Behind The Tiny Doors Of Healdsburg’s Fairy Houses

HEALDSBURG, CA —Healdsburg, in the heart of northern California’s wine country, is known for a few unique attractions. Visitors may stop to view the famous hand fan museum, shops, or wineries and restaurants along the Russian River, but there is one other big local draw: the little-known fairy doors tucked into nooks and crannies across town.

Each fairy door is a whimsical creation that adds to the wonder and magic of those visiting our little corner of the world. Patch looks at the history of the Healdsburg Fairy doors and where to find them.

The origin of the Healdsburg fairy door has never been disclosed. Still, they are an escape into a whimsical enchantment, according to the people who help fairies tend them.

The first door appeared just off the Healdsburg Park Plaza in 2015, according to a spokesperson from the local historical society and museum. Each door is a mere 5 inches tall.

Fairy doors have been spotted in front of the Healdsburg Police Department, Senior Center, and outside the Bacchi Building. More doors have been spotted off the beaten path on Sweetwater. According to residents, there are fairy doors by many businesses around town, usually that reflect the business by which they sit. The museum’s fairy decorates with the season and even posts tiny event displays on an easel just outside the entrance.

“Little doors have been mysteriously popping up on buildings around Healdsburg,” a museum spokesperson wrote on social media at the first fairy door sighting. “We were delighted to discover this one near the front entrance to our Museum. What does this mean? We have no idea, but we like it. We'll let you know if anyone interesting moves in.”

Finding the fairy doors of Healdsburg is like joining one big scavenger hunt, but it also can be more interactive than that. Locals say that you can leave unique tiny gifts for the fairies inside, from a chunk of bread to a little acorn’s cap full of water. When you return, they say you may find only crumbs and that the water has disappeared.

If you are on a fairy house hunt, check out the Healdsburg Children’s Library, the Healdsburg Ridge Open Space Preserve, and the businesses in and around the plaza. Each tiny doorway has its own unique and delicate features. When you go exploring, allow yourself to experience the joy and magic of each little tended doorway. And, of course, keep your eyes out for the fairies that live there, too.

The local chamber of commerce completed the most recent roundup of Healdsburg Fairy doors. Find the fairy doors at:

• The Healdsburg Visitor’s Center
• Shoffeitt’s Off the Square
• Hand Fan Museum
• Thumbprint Cellars
• The Matheson
• Healdsburg Inn
• KIN Smoke Senior Center
• Roger Bartels, DDS
• Healdsburg Museum
• Healdsburg Library
• Russian River Tea
• Stafford Gallery
• Rainsongg Shoes
• Bon Ton Baby
• One-O-One
• Wash & Brush Up
• Campo Fina
• Costeaux Bakery
• Bella Luna Inn

A map available at the historical society shows the current locations of some of the fairy doors in and around the plaza.fairy doors in and around the plaza. Others may also exist, so if you find more, let us know!