Nestled between the giant redwoods and the rugged Pacific coast of northernCalifornia, is one of the state's best-kept secrets: the Victorian village of Ferndale. A State Historic Landmark, and listed on the National Historic Register, Ferndale isa community frozen in time, with Victorian homes and shops relatively unchangedsince their construction in the mid-to-late 1800's. Originally settled byScandinavians, followed by Portuguese and various Europeans, the principleindustry is dairy farming, followed by tourism. Ferndale boasts a population of1450, and offers art galleries, live theater, museums, old cemeteries, many fairs andfestivals throughout the year, as well as the tallest living Christmas tree, which is thefocal point of the holiday activities.
Well known as one of Northern California's most photographed inns, and recentlyawarded Four Diamonds from AAA, the Gingerbread Mansion Inn is a spectacularexample of Victorian splendor, both inside and out. The exterior boastsspin
