The colorful Victorian shops that line Main Street, coupled with the slower pace of the city of Ferndale, is a welcome getaway for visitors and locals of Humboldt County.

  Ferndale is central to local dairy production and is occasionally referred to as a cow town, but the bustling retail shops downtown offer entertainment opportunities ranging from shopping to theater and dining. The Victorian Village of Ferndale is so picturesque it has been the main set for several Hollywood movies, including “The Majestic” and “Outbreak.”

  The small town of 1,390 people was settled in 1852 and quickly became a major agricultural center for the county. The town’s authenticity and resolve to preserve the architecture and history of the buildings has been a major player in the decision by the National Trust for Historic Preservation to make Ferndale one of its Dozen Distinctive Destinations.

  The Ferndale Repertory Theater is the oldest community theater on the North Coast and has a busy schedule all year. The historic theater has been in feature films and has drawn a handful of celebrity guests over the years. For more information or to get an updated schedule, go to www.ferndale-rep.org.

  A few other offbeat attractions include the Ferndale Art & Cultural Center, historic ranch house Fern Cottage, Russ Park, and a Kinetic Sculpture Museum. Souvenir editions of the Ferndale Enterprise contain historic walking and driving maps of the town and are available at most Main Street businesses.