Ghost Hunters

Recently, we went on a LONG drive to the former ghost town of Jerome.  I say former because this place shows a lot of life today and thrives on thousands of visits everyday.  It is home to people who like to ride motorcycles, artists, and people who like to sing Stevie Nick's music.  Not that there is anything wrong with that:).....but I believe that the ghosts have been chased away from this tiny little town on the hill.  BUT it still has a lot of charm.

Jerome has fantastic views, shops, and restaurants.  Parking still sucks and scares the crap out of me.  Remember to turn your wheels and put on your parking brake if you find a spot somewhere on the hill....and you will.  Just be patient:) It's also rather cool this time of year so bring a jacket:)

I love this place in the summer.  Miners made this land crumbly and a thicket of the Tree of Heaven(or Hell) grows around the tiny village.  It's really beautiful actually.

You can see the red rocks of Sedona only 27 miles away.  Honestly, I'm not a big Sedona fan and the people searching for spirits in these rocks are a bit coo coo in the cocoa puffs. Let me explain.  Before the rich came and developed this highly sought after land, there were spirits and ghosts.  But they are all but gone today.  It's nothing more than a tourist trap now and if you hate crowds, you'll hate these places.  SO....if you are a nature buff, what you really need to focus on (if you are like me) are  the trails of the mighty Mingus Mountains behind Jerome or the lovely trails of Sedona where it's a bit more difficult to walk for the regular tourist crowd.

At the Mingus Mountains in the 90's.

I know many of you reading this post actually love these places and I enjoy them for what they are.  But like anything discovered, the charm can sometimes evaporate from places like Sedona and some will argue Jerome as well.  I remember the late 80's when it actually felt like a ghost town and Sedona wasn't as built up as it is now.  In fact Oak Creek Canyon was free to all at one point, but today it sadly has to be managed due to crowds of people stomping over the grounds. Go during the weekdays.  It's less hectic and you won't have the weekend crowd from Phoenix.

Jerome still has a nice feel to it.  The buildings are still old and they've done a great job making it a place for people to want and visit. 

So why visit?  Well, I get a lot of artistic design for my garden and home from visiting places like these.  While a lot of the stuff can be overpriced, ideas are free.

King Tuzigoot joined me for a drink.

If I were in the area, I'd check out this charming B & B and her gardens.  It was one of my favorite finds. I'd stay here!  The night really calms down as all the tourists disappear.  And I think that's when this town really comes alive!

The place is called the Surgeon's House and it really had some great landscaping and garden going on.  There is a water fountain and the inside of the building is really really charming.  Expensive?  Maybe.  But if you're looking for a little R and R for yourself and spouse, lover, boyfriend, girfriend, life partner, mistress, I'd stay here:) Or if you're just looking for a quiet getaway for yourself, this looks like a great place to get lost.  Reserve ahead of time though because it looks like a popular place to stay. 

The streets are hilly.  The people are friendly. Food and drinks are aplenty, but sadly the ghosts and other spirits have moved elsewhere:)

But it's still worth the visit.