Visit Ferndale Village: A Victorian Wonder and So Much More
Located in the scenic redwood coast area of Northern California, Ferndale is one of the best-preserved enclaves of Victorian architecture on the west coast. Here, you will find a well preserved Victorian small-town atmosphere. Unlike other small Victorian towns that have fallen prey to tourism, Ferndale remains a healthy working town. Its Main Street, lined with ornate Victorian commercial buildings, still functions much like it did during the Victorian period, with a hardware store, drug store, butcher shop, clothing stores, mercantile, hotels, and saloons. Ferndale is such a rarity, it has been used as the location for several movies, the latest being The Majestic, starring Jim Carrey.
Redwood Suites is near the head of Main Street, where you can watch the daily activity of a small town at work. Ranchers coming in to the Post Office to get their mail and check up on the local gossip, kids smiling on their way to the candy store, and numerous sidewalk conversations among locals and tourists alike. In Ferndale, it seems everyone has time to stop what they’re doing and chat with you for a while.
A Classic Main Street USA Plus Chocolate!
When you come to visit Ferndale, you’ll want to spend a day exploring Main Street with its many unique shops. If you’re old enough, you may recognize some of the vintage items still for sale in the Golden Gait Mercantile. If not, ask the shopkeeper or bring your grandparents. If you are a chocoholic, make your way down to Sweetness & Light and grab a couple of Moo Bars or a Daryl Bar. Where else but Ferndale would you find a candy bar named for the local UPS driver?
You’ll find entertainment at the Repertory Theatre or at the Old Steeple concert venue. Any time is a good time to come to Ferndale. Almost every week there is a special event, whether it’s the world-famous Kinetic Sculpture Race, or Ferndale’s lighted tractor parade at Christmas, a favorite for locals. Be sure to check our event calendar for current happenings.
Here’s our Calendar of Fun Events!
Save A Day to Explore Humboldt and the Redwoods Coastal Area
There’s more to Ferndale than Main Street, and Ferndale is fun for more than just a weekend visit. If you love Victorian homes and historic architecture, be sure to allow one day just for driving around the surrounding farmlands. Due to Ferndale’s early wealth from the bountiful dairies, Ferndale and the surrounding communities boast some of the grandest Victorian farm houses in the country, On any road you’ll be treated to interesting Victorian homes, wonderful scenery, and clean, fresh country air.
Now that you’ve seen downtown Ferndale and the surrounding country side, you’re ready to explore a bit further. Take a tour of a cheese factory in Loleta. Have dinner with a hundred of your closest friends at the Samoa Cookhouse.
Take A Hike, Enjoy A Picnic, or Contemplate the Stars
Take a hike in Russ Park or visit one of several National and State forests and parks that are within easy driving distance. Take a picnic lunch for an all-day drive along the Lost Coast, one of California’s most scenic and remote coastal drives. For a really up-close look at some massive redwood trees, don’t miss the Avenue of the Giants, where the trees are so close you’ll want to keep your hands in the car at all times.
Whatever your choice is for your day’s activity, you’ll enjoy coming back to your comfortable room at the Redwood Suites. For dinner, join us at the VI Restaurant. Afterwards, take a stroll around town, marvel at a sky full view of stars, and just for a minute, pretend it’s really 1880. It won’t be too hard.
“Ferndale without the B&B prices”
5 of 5 stars
This is the only place in downtown Ferndale to stay that’s not a b&b. Went with friends and didn’t really want the extra cost/amenities that come w/b&b’s -though I would recommend going that route if it’s your first time to the area/never stayed in a b&b before. The towns’ offerings of beautifully restored Victorians to stay in is abundant. The Redwood Suites however, is a fair alternative if you don’t want the cost, and especially if you are with friends and don’t mind sharing a space as most rooms are suites. The location is fantastic, right downtown with food, sightseeing, shopping, all within walking distance.
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