Fortuna Visitor and Relocation Guide by North Coast Journal

Fortuna Visitor and Relocation Guide

cover

The Only Name you Need to Know in Fortuna Real Estate Come Visit our Office in Sunny Fortuna

CALL US TODAY! â&#x20AC;¢ TWO LOCATIONS SERVING ALL OF HUMBOLDT COUNTY

FORTUNA 125 12th St. 725.2852 L A N D M A R K H U M B O L DT

L A N D M A R K H U M B O L DT

FERNDALE 334 Main St. 786.9300 L I C E N S E # 018 57152

▶ WELComE

CONTENTS Calendar of Events

Community Highlights

CITY MAP

TRAILS & 10 DOG PARK DINING 12 Explore & Stay 14

Shutterstock

Sunny Fortuna is the perfect place to base your redwood adventure when you visit the North Coast. Whether you are staying one day, one week, or a lifetime, Fortuna offers all of the amenities of a large town with the friendliness of a small community. Situated five hours north of the San Francisco Bay Area, Fortuna has quality lodging, dining, shopping, and traveler services in a beautiful rural setting.

Fortuna Visitor and Relocation Guide

” y t i C y l d n e i History ◀ “The Fr

arly settlers started fishing, farming, and raising livestock in the fertile Eel River Valley in the 1800s. Not long after, the Springville Mill and the Newburg Lumber Company set up shop in Fortuna’s early incarnation, Springville. The company town became a hub of the local timber industry and officially changed its name to Fortuna, meaning “fortune,” in 1888.

In the years following, the completion of a rail line from San Francisco to Eureka boosted Fortuna’s growth, opening it to commerce and a steady stream of loggers, who found good paying jobs and a safe place for their families to live. Many of Fortuna’s early industries continue to define the city, as fishing, farming, and lumber are

still mainstays for the community. Now, the city of Fortuna is one of the fastest growing incorporated areas in Humboldt County. It provides a diversity of goods, entertainment, health care, banking, community facilities, and professional services, and combines a moderate climate with a rural lifestyle for those looking to settle down.

▶ cALENDAr of EveNts

usic, art, theater, beer, rodeos, festivals and more. Whatever your interest, Fortuna has you covered with events throughout the year. For up-to-date information on what's happening in Fortuna visit www.fortunachamber.com.

g n i n e p p a What’s H March

Daffodil Festival: The Fortuna Garden Club’s annual Daffodil Show features more than 600 stems of the sunny flowers on display. Call River Lodge at 707-7257572 for dates. Home-Based Business Expo: A showcase of some of Fortuna’s 170+ home-based businesses. Hosted by the Fortuna Business Improvement District. Call 707725-9261 for details.

June

Lemonade Day: Celebrate and encourage the empowerment of young entrepreneurs. First Saturday in June. For more information, visit www.lemonadeday.org/humboldtcounty.

Drew Hyland

Citywide Yard Sale: Centered in Downtown Fortuna, Main Street and adjoining streets are filled with sellers of antiques, collectibles, and rummage. The rest of town joins in with yard and garage sales all over. First Saturday in June. Art & Wine in the Park: A perfect way to start the summer, this event in Rohner Park features hundreds of wines from local and regional vintners, a fine arts area, and a crafts market to browse and shop. Second Sunday in June.

Megan Bender

EE Hops in Humboldt E Redwood AutoXpo

J u ly

3rd of July Fortuna Fireworks Festival: Celebrate Independence

Day a little early in Friendly Fortuna with family fun, a BBQ, music, and fireworks from 5:30 -10:30 PM on July 3, in Newburg Park.

