Ferndale is an enchanting place to visit all year round—but with its hauntingly beautiful historic buildings and moody coastal mist, the Victorian Village really shines in fall.
Hike Historic Ferndale Cemetery
One of the top tourist attractions in Ferndale, the Historic Ferndale Cemetery is one of the most picturesque and photographed final resting places in the United States, thanks to an extraordinary location on a steep rhododendron-covered hillside and a myriad of century-old mausoleums, monuments and headstones.
Wander up meandering pathways to the towering, lichen-strewn trees at the top—gateway to Ferndale’s lushly forested Russ Park—for sweeping views of the Eel River and the Pacific Ocean.
Take the “Salem’s Lot” Tour
Ferndale’s vintage Victorians and small-town atmosphere made it a shoo-in as the set for “Salem’s Lot,” the 1979 cult-classic horror miniseries based on Stephen King’s book of the same name.
Many of the Salem's Lot filming locations can easily be visited on a self-guided walking tour, including the Victorian cottage at Ferndale Airbnb, The Old Rectory, the Conference Room of the Victorian Inn, Ferndale High School, Our Savior's Lutheran Church and the cemetery. Of course, the film’s most iconic structure, the Marsten House, no longer exists; it was actually a fantastic external façade that took 20 days to build around a smaller structure (Wikipedia). However, the original structure can still be seen perched atop a hill overlooking Ferndale.
Not a fan of scary movies? Ferndale’s pedestrian-friendly streets and remarkably well-preserved Victorians—the whole town resides on the National Register of Historic Places—provide plenty of eye candy for a non-spooky walking tour.
Shop Historic Main Street
Fall is the perfect time to leave behind the big box stores for quaint small town boutiques. Ferndale’s historic Main Street is chock full of unique finds and the best variety of shops on the Redwood Coast.
Lose yourself in old-fashioned Americana at the Golden Gait Mercantile, one of the best authentic general stores in the United States brimming with heirloom goods from hats and housewares to food and antiques.
Admire the hand-forged wares of The Blacksmith Shop, a collection of the best master blacksmithing in the country and a must-see for fans of popular History Channel show, “Forged in Fire.”
Treat yourself to fall boots and bags from Abraxas Shoes or try on seasonal clothing and accessories at Ferndale Clothing Company, Girlie Girls, Farmer’s Daughter, Elyon Art and Gifts, and Ferndale Emporium.
Admire Dia de los Muertos inspired skeleton art
Get into the spirit of Halloween and Mexican holiday Dias de los Muertos at Redeye Laboratories, the must-see gallery of local surf artist Shawn Griggs.
A legendary figure in the Humboldt County arts scene, Griggs is best known for his imagination-fueled oil paintings and illustrations depicting scenes of skeletons living and loving life—from surfing and skateboarding to partying with family and friends.
The other dominant theme in his work, ocean imagery, is inspired by a lifelong love for surfing, the North Coast, and Mexico. Griggs' colorful and instantly recognizable artwork adorns t-shirts, hoodies and hats in addition to paintings and prints, and his graphic designs can also be found on many local products such as labels for Humboldt Honey Wine and globally distributed Lost Coast Brewery.
Get cozy in a one-of-a-kind coffeehouse
After an afternoon of shopping, swing into Mind’s Eye Manufactory & Coffee Lounge for a pick-me-up of pourover coffee, frothy latte or spiced housemade chai in an invitingly homey atmosphere.
Sink into a comfy chair by the fireplace, grab a book from the shelf, and make sure to check out the traditional skin-on-frame Aleutian sea kayaks built in the attached woodworking maker space, the ever-rotating gallery of local art on the walls, and the extensive collection of animal skulls gathered by owner Marc Daniels on his boat-building treks to Alaska.
Just down the street, Main Street Coffee Co. is famous for its Italian soda and blended Red Bull drinks, as well as seasonal espresso drinks and milkshakes.
Discover more things do in Ferndale at VisitFerndale.com.