The One Arizona Town Everyone Should Visit At Least Once
From one of Arizona’s largest cities, to almost falling to ghost town status, then back to bustling, Jerome has managed to not only retain its city’s glory, but also embrace its mining history. Saved by artists who turned bordellos into art galleries and opium dens into restaurants, the town is as entertaining as it is interesting. The town embraces its history and invites visitors to learn about it while also engaging with the modern updates that have transformed it. Learn about the rich mining history at Jerome State Historic Park, or grab a bite at Haunted Hamburger while enjoying your time at the “Wickedest Town in the West.”
Historic Haunts
Experience the backstory that made the town of Jerome what it is today at Jerome State Historic Park. The main park attraction is the Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 above James S. Douglas’s Little Daisy Mine and now operating as a museum on Jerome’s mining history. The mansion is now the focal point of the park and displays exhibits that chronicle mining operations and area geology, while period rooms and artifacts feature the prolific history of Arizona’s largest mining town during the copper boom. Partake in the history, and enjoy the sights of the town from atop the hill.
See what life was actually like in the mining days with relics left behind while the town was on the verge of becoming abandoned at The Gold King Mine & Ghost Town. The original 1,270-foot mine shaft is still open for visitors today. Originally carved out for copper, gold was discovered in this mine, and guests are invited to pan for their own gold in the ghost town. Once the gold ran out, the mine closed for 91 years, but was reopened and rediscovered in 1981 and opened to the public. Over 180 cars, trucks, and motorcycles, mining equipment, historic buildings, a Stamp Mill, Blacksmith shop, and more are all available on the grounds for a self-guided tour.
Delicious Dining
After a day of exploring the ghost towns, dine in one of the town's distinctive restaurants that might have its own ghost… or two. Haunted Hamburger’s story is as delectable as its menu is delightful. During renovations, hammers kept disappearing from the construction workers, although it might have seemed like a case of misplaced items, they randomly showed up in innocuous places. A misplaced hammer or two might not be the definite sign of a ghost, but other hauntings, including cans flying off shelves, hot water being turned on in the middle of the night, and doors randomly slamming closed, might point more to paranormal activity than random coincidence. Enjoy a Ghostly Burger, a Double Haunted Burger, or a Boozy Shake while making friends with the local spirits.
Another historic restaurant building in Jerome was once called The English Kitchen. Constructed in 1899, Bobby D’s BBQ serves smoked barbecue in a historic building in Jerome that dates to the late 1800s and is popularly associated with the town’s mining-era past. Stop in for some pulled pork, brisket, or ribs, all smoked on a pecan-smoked pit smoker.
Scenic Stays
Overlooking the Verde Valley, sitting atop the town is the Jerome Grand Hotel. The hotel has retained its unique attributes, including antique furnishings, the original 1926 Otis elevator, and Spanish Mission-style architecture. Originally built as the United Verde Hospital, the hotel has some ominous features that had to be revamped in order to attract visitors. The original color of the veneer stucco was applied too soon, and the lime leached through, making the building appear to be almost a century older than it actually was. That, along with its Frankenstein appearance sitting on the hilltop, gave it a spooky vibe. Updates to the hotel, along with the addition of the award-winning Asylum Restaurant, have transformed this eerie adobe into a thriving tourist destination.
Nearby Towns
While venturing out to Jerome, don’t forget to take advantage of the other nearby towns that have their own beauty and charm to offer. Just 15 minutes outside of town, Cottonwood has some incredible oddities to offer visitors. Dead Horse Ranch State Park provides camping, hiking, fishing, and canoeing. Ten different trails of over 20 miles provide adventure for everybody, no matter their range of fitness. Spend some time in nature or step back in time at Historic Old Town Cottonwood. Take a walking tour, wine and dine, visit one of their art galleries, or enjoy the sights along the Verde River in this small town.
For more small-town adventure outside of Jerome, Clarkdale provides outdoor quests and laid-back fun. Tuzigoot National Monument was built atop the Verde Valley and was watered by snowmelt, summer monsoons, and ancient springs. A thousand years ago, a hilltop pueblo grew into the largest village in the area at the time. Explore the pueblo and its 110 rooms, which were the village known as Tuzigoot. The trail also offers views of the Verde River, Verde Valley, and Tavasci Marsh. After a self-guided tour, participate in a different kind of tour, at Chateau Tumbleweed, with a wine tasting. The diverse wine selection, scenic patio, and onsite winery set the backdrop for a picturesque, relaxing afternoon.
Sedona, which sits roughly 30 minutes outside of Jerome, features a small city center with anything a visitor could want. Shops, dining, drinks, and boutiques are found at the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village. Enjoy the views and culture in this unique outdoor mall. Continue with the outdoor beauty of Sedona with a challenging and thrilling hike down Devil’s Bridge Trail. The 3.9 out-and-back trail provides hikers with the ultimate experience at the turnaround point, a massive arch that was created by wind and rain wearing away the red sandstone. Scramble up the natural rock stairs on this daring hike to capture amazing views.
A Town That Refused to Fade
The vast desert landscape of Arizona hides more beauty and history than one can imagine. The town of Jerome is just one example of the hidden gems found within the state. Prepare for a long weekend of dining at old brothels, sleeping in old hospitals, and exploring abandoned towns deserted for many years. These features are not just idolized because of their historic elements, but because of the cultural impact on the town itself. Take advantage of the unsung beauty in this one Arizona town everyone should visit at least once.
