travel by joesph schmitt
The view from Jerome is simply stunning. Looking across the Verde Valley to Sedona provides
a never-ending display of beauty. Photo Credit: Donna Chesler
Jerome, ArizonA And The ArT of The Wild WesT
Getting there:
100 years ago, Jerome, Arizona was widely considered one
of the wickedest towns in the west (and that’s “wicked” in a bad
way). This hillside, mile-high town once boasted a population of
over 15,000 residents, most of whom were associated with the
gold, copper and silver mining industries. The Jerome of today
is still wicked, but in a good way. A very good way. With a mere
400 year-round residents, roughly half of which are artists of
some variety, Jerome has earned a reputation as a quirky, almost
mystical enclave. The town’s gay and lesbian residents are fully
integrated into the art and business community, making such
“matters” matter very little. Visitors of all persuasions and orienta-
tions feel comfortable and welcomed here, as they stroll through
dozens of galleries, dine al fresco on homemade strawberry pie
or sip on a local wine or handcrafted beer. And if at night, you feel
someone watching you, or think you see something unusual,
don’t be afraid; the Jerome of today is safe from the gun-slinging
bandits of yore. Chances are, you’re just being visited by one of
the town’s many ghosts.
Driving from San Diego will take about seven hours, with
several possible itineraries. Going through the Phoenix 101 Loop
is a bit faster, but not as scenic as taking Route 60, which will have
Once known as ‘The wickedest town in the west’ - Jerome today is known for its vibrant art and
you enter through the top of Jerome after a beautiful high-desert
music scene, history filled winding streets and stunning vistas. Photo Credit:Donna Chesler
drive through unspoiled Arizona. Once in Jerome, you’ll likely
want to park your car for your entire stay. The small colorful town Where to eat and drink:
is built on a steep hillside, with one main zigzagging road that For being such a small town, Jerome boasts a surprising array of boutique dining establish-
provides you with a daily dose of cardio exercise and amazing ments and inns, like The Mile High Inn and Grill (jeromemilehighinn.com)—a small inn upstairs
views of the Verde Valley, with Sedona off in the distance. Donna with a handsome grill below, serving hearty homemade meals to hungry trekkers. Addresses
Chesler, owner of Gallery 527 (gallery527jerome.com) and local aren’t of much use in Jerome, but reservations are sometimes needed, especially during holiday
photographer proclaims, “You see things in Jerome you just weekends.
won’t see anywhere else,” referring mostly to the diverse art and Alan Johnson and Brian Sullivan welcome you to their quaint Flatiron Café (Tel: 520.634.2733)
craft scene. But having traveled to Jerome numerous times over for fresh breakfast and lunch with a Southwest flair. The Flat, upstairs, is a nicely appointed guest-
my life, I know she’s also talking about the town’s historic build- room, conveniently located mere steps from your morning espresso.
ings, its ghostly reputation and the colorful locals who call this Located inside the Jerome Grand Hotel, Asylum Restaurant (theasylum.biz) is a fine dining
out-of-the-way artsy enclave home. destination with an impressive wine list and stunning views of the Verde Valley.
60 RAGE monthly | June 2009
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