Arizona 2008 Official State Visitor's Guide - (Page 24) Wild West Adventure more than 800-foot incline, and the spectacular views afforded as we climb are well worth the effort. While Southeastern Arizona’s springtime climate is consistently temperate and perhaps the most pleasant season of the year, at these altitudes, weather conditions can change dramatically. As we make for the Heart of Rocks summit, the temperature drops and clouds form on the horizon. We venture for a while into the most breathtaking rock configurations and formations, but turn around and head back as the darkening sky encroaches. My advice: pack for any weather and pay attention to nature’s warning signs. Upon our return to Bisbee, we check into the surprisingly swanky Letson Loft hotel. With eight luxurious and uniquely appointed guest rooms, including two suites, we select room number 5, the only room with a king size bed – and perhaps the most private and romantic accommodations available. Our room is naturally lit from a skylight atop a vaulted ceiling, and has restored hardwood floors and exposed brick. After settling in, we have a lively and colorful Mexican dinner at Santiago’s just around the corner. The margaritas are refreshing and the ceviche appetizer is served in a seemingly bottomless parfait glass. The chips and salsa are fresh, and the whole meal is superb. It’s real easy falling to sleep this night. A trip to Bisbee is incomplete without a visit to the now inactive Copper Queen Mine. A guided train Jerome’s own Lingo Founded in 1876, Jerome was once the fourth largest city in Arizona territory (before statehood) and its population soared to more than 15,000 in the 1920s. Jerome’s transition from a dusty old mining town to a funky tourist stop is perhaps best exemplified by the ghost town of 450’s biggest claim to fame: Home grown but well-known jam band Major Lingo celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2007 and still performs regularly at Paul and Jerry’s Saloon, the Spirit Room and around the state. Nowadays, Jerome is an eclectic artist community that’s recast itself as a cool, slightly off-the-beaten path destination. Dramatically sloping streets are lined with an array of art galleries, hand crafted clothing and jewelry shops and a surprising variety of restaurants and saloons. The Asylum restaurant in Jerome’s Grand Hotel was recognized by Wine Spectator magazine on its list of “top restaurants in the world for wine lovers.” Conveniently located just 90 miles from Phoenix, and 20 from Sedona, day trips to just about anywhere in the state can be made with relative ease using Jerome as a home base. Jerome ©HPMG 24 • A r i z o n A o f f i c i A l S tAt e V i S i t o r ’ S G u i d e
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