At Backcountry Journeys we are in the business of providing not just world-class photography-based tours, but at the same time, amazing vacations that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Utilizing unmatched attention to detail we meticulously research, and tirelessly scout, every visually stunning destination we visit in order to ensure you get the best possible experience from the moment you arrive.

These efforts don’t stop at just finding those little known picturesque viewpoints where you might bask in a glorious Teton sunrise, or capture the perfect burst of the Aurora Borealis in the dead of the Alaskan night near some remote outpost cabin.

We also meticulously research, and tirelessly “scout” the places we’ll eat! (on Lodge-Based Tours) Which we view as essential to a successful trip, don’t you?

Before reading on, you should know that our tours come in different forms. Some are wilderness based, camping trips, while many are lodge-based, where we’ll stay at comfy lodges and dine at fancy restaurants.

We’ll most certainly be eating well on the wilderness based tours, and perhaps we’ll discuss that in a future post, but this post is not about that.

While on our lodge-based trips we’ll be sure to visit some of the local fine dining options of which we just cannot get enough!

Places like The Million Dollar Cowboy Steakhouse in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, which we are sure to visit on the final evening of all our Grand Teton trips.

Their menu focuses on a carefully curated selection of meats from the best local and regional farms.

This place is a steakhouse. An iconic institution. And it’s a consensus “must-do” while in Jackson Hole.

Located below the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, the Steakhouse maintains the same western vibe and cowboy roots.

The Chef’s signature is the “John Wayne & Friends” – which is the butcher cut of the night. It’s served with fried Brussel Sprouts with Lamb Pancetta Vinaigrette, loaded country smashed potatoes with a béarnaise. Cuts are huge, ranging from a 40 oz. dry-aged porterhouse to a 45 oz. bone-in New York to a 46 to 64 oz. cowboy/tomahawk steak.

Whoa!

This might be Russ’s favorite restaurant. Ever. It’s a reason -in and of itself – that he guides these trips!

Kidding. Let’s move on…

Maybe you’ve just registered for the Ultimate Northern Lights, or Polar Bears tours in Alaska. If so, you can start looking forward to Pike’s Landing, in Fairbanks.

Pike’s Landing is a Fairbanks restaurant landmark featuring mouth-watering specialties prepared by some of Alaska’s best chefs. It’s menu features traditional Alaska fish and seafood specialties in a pretty sweet atmosphere.

This is an authentically Alaskan seafood place, right on the Chena River. They offer great local beers, seafood and steaks. Its a higher end locals haunt, so feel free to feel pretty cool while you’re there. The interior features taxidermied heads on the wall (which is still cool in Alaska!), and the deck overlooking the river adds to the ambiance, which is so good you might forget you’re there for food.

No, you won’t.

Russ’s pro tip for Pike’s Landing?

The “Hammertime!” Which is basically a bowl filled with king crab and various other seafood. You’ll be provided with a bib and hammer for this one. Please Hammer, don’t hurt ‘em..

I digress.

Have you ever seen a bear dance? You might one day if you travel with Backcountry Journeys, be it in Alaska, Glacier National Park, or maybe at the Smoky Mountains.

If you do join us on a Great Smoky Mountains In Autumn Tour, we can’t go as far as saying you’ll definitely see bears, but we can guarantee that you’ll at least lodge at a Dancing Bear.

The Dancing Bear Lodge, in Townsend Tennessee, that is!

And while we’re there we’ll visit the Dancing Bear Appalachian Bistro, where they know great food begins with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

This place has a bit of it all, and is vegetarian and vegan friendly as well. That being said, try the cast iron beef tenderloin. Quite delicious!

This place is Appalachian-inspired, and steeped in tradition. Says Russ: “This is fine dining in the Smokies at it’s finest.”

And that’s as good a quote as I’ve ever used to end a blog post with a quote.

Oh the places we’ll go….To EAT!