Opening [magic]doors in Dansville: Fairy Doors delight

by Jeanne Gridley –

Fairy doors bring a sense of awe and imagination to children; and even adults are fascinated by the tiny doors (including myself!).  I began making a variety of doors a few years ago, which I used to sell at craft shows.

My partner in the Fairy Doors of Dansville project, Susan Demuth, and I became aware of the fairy door trail concept in other towns such as Ann Arbor, MI and Port Rowan in Ontario, Canada.

It’s such a delightful idea, we decided to give it a try in Dansville.  A small group of us created 16 doors for the downtown area.  There are maps available to guide people to the doors’ locations.   Maps can be picked up at any of the fairy door host locations or can be viewed on the Fairy Doors of Dansville fb page.

Most of the doors are inside, but can be seen through the storefront window even when businesses are closed.  It’s been so gratifying seeing the excitement of children when they find the doors.

We often see adults with maps in hand as well.  It’s a fun, free activity for children of all ages.