An October Afternoon in Jerome

October 14

An October Afternoon in Jerome

Name: An October Afternoon in Jerome
Start: 2026-10-14T00:00:00-07:00
End: 2026-10-14T23:59:59-07:00

October 14, 2026

$145

Once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome sits more than 5,000 feet above sea level on the steep slopes of Cleopatra Hill. Founded in 1876, it grew from a copper-mining camp into the fourth-largest city in Arizona Territory, with a population that once approached 15,000. After major mining operations ended in 1953, the population fell below 100, but artists and preservationists helped give the town a fascinating second life. In 1966, the Jerome Historic District was designated a National Historic Landmark.

October is an especially fun time to visit this spirited mountain town! Jerome proudly embraces its ghostly reputation, even presenting an annual October Ghost Walk that brings infamous characters and mysterious tales from its mining days back to life.

We’ll begin with an included lunch at the Haunted Hamburger, a family-owned Jerome favorite known for tasty burgers, sweeping views of the Verde Valley, and a ghostly story or two. According to restaurant legend, hammers mysteriously disappeared during renovations—only to reappear later in conspicuous places—inspiring part of the restaurant’s delightfully haunted lore.

After lunch, enjoy free time to explore Jerome’s historic streets, colorful shops, art galleries, and wine-tasting rooms. One of the town’s strangest landmarks is the famous Sliding Jail, which was carried downhill from its original location by the severe ground movement that once plagued the mining town.

Because Jerome is built into a steep mountainside, exploring may include inclines, uneven sidewalks, and stairs, and accessibility can be limited inside some historic buildings. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and guests should consider their personal mobility needs when deciding how much of the town they wish to explore.

With its colorful history, cooler mountain air, and playfully spooky atmosphere, Jerome is especially bewitching in October!

Lunch Included

Depart: Northwest 8:30 a.m. | Phoenix 8:30 a.m. | Scottsdale 8:15 a.m. | Mesa 7:45 a.m.
Return: 6:00 p.m.

Cancellation Policy — ONE-DAY Van or Motorcoach Tours must be paid for when you make your reservation. Reservations can be made either by phone or online. One-day tours are nonrefundable within 30 days of the tour.

Departure Locations — We can only guarantee pick-up from the locations listed below. If you’re requesting pick-up from an unofficial location, please call our office at 480-497-2478 to confirm. It never hurts to ask!

Northwest Valley:
Sundome Plaza
13547 W. Camino Del Sol
Sun City West, AZ 85375

Located in the heart of Sun City West at the Sundome Plaza Shopping Center.

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.

Phoenix:
Paradise Valley Community Center
17402 N. 40th Street
Phoenix, AZ 85032

The Paradise Valley Community Center is easily found on 40th Street, north of Bell Road. No overnights. No Late-nights

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.