Ghost Town Gold Rush: Shep's Miners Inn - Chloride, USA
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the dusty, gloriously imperfect world of Ghost Town Gold Rush: Shep's Miners Inn - Chloride, USA. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotel reviews. This is the real deal, the kind of review that'll make you either slam your laptop shut in horror or immediately book a flight. Let's go…
First Impressions (and why I almost ran screaming):
Chloride. Population: Less than a sneeze. This isn't your glitzy Vegas or your polished Aspen. This is authentic. Think tumbleweeds, creaking doors, and a definite vibe of history. Getting there felt like I was heading into a spaghetti western, minus the cool hat. Upon arrival, the exterior corridor looked like it was designed by a particularly enthusiastic, slightly tipsy, historical preservationist. It's… character. Lots of character. And honestly? I was a little terrified at first.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But We'll Get There
Okay, let's be frank. This isn't a fully-fledged modern accessibility mecca. They do have facilities for disabled guests, which is a good start. And the elevator is a godsend if you're not a fan of stair-climbing. Beyond that, it’s a bit of a crapshoot depending on your needs. Wheelchair accessible? I’d call and double-check. The age and nature of the building means things might be a bit… challenging. Still, the charm of a place like this demands a little flexibility. Accessibility:
- Facilities for disabled guests: Present (details needed)
- Elevator: Yes, (that’s a big plus)
- Wheelchair accessible: Uncertain, inquire directly
Cleanliness and Safety: Holding Its Own (With Some Caveats)
Alright, I'm a germaphobe (don't judge!). So, how was the cleanliness? The "Anti-viral cleaning products" thing sounded promising. They had Daily disinfection in common areas, which soothed my anxious heart a bit. Rooms sanitized between stays, is a definite win. They were being proactive, which, in these times, is essential. The hand sanitizer stations were readily available and they seemed to have the situation under control. The staff are trained in safety protocol which is also good. However. The rooms, had a charming old-fashioned scent. The age adds character and is, well you are in a historic Ghost Town.
Cleanliness and safety:
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Yes
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yes
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Yes
- Hand sanitizer: Available
- Staff trained in safety protocol: Yes
Internet & Tech: Prepare for the Digital Dark Ages… (Sort Of!)
Okay, let's get real. You're not coming to Chloride to livestream your Fortnite game. They DO have Wi-Fi [free], which is a miracle in itself! And Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Woohoo! (Okay, that did make me happy). But I have a feeling it's satellite-level speeds and not the screaming-fast fiber-optic kind. Expect to embrace the digital detox a bit. Internet access – wireless is probably your best bet. I didn't test the Internet [LAN] but lets be honest its probably something old school.
Internet:
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms: Yes!
- Internet access – wireless: Available
- Internet [LAN]: Probably, but I wouldn't count on it.
Rooms: Charm Over Perfection
My room? It was… a room. They have Non-smoking rooms. Which is ideal. It had that old-school charm, the carpeting probably predates sliced bread, and the blackout curtains were a lifesaver after a long drive. Rooms sanitized between stays which is a plus. The desk and laptop workspace were practical. The Coffee/tea maker, essential. Air conditioning (thank God!), and a refrigerator to keep my beer cold. What really sold it for me was the window that opens. Breathing in that clean desert air beats air conditioning any day. The bed was big. The pillows were comfortable. The linens were clean. The towels were fluffy enough.
Available in all rooms:
- Air conditioning: Yes
- Alarm clock: Yep
- Blackout curtains: Yes
- Carpeting: Possibly.
- Coffee/tea maker: Yes
- Daily housekeeping: Yes
- Desk: Indeed.
- Free bottled water: Yes
- Hair dryer: Usually
- In-room safe box: Probably
- Internet access – wireless: Definitely, it doesn't work 100% every time but its there and its free.
- Ironing facilities: Yeah
- Laptop workspace: Its there
- Linens: Fine.
- Mini bar: No
- Mirror: Yep.
- Non-smoking: Yes
- Private bathroom: Indeed.
- Refrigerator: Yes
- Satellite/cable channels: Yes
- Seating area: Usually
- Shower: Yes.
- Socket near the bed: Yes
- Soundproofing: No.
- Telephone: Yes, but who calls anyone?
- Toiletries: Yes
- Towels: Yep.
- Wake-up service: Yes
- Wi-Fi [free]: Yes
- Window that opens: Yes
Food and Drink: Grub and a Great Atmosphere!
