Destination Ferndale: Go back in time to a pioneer village, cheese farm and toffee shop

Summer has reached Whatcom County, and we’re exploring local cities, islands and other destinations within a day’s travel from Bellingham.

In May, we explored Lynden and found a fairy tale forest, delicious pastries, sweet locally-owned shops and beautiful scenery. Then, we explored Birch Bay’s beautiful beaches, oceanside restaurants and nautical charm.

Now, we’re taking you to Ferndale to explore the quaint downtown shops, a local cheese farm and a sweet shop with handmade toffee.

Stop 1: Barb’s Pies & Pastries

Barb’s Pies & Pastries is a quaint bakery that is known for more than just its pies. The bakery serves handmade pies, doughnuts, cakes, bars and other desserts as well as some lunch options. As you begin your day in Ferndale, stop by Barb’s and grab a scone, cinnamon roll, doughnut or lemon bar to begin your day with a sweet start.

Barb’s Pies and Pastries is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 2054 Main St.

Stop 2: McKay’s Variety

After you’ve grabbed your sweet treat from Barb’s, head down Main Street to McKay’s Antiques and Variety, an antique and collectibles shop owned by Stuart Mckay, whose parents used to own a shop at the same location, “McKay’s Variety.”

The shop is full of unique furniture, decor and antique items and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday at 2036 Main St.

Stop 3: Anytime Toffee and Gifts

Just a block north of Main Street is Anytime Toffee and Gifts, a coffee shop and toffee store that is a must-see (must-taste?) in Ferndale. The family-owned business makes a variety of dark, milk and white chocolate toffees including espresso bean dark chocolate, churro, lavender, coconut, cinnamon, orange cream and mint.

While you’re at the shop grabbing a latte and some toffee, take a look around its gift shop full of items from about 50 local vendors.

Anytime Toffee and Gifts is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5701 Third Ave.

Stop 4: Etta’s Attic Antiques & Collectibles

Farther down Main Street you’ll find another antique store full of unique collectibles and decor, Etta’s Attic Antiques & Collectibles.

The large shop has rows of items to look through and is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday at 2009 Main St.

Stop 5: Pioneer Park

A Ferndale park just a few blocks away from Main Street will transport you to another time, taking you to a pioneer village in the 1800s. Pioneer Park resembles a town-square with 12 historic buildings including a church, school house, jail, post office and general store.

“The slab cedar houses were some of the first buildings that pioneers constructed in the Pacific Northwest and have been meticulously maintained and restored by the Old Settlers Association and Ferndale Heritage Society over the last hundred years,” according to the city of Ferndale’s website.

The Pioneer Village is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday from May 15 through Sept. 15 at 2000 Cherry St. in Ferndale. Guided tours are also available through the Ferndale Heritage Society and costs $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-12 and is free for children under 6. Tours can only be paid with cash or check, and check-in is at the Parker House Cabin. The society can be contacted at 360-384-6461.

Stop 6: Appel Farms

Although Main Street is home to some great restaurants such as Cedar’s Restaurant and Lounge or Leader Block Trattoria & Bar, a short drive from downtown through some country roads will lead you to a hidden gem: Appel Farms.

Appel Farms is known for its housemade cheeses, but also makes a perfect lunch spot as it serves sandwiches, charcuterie boards and desserts, along with wines, vintage sodas and sparkling waters.

Visitors can enjoy their meals inside the cafe, or outside near a serene pond. Appel Farms also has a cheese and food shop where you can take home your favorite cheeses, oils, spreads and merchandise.

Appel Farms is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday at 6605 Northwest Dr.