Fortuna Rodeo: More than 98 years in the running, the rodeo itself culminates a week of fun and games for the family. Beginning Monday, enjoy the chili cook off on Main Street. There are daily activities throughout town, including the Junior Rodeo on Wednesday and Thursday. On Friday night, catch the popular event "Bullfighters Only." Saturday brings a parade, carnival, and shows inside the arena and out. Sunday brings more broncos, bulls, barbecues, and barrels. For information visit www.fortunarodeo.com. Third week in July. Redwood AutoXpo: Throw it back to a cooler time, with vintage cars, hotrods, antique tractors, and farm equipment. The weekend activites include a cruise through town, sock-hop, Deep Pit BBQ, burnout contest, and an artisans faire. For information visit www. redwoodautoxpo.org. Fourth full weekend in July.

August

Hops in Humboldt: Beer, beer, and more beer! More than 45 microbreweries from all over the nation converge in Rohner Park for beer tasting. For information, visit www.hopsinhumboldt.com. Fourth Saturday in August.

Fortuna Visitor and Relocation Guide

Simple Pleasures for Any Day Start your day with a H fresh-brewed cup of coffee Browse through H a bookstore Try some fresh apple cider H Carol Niles

E Fortuna Rodeo

October

Apple Harvest Festival: Enjoy the fruits of fall harvest all over town at six different venues. There’s free apple and cider tasting at Clendenen’s Cider Works, a Downtown Street Fair, activities for the kids at Redwood Village, fun at Strongs Creek and Mid-Towne Plaza, a variety sale, and live music in Rohner Park. First Saturday in October. For information visit www.fortunaappleharvest.org Grave Matters & Untimely Departures: Murder! Mystery! Intrigue! Held the Sunday of/or before Halloween, Grave Matters brings haunting tales of both the obscure and the infamous buried in Fortuna’s cemeteries to life.

No v e m b e r

Annual Holiday Craft Fair: Jumpstart your holiday shopping with this free two-day fair, featuring quality, handmade crafts. Held at the River Lodge Conference Center in November.

December

Al Gray Memorial Electric Lighted Parade: Bundle up and watch the big rigs, floats and other vehicles decked out in festive lights. Leaves Redwood Village Shopping Center at 6:30 PM and travels through town to downtown Fortuna. Entries are displayed from 9th to 12th streets. First Friday in December. Garden Club Christmas Home Tour: Take a peek at holiday decorations in lovely local homes. Locations vary. Held at the Fortuna Monday Club and throughout Fortuna in December. Sponsored by the Fortuna Garden Club. Fortuna Christmas Music Festival: Free day of music performed by nearly 400 musicians in a variety of ensembles, choirs, and bands. Second Sunday in December.

Sample local organic H microbrews See a movie in the historic H Fortuna Theater Shop for locally-made H products Downtown Play a round of golf H Walk through the H heather garden near the River Lodge Walk among the redwoods H in Rohner Park Watch the sunset H on the Eel River Get acquainted with H the past at the Depot museum

â&#x2013;ś COMMUnIT Y highlights Am e n i t i e s a n d S e r v i c e s

R E S O U RC E S Fortuna Police Department (non-emergency) 707-725-7550 Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department (Fire Hall) 707-725-5021 Redwood Memorial Hospital 707-725-3361 Fortuna City Hall 707-725-7600 Fortuna Parks & Recreation Dept. 707-725-7620 Fortuna Skating Rink 707-762-7622 Fortuna Chamber of Commerce 707-725-3959

Fortuna River Lodge 707-725-7572 Fortuna Business Improvement District 707-725-9261 Pacific Gas & Electric 800-743-5000 Fortuna Library 707-725-3460 Fortuna Depot Museum 707-725-7645 Fortuna Post Office 707-725-9306

Health Care: Located in the heart of Fortuna, Redwood Memorial Hospital is a full-service, 25-bed critical access hospital that features a 24-hour emergency room. Just next door, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the Fortuna Community Health Center, a stateof-the-art, 32,000 square-foot facility that provides medical, dental, tele-medicine, and behavioral health services. The Health Center has a total of 30 medical exam rooms, 7 dental operatories, a diagnostic laboratory, a medication dispensary, and much more. There are also independent physicians, dentists, optometrists, podiatrists, physical therapy, and counseling services for all your health needs. Public Safety: The Fortuna Police Department has more than 25 police officers, community service officers, and volunteers. With a full-time fire chief the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department is made up of over 60 people and divided into five companies. California Conservation Corps: Fortuna is home to two successful CCC programs: The Salmon Restoration Program and the Watershed Stewards Program. The Eel River watershed is one of many to benefit from these programs, which have restored or enhanced nearly 1,800 miles of streams and estuary habitat, and planted more than two million trees.

