Our most recent day trip was to Jerome, AZ, about 60 miles Southwest of Flagstaff. Jerome was once a mining town, built around the United Verde Mine that produced copper, gold and silver for over 70 years. It had a reputation as the "wickedest town in the West", a hotbed for prostitution, gambling, and booze (so of course we had to visit!). A lot of the original architecture is in tact and former brothels and saloons are now quirky gift shops and tasting rooms. Jerome is popular with bikers, tourists and locals; although it was busy this Saturday afternoon its population is just under 400. Maynard James Keenan, lead singer of Tool, owns a HUGE house and winery in Jerome. He is a large part of the blooming Arizona wine industry. Most of the grapes are South of Tucson, but there are tasting rooms in Jerome and Sedona. Jason and Sonia, who joined us for the day, enjoyed a wine tasting at Caduceus Cellers. Winos out there: his wine is sold at many Whole Foods, the Cabernet was delicious!
Jason tasting the Port; it was served in a thimble sized chocolate cup.
Lunch at the Haunted Hamburger. We got the best seats in the house, on the outer deck looking out over the Verde Valley.
Mining equipment:
Jerome was built into the side of a cliff. Narrow, windy roads and steep stairways lead from one level to the next.
Outside House of Joy, a former brothel turned gift shop. This was just creepy...
Are you all keeping up with the World Cup? As you can imagine, there is a battle within my family of USA vs. England. I've been pegged the loyalist for my dedication to England, but my parents find themselves cheering for USA. Neither are lighting the world on fire with their play, and Jason is thoroughly underwhelmed by the "intense" 1-1 and 0-0 battles, but I am loving all the soccer on TV! Go England!!
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