I'm a native Arizonan and have lived here most of my life, yet I'm still discovering new nooks to explore within my state. This Easter weekend my hubby, pup, and I escaped the big city to spend the night at a haunted hotel in Jerome, Arizona. It was delightful, and delightfully spooky.
Jerome is an old copper mining town that's experienced various booms and busts in its roughly hundred and fifty year history. At one point it was the most populated area in Arizona, complete with a tent city for the miners, a dozen saloons, and an entire street dedicated to brothel houses. If folks want a picture of the American Wild West, Jerome in its hay-day fits the bill. Today it has a population just under 500 and tourism fuels its economy. Of course, every hotel and restaurant owner will assure you their establishment is haunted.
We didn't see any ghosts, but who am I to cast aspersions and say they don't exist there? What we did see was incredible view after incredible view tempered by decrepit charm. The town in precariously built into a mountainside, with quaint shops and gorgeous Victorian houses held up by aged wooden stilts.--It's a good thing our region isn't known for earthquakes. But man ... the views. The views stretch out for a hundred miles. You can take in Flagstaff's snow covered San Francisco peaks sixty miles away-- Arizona's highest point. You're able to watch the changing colors of Sedona's red rock cliffs as the light shifts. The Verde Valley sprawls beneath you, though don't let the name fool you, we're not exactly vivid 'green' in Arizona, even in spring. You will see subtle and lovely shades of the high desert's purples, grays, and pinks mixed in with muted greens. I snapped this picture late yesterday afternoon as we dined out on The Grand Hotel's patio; it doesn't quite do the scenery justice, but does offer a glimpse of its loveliness.
Jerome is an old copper mining town that's experienced various booms and busts in its roughly hundred and fifty year history. At one point it was the most populated area in Arizona, complete with a tent city for the miners, a dozen saloons, and an entire street dedicated to brothel houses. If folks want a picture of the American Wild West, Jerome in its hay-day fits the bill. Today it has a population just under 500 and tourism fuels its economy. Of course, every hotel and restaurant owner will assure you their establishment is haunted.
We didn't see any ghosts, but who am I to cast aspersions and say they don't exist there? What we did see was incredible view after incredible view tempered by decrepit charm. The town in precariously built into a mountainside, with quaint shops and gorgeous Victorian houses held up by aged wooden stilts.--It's a good thing our region isn't known for earthquakes. But man ... the views. The views stretch out for a hundred miles. You can take in Flagstaff's snow covered San Francisco peaks sixty miles away-- Arizona's highest point. You're able to watch the changing colors of Sedona's red rock cliffs as the light shifts. The Verde Valley sprawls beneath you, though don't let the name fool you, we're not exactly vivid 'green' in Arizona, even in spring. You will see subtle and lovely shades of the high desert's purples, grays, and pinks mixed in with muted greens. I snapped this picture late yesterday afternoon as we dined out on The Grand Hotel's patio; it doesn't quite do the scenery justice, but does offer a glimpse of its loveliness.
Boy, those wooden stilts though, worrisome
... and here's an example of the town's 'decrepit charm'. I do believe that is an old washing machine.
Aside from its history and unique location, Jerome also has much to offer to foodies. There's wine tasting and olive oil sampling daily. I picked up a delicious bottle of cinnamon pear infused balsamic vinegar and some locally made and canned salsa verde. And I'm something of a mocha snob, but I'll say with confidence Flatiron Grill serves one of the best I've had.
Overall it was a great weekend. I'm a lucky gal to get to spend a couple of days with my hubby in such a unique and fun place. Pup had fun too, and we appreciated that so many of the businesses were dog friendly. Our doggie was wore out as we headed home.
I hope you also had an incredible weekend with those you love, because no matter your geography, family and friends are what make anything special.
Overall it was a great weekend. I'm a lucky gal to get to spend a couple of days with my hubby in such a unique and fun place. Pup had fun too, and we appreciated that so many of the businesses were dog friendly. Our doggie was wore out as we headed home.
I hope you also had an incredible weekend with those you love, because no matter your geography, family and friends are what make anything special.
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