H Welcoming home the state football champs

Jillian Butolph

Fortuna Visitor and Relocation Guide

Activities and Event Venues Community Center: The Gene Lucas Community Center is located adjacent to Newburg Park. This 22,000 square-foot facility provides an event space and will house the Fortuna Senior Center, The Multi-Generational Center, the McLean Foundation, and others.

River Lodge Conference Center: Overlooking the scenic Eel River, Fortuna’s River Lodge is a convenient meeting place with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. This beautiful facility seats up to 500 and is designed to accommodate large and small events including conferences, weddings, reunions and banquets, as well as musical and theater productions. The commercial kitchen is fully-equipped for serving up to three hundred people. Don’t miss the Gallery at River Lodge. Showcasing a wide variety of local artisan’s wares, including a large selection of Fire & Light, The Gallery offers shoppers an opportunity to find that special gift or souvenir. Pay a visit to the Heather Garden surrounding the River Lodge, one of the largest public heather collections in North America. More information is available by calling 707-725-7572. The Monday Club Building: Boasting a small stage, excellent acoustics, and a charming setting, the Monday Club is the perfect event venue for baby and bridal showers, small weddings, birthdays, memorial services, meetings, muscial performances, and more. Call 707-725-7572 for more information.

Jillian Butolph

G Fortuna River Lodge

EE Monday Club

E Depot Museum

An na hy Dr

Palm er

Exit 689

Sequoia Dr

Dennis Wendt Memorial Trail

Pa lm er C ree kR d

vi e

P St

Exit 689

O St

P St

ian

Angel Hts

Holm an W ay Dr

I St

Riverwalk Trail

Exit 688

H St

r Ln

Fortuna Chamber of Commerce

P St

K St

L St

Exit 688

Car so n

1st St

Wesco Ln

Fortuna Fire Dept

Willow Dr

Alder Dr

Ash St

The Western

Newell Dr well Dr E Ne

Scenic Dr

South Fortuna Elementary School

Mtn View Village

Smith Ln

Mid Towne Shopping Center

Beech St

Rd ts

Parkside Dr

Fortuna Depot Museum

Rohner Park

East High Fortuna School High School

N St

Main St

Alley

O St

P St

Barney St

High St

Fortuna Fortuna Police Dept Middle School J St

Fortuna Dog Park

KS t

Monday Club

Harlan Way

Exit 690

Ri ve

o ll o w

ail H

Baer Ct

Home Ave

6th St

Dr en ns a H

Nob Hill Rd

7th St 7th St

Ln n Garde

8th St

d eR

Ri dg

Garland Ave

13th St

Meadowbrook Ln

g Pa

14th St Sunnybrook Dr

Ch ris t

9th St

Vancil St 12th St

Pond St

10th St

16th St

d Blv

Randolph Way

Ste war t St

Shu ele r Ln 15th St

15th St

ay nW ma

S 16th St

S h ir

N Fortuna Blvd

16th St

S 15th St S 15th St

s Rd od

Spring St

11th St

Redwood Village

Redwood Way

3rd Ave

Summer St

Park St

yH eig h

Sun n

o R

Lawndale Dr

Jenny Ln

2nd Ave

g ur

Vir

Sh ay Ct

Fran klin

Boyde n Ln

Shults Dr

Fernwood D r

Shady Ln

Hillside Dr

re rC

Ivy Ln

Dove Ct

Shamrock Dr

Virginia Ct

Joseph St

0.25

ve 2nd A

Brazil Lane

Arizzi Ct

Newburg Park

urg wb Ne

Sunrise Ct

eth zab Eli

Maya Ln

hn e

Arn old Way

Da vid W ay Cypress Loop Holly St St

Valley View Rd d

Emerald Ln y Way

aw ay C t F r an kli nA ve

Corina Ct

Sw ee tC t

Meadow Ln

w ell St

eD mor Dins