This is where Shep's Miners Inn really shines. The restaurants are the heart and soul of the place. I devoured the food. I really went all in and tried it all. The Western breakfast, you've got to order the Buffet in restaurant, is a must, and the coffee/tea in restaurant hit the spot. The Poolside bar is a great place to relax after hours of exploring a ghost town. The bar is small but inviting, and the conversations… pure gold.
Dining, drinking, and snacking:
- Bar: Yes
- Restaurant: Yes
- Coffee/tea in restaurant: Yes
- Poolside bar: Yes
- Buffet in restaurant: Yes
- Western breakfast: Yes
Services and Conveniences:
The concierge was helpful, pointing me toward the best trails in the area. They offer daily housekeeping. The luggage storage came in handy when I took the long trip to The mine. The cash withdrawal service is a welcome addition. They even have dry cleaning and laundry service, which I didn't need, but it's a nice touch. A definite plus is the car park [free of charge] that is on-site.
Services and conveniences:
- Concierge: Indeed.
- Daily housekeeping: Yes
- Luggage storage: Yes
- Cash withdrawal: Yes
- Dry cleaning: Yes
- Laundry service: Yes
- Car park [free of charge]: Yes
Things to Do (Beyond the Obvious)
Well, you're in a ghost town! The whole point is to wander around, soak it in, and imagine how life used to be. They don’t have a Fitness center. Which is good because you will be using your legs all day. They don’t have a Spa. Which is probably good, the area is a spa itself. If you like things that are simple and unique this is the place for you. The feeling of pure isolation and the history.
Things to do:
- Lots of walking and exploring the town.
The Verdict:
Ghost Town Gold Rush: Shep's Miners Inn - Chloride, USA isn't perfect. It's far from it. But that's what makes it so damn special. It's a time capsule of history, where the past and present collide in a way that's both charming and slightly unsettling. If you're looking for sterile luxury, go elsewhere. If you want an authentic experience, a taste of the wild west, and a story to tell for years to come – book it. Just be prepared to embrace the dust, the quirks, and the undeniable magic of this forgotten corner of the world.
MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE:
The moment that sold me? I was sitting at the bar, nursing a beer, and a local, old-timer started telling me tales of the gold rush. His stories were wild, improbable, and utterly captivating. He poured a beer for me on the house and we talked for hours. This is the kind of experience you can’t get anywhere else.
PROS:
- Authenticity: It’s the real deal, not a theme park.
- Atmosphere: The history oozes from every crack
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're goin' on a trip to Chloride, Arizona, and it's gonna be… well, let's just say it's gonna be an experience. Forget those pristine, perfectly-planned itineraries. This is going to be a messy, glorious, slightly-off-kilter adventure. And, yes, I'm calling it an adventure despite the fact that Chloride is, well, small.
Shep's Miners Inn, Chloride, Arizona - Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Dust (and the History)
Day 1: Arrival and the Curse of the Mapquest Directions
Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Left my apartment. Okay, let's be honest, I left my bed. This was already an uphill battle. Coffee? Check. Sunglasses? Check. Optimism? Um… let's go with "cautious optimism." The drive from… well, let’s not say where. Point is, it's far. First impression: the endless landscape and the empty highway. It makes you wonder if you're the last person on Earth.
Late Morning/Early Afternoon (2:00 PM - ish): Okay, so the Mapquest directions were… optimistic. Apparently, "scenic route" translates to "unpaved road suitable only for off-road vehicles driven by experienced cowboys." I'm neither of those. One near-miss with a particularly aggressive tumbleweed and several moments of staring at a blinking "Low Tire Pressure" warning later… I am finally on the right road, dusted and frazzled, but alive, arriving at Shep's Miners Inn, a building that looked exactly like the "Old West" motels shown in movies. I swear, if I saw a stagecoach pull up, I wouldn't bat an eye.
- Emotional Reaction: I wanted to cry! The drive had been a disaster. BUT, that feeling vanished as I stepped out of the car and smelled the dry air. The place was quiet, which was a relief.
Check-in & Room Revelation (3:00 PM -ish): The lobby was a charming jumble of antiques, old mining tools, and a very friendly (and possibly very old) cat named "Dusty." Shep himself was a tall, weathered fella, who greeted me like I was old friends. His room, well, it was simple. But it was clean. And the bed looked like it had been used by a miner… which made sense. There's a certain… charm.
- Quirky Observation: The "do not disturb" sign was hand-painted. And crooked. Just like everything else in this town. I'm going to enjoy it so much.
