by Del Reusch
The towns were chosen for their exhilarating topography, availability of outdoor activities and for their �sense of thrill.� Jackson (population 6000) is well-known for its hip mix of new-west/old-west appeal. Choose from whitewater rafting on the Snake River, experience some of the best freshwater fishing in the world, or simply sit back and meditate on the awesome mountains surrounding the valley they call Jackson Hole. At night, the music, bars and nightlife rival anything available in the west.
For more info on Jackson, check out the following links:
http://www.jacksonholenet.com/
http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/
http://www.jacksonholerestaurants.com/
http://www.jacksonhole-skiing.com/
http://www.jacksonholerealestate.net/
http://www.jacksonholebnb.com/
Located at the base of the Wind River range, Lander is known as the �Land of Trails.� Lander was settled in 1875 and has always been known for its real working cowboy. But today the town is a mix of new and old. The 8,000 residents of Lander are a mix of �old timers� and adventure-oriented newcomers. According to Outside magazine, the world-famous Lander Bar and Grill is a perfect example. �The Lander Bar [is] a classic Wyoming Saloon where bloody-knuckled cowboys and climbers, Arapahoe Indians and granola girls in beads and braids� all drink and dance together."
Lest you think other, better-known Wyoming towns have cornered the market on rock climbing, keep in mind that the 2003 International Climbers Festival is being held here July 10-13, 2003. Rock climbing here is among the best in the world.
For more info on Lander and the Wind River area, check out the following links:
http://www.landerchamber.org/
http://www.landerbarandgrill.com/
http://www.wind-river.org/
http://www.landerllama.com/
http://www.wyomingbandb.com/
http://www.wildirisclimbing.com/
http://www.paulpiana.com/
http://www.twincreekranch.com/