Loo p R d

Pryor Ct

Strong s Cree k

Headwaters Forest Reserve

0.5 Miles

Ridge View Ct

Fortuna Cemetery District

lto

Springville Ave

Penny Ln Senestraro Way

Guido Ave

Orchard Ln

Francesco Pl

a Dr gini

Berry Creek

us Way a rc

nt Ln Brya

n Wa y S tillma

Stra

r Vista D

St 9th Al

Ct hts Heig Park

e wb

rr y

8 Nelson Dr

H il

Trail

Highway

Rd rry t Fe Eas

Major Road Exit 687

Eel River Rd

Barr

Acacia Dr

Pepperw ood Ln

Taylor Way

Lindley St

Oleary St

Murray Ave

Dennis St

Myrtle St

Robin Hood Ln

Ma ggi eL n

Kenmar Rd

Colleg e

Kirby St

Rohnerville Airport

Drake Hill Rd

School St

Campton Lane Campton Heights Dr

Highland Dr

Thomas St

Rohner St

Allis on C t

Kenwood Rd Larsen Ln

Covey Ct

Creekside Ct

Ambrosini Elementary School

Redwood Way Renner Dr

She ilds Ln

Ch e r y l L

Remie Ct

Laurel Ln

Redwood Preparatory Charter

W School St

Ct Dana

Royal Crest Mobile Estates

May St

Crestview Dr

Hope Lane

Fortuna Junior Academy

Hannah Ct

Becker Ln

Blair Ln

Cris

Kenmar Rd

Strong Creek Shopping Center

St Joseph Way

Redwood Memorial Hospital

E College Ave

Tony Dr

Tami Dr

Trinity St

Jordan St

Brown St

Ceda rC t

Church St

Lee Ct

Baxter Ln

Palomino Pl

View St

Jones Ct

Hillras Way

Kestrel St

t Grace C

Windfall Ln

Woodcock Ct

Fore st Hil ls

Mill St

1st St

Eagle View Lane

man Lane Hu Bridge View

Loop Ct

S Lo op R d

Gulliksen Dr

Wy ras Hil

Ln oko Toy

Traci Way

Rd irie Pra dy n Sa

Riverwal Rive r

to State Hwy 36

River Lodge Conference Center

Exit 687

Alamar Way

California Conservation Corps

Sandy Prairie Ct

Pine View Dr

Mill Creek Way Cole Ct

FORTUNA MaP

McCahill Ln

Xavier C t Kelli Way Aldrich Place

Shopping Center

Ronald Ave

Boone St

St Joseph Dr Mah an L n

Wood St

Justice Ct

Chism Ct

Clara Ave

Evelyn Ct

Olse n Ct

Frontier Shopping Center

Thelma St

Hill cre st A ve

n Penn Ave

Meadowlark

Skylark Ln Lib e rt y Ct Brandi Ln Free dom Ct Olsen Ln

Blue Jay Ct

Tami Ct Cecil Ave

S Airport Rd

Rd Samal St

Roan Ct

S Fortuna Blvd Charles Pl

Weber St

Bridle Creek Ave

ill

Rebecca Ln

Osprey Ter

Ro H ss

d lle R

r nD lee Merlin Ct

Eel

Ct Baird

Susan Dr

Pl field en Gre Pl ood elw La ur

ervi

Pine Ridge Rd

t Emil C

n Roh

Jones St

Rancheria Rd Ln mp Ke

r wD Vie set Sun

Fortuna Visitor and Relocation Guide

â&#x2013;ś trAIls & dog Park City Parks: The Fortuna Parks & Recreation Department offers a wide variety of activities, classes, programs, and sports leagues for all ages and interests and manages Rohner and Newburg Parks, which host festivals and events year-round. Facilities at Rohner Park include four Little League fields, batting cages, a leisure-size softball diamond, page 8 rodeo grounds, indoor roller skating rink/gymnasium, recreation hall, large playground and tot lot, basketball court, bocce ball courts, horseshoe pits, large and small picnic grounds, a pistol range, a cook shack, a deep pit barbecue, hiking and equestrian trails, and the Depot Museum. Newburg Park, a 25-acre facility, has soccer fields, two softball fields, two baseball fields, a playground, and a picnic area. This park is lighted for evening activities and features a concession stand. Reach the Parks & Recreation Department at 707-725-7620.

Map

of trails

