49th Annual Jerome Historic Home & Building Tour: May 17th & 18th, 2014

The Phoenix summer temperatures are quickly approaching with highs expected in the 100-103 range for the Phoenix metro area this weekend. I am sure still hoping we will have a few more decent temperature days, but just in case, I have begun planning and plotting my mini escapes that help me stay somewhat sane through the dreaded summer months.

The first will be a “head to the hills” trip. I will be going up the winding, twisted road that leads to what was once known as the “wickedest town in the west”, the Town of Jerome, AZ, my little slice of heaven, to enjoy the 49th Annual Historic Home and Building Tour.

This was one of my favorite events in Jerome. I look forward to it and attend it every year. There will be 7 homes on this year’s tour. It is a guided tour with transportation available to shuttle you from home to home.  The all-volunteer docents will explain the history (and they usually have fascinating stories to tell) at each of the stops along the way. Refreshments will be served at Haven United Methodist Church, midway through the tour.

If you have attended the home tour before, please note that there are a few changes this year. For the first time tour tickets will be available to purchase online in advance. When you arrive in Jerome go to Spook Hall to pick up your wristband to get on the tour shuttle from there. I walked the entire tour route the last 2 years. It is *not* suggested or recommended that you do so since there are plenty of uneven steps, winding paths, and steep hills and streets throughout the town. For the procrastinators, like myself, you can purchase tickets the day of the event, but rather than going to the old firehouse on Main Street, tickets will be available to purchase at Spook Hall as well.

I can’t go to Jerome without shopping in the local stores and eating before heading back to Phoenix. My favorite store in Jerome, Magpie, featuring jewelry and clothing designed by local Jerome resident, Christy Fisher, will be my first post tour stop. For a bite to eat you can’t beat the views from the outside patio at the Haunted Hamburger. Their burgers are great too. Grapes Restaurant is another one of my favorite spots. Everything on their menu is simply divine.

What: 49th Annual Jerome Historic Home and Building Tour

When: May 17th & 18th, 2014. Tours start at 9am daily with the last tour shuttle leaving at 3pm

Cost: $20 for Adults. $10 for Children under 12 yrs old, 3 or under are free.

Tickets: Purchase online in advance or at Spook Hall the day of the event. Wrist bands are required. If you ordered tickets online, pick them up at Spook Hall.

This tour is NOT handicapped accessible. Dogs are not allowed on the tour.

For additional information, contact the Jerome Chamber of Commerce or call them at 928 634-2900.

This entry is cross posted on Phoenix NE Valley: Real Estate, Lifestyle & Living