One day side trip to Jerome/Sedona
 

We're visiting family nearby and would like to take a sidetrip to Jerome and Sedona for one day and one night before heading back to Phoenix. How much time should I plan for Jerome? Obviously, we won't do much hiking, more likely looking at views from the car --- is there anyplace special we should plan to stop?

go to the Jerome State Park (right as you enter town) which is good for an hour or so. Perhaps another hour for the town.

You might also want to visit Tuzigoot Nat. Mon. (1 hr max) and/or Montezuma's Castle (1 hr) and Montezuma's Well (1/2 hr)

For a half day excursion, try the Verde Valley Railroad

Definately stop at Montezuma's Castle on the way to Jerome (from Sedona) to see ancient Sinagua Indian cliff dwellings. Short easy walk down paved trail to get to the cliff dwellings.

Have lunch at the Haunted Hamburger. Great views overlooking the hillside with huge tasty burgers. Find a parking spot on the same street as the restaurant or you'll have LOTS of steps to hike up from one of the streets below.

I think we visited Jerome and Montezuma's Castle in one morning and were back to Sedona by early afternoon.

Above suggestions all excellent. In Jerome, drive all the way to top and eat at The Asylum (fantastic food, funky, great view)

The Haunted Hamburger in Jerome is good and cheap. The view on its back deck is outstanding.

The former Douglas mansion is in Jerome State Park and WELL worth a stop for the Jerome film and views from the porch...also lots of interesting old photos. Jerome was named for members of Winston Churchill's mother's family, Jennie Jerome, though none of them ever came to Jerome.