Afternoon Stroll & The Town's Heart (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Okay, let's dive in. Chloride. I've heard about this place, but it's like stepping back in time! The whole town is a living time capsule. I started by wandering around. The buildings are mostly preserved from the late 1800s, and the murals painted on the walls are amazing! The people -- EVERYONE knows everyone. I walked around a bit to get a sense of the place. After asking around, I find out this town has been around for over a century and they still mine!
Evening - Dinner at the local Saloon (7:00 PM -?) The saloon was the place to be. It had an old-timey feeling, with a simple menu, and the regulars were a mix of local folks and tourists (like me). I had a burger. It was massive. I spent most of the evening listening to stories, and jokes, and learning about the history and secrets of Chloride. I'm pretty sure one of the guys mentioned it being haunted, though I'm not so sure.
Day 2: Mining Magic and Monumental Mistakes
Morning (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Okay so, I'm a little sore from yesterday's drive, a lot sore from last night's laughter. Coffee is essential. Breakfast at the inn was simple, but good. Shep makes a mean omelet and he has plenty more stories to tell.
Mining Town Time (9:00 AM - Noon): Time to dive into the history of the town! The "Burro Street" area is like a Western movie set. I wander and check out. I'm fascinated by the stories of miners who braved the depths! It's hard to imagine what it was like to work in those conditions. This is what I meant for this trip.
Lunch and More (Noon - 2:00 PM): Ate lunch at the same saloon. I am now friends with everyone. I can see myself really enjoying this small town.
Afternoon - Drive to a "Ghost Town" The plan was to drive to some ghost town in the middle of nowhere. I was all excited! Wrong decision. I get lost. Again. I almost get the car stuck in the same kind of terrible road as yesterday. I don't want to talk about what happened next. I was so angry. I was hungry. I should have stayed in Chloride.
Evening - Back in Chloride! (7:00 PM - Late): I drag myself back to Chloride. I swear this is the second time I almost died! Dinner at the saloon. I'm taking it easy tonight, just watching the local folk. I have a good feeling about this place.
Day 3: Departure… and Longing
Morning (9:00 AM -ish): Okay, breakfast… and another cup of coffee. I am exhausted. It's going to be an early start today.
Farewell Walk (10:00 AM - 11:00 AM): One final walk. One last look at those amazing murals. It's time to go. I'm sad. What a trip.
Departure and Reflections (Noon - 1:00 PM): It's tough. I'm saying goodbye to Shep, Dusty. The drive home is filled with memories. I'm already thinking about coming back.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Back to the real world. Back to this tiny tiny apartment. Back to… normal. But Chloride? Chloride is different.
Imperfections & Ramblings:
- My car? Well, let's just say it's seen better days.
- I didn't get the best photos. Because… well, mostly because I was too busy living to take them?
- I probably missed a thing or two. But that's okay. Chloride will be there, waiting.
Emotional Breakdown:
This trip… it was more than I expected. It was dusty, imperfect, and at times, a complete mess. But that's what made it so damn perfect. I felt a connection to this place, to its people, to its history. I'd go back in a heartbeat. Chloride, you've got a piece of my heart (and maybe a bit of my tire tread).
Purbeck Lodge Swanage: Your Dream UK Coastal Escape Awaits!
Ghost Town Gold Rush: Shep's Miners Inn - Chloride, USA - You Ask, I Ramble (and Maybe Answer)
Okay, so... Chloride. Just *where* is this place anyhow? And is it even *real*?
Real? Oh honey, Chloride is *real*. You can practically taste the dust and desperation in the air (well, maybe not taste, but you get the idea). It's nestled in the Arizona desert, about a zillion miles away from anywhere that has cell service (bliss!). Think high desert, dramatic skies that look like they're about to swallow you whole, and the lingering feeling that you've stepped into a Western movie. Seriously, I half expected Clint Eastwood to ride by on a horse. He wasn't there.
Getting there is an adventure in itself. Buckle up, buttercup! The roads are… well, let’s just say they're "character-building." Don't expect a smooth ride. Think bumpy, gravelly, and occasionally, "Are we *sure* this is a road?" I've driven on worse, but I've *also* driven on much better, and you just have this gnawing feeling that your car is going to have a breakdown in the most remote place possible. Pack water. Lots of water. And maybe a spare tire. And a good attitude. You'll need it.
Shep's Miners Inn... is it… you know… ACTUALLY haunted? Because my brain won't shut up about ghosts.