E Hiking at Rohner Park

G The Fortuna Riverwalk Trail

Amy Kumler

Headwaters Forest Reserve: In addition to the hiking trails in Rohner Park, Fortuna boasts one of two access points to the Headwaters Forest Reserve. You can accompany Reserve managers on guided hikes to see the magnificent old growth redwood forest. This particular trail is an old logging road adjacent to Salmon Creek. It is a four-mile round-trip, moderate-to-slightlydifficult hike, and takes approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Hikes are conducted four days a week for the general public and

Fortuna Visitor and Relocation Guide

Bureau of Land Management California

E Headwaters Forest Reserve

G Fortuna Dog Park

Zach Lathouris

two additional days for educational groups. Hikes are limited to 20-30 people, and are conducted May 15 through November 15, weather permitting. For reservations and driving instructions call the Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office at 707-825-2300. Fortunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Dog Park: Right off U.S. Highway 101 on Dinsmore Drive, you and your four-legged friend, big or small, will find tons of fenced-off space to play. After a good game of tug-of-war, take refuge under the park's shaded gazebo area or head downtown, where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find lots of dog-friendly restaurants with patio seating for you and your pup.

▶ DiNinG

steaks, and fresh seafood. For Asian-inspired cuisine, grab a table at Kome, Humboldt’s premiere sushi house. Craving savory and sweet? Cakennbaconn does it all. You’ll find hot and cold sandwiches (on fresh baked bread), pastries, custom cakes, and event catering. Pick up a fork (or don’t) at Smokin’ Barrels Burgers and BBQ, which serves up finger-licking BBQ, burgers, pot pies, and tasty daily specials. Are you a foodie on the go? Swing by Humboldt Fresh food truck for fun takes on hot sandwiches, tacos, burgers, brisket and fries. Finish off your culinary adventure with a cold treat from Hoppy's FroYo. All this and more awaits, so bring your appetite.

Amy Kumler

or a small town, Fortuna has quite the menu, offering an array of dining options to suit any taste and any occasion. You’ll find everything from mom-and-pop sandwich shops to fine cuisine. Local favorites include Fat Anne’s Bakery and Bistro, which utilizes local ingredients in daily lunch and breakfast specials and the Eel River Brewery, an organic microbrewery and pub with a beer garden. Got your pooch? Hot Brew Bistro has a dog-friendly patio, where you can gnosh on omelets, benedicts, wraps, burgers, salads, and more. If you’re craving the catch of the day, head over to Double D Steak and Seafood, which offers up tasty bbq specials, choice

H Eel River Brewery

E Double D Steak and Seafood

G Hot Brew Bistro

Zach Lathouris

Amy Kumler

DiNING & LodgiNg Map

to Main St

đ&#x;&#x2026;&#x201C; 36 26

N Fortuna Blvd

1 10

đ&#x;&#x2026;&#x2014;

Newburg Rd

đ&#x;&#x2026;&#x2022;

Riverwalk Dr

S Fortuna Blvd

22 29

32 33

Eel

r Rive

Kenmar Rd

Best Western Country Inn Comfort Inn & Suites Fortuna Super 8 Motel Humboldt Redwood Inn Riverwalk RV Park Six Rivers Motel The Redwood Riverwalk Inn Travel Inn

d ll R

A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.

