We have all heard the stories about seasoned travelers driving through these vast American parts, and suddenly gazing upon an extraordinary sight. I am one of those people. However, this sight that I stumbled upon was worth writing about. My most recent discovery was Jerome, Arizona.
Picture yourself driving along a small and winding highway with the mountains growing closer as you separate yourself farther and farther from the gorgeous Arizona desert. There is nothing to be seen. The sand and dirt is slowly replaces by pine needles and various green shrubs. You think that it will continue to only be nature for the next hundred miles. You turn a corner. To your surprise, there is a town. It looks like it should be deserted, much like the vast array of other ghost towns among Arizona’s historical landscape. Bu there are people. There are shops. There is food. There is a history of the people and stories that make up a wondrous, hillside town known as Jerome.
Located Northeast of Prescott and Northwest of Phoenix is Jerome, Arizona. At 5200 feet, carved into the hillside of Cleopatra Hill, in Yavapai County is Jerome, Arizona. The town takes on an almost biblical look from the valley. And within the town itself, you will find friendly locals. You won’t believe it when you are there, but the current population of Jerome is 450. Where everyone is hiding, I do not know. But these folks know how to keep a small town looking small. There is fabulous food and wine, vast art and jewelry galleries, and shops to spark anyone’s interest. Although Jerome’s town personality is pretty normal for America. It was not always that way.
Jerome has had a very hard past. It was home to hundreds of copper miners who died horrible deaths to their dangerous and unhealthy work. The town also experienced four major fires that almost removed the town from the map. Miraculously, due to these horrendous fires, The City of Jerome was incorporated in 1899. After that, Jerome grew to be one of the four largest cities in Arizona. I think knowing that, and standing on Jerome’s old streets makes the experience of simply standing there magnificent. Eventually the depression in the 1930’s slowed demand for copper, which slowed the demand for copper miners in Jerome. Finally, World War II increased the demand for copper once more. Hopes were high and miners were fat and wealthy. The inevitable occurred only a short time after the war ended. Once more, demand for copper was bleak and the last copper mine, owned by Phelps Dodge, closed for good.
In 1967 Jerome was partially reborn as a National Historic District of Arizona State. And has since thrived but not wavered from it’s roll as a aesthetically and historically unique place. Known as, “America’s Most Vertical Town”, Jerome shows us how to make due with small spaces. Most buildings are built upon each other. I am reminded much of European styles when looking at Jerome’s tall, skinny buildings. Everything is built upon each other. Different from such European styles are how these buildings look as is they are one with the 30-degree inclined rocks of the hills they are built into. Amazing!
What do you do in Jerome besides staring at their remarkable landscape? Eat, drink and enjoy some of the most mesmerizing artists you will find in these parts. Given Jerome’s small area, it was pretty mind-boggling to find so many eateries. There is the Haunted Hamburger on Jerome Avenue. You can find a quiet atmosphere at the Grapes Restaurant located at 416 Clarke Avenue. For the utmost quaintness in dining, visit the Marmalade Café at 403 Clark Avenue. I found that the most popular place to dine is at the Asylum Restaurant at 200 Hill Street, located inside The Grand Hotel. Yes. There are hotels in Jerome! Several.
Although I did not stay overnight, I was able to gather information on lodging in Jerome on future visits. The Grand Hotel is really the pinnacle of hotels within Jerome. A little fancier than what you would expect in such a town, but very well kept. There is also The Connor Hotel located at 164 Main Street. Or The Cottage Inn on East Avenue. This little place was what you would expect to see in a town like Jerome. If you are looking for a more tourist-minded atmosphere, try the Ghost City Inn at 541 Main.
Don’t forget about the many art and jewelry galleries along Jerome’s streets. And would have believed that there is a winery in Jerome? Yes. Simply called, The Jerome Winery, the offer tasting, snacks, and a very relaxed atmosphere that is only Jerome.
I am anxious to get back to Jerome soon. Maybe I will see you there.
Directions
From Phoenix,
Go North on I-17 for 84.5 miles to State Rte 260
Go Northwest on State Rte 260 for 12.4 miles to State Route 89A
Go West on State Route 89A for 8.9 miles
From Prescott,
Go Northeast on State Rte 89 for 6.9 miles to State Route 89A
Go East on State Route 89A for 27.3 miles
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