cleopatra hill

Having been to the funky former mining town of Bisbee, AZ., we wanted to check out Jerome (population 500 versus 5,000). It's now shot to the top of our Favorites List. Locals here say Bisbee's funkiness is "on steroids," and pride themselves on their friendliness and community spirit -- artists, hippies, mine families, local business people. The approach on 89A is breathtaking, and the historical movie at the Douglas Mansion/State Park explains how much mining operations over the decades have shifted/unsettled/destroyed the mountaintop on which the people live. The whole place has a deliciously precarious feel to it. But at the same time, the people are committed and welcoming. Lovely town.

Drive up the paved winding (but very good) road to Jerome for incredible views of the whole Verde Valley! You can see for 100 miles. Jerome sits on the side of a mountain - literally. Really good lunch restaurants and fun shops with lots of history at every turn. Walk around - and up- the streets and poke in the shops to talk to the friendly owners. Cleopatra's Hill has some unique shops, including a beautiful kaleidoscope shop that you won't believe. A view at every turn!

On a clear day you can see the mountains north of Flagstaff, the cliffs of Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon.

great view of the valley below. You can hike up too. Time and the weather has worn some things away.

Most of the buildings are interesting and have a fascinating history but if you are looking for things to buy you had better be looking for expensive touristy fare; there isn't much else.

Neat history of mountain town taken over by falling houses and smells of waste. Some clean, neat buildings with restaurants and museums if you could drive straight to them. Public parking limited.