Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Mother’s Day? Go beyond the usual card and flowers, and treat mom to something really special: a fun weekend in Ferndale! The very best gifts aren’t material things but experiences – and a day or two in the charming historic Victorian Village will be an experience she’ll never forget.
Walk Among Beautiful Blooms at Ferndale Cemetery
Sure, we might be best known for our redwoods here on the North Coast - but come spring, it’s the rhododendrons that steal the spotlight. Stroll nearly any Ferndale street in May and you’ll see mature shrubs bursting with plate-sized blooms in every shade of pink, red, and purple. But nowhere are the blossoms more stunning than at scenic Ferndale Cemetery. It’s a bit of a hike up the hillside, but the peaceful, panoramic view of vibrant rhododendrons, church steeples and farmland from the top is more than worth it. On a clear day, you can see out to the ocean and mouth of the Eel River. The Ferndale Cemetery is located across from the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Craig Street, next to The Old Steeple. If you're up for an extended hike, continue beyond the cemetery to the main trailhead of Russ Park.
Relax Over Afternoon Tea at the Gingerbread Mansion
Go beyond the usual Mother’s Day brunch and book the tea room at Ferndale’s famous Gingerbread Mansion. A luxury once reserved for guests, high tea at the historic inn is now open to the public by appointment, afternoons from 1-3pm. Enjoy an authentic Victorian era tea with fine china, an elegant parlor setting, and teatime treats – including tea sandwiches, scones with Devonshire cream and preserves, and an assortment of cookies. Don’t forget to take a walk through the mansions' beautifully maintained English-inspired garden. $28/person. Call (707) 786-4000 to reserve your space. 400 Berding St.
Enjoy Brunch & Bid on Treats at Sweet Memories Dessert Auction
What better way to spend Mother’s Day than honoring moms across the decades – and taking home a sweet treat – at the Sweet Memories Dessert Auction? A modern Mother’s Day tradition, Ferndale Museum’s popular annual benefit features historic exhibits put together by local families to spotlight the stories, photographs and recipes of beloved mothers, grandmothers, aunts, cousins and neighbors, plus a dessert auction of baked goods and specialty items from over a century of celebrated bakers. Auction takes place Saturday, May 12, 2018; bid on Saturday and enjoy your prize on Mother’s Day! $5 admission includes buffet lunch and wine. 11am to 3pm at Ferndale City Hall, 834 Main St.
See a Show at Ferndale Repertory Theatre
Entertain mom with a matinee this Mother’s Day! You haven’t fully experienced Main Street Ferndale until you’ve seen a show at Ferndale Repertory Theatre: The largest and longest-running community playhouse on the North Coast, the Rep produces a full season of plays and other special events in the historic Hart Theatre building. Snack bar includes beer and wine along with classic popcorn and candy. Evening shows Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; matinees Saturday and Sunday at 2pm. Call (707) 786.5483 or go online to buy tickets. 447 Main Street.
Fill Up on Food Network-Famous Pastries at Humboldt Sweets
Indulge mom’s sweet tooth with what homegrown celebrity chef Guy Fieri calls “cinnamon rolls gone wild” at the Redwood Coast’s most indulgent bakery, Humboldt Sweets. Oozing with gooey caramel-pecan goodness, Humboldt Sweets' jumbo-sized sticky buns are a must-do on your Ferndale bucket list. Also not to be missed: the buttery scones with bacon gravy, fluffy cornbread with honey butter and any one of the luscious cakes, pies or cookies under the dessert counter. When the weather cooperates, enjoy al fresco dining on the bakery’s cozy front patio with a view of quaint downtown Ferndale. Cash only, open Friday-Sunday, 614 Main St.
