Chuck and I just got back from Jerome, and despite feeling a bit achey, we had an awesome time.  It was packed full of adventure, good food, good shopping, geocaching and of course, great company.  First of all, were super lucky to get a rental car this weekend.  The All Star Game was in town and there were *no* rentals in the entire greater Phoenix area.  We were psyching ourselves up to take the GoonieMobile.  Luckily, the manager of Enterprise called us at 5:15 and said come get a Dodge Dakota by 6pm.  We boogied on over and then hit the road. 

It was pretty late by the time we got into Jerome, and there was no one around.  It really was like a ghost town.  Driving up the mountain, we kept noticing people still had their Christmas lights on.  We also noticed quite a few lit up peace signs.  Later, we discovered Jerome was a haven for aging hippies.  It brought back fond memories of Asheville. 

This is where we stayed.

The big window above the cafe was our apartment.  While you really can’t tell from this pic, we had amazing views of San Francisco Peaks the Verde Valley and the Red Rocks. 

Walking through the door, we saw a flight of stairs.

Out of all the windows, were phenomenal views.  It reminded me of Alan and Chuck’s apartment in Asheville. 

I asked Chuck how he knew that a man owned this apartment (it was very obvious.)  He proceeded to tell me it was done in earth tones with a minimalist style.  It was very different from the froofy B&B’s we stay at.  He loved it!

Isn’t that a cute kitchenette?  On the far left is a metal board with magnetic words.  We were sure to leave lots of randy phrases for the next residents.  (Although it may be Mom & I because we’re headed up in two weeks.)

I’m a sucker for old doors.  This is the door leading to the bathroom.  I love the robin’s egg blue.

The picture isn’t good, but I love the shabby pink door.  It was the only bit of pink in the apartment. 

There are incredible shops in Jerome.  I think my favorite was right across the street from our apartment.  The House of Joy used to be a brothel back when the town was in its heyday.  Now it is a store dedicated to girly, bawdy things.  Great vintage ephemera, original artwork and frilly, whimsical bits sure to put a smile on your face. 

Me and the proprietress.

You’re not allowed to take pictures inside, but I couldn’t reisist the widow display.  I absolutely LOVE the doll!

The hotel behind Chucklebutt is the Grand Hotel.

Jerome is defintely not a handicap friendly place to visit.  We walked up more sets of stairs in our short weekend than we have in the past six months.  To get from one road to the next, you have to walk up a flight of stairs.

I swiped this picture off the web, but it gives you an idea about the way the town is situated on the side of a mountain.

For those of you that don’t know, occasionally, Chucklebutt will call me "Puff-n-Stuff"  — usually I’m just Jiggle Puff.  We found this sign and couldn’t resist the photo op.  Little did I realize it was an adult smoke shop.  Sheesh!  Sometimes I can be so clueless.

We stumbled upon a quaint park with a really large slide.  Unfortunately, we remember it being a lot more exhilarating as a kid.  Perhaps our widening tushes created too much friciton.

Look what Chuck gave me for Valentine’s Day.  I collect hearts (all materials and sizes).  The photo doesn’t do it a lot of justice, but it is gorgeous!  Well I need to catch some z’s.  I’ll continue our journey tomorrow.  Think pioneer cemeteries and snow — lots and lots of snow!