Cody, Wyoming: Drop in, put up your boots, and stay a spell
Written: Jun 06 '07 (Updated Apr 23 '08)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Lots of activities and things to see
Cons: Yes, this is a Western-styled town, if Western doesn't interest you then neither will Cody
The Bottom Line: Cody is the most active during the May-August tourist season, but it's a great, relaxing family getaway any time of the year.
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| wychic's Full Review: Cody |
I have lived near Cody, Wyoming my entire life and so may have a small bias toward this wonderful area. I have heard all many of things said about Wyoming, some see ugliness in the vast badlands and many gape at the splendor of our many mountain ranges. Whatever your tastes, this is a great place for some awesome photographic opportunities, outdoor recreation, and good old-fashioned entertainment. With a population of just under 8,000 Cody will give you a nice look at small-town life in the West.
Where do I stay?
There are a number of motels in Cody ranging from small budget motels to larger pseudo-luxury motels. My personal favorite is the Sunset Motel situated conveniently in-between downtown and the rodeo grounds, with Wal-Mart and a campground/RV park in between. The Sunset boasts a hot tub, swimming pool, and an excellent continental breakfast as the Sunset House next door, all for under $100 per night. Whenever my family visits this is the motel they stay in because they have "The cheapest hot tub in town!".
There is a Super 8 near the rodeo ground as well, or if you prefer to be closer to the action there are a couple of nice offerings downtown, namely Econo-Lodge or the historical and much-praised (but rather expensive) Irma.
So what is there to do? What should I make a point to see?
Cody revolves around its tourist season; by the end of May the entire town comes alive with sidewalk sales, old west re-enactments, and nightly rodeos.
Old West Gunfights: The Irma downtown hosts nightly gunfight re-enactments for the viewers pleasure. Stop by to see the fights, eat in their renowned dining room, and browse through The Irma's lovely Western gift shop.
Cody Nite Rodeo: From the end of May throughout the summer the rodeo grounds come alive with all manner of PRCA activity including team roping, bulldogging, bareback and saddle bronc, barrel racing, and the ever-popular bull riding. For the kids there is often a mutton busting competition too! Admission ranges anywhere from $3 to $15 depending on the specific event.
White Water Rafting: At last count there were three commercial rafters in Cody, all offering rafting tours along the scenic Shoshone River just outside of town. I don't know the prices on these trips as I have my own raft, but it's sure to be some great family fun!
Yellowstone: Ok, we can't ignore the obvious one here. If you're up for some breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife viewing take a side trip on up to Yellowstone Park and enjoy the geysers, hot pots, vast bison herds, and so much more throughout the park. Also be sure to take a drive up the North Fork to see all sorts of elk, mountain sheep, and bears. Black and brown bears are the most common to see around here, but the grizzlies are out there too!
Old Trail Town: Take a nice little stop-off before the rodeo to see what the West used to be in Old Trail Town, the last remnants of a much earlier time and the burial place of Liver-Eating Johnson
Buffalo Bill Historical Center: With four museums and just one admission charge to see them all, this is a must stop. I personally most enjoyed the Plains Indians museum and the Firearms museum.
Don't forget the off-season! During the winter there are plenty of opportunities for cross-country or downhill skiing, snowmobiling, snow shoeing, or even dog sledding (my personal favorite). Yes, we tend to get some snow here.
All this running around is making me hungry, where do we eat?
If you're looking for good family dining, Granny's downtown or Bubba's Barbeque on the way to the rodeo grounds are the ones for you. Also, don't make the mistake of passing up the downtown steakhouse The Proud Cut, or if you have a slightly larger budget the delectable Rib and Chop House. If you're wanting something a little more ethnic, Adriano's or La Comida is your treat.
That's all well and good, but I want to do some shopping!
No problem! Cody is home to a thriving downtown filled with quaint Western gift shops offering black hills gold, cowboy hats and other Western attire, tapes and CDs to send back home, postcards, you name it someplace downtown probably has it. Aside from the Western-themed there are a couple of book stores and interior design shops, and for the beader among us who would like to find high-quality materials Shane at Beka's Beads will be more than willing to help you out.
Let me sum it up for you...
Cody is a great place to come stay a few days, a week, a month, whatever! With plenty of quality lodging and places to hook up your RVs and no end to things to do or places to see this is a great place to take the kids for that summer or fall vacation. We look forward to seeing you here!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Families
Best Time to Travel Here: Anytime
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Epinions.com ID:
wychic
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Location: Powell, WY, USA
Reviews written: 418
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About Me:
Insane but completely harmless country gal
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