One Day in Ferndale

If you love quaint, storybooks farm towns with downtown boutique stores and pastoral landscapes, Ferndale is a the ideal place to spend a three day weekend getaway. Getting to this cow town (literally, cows are everywhere!) will cost you five hours driving time from San Francisco, mostly on twisty mountain roads, but the rewards are greater than you ever imagined. In 1997, we wanted to get out of San Francisco, so my husband and I made the epic journey through the Redwood Curtain to check out the land of milk and honey, Ferndale. This picturesque town had been featured in movies like Outbreak, and we wanted to see if it was a place we could live. We instantly fell in love with the charming Victorian downtown area, hauntingly beautiful cemetery, and friendly locals who said hello whenever we passed them on the street. Although we ultimately decided that this town of less than 1500 people was far too intimate for us, we paid repeated visits during our residency in neighboring Eureka. Today, Ferndale is still one of our favorite places to visit. While many communities of this size change for the worse, Ferndale has managed to stay small, welcoming and one of the most appealing towns on the Northern California coast.

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Victorian Inn
The Victorian Inn is a cornerstone of Ferndale, and one not to be missed. This elegant bed and breakfast is located in an 1890 Victorian building that takes your breath away and transitions you into a slower, more relaxed time. There are 12 rooms, all with a full bath and amenities you'd expect in a B&B with rates that start at about ... More >
The Victorian Inn is a cornerstone of Ferndale, and one not to be missed. This elegant bed and breakfast is located in an 1890 Victorian building that takes your breath away and transitions you into a slower, more relaxed time. There are 12 rooms, all with a full bath and amenities you'd expect in a B&B with rates that start at about $125 a night. A daily hot breakfast is served in the adjoining VI Restaurant and you can walk off that scrumptious meal beause everything in Ferndale is located within walking distance.
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Loleta Cheese Factory
What do you get when you have an elegant Victorian town located next to free range dairy cows and local artisan cheeses? Some of the best cheese in Northern California, that's what! The Loleta Cheese Company is technically located in Loleta, which is Ferndale's neighboring city. However it's an easy drive from downtown Ferndale and a ... More >
What do you get when you have an elegant Victorian town located next to free range dairy cows and local artisan cheeses? Some of the best cheese in Northern California, that's what! The Loleta Cheese Company is technically located in Loleta, which is Ferndale's neighboring city. However it's an easy drive from downtown Ferndale and a great way to take in the agricultural landscapes and scenery in the region. Once you arrive, you'll be treated to a nearly endless supply of artisan, locally-prduced and award-winning cheeses. The service is upfront and personal, because employees at this family-run operation will share everything you ever wanted to know about artisan cheesemaking. Stop by during the week to make sure you get to see the cheesemaking process, which is a free perk for driving all the way out to this sleepy litle town.
This amazing photo by talented Humboldt County photographer Gary Todoroff perfectly capturees the essence of what's known as the Lost Coast, the rugged coastal region between Ferndale and Mendocino County.
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King Range National Conservation Area
This amazing photo by talented Humboldt County photographer Gary Todoroff perfectly capturees the essence of what's known as the Lost Coast, the rugged coastal region between Ferndale and Mendocino County. This tree-capped area is appropriately named. It's so untameable that despite many attempts to take it beyond dirt roads and fores... More >
This amazing photo by talented Humboldt County photographer Gary Todoroff perfectly capturees the essence of what's known as the Lost Coast, the rugged coastal region between Ferndale and Mendocino County. This tree-capped area is appropriately named. It's so untameable that despite many attempts to take it beyond dirt roads and forests, all have failed because Mother Nature chooses it as her best region to display earthquakes, landslides and historic amounts of rainfall. But don't let these dramatic geologic and weather events dissuade you from venturing into the wild. Some parts of the King Range are easily accessible from Wildcat Road in Ferndale. Whether you're setting out on a backpacking excursion or just strolling along the coat, you'll get a good sense of the awesome beauty of this area even in just one day.
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Russ Park
So you don't have time to explore King Range? Then check out the next best thing in Ferndale's backyard, Russ Park. This 115-acre preserve is easily reached by walking from downtown Ferndale. There are hiking trails, sanctuary canopy teeming with birds and amazing views of the quaint little farm town and surrounding agricultural scene... More >
So you don't have time to explore King Range? Then check out the next best thing in Ferndale's backyard, Russ Park. This 115-acre preserve is easily reached by walking from downtown Ferndale. There are hiking trails, sanctuary canopy teeming with birds and amazing views of the quaint little farm town and surrounding agricultural scenery. You'll feel like a hobbit hiking through the lush, mossy forest filled with redwood trees as well as sitka spruce trees, which are hardly seen outside of this tiny coastal region.
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No Brand Burger Stand
Ferndale's a casual town and a meat-eater's one at that. Carnivore indulgences don't get any better than a big juicy hamburger, which is what you'll find at the hole-in-the-wall No Brand Burger Stand. Don't blink, or you might miss it while driving by. If you're heading to Ferndale it's on the left, just next to KHUM radio. Look for t... More >
Ferndale's a casual town and a meat-eater's one at that. Carnivore indulgences don't get any better than a big juicy hamburger, which is what you'll find at the hole-in-the-wall No Brand Burger Stand. Don't blink, or you might miss it while driving by. If you're heading to Ferndale it's on the left, just next to KHUM radio. Look for this tiny place on the North end of town. You'll get all-American traditional fare, including flavorful hamburgers made from free-range, grass fed beef, handmade french fries, shakes and beer-battered veggies. Order to go and take it on the road with you as you continue your Lost Coast adventures!
Don't blink, or you might miss it while driving by.
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About the Author

Rene Agredano
Rene Agredano
Partner, Agreda Communications, and co-founder of Tripawds.com, the world's largest community for three legged dogs and their humans. Seasonal adventure traveler, writer; and seeker of good times, tasty beverages and good people.
Websitefacebook.com/agredano
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