Critics and collectors have begun to herald Jackson Hole as the new art capital of the West (sorry, Sante Fe). There are now more than 30 galleries downtown, making for a great walking tour. Perusers will find everything from abstract art to landscape photography to classic wildlife sculptures. One of the most popular is the Images of Nature Gallery, where wildlife photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen displays his work. If the images of wading elk, frolicking polar bear cubs, and soaring owls seem vaguely familiar, that's because you've probably seen them on greeting cards, posters, and wall calendars all over the country. But even if the photos have a certain sentimentality to them, they're undeniably gorgeous (170 N. Cache Dr.; 307-733-9752 or 888-238-0177; www.mangelsen.com.)

If you can look past the kitschy bear figurines and moose Christmas ornaments, this old-school general store is worth sorting through. It carries everything from cheeky, faux antique signs ("Hippies Use Side Door") to surprisingly cool antler lamps.

Video vixens have to get their Western-themed getups from somewhere, and the likes of Jessica Simpson and Britney Spears ring up Michelle Julene. She designs one-of-a-kind laced and embroidered jeans, fringed tops, and fur-trimmed leather jackets. Her form-fitting clothes exist at that fabulous intersection of high-class and high-camp.

When you're buying equipment like avalanche beacons and climbing rope, the bored salesman at Wal-Mart doesn't inspire confidence. This outdoor specialty shop claims to be the oldest in the States, and the stringy guy selling you an ice ax is the same dude you'll see clinging to a rock face on Grand Teton tomorrow. The shop sells everything from crampons to Clif bars, but it is most indispensable in its employees' ability to pass along advice on local conditions. Backcountry ski equipment (but not mountaineering gear) is available for rent, too.