Join your Porsche lady friends on a drive into the mountains of Central Arizona on scenic and twisty roads to the historic and charming towns of Jerome and Cottonwood.

The route goes up I-17 toward Prescott, then turns onto the fun part of the drive, over Mingus Mountain. A spectacular view of the Verde Valley unfolds just before we enter the historic mining town of Jerome.

As we navigate the winding streets of the historic mining town we will stop for a visit the Douglas Mansion at Jerome State Historic Park.
From the Douglas home, one can better appreciate the uniqueness of Jerome as it sits dramatically and precariously on the side of a hill. There is also a full view of the abandoned mining operations around Jerome and an excellent view of the Verde Valley below. In the distance, there are panoramic views of Oak Creek Canyon, Sycamore Canyon and the San Francisco Peaks.

Built in 1916, the mansion was designed as a hotel for mining officials and investors as well as for the James S. Douglas family. Douglas was a Canadian-born mining engineer, metallurgist, and industrialist who helped revolutionize copper mining and processing in the American Southwest around the turn of the 20th century. The town of Douglas, Arizona is named after him. The mansion featured a wine cellar, billiard room, marble shower, steam heat, and, much ahead of its time, a central vacuum system. The house was constructed of adobe bricks that were made on the site.

This former home is now a museum devoted to history of the Jerome area and the Douglas family. The museum features historical exhibits of photographs, artifacts, and minerals in addition to a video presentation and a 3-D model of the town with its underground mines. One room, the Douglas library, is restored as a period room. There are more displays outside along with a picnic area offering a beautiful panoramic view of the Verde Valley.

If you wish to tour the mansion, you will pay the $10 entrance fee at the museum lobby.

After spending time at the museum we’ll continue down Cleopatra Hill and pass through Clarkdale, another historic mining community, to our final destination in Old Town Cottonwood, the “Heart of the Verde Valley Wine Country.” We will gather for a group lunch where you will pay your own check. After lunch, you are on your own to explore the many shops and boutiques, antiques stores, galleries, wine tasting rooms, and much more along Main Street.

MEETING TIME AND LOCATION

Arrive for staging at 9:00 AM

Tramonto Marketplace, West of First Watch Restaurant
34870 N North Valley Parkway
Phoenix, Arizona 85086
- North of Carefree Hwy, just east of I-17
- Park in the lot west of First Watch restaurant.