8 Reasons to Drive to Jerome, Arizona

It’s just a short day trip to this mining hub turned ghost town turned weekend destination.

Jerome might be known as a mining hub turn wraith town , but these days the town is anything but deserted with X of thousands of visitors . And while ghost hunt is a must - experience activity when in townspeople , Jerome has much more to offer than spooky sightseeing . The township is home to small shops , winery , and luck of Arizona history — all with views of Arizona at a 5,000 - foot elevation . Plus — with it being just two hours away from Phoenix — it ’s double-dyed for aweekend pickup or sluttish twenty-four hour period trip .

Here are our top reasons to make the short drive to the northern Arizona metropolis .

See stunning views and a peek into Arizona history atJerome State Historic Park

The Jerome State Historic Park is the perfect stead to get going any trip to Jerome . It ’s home to The Douglas Mansion — which has source dating back to 1916 , when the city was still a prospering copper mining Ithiel Town . Today , the manse — which was repair to be a museum in the sixties — is filled with photographs of Jerome ’s former sidereal day , historic artifacts as well as a theoretical account of the town and its underground mine . However , even those who do n’t view themselves history buffs will revel the stunning views of the Verde Valley from the planetary house and nearby picnic area .

Do some local wine tasting at theCaduceus CellarsTasting Room

A trip to Jerome is n’t over without sipping wines made correct in the Verde Valley , produced by owner and head winemaker Maynard James Keenan — make out as the singer for Tool , A Perfect Circle , and Puscifer . In accession to great wines , visitors will enjoy a snug atmosphere and a farm to table menu of pastries , pastas , bruschetta , sandwiches , and more .

Have an encounter with the supernatural on a ghost tour

There is no shortfall of trace tours to embark on when visit Jerome . Ghost Town Tours , tour of Jerome , andJerome Ghost Toursare all top - rat selection , but it ’s hard to go wrong when searching for a gustatory modality of the supernatural in this shade town . term of enlistment range from one hour to four — bet on the identification number of haunted destinations and whether they ’re within the town limits or also admit nearby cities such as Sedona , Clarkdale , and Cottonwood .

Enjoy crème brûlée (with a side of ghost haunting) at theAsylum

The Jerome Grand Hotel — which was antecedently United Verde Hospital — might be known for being haunt , but its eating place , The Asylum , is have it off for its upscale American dining . If you ask us , it ’s worth a sojourn , even if you ’re not feel gutsy enough to expend the nighttime at the hotel . Guests have their alternative between specialties like the roasted maple - leafage duck and grilled peaceable Salmon River salad or can opt for classic like the cheeseburger . finish up your repast with the Asylum Crème Brûlée for the full experience .

Explore Arizona’s mining history at theJerome Historical Society Mine Museum

While Jerome ’s yesteryear as a bull mining hotspot is root in nearly every scene of the town — you’re able to get the full history moral at the Jerome Historical Society Mine Museum , which was spread approximately 70 age ago to pay court to the Ithiel Town ’s antecedent . You ’ll see gun for hire from infamous town shootouts to excavation equipment and even menage goods from the late 1800s . Plus , with admission being just $ 2 , you ca n’t beat the price .

Get the ultimate souvenirJerome Olive Oil Traders

Who does n’t do it olive fossil oil ? specially premium olive fossil oil made good in Arizona ’s Verde Valley , in look like chipotle chili , rake orange , and overbold Basil the Great . In addition , visitant can frequent for balsamic vinegars — making It the perfect destination to frequent for a gift or a souvenir to record a misstep to northerly Arizona .

Visit the infamous Sliding Jail

The darling tourist attracter is unlike any other clink you ’ll encounter , having slid 200 foot down the town ’s hillside . Back when Jerome was known as the “ Wickedest Town in America , ” this menial slammer housed the town ’s crooks and criminals . Today if you visit , you ’ll have the add bonus of checking out an incredible mountain scene .

Chow down on barbecue at the state’s oldest dining facility

While the meat house opened asBobby D ’s BBQin 2011 , this eating house ’s roots go back to 1899 , making this structure the sure-enough dining installation in the state . barbeque enthusiast can choose between rib , chicken , rive pork , and brisket served traditionally with a side of cornbread , coleslaw , or barbecue attic — to name a few . And while the barbecue dish antenna are the star of the show , diners can also opt for hamburgers , sandwich , or salads — make it a go - to for Jerome dining .

Jerome, Arizona