My family is from Phoenix so every now and then they like to escape the heat of the scorching desert. My #1 recommended escape (which is full of exploration and adventure) is all here for you...
Drive up north and head to Prescott, Arizona in the morning. It's about a 90 minute to 2 hour drive depending upon where you live in the Valley. Leave at 7am and get to Prescott, Arizona by 10am - everything will be open! Check out all of the quaint shops, go to a lake for a 20 minute hike or have a late breakfast around the courthouse square. The beauty of Prescott will take you to another place so it doesn't matter what you do there.
Hit the road around 12pm and head to Jerome (YOU MUST TAKE HWY 89A) over Mingus Mountain. It's approximately 50 minutes to Jerome from Prescott this way. At certain points on this drive you can see Sedona's red rocks and the snow capped San Francisco Peaks in the background. It makes a terrific photo opportunity with friends and/or family.
When you reach Jerome, Arizona, you WILL KNOW you're there. It's a small retired mining town just settled into the cliffs with small roads and old shops. Parking can be difficult so take a left next to the Firehouse. There's parking up the road. If you're not fond of hills (sorry) the entire town is up and down and you will get your leg work-out! If you're into wine, check out the Caduceus Cellars. There's plenty of eclectic shops. The main attractions are (of course) the old mine - The Haunted Hamburger - and the Spirit Room (Bar). I personally like the Kaleidoscope store and the kids will love it too.
From here you have a few options:
A) Depart from Jerome around 3:30/4pm and head to Sedona, Arizona and stay for dinner. I will first recommend exploring Oak Creek Canyon, the shops on the main street then head back to the Talaquepaque for dinner. You'll find a nice restaurant there and more shops! Your day will have been filled with fun and good memories.
B) You've opted to do the 'wine thing' so now you need more... go to Page Spring Winery down the hill. You might have to check out Arizona Stronghold too in Clarkdale since you are going that route. After that, you're DD is taking you straight back to Phoenix.
C) If you're brave - take 89A drive through Cottonwood, AZ, up through Sedona's Oak Creek (for oohs and ahhs) and end up in Flagstaff. Have dinner up there (around 6:30pm) and head home taking the 17 South. You will be very happy you did at the end of the day. A great way to see the beauty of the Arizona North Country. You will be amazed over the vast changes in scenery and how each city is so very different.
Enjoy!!!
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