đ&#x;&#x2026;&#x201D;

đ&#x;&#x2026;? đ&#x;&#x2026;&#x2018; đ&#x;&#x2026;&#x2019; đ&#x;&#x2026;&#x2013;

ss Ro

1. Auction Yard CafĂŠ 2. Bobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Footlongs 3. Burger King 4. Cakennbaconn Cafe & Cakery 5. Campton Heights Market 6. Clendenenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cider Works 7. Double D Steak & Seafood 8. Eel River Brewing Co. 9. Ridgetop Cafe & Coffee Barn 10. Fat Anneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakery & Bistro 11. Funky Monkey 12. Grocery Outlet 13. Hoppy's Froyo 14. Hot Brew 15. Humboldt Fresh 16. Hunan Village 17. Jitter Bean Coffee 18. Kome Restaurant 19. Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen 20. La Costa Mexican Restaurant 21. Las Cazuelas Restaurant & Cantina 22. McDonaldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 23. Out Of The Way Cafe 24. Papa Murphyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Take 'N' Bake Pizza 25. Pepperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 26. The Playroom 27. Rayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Food Place 28. Redwood CafĂŠ 29. Round Table Pizza 30. Safeway 31. Shotz Coffee And Drive Thru 32. Smokinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Barrels Burgers & Bbq 33. Starbucks 34. Subway 35. Sushi Boat Buffet 36. Taco Loco 37. Westside Pizza

23 School St

▶ Explore & stAY Lod g i n g

Fishing: Fishing opportunities abound in the Eel River Valley. In Fortuna, you’ll find everything you need to reel in your catch, with gas, food, licenses and lodging nearby world-class salmon and steelhead fishing. Pick up bait and tackle at the locallyowned outdoor store, Sport & Cycle. Try a guided fishing tour with Loleta Eric’s Guide Service (707-845-0400), and hook ’em like an expert.

Amy Kumler

Check into the luxury boutique Redwood Riverwalk Hotel. There, you are a stone’s throw from Fortuna’s Riverwalk, where you can stroll or bike the scenic two-mile stretch along the bank of the Eel River. This dog-friendly hotel also features a swimming pool. The ever-reliable Comfort Inn and Suites, Best Western Country Inn, Fortuna Redwood Inn, and Super 8 are clean, hospitable and conveniently located. Looking for something a little different? Book a stay at Riverbar Pharms Bed and Breakfast, the first cannabisfriendly B&B. Dishing out hospitality, locally-sourced breakfasts, and beautiful pastoral views from a charming Victorian, you’ll get a taste of the extraordinary. Brought along your RV or trailer? Set up camp at the Riverwalk RV Park, which is nestled among the towering redwoods near the Eel River.

E Riverbar Pharms

G Fishing on the Eel River

F Downtown Fortuna

Jilllian Butolph

Fortuna Visitor and Relocation Guide

Shopping

Fortunaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s retail stores, building suppliers, and professional services make it an important shopping place for Northern Humboldt. Four main shopping areas include Downtown Fortuna, Redwood Village Shopping Center, Mid-Towne Plaza, and Strongs Creek Plaza, which features boutiques professional services, restaurants, bars, groceries, coffee houses, drug stores, video rentals, antique stores, thrift stores, banks, a post office, police station, theater, and city hall. Be sure to dip into Wild Cactus Clothing, 5 O'Clock Shadow Menswear, and Muse Fashion Boutique for the latest trends, Main Street Gift Co., for beautiful treasures, Redwood Thrift for unique, upcycled finds and Bartowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelers for elegant rings, necklaces, and more. Farmers Market: Enjoy local produce, fresh from the farm. The Fortuna Farmers Market is held every Tuesday from June to late October, from 3 PM to 6 PM. All the produce and plants at the Fortuna market are locally grown and nearly all are organic. Live music too! For information call 707-441-9999.