Once known as the Wickedest Town in the West, Jerome sits near the top of Cleopatra Hill between Prescott and Flagstaff. Founded in 1877, Jerome grew from a tent settlement to a robust mining community—the fourth largest city in Arizona, with a population that peaked around 15,000 in the 1920s. Jerome’s economy—completely dependent upon the mining industry—slowed during the Great Depression, and roared back as World War II increased demands for copper, only to decline dramatically at the end of the war. With the closing of the mine in 1953, the remaining 50-100 residents promoted Jerome as a historic ghost town, eventually leading to the federal government designating Jerome as a National Historic District. Once home to miners, gamblers, bootleggers and prostitutes, Jerome today is a fascinating artist’s hamlet, with a new claim to fame as the largest ghost town in America. We’ll explore Jerome’s historic streets—lined with shops, galleries, wine-tasting rooms and plenty of great little bistros, where we’ll enjoy lunch on self. This is always a fantastic late-September tour!

Depart: Mesa 8 a.m. Scts 8:30 Phx 8:45 a.m. NW 9:15 a.m. R: 6 p.m.

Scottsdale:
La Quinta Inn & Suites
8888 E Shea Blvd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

The Scottsdale pickup location can be easily reached via AZ 101/Pima Freeway. Exit the freeway at Shea. The La Quinta Hotel is located at the northeast corner of AZ 101 and Shea Blvd.

Mesa:
Mesa Doubletree Hotel
1011 W. Holmes Ave
Mesa, AZ 85210

This is the Fiesta Mall region, and the Hilton Hotel is easily viewed from the U.S. 60/Superstition Freeway. Exit the freeway at Alma School and head east to Holmes. Park and wait for the bus at the west end of the hotel parking lot.