One way to tell if a place has reached true snob status is if it offers subsidized housing to people like doctors and lawyers.
That’s the case in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a place that sounds rustic–and actually is rustic–but has housing prices literally through its cedar-shingle roofs. A log cabin with a few acres of meadow? Be prepared to plunk down $25 million.
When you enter the actual town of Jackson Hole, you’ll find a main square decorated with arches made of elk antlers. This homey touch would lead you to believe that this is the Old West, cowboy and mountain man country. But today the only cowboys and mountain men in Jackson are CEOs and Hollywood stars rich enough to fly in and pretend to be cowboys and mountain men on weekends and holidays.
In spite of its high real estate prices and faux ranchers, however, Jackson redeems itself with its spectacular setting at the foot of the Teton Range. The highest of several sharp peaks, Grand Teton, towers 7,000 feet above the valley floor, where the Snake River and several creeks meander through forests and farm land.
Activities? There’s a lot to do here, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, biking, and golf. You can also participate in a chuckwagon dinner if you’re in the mood for gentrified cowboy food.
Where to stay? The Four Seasons Resort in nearby Teton Village has five stars from Forbes Travel Guide. A one-bedroom suite with a view of the Tetons runs around $2000 a night.
For additional snob leverage, drop the “Hole” and just call the place “Jackson,” like the locals do.
Suggested snob usage: “Twenty-five million dollars may seem a little pricey for a cabin we’ll use only once or twice a year, but hey, it’s in Jackson. We look at it as an investment.”