Tour Jerome and Clarkdale before returning to Flagstaff

Wake up, check out of the hotel and head to Jerome, an old mining town full of rugged charm and character. Begin the day with breakfast at The Flatiron, a home-style cafe that shows off what the downtown area is all about. Soak in the fresh air and check out the views while enjoying a drink from the Italian-style espresso bar.
The Flatiron has a tasty lineup of bagels, sandwiches and egg platters. Pastries and bread are baked fresh daily. Ask about the latest homemade soup. The restaurant is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Pull over at Jerome's Sliding Jail and snap a few photos at the most quirky landmark in town. Now in dilapidated condition, the small jail was rocked from its foundation in the 1930s due to mining explosions in the area. It then slowly slid more than 200 feet down the steep hillside before eventually being locked into place in 2017. There's a convenient parking lot next to it, making for a quick and easy tourist stop before continuing to your next destination.

The Jerome State Historic Park is a fascinating look at nature and history. Its centerpiece is the Douglas Mansion, built in 1916 with local adobe clay. The structure was originally the home of James Douglas, who ran the Little Daisy Mine, ushering in a profitable, but short-lived copper rush. It's now a museum where guests can browse artifacts, minerals and vintage photographs while exploring the grounds, including a small hotel once used for mining crews.
The hillside estate offers gorgeous views of the Verde Valley. Expect to pay a small fee upon entry.

A ride on the Verde Canyon Railroad is the highlight of your Central Arizona getaway. Trains board regularly at 1 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday (but the schedule occasionally changes, so check your preferred date well in advance and book early). Some trips include an "Ales on the Rails" beer tasting, "Great Train Escape" wine tastings or holiday themes.
Splurge on lunch, which can be picked up in advance from the Copper Spike Cafe at the Clarkdale depot. Otherwise, snacks (meats, cheese, fruit and brownie bites) are served on board and included in the price of the ticket. Each car has a bar and complimentary water.
No matter when you go, the trip itself is a spectacular journey with views along the Verde Canyon River, taking passengers to the Perkinsville ghost town before returning to Clarkdale. The scenery is enjoyed through long windows and from open-air viewing decks.

Time for dinner. The Asylum Restaurant is the main dining spot at the iconic Grand Hotel , which according to legend, is the most haunted place in Jerome. Soak in the atmosphere and check out the sweeping Verde Valley views with a seat near the window.
The menu shifts focus to seafood and char-broiled steaks during dinner hours, which begin at 5 p.m. The drink list includes cocktails, beer and wine with local options well represented.
Reservations are highly recommended, so call 928-639-3197 to secure a table. Please note the restaurant is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.

On the way back to Flagstaff, you'll return to the same Tesla Supercharger station in Sedona that helped kick off your vacation the previous day. Plan for an hour, but it may take less time to fully recharge due to the relative proximity of your destinations throughout the day.

Pass the time while your car charges with a visit to the Full Moon Saloon, an intimate, but lively bar behind The Collective . On any given night, you can play a game of pool, take part in karaoke or just sit around a central square-shaped bar while watching the latest game on the big screen. Bartenders are on standby to serve a cocktail or ice-cold beer. Need a snack? The Full Moon has pizza, wings, chips and more to feed your hunger.
Please note the bar is 21 and over. Those traveling with kids can choose from other options at The Collective, including Miley's Cafe or Cucina Rustica.

Walk back over to the Tesla Supercharger from the Full Moon Saloon. You should have more than enough battery life for the one-hour drive back to Flagstaff.

After a busy two days, you're now back in Flagstaff. If needed, book a hotel room in this charming Northern Arizona mountain town and plan your next adventure.
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