was Jackson Drug, a place we loved during our visit in July and were eager to return to.
We snagged seats on the outdoor patio overlooking town square and wasted no time ordering milkshakes.
I got the Chocolate Bomb, which is chocolate ice cream, Oreo cookies and chocolate syrup. Highly recommend.
Last time we did the DIY Grilled Cheese menu, but this time we opted to share the nachos and the cauliflower "wings." If I could eat only appetizers and dessert for the rest of my life, I would be perfectly content.
After lunch we shopped downtown for a couple of hours. Around 4:00pm we were able to check into our apartment, which was right at the base of Snow King Mountain.
We had planned to have dinner out in Wilson, about a 15 minute drive from our rental. In July, we went to Wilson for brunch at Persephone, a bakery I fell in love with instantly. The first souvenir I bought on the trip was my blush pink coffee mug from Persephone.
As we cruised out to Wilson, we felt like locals. The roads were familiar, and we were excited to try a place that was not in the bustle of downtown Jackson.
Our destination? Calico.
If you Google, "Best restaurants in Jackson," Calico is always on the list. In the summer time, they have a huge outdoor patio where diners enjoy meals under the twinkle lights.
We arrived just after 7:00pm. The bar was full and in the dining room, just four or five tables were already eating. It's a very family-friendly place. Many parties had people around their tables spanning three generations.
We were seated along the far right wall and greeted by a very energetic server. We decided to try the "I'll be your Huckleberry" cocktail, which was Huckleberry vodka, lemonade, club soda and fresh Huckleberries (a Jackson signature).
The drinks were excellent. My dinner date rated it, "A+."
To begin, we ordered the garden salad to share. It was a potpourri of fresh veggies, topped with farmer's cheese.
We both agreed we wished it had come with a creamy dressing. Ranch is always the top choice, am I right?
For the main event, we selected the Mushroom Chutes pizza. Because my bestie is gluten-free, we requested the cauliflower crust. It's worth noting they have gluten-free pasta too!
Our pizza came topped with mozzarella, goat cheese sauce, portobello mushrooms, roasted tomatoes and arugula. I really loved this. The mix of veggies and cheese was sublime.
Though we were getting full, I had seen online that Calico has a Bailey's cheesecake for dessert. I had to have it.
Despite a lackluster presentation, the taste of this cheesecake was incredible. Just a hint of booze from the Bailey's. Every bite was so silky. It's a good thing I live a plane ride away from this dessert.
I'd be remiss if I didn't shout out the fantastic 1980s playlis the Calico team had going all night long. We were singing along in our seats and delighted by every new tune.
The vibe at Calico reminded me so much of the Fiorella's in my neighborhood in Watertown, MA - casual atmosphere, friendly staff and just straight up delicious food.
If you're planning a trip to Jackson, particularly with kids or a large family group, definitely put Calico on your list.
