Last Updated on June 2, 2024 by Jerome Local
Jerome, Arizona, is a hidden gem nestled in the Black Hills of Yavapai County. Once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome is now a charming and quirky destination that offers a unique blend of history, art, and breathtaking views. Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, there’s no shortage of things to do in Jerome. Let’s dive into an updated guide on how to make the most of one day in Jerome, AZ.
Spending even just one day in Jerome offers the chance to take in its Wild West history and hauntings, browse galleries and eclectic shops, enjoy wine tasting or craft beer, and feast on creative comfort food.
Start Your Day with a Scenic Drive
The journey to Jerome is an adventure in itself. As you wind up the mountain, you’ll be treated to stunning vistas and glimpses of the town’s storied past. Make sure to have your camera ready for some fantastic photo opportunities along the way.
Fuel Up With Breakfast Or Brunch In Jerome, AZ
Start your day off right with a hearty meal in Jerome to fuel your explorations. Two popular breakfast and brunch spots in Jerome are:
The Flatiron Café:
Kickstart your day Jerome-style at The Flatiron Café, located right on main street. Everything is homemade here, from the fluffy pancakes to the corned beef hash. Or try one of their giant breakfast burritos smothered in local beloved Salsa Dona.
The Asylum Restaurant:
For a fine dining brunch option, head to The Asylum Restaurant, which serves cuisine blending global comfort food influences. Sit on the outdoor garden patio and order up stuffed French toast, shakshuka, or their unique take on eggs Benedict with brown butter hollandaise.
Wander The Streets And Go Shopping
Part of the delight of Jerome is simply wandering its steep streets while popping into its cute shops and galleries. Some highlights include:
Made In Jerome Pottery: Peruse the shelves filled with handmade mugs, bowls, plates, and more created by local artists. The colors and patterns beautifully capture Jerome’s essence.
Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes: This whimsical kaleidoscope shop lets you view brilliant shifting sand and stone arrangements. Use it as meditation while soaking in gorgeous mountain and valley views.
Raku Gallery: Admire contemporary ceramics as well as jewelry and paintings by artists from Jerome and around the Southwest in this artist collective gallery.
Take In The Views
While meandering about town, take every opportunity to take in the surrounding scenery. Jerome is perched high up Cleopatra Hill with commanding views of red rock Sedona hills, Mingus Mountain, and the Verde Valley. Prime viewpoints include:
Jerome State Historic Park: Just west of downtown, see expansive panoramas from the ruins of the Douglas Mansion. Signage shares history about the once-opulent building.
Mine Museum Overlook: This former mine building-turned museum sits on the eastern edge of town. Walk behind it to stunning vistas.
Jerome Town Park: Rest on benches surrounded by eclectic art pieces with Verde Valley sprawling below.
Learn Jerome’s Wild West History
Jerome has a rich history from its founding in 1876 as a copper mining camp through its years as a dangerously rough-and-tumble boomtown. Expand your knowledge via:
Jerome Historical Society Museum: Exhibits here cover topics spanning Prohibition, pioneering women, Chinese immigrants who worked in the mines, local haunted tales, and more.
Cell Block Gift Shop: Once the town jail, cells still remain here. The shop owner will regale you with all sorts of local lore if prompted.
Audrey Headframe Park: See the iconic remains of the United Verde Mine’s headframe along with interpretive signs detailing Jerome’s mining history.
Investigate The Hauntings In Jerome, AZ
Reputedly home to a number of active spirits, Jerome embraces its haunted history. Partake in a ghost tour or conduct your own paranormal research by visiting:
The Jerome Grand Hotel: This former hospital opened in 1927 and remained so until 1950. Guests report ghostly encounters today, especially in the basement level and on the third floor.
The Conner Hotel: Another haunted hotel in town, the Conner was built in 1898 by David Conner who some believe still resides there. Room 1 is considered to be especially active.
Gold King Mine Ghost Town: Just north of downtown lie the creepy remains of this former mining operation said to be haunted by lost souls including deceased Chinese workers.
Indulge In Food And Drink
From casual comfort food to fine dining, Jerome excels at feeding visitors with care and creativity. Top picks for places to eat and drink in Jerome include:
Grapes Restaurant and Bar: For an intimate dinner, snag a table creekside at Grapes for dishes like bourbon peach glazed salmon or their signature Parmesan peppercorn filet mignon.
The Haunted Hamburger: The Haunted Hamburger, a must-visit destination in Jerome, Arizona, offers a unique dining experience that combines delicious food with a dash of local lore. Nestled in the heart of this historic mining town, the restaurant is famed not only for its mouth-watering hamburgers but also for its rumored paranormal activity, adding an intriguing twist to your meal.
Clinkscale Restaurant: Located in the historic Conner Hotel, longtime Clinkscale serves an array of comforting American cuisine from pot roast to pork osso bucco to fried chicken.
The Asylum Restaurant: Brunch, lunch, and dinner shine at The Asylum Restaurant located at the Jerome Grand Hotel. Menus pull global inspiration captured in dishes like their Crazy Korean pork tacos.
Spirit Room Bar: Belly up to the lively Spirit Room Bar for regional wines and craft cocktails along with frequent live music. It’s a Jerome must-do.
Wrap Up Your Day Tripping Through Time
However you choose to spend your precious time discovering Jerome’s sights, stories, specters or flavors – embrace the experience of tripping through time in this resurrected piece of Arizona’s history. One day offers merely a taste of what Jerome has to offer. You’ll no doubt be planning your return before you even depart!
