Even more wicked than Tombstone back in its hey day.

We spent the weekend with my boss and his wife in Jerome, AZ.  The wickedness is partially still there in the form of weird hippies but Jerome is now mostly known as "America's Most Vertical City" and the "Largest Ghost Town in America".

Jerome was founded in 1876 and sits above what was the largest copper mine in America.  The mines are now silent and the former population of 15,000 has dwindled to 353.  Despite the small population, it felt a little crowded (probably because the main source of income is now tourism) and I was a little surprised we managed to maneuver the Jag without getting scratched.

Or end up like this car!

While we enjoyed our weekend stay, living there would have been tough!  The entire stay there felt as if there was an impending doom upon us...  like a flash flood would wash the entire town off the mountainside!  It was probably more of a case of vertigo than impending doom.

Flat Iron Cafe --we didn't eat there but apparently they serve great food.  We dined at the Haunted Hamburger and were very pleased with the food, service and environment.  The ribs there are fantastic!

Formerly a brothel, the House of Joy is now an antique and odds and ends shop (if you couldn't tell by the dressed up piggy).  They have a pretty interesting collection of war memorabilia from Russia and China.

We spent the entire first day there exploring the shops and the old buildings.  Externally, Jerome hasn't changed much.  Most of the buildings being used are the same ones that were standing 100 years ago.

We had originally wanted to stay at Hotel Conner because it's known for being haunted, but it booked up fast.  Which works out in the end because it turns out, the rooms sit above a VERY loud pub.

This row of planted fake roses was so tacky I had to take a picture!

The Bed and Breakfast we stayed at was a magnet for birds:

The next morning, after a fantastic breakfast at our BandB, we visited the historical museum, Jerome State Historic Park.

Feats of strength?

Formerly a hotel.

If we had been properly dressed, it would have been interesting to explore some of the mine caves just outside the museum.

A refinery plant?

Inside the museum:

Early 1900's wheel chair.