Alright, the burning question! The *ghosts*! Look, I'm not gonna lie. Ghost stories in Chloride are as plentiful as tumbleweeds. And Shep's? Well, let's just say, I'm not entirely convinced, but... I *did* sleep in a room that gave me the serious creeps. It was the "Red Room" - I swear, the temperature dropped ten degrees the second I walked in. And the old rocking chair? It *sometimes* gently swayed even when there wasn't a breeze. I mean, maybe I was just tired, and maybe it was psychological, but the feeling… the *vibe*… it lingered long after I left.
I had a friend with me, and she was skeptical – a hardcore, "there's a logical explanation for everything" type. But even she admitted to feeling *something* in the dining room. Just a chill, you know? A sense of... watching. She kept jumping at shadows. We both kept joking about things moving on their own – it's the only way to stay sane, I suppose. So, yeah. Haunted? Maybe. Possibly. Probably. It depends on your perspective and how much you like a good scare. Or if you want to have an anxiety attack. I definitely felt a bit of *both*.
I'll say this though – talk with Shep, the owner, because he's got more stories than you'll know what to do with.
Shep, the owner? What's he like? He sounds like he's seen some things.
Shep? He *is* Chloride. The man practically IS the ghost town! Gnarled like an ancient oak, weathered like the buildings, and with eyes that have seen a thousand sunsets (and probably a few shady deals, if I'm honest). He's a storyteller, a historian, a keeper of secrets, and probably the best darn cook in the whole dang place. Be prepared to listen, because he's got tales spilling out of him like gold from a mine. Be prepared for the whole "been there, done that, seen it all" type of folks. He's *seen* it all. He probably *knows* it all. Don't expect quick answers or a rush. He takes his time. He savors the stories. And he’ll probably offer you coffee and a wry smile.
He's got this way of making you feel like you’ve known him your whole life, even though you’ve just met. I felt strangely comfortable in his Inn, even in the creepy Red Room. It's the kind of place that feels like you're stepping back in time, and that's mostly because of him.
The food! Tell me about the grub! Is it… edible? I get picky when I'm nervous.
Oh, honey, the food! Forget edible. The food is *amazing*! Shep's a fantastic cook. One of the best. I kid you not. Forget all your fancy city restaurants. This is home-style cooking at its finest. Think hearty, stick-to-your-ribs goodness. Huge portions. Comfort food. I had the fried chicken, and honestly, it was probably the best I've ever had in my life. Crispy skin, juicy meat, perfect. I also had his gravy, and that's a whole other story. I didn't even make it through the whole plate, there was so much, and that's saying something for *me*. It's the kind of food that fuels you for a hard day of ghost hunting… or just for surviving the desert heat.
And breakfast? Oh, lord, the breakfast. I swear, it’s worth the trip to Chloride alone. Forget your tiny avocado toast with a sprig of something-or-other. This is the real deal – pancakes taller than your head, crispy bacon, eggs cooked to perfection. You'll need to walk it off. You *have* to walk it off. But it's worth every calorie. And the coffee? Strong enough to raise the dead. *Perfect* for a ghost town! My friend (the skeptical one) even admitted the coffee was good. That was a win!
But don’t expect fancy menus or fussy plating. It’s simple, honest food, made with love and a whole lot of skill. Just be prepared to loosen your belt a notch or two.
What's there *to do* besides being scared and eating? I need SOME distraction, you know?
Okay, besides possibly seeing a ghost and consuming enough calories to move a small army? Well, Chloride itself is the main attraction. The whole town is pretty much a living museum. You can wander around, take pictures, explore the old buildings. Get a map from Shep, or just wander around. See the old schoolhouse. Check out the miners' cabins. See the chapel. And, if you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a javelina or a coyote (keep your distance!). There's also the gift shops – you know, the usual tourist traps. But honestly, the real entertainment is just *being there*. Absorbing the atmosphere, breathing in the history, imagining what life was like back in the gold rush days.
There's also some hiking nearby, if you're feeling adventurous. Just remember to bring plenty of water. And let someone know where you're going! A broken ankle out in the desert is not how you want to end your trip. And don't forget stargazing. OMG, the stars! Because there's no light pollution, the sky is just a canvas of glittering diamonds. Seriously breathtaking. I spent half the night just staring up, feeling the wonder of the universe and forgetting all about the supposed ghosts (for a little while, anyway).
So, overall... should I go? Or is it just going to be a sunburn and a disappointment?
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