LEFT : NICK FOX / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM ; INSET : FILEDIMAGE / SHUTTERSTOCK . COM
Top : Street view of Jerome , AZ ; right : The haunted Jerome Grand Hotel .
BONUS HAUNT : JEROME , AZ
Alas , while fall colors are something to be admired , it ’ s hard to let go of the balmy days of summer . Travelers can savor a last taste of toasty temps and unlimited sunshine — with a dash of festive spookiness — when they visit Jerome , AZ . Once a booming copper-mining town , tragic fires , landslides , failed crops and an inadequate water supply rendered Jerome a ghost town in 1953 , causing the region ’ s population to plummet to under 100 residents . However , despite its inhospitable nature , something about Jerome ’ s secluded location , sweeping mountainside views and haunting history continues to call to people . Today , the town ’ s siren song attracts artists , craftspeople and hermits from around the world , 450 of which call it home .
Among those itching to explore Jerome ’ s winding streets and charming storefronts are paranormal enthusiasts , many of whom flock to the sleepy desert city thanks to its reputation as one of the most haunted spots in the state . And with a history of death , murder and corruption , it ’ s not hard to see why . In fact , the area ’ s penchant for gambling and prostitution earned it the nickname the “ Wickedest Town in America ” back in its heyday . For a chance to experience some ghoulish activity for themselves , visitors won ’ t want to miss paranormal hotspots like The Connor Hotel , Sliding Jail , The Haunted Hamburger and most famously , the Jerome Grand Hotel .
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