The Victorian Village of Ferndale California - Ferndale Travel-Tourism Historical Recreation

Contact Info

Address:

Main Street
Ferndale
Humboldt County, California 95536-0325
United States

Tel:

707-786-4477

Website:

http://www.victorianferndale.com/

Introduction

The Victorian Village of Ferndale is a pastoral oasis nestled between redwood forests and the magnificent beaches of California’s Lost Coast. “Other towns strive to be quaint tourist attractions, Ferndale is naturally so.” “A good home base for exploring Northern California’s natural attractions.” (The Press Democrat)

“The ideal destination for our trip” with “warm, hospitable hosts” (Road & Track), “Ferndale, my favorite Redwood Coast town, looks like something from a child’s storybook. Brightly painted Victorian buildings, clean sidewalks, smiling people … evoke a sense of small-town America and simpler times.” (San Jose Mercury News)

Whether you hike Ferndale’s Russ Park, venture five miles west to the coast, tour historic Fern Cottage or stroll through Main Street shops, visitors to the Victorian Village attest, “Ferndale … is an attraction in itself… a fantasy.” (Marin Independent Journal) However, “this is no ‘architectural Disneyland,’ but genuine. Not a stitch of kitsch in town.” (Sacramento Bee)

“A jewel … a unique place that has managed to stop time” (The Press Democrat), Ferndale represents a distinctive slice of America's past. “Decorated buildings and general good cheer are the real thing.” (Sunset) The town’s authenticity — and determination to protect its unique character and sense of place — is at the heart of its appeal. That’s why the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2002 designated the Victorian Village one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

Founded in 1852, Ferndale quickly became one of the region's major agricultural centers. A prosperous dairy industry provided its economic base; the blend of agriculture and architecture produced splendidly ornate buildings that are known today as "Butterfat Palaces."

Virtually unchanged since the late 1800s, the Victorian Village of Ferndale is full of architectural treasures. Visitors can stroll along the town's Historic Main Street District, where art galleries, antique stores and boutiques complement a dazzling array of 19th-century Gothic Revival, Italianate, Eastlake and Queen Anne homes. A photographer's paradise, Ferndale has been called one of the prettiest painted places in America, and “Main Street is a shopper’s dream.” (San Jose Mercury News)

Ferndale’s spirit is evident in its often-offbeat attractions. The newly restored Ferndale Art & Cultural Center features a Kinetic Sculpture Museum, and the pioneer Ferndale Cemetery is surprisingly popular, not only for its expansive views of the ocean to the west, and the Eel River Valley to the east. Ferndale also is home to the Humboldt County Fair, the longest running county fair in California.

“Ferndale… captures the charm of yesteryear…an authentic Victorian spirit that time has not touched… a true delight.” (Victorian Decorating Ideas) Although Ferndale came to life as an isolated settlement, today the town is just a few miles off the beaten path. With its enchanting Victorian charm, it might as well be a world away.

Find out for yourself. "Immerse yourself in Ferndale's Victorian spirit." (Sunset) “Step back in time, plan a trip to Ferndale.” (Victorian Decorating Ideas)

Magnificently preserved architecture. Fresh air. Repose. In the Victorian Village your cares are centuries away!