Jackson, Wyoming – Jackson Hole may conjure up images of movie stars and log mansions, but the famous Wyoming vacation spot also boasts little-known travel deals to fit even a budget family vacation. Below are 10 insider tips for affordable Jackson Hole summer travel:



1. National Museum of Wildlife Art: A special interactive Children’s Gallery has long made the museum a family vacation favorite—and a summer exhibition featuring Dr. Seuss’s The Lorax (May 9 – September 7, 2009) ups the fun factor. Admission: $10 adult, $5 child 5-17, under 5 free; family and group rates available. http://wildlifeart.org



2. Billy’s Giant Cheeseburgers: Every vacation deserves a “best” burger. In Jackson Hole, it’s the half-pound cheeseburger at diner-style Billy’s Giant Hamburgers for $6.70. http://www.cadillac-grille.com/Billys.html



3. Grand Teton National Park: Try a picnic and swim at String Lake (if you’re hardy – the water’s cold) or visit Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve’s state-of-the-art interpretive facility and spiffy new hiking trails. 7-day pass: $25/car. http://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm



4. New Tram: Rise 4,139 feet in just 9 minutes with Jackson Hole Mountain Resort’s new aerial tram to enjoy hiking trails, snacks at Corbet’s Cabin and 360-degree views atop 10,450-foot Rendezvous Mountain. Peak Season fares, June 20 – September 6, 2009: $24 adult; $19 senior (65 and over); $18 teens13-17; $14 kids 6-12, and free for 5 and under; discounted rates for early and late season. http://tinyurl.com/9uf8tf



5. Yippy I-O Candy Store: You can buy a lot of candy for $25 at this old-timey Jackson Hole candy lover’s heaven, featuring family favorites from jelly beans to homemade fudge that will rival your mother’s. Fill a bag from $7.90/pound. http://tinyurl.com/d5leg5



6. Shades Café: This locals’ favorite in a log cabin around the corner from Yippy I-O Candy has great treats for the kids. Sip a latte on the patio, from $3, and enjoy the breeze (free). http://tinyurl.com/9bpp9r



7. Silver Dollar Bar: Check out the historic Wort Hotel’s bar – famous for its 2,032 inlaid never-circulated silver dollars. A look around at the family-friendly Silver Dollar Bar’s antique silver, original oil paintings and historic Western charm is free, but snacks and drinks are also available, including the $4 cup of Mountain Man Chili. www.worthotel.com/silverdollar_home.html



8. Off Square Theatre: Get a tuneful take on Jackson Hole history with summer musical “Petticoat Rules” (July 16 – 26, 2009) performed by Wyoming’s professional year-round theater company in its state-of-the-art Center for the Arts facility. Tickets: $25 adult; $20 student or senior; $15 child (11 and under). www.offsquare.org



9. Free Classical Music: Grand Teton Music Festival hosts new “Inside the Music” performances Tuesday evenings at 8 p.m., July 7 – August 11, 2009 in Walk Festival Hall. The “casual and interactive” classical concert series features festival musicians and special guests – and it’s free. www.gtmf.org



10. Jackson’s Antler Arches: It isn’t a trip to Jackson without a photo taken beneath the famed antler arches of historic Town Square. Built in the ‘60s from naturally shed elk antlers, the photo op is free – but in summer be prepared for a line as tour buses deliver groups to the area. http://tinyurl.com/cnbblx

This story was published on 06 May 2009.