There’s nowhere else in Northern California quite like Ferndale. Known as the gateway to the majestic Lost Coast area, this last little piece of civilization is a picturesque place with lovely Victorian architecture, beautiful trees, and friendly people.
Known as the northern gateway to California’s Lost Coast and the city, which is sited on the edge of a wide plain near the mouth of the Eel River, is also located near the extensive coastal Redwood forests.
Flickr/ Carodean Road Designs
People don’t only know this town for it’s incredible natural scenery, however. It’s also famous for it’s incredibly vibrant Victorian architecture.
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The cozy little town has a population of 1,371 souls and was founded in 1852 by Willard Allard and brothers Seth Louis Shaw and Stephen W. Shaw.
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Ferndale is located in Humboldt County, among the dense forests, mountains, and foggy coastline.
Flickr/ Lynn Friedman
The area is economically sustained by a mixture of dairies and ranching as well as retail and other local businesses.
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The agricultural way of life defines much of the town’s culture. Family owned and operated is the most common type of company you’ll find in these parts.
Flickr/ Carodean Road Designs
It’s also known as “Cream City” because the well-preserved Victorian store-fronts on main street and the homes throughout the community are known as “Butterfat Palaces.” These displays of obvious wealth were built thanks to the revenue generated by the successful local dairy industry.
Flickr/ Markus Spiering
Many of these buildings date from the 1880s. The entire town is registered as California Historical Landmark #883.
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There are many interesting and historical places to take in as you tour the town, like the Hart Theatre, which was built in 1920.
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The Gingerbread mansion is another place you must check out. It is located at 400 Berding St, Ferndale, CA 95536 and you can reach them by phone at (707) 786-4000
Flickr/ mlhradio Bed and Breakfast Inn at Victorian Ferndale, California - ferndale30x Victorian Ferndale, California. Many of the larger, mansions have been refurbished into small inns or teahouses. Picture taken October 29, 2007. Photo #30 of 52 of my ‘Victorian Ferndale’ photoset.
Some members of the community have lived here for generations and have colorful stories to tell about the area and the people who lived here.
Flickr/ Rene Rivers
There are several popular events that happen annually, including the Humboldt County fair, the ‘The Ferndale Fray,’ and the Foggy Bottom Milk Run.
Flickr/ Erik Fitzpatrick Some sort of bike fest
It’s know as one of the best places in Northern California to raise a family as well as to visit.
Flickr/ Carodean Road Designs
There’s really nothing like the main drag, which is nostalgic and very akin to typical small town America.
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Whether it’s your first time or your 100th, a walk around this beautiful Northern California town is an unforgettable experience.
Flickr/ David Becker
Ferndale is a little gem of a town in Northern California with great traditions, history, and character. Prepared to be blown away by the interesting homes, businesses, and nature.
Flickr/ Carodean Road Designs
Flickr/ nrg_crisis
Flickr/ mlhradio
Flickr/ Lynn Friedman
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Flickr/ Markus Spiering
Flickr/ David Becker
Flickr/ Jasperdo
Bed and Breakfast Inn at Victorian Ferndale, California - ferndale30x Victorian Ferndale, California. Many of the larger, mansions have been refurbished into small inns or teahouses. Picture taken October 29, 2007. Photo #30 of 52 of my ‘Victorian Ferndale’ photoset.
Flickr/ Rene Rivers
Flickr/ Erik Fitzpatrick
Some sort of bike fest
Flickr/ Tony Webster
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Address: 400 Berding St, Ferndale, CA 95536
