Jerome, Arizona is a short drive from Sedona. The Wild West setting, 1800′s mining boom and bust, population decline and potential of Jerome turning into a ghost town would be a familiar tale – but the artists who moved here in the 1960′s revived Jerome and helped remold the town into what it is today. History amid modernity coexist easily here, with the bohemian culture of acceptance and mellow friendliness throughout. Of all the art galleries and stores here, Nellie Bly Kaleidoscopes and Art Glass is a real stand-out. But don’t take my word for it; see for yourself:
The video ends abruptly because I knocked over that poor kaleidoscope! But the mood at Nellie Bly is so friendly and jovial, my misdeed was soon forgotten. I bought a couple of plastic kaleidoscopes as gifts for my kids, and shared a laugh with the store employees. And yes, it’s true that they have the largest collection of kaleidoscopes in the world. Whether your Arizona travel interests lay in history, culture, or just buying gifts and souvenirs, all will be satisfied with a day trip to Jerome.
