Hand Fan Museum

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Yes, you really can visit a museum dedicated exclusively to the display and description of hand fans. The tiny Hand Fan Museum of Healdsburg

(327A Healdsburg Ave. at the Healdsburg Hotel, 707/431-2500, www.handfanmuseum.com, Wed.–Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m.) seeks to tell the cultural histories of Europe, America, and Asia through the creation, decoration, and use of fans. It doesn’t take long to view and enjoy both the permanent collection and seasonal exhibits at this fun little museum.

You might be surprised to discover the level of artistry put into some of the fans here, be they paper or lace, antique or modern. And you’ll learn a little bit about how fans were and are used in various societies (the 17th–19th-century courting practices and sexual invitations in some European countries included intricate movements of a lady’s fan, directed at the gentleman of the hour).

© Liz Hamill Scott from Moon California, 2nd Edition

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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.