38 JANUARY 2024 A uthentic, colorful – and possibly haunted – Jerome is a hillside destination known for its wines, fine arts and spectral spirits. Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth-largest city in the Arizona territory. It started as a mining camp and grew from a settlement of tents to a thriving community of commerce. In its heyday, the town earned the nickname “The Wickedest Town in the West,” attracting miners, merchants, and madams to its hillside haven. Jerome sits near the top of Cleopatra Hill, overlooking the Verde Valley. The town itself is a National Historic Landmark. Below the town is what was once the largest copper mine in Arizona, producing a staggering three million pounds of copper a month. That wealth belonged to James S. Douglas, owner of the Little Daisy Mine. The first prominent building visitors see as they drive up the steep, windy road to Jerome is the Douglas mansion, a testament to the copper empire. At one point, 10 to 15,000 people were living on the side of this mountain. Then the mine shut down, and Jerome was on the brink of becoming a ghost town. However, a new generation saved the town, and it reemerged as an artist’s community. One of Jerome’s most notable shops is Nellie Bly, where visitors can find the world’s largest collection of kaleidoscopes. The owner discovered her first kaleidoscope at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. The shop features unique designs by hundreds of wood, metal and glass artisans. Shoppers can come in and handle everything, whether it’s a $20 scope or a $20,000 scope. Guests can even have their photo taken through a kaleidoscope and go home with a souvenir. Another stop is the Clinkscale, a historic building reimagined as a boutique hotel, bar and grill. It was built in 1899, and although it has been revamped and modernized, owner Eric Jurisin ensured it kept yesteryear’s charm by embracing the building’s original character. The Clinkscale’s cocktail menu reflects the theme of updating an old building. They serve the classics like Harvey Wallbangers and Manhattans. There are even a few interesting twists, like the Arizona Mojito with prickly pear syrup and the Mingus Fog – Irish coffee made with house-infused cinnamon whiskey and Baileys. Jerome has plenty of quaint places for breakfast, lunch and dinner and unique places to stay. Given Jerome has a reputation for being haunted, guests might want to take a one- or two-hour ghost town tour. The guide offers several options, including a history excursion and a mining shuttle tour. With a ghost detector in hand, visitors will see some of the town’s most haunted locations and historic landmarks. Another fun way to spend the afternoon is to meander along the winding streets lined with art galleries and boutiques packed with artisanal treasures and handmade goods. Whether through history or music, optics or artistry – or a few glasses of wine in the tasting room – Jerome gives folks a magical view. An Arizona town full of adventure – and even a few ghosts Robin is the host and executive producer of the Arizona Highways Television , Saturdays and Sundays on CBS. BY ROBIN SEWELL Robins Adventures The Clinkscale Hotel and Bar was built in 1899. It was revamped and modernized but still has nods to its history throughout the building.