"Inside Ferndale" Ferndale by Ferndale

It is worth the 5 mile drive off of Hwy 101 for three or four hours---- Ferndale has a small 1950's feeling with lots of old victorian homes and fancy painted store fronts. There are two reasonably priced smaller motels in town, both clean & probably two-three star level motels, plus some higher cost B& B's. Two hotels in town too, which are very nice but have only a few rooms. (There are lots of the "name brand motels" in Fortuna which is on 101 a couple of miles south)
Surprisingly good shopping for such a small town and only a couple of blocks long. Some really nice stores. Check out the F. Mercantile, the F. Emporium, Blacksmith Shop, an old fashioned general store, Nielson's Hardware store, F. Clothing Co.with great women's clothes. Ask any storekeeper what you would like to see or for any questions. They are very friendly. The best places to eat are Curleys at the old vic hotel and the Ivanhoe Hotel. Also is a fairly good mexican place and other short order shops. If they are open try the bakery--a little hidden so ask where it is. Few places to eat breakfast except on weekends. For a unique experience try Poppa Joes for breakfast--a local hangout and good food---don't be driven away by the looks of the place---it passes health standards.