After hitting up Sedona, the first stop on my solo Northern Arizona road trip, I drove the winding 28 miles to the tippy top of Cleopatra Hill to the quaint town of Jerome, Arizona. Truth be told, even though its charm attracts thousands of tourists, I was there for only one reason, to see where rock star Maynard James Keenan lived.
Jerome may be the Cutest Town in Arizona (& where rockstar Maynard James Keenan lives)
The streets of Jerome, Arizona are narrow and lined with unique shops worthy of more than just a peek. I easily found parking, with a view, and started peeking.
Many stores were housed in these buildings reminiscent of an old Bordello. I was charmed by the clothes hanging on the porch.
I had to refrain from purchasing this ceramic pig made by a local Jerome, Arizona street artist. Though tempting, I was on a mission that didn’t involve a swine. Besides, I couldn’t imagine it fitting in the planes overhead bin.
I passed the House of Joy and backtracked because I wanted some. The store is housed in a building that once did business as a brothel. Was this pig a representation of this? Hmmm. And the inside of the shop was loaded with whimsical knick knacks; capes, vintage jazz posters, World War artifacts, burlesque-style attire, etc.
Even the exterior of The House of Joy was decked out. Its “No Trespassing” yard was decorated in a hodge podge of…stuff. Fire hydrants, stoplights, antique glassware, pottery, etc.
Finally, I ended up at Caduceus Cellars/Merkin Vinyards tasting roomin the downtown of Jerome, Arizona, where I hoped to stalk Maynard James Keenan from the band Tool. Not only is he a rock star, he makes wine too.
I had visions of him working the tasting counter, pouring me a little sip of red and explaining the importance of wine breathing. Heck, maybe he would even be belting out a song from the Lateralus CD.
Turns out, the closest I got to Maynard was this very cool poster.
At least there was wine.
After a fruitless rock star hunt, it was time to leave the cute town of Jerome, Arizona. Even though my search came up empty, spending a few hours here was worth the trek.
Have you ever tried to hunt down someone famous? Have you been to Jerome, Arizona?
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More About Arizona
A Guide to Visiting Goldfield Ghost Town in Arizona
Take a Helicopter Ride Into the Grand Canyon
Getting Bit By An Ostrich Bird. Not on the Bucket List.
Sedona Chapel of the Holy Cross: Church in the Rock
What to do in Scottsdale, Arizona in 12 Hours
A Unique Arizona Attraction: Mystery Castle in Phoenix
Visit Louis Lee’s Oriental Rock Garden in Phoenix
I just took my daughter to jerome and we were walking by past caduceus when I looked inside and maynard was inside walking out w a box of wine. I am a huge fan and had been there several times before. I read he is known to be sighted around Christmas but didnt think that I wld really be so lucky. I didnt say a word tho! I just acted like I didn’t even notice. My kids offered to take a pic but no one acted quick enough and he walked to his car put the boxes in a drove away. I had about 1 min to think and I decided not to ask for a pic cuz I didnt want to be annoying. Now I regret it. Word of advice.. ask. At least l could have tried. Smh…oh well
I was arm length away for about 1 min and thats better than nothing.
-Fellow fan
You are so lucky to have seen him! I was hoping I would, but that just gives me a reason to go back to the cute town of Jerome :) I
I have ALWAYS wanted to go to Caduceus! I hear they have great wine, too.
It is a tiny little place, but so worth the drive :)
I plan on trying to track down Jason Segel in the very near future! I want to find all 5 cast members of How I Met Your Mother. Segel would be my third. Obsessed? Mayb- yes.
I freaking LOVE that show! They are worthy of stalking ;)
The writer for the show is a family friend. He gave me a laptop they used on set. Also, got to play a gig with him in Maui, Hawaii.
Very cool!