A Mendocino County Mushroom Celebration
Autumn rain brings the fun-gi?s out in Mendocino County, especially in November. This mycological bloom of clusters and troops leads mycrophagists (anyone that has eaten a mushroom), mycologists (those who study mushrooms), and the mycologically inclined (people curious about mushrooms) to the North Coast of California every fall.
To celebrate all of this magnificent mushroom magic, we ask you to join us at Mushroom Feast Mendocino!
From the savory to sweet, the period of November 1 - 10 offers a plethora of events that promise to please the palates of all those interested in a fantastic fungal experience. The county hosts over 3,000 species of fungi and is the premiere place to forage for, pick, and sample many of the 500 edible varieties of mushrooms that thrive on the North Coast. Hunt the hedgehog, creep up on the chanterelle, pursue the porcini, and perhaps partake of the rare candy cap mushroom with its surprisingly strong maple syrup flavor that makes a sublime ice cream flavor.
The lovely chanterelle mushrooms of Mendocino County.
Here is a scrumptious sample of gregarious goings-on during this unique, fun festival of fungi:
Mushrooms can be more than food. Come and pay homage to the amazing art inspired by the wondrous world of mushrooms at the Willits Center for the Arts on November 8. This is part of the weekend kick-off of the Mushroom Feast in Willits, where you can enjoy wonderful wine and amazing appetizers whilst whiling away the time perusing this year?s entries to the Painted Mushroom auction.
And there is much more to do surrounding this marvelous mushroom event. At the Beer Fest you can imbibe in some of the best beer in Mendocino County and sample over 60 varieties that are one-of-a-kind brews. Help pick the best of the best for the Brewer?s Choice Award, and the winner will get the chance to produce their beer at the Anderson Valley Brewing Company. While you are there, enjoy fresh, farm to table food and live music. Click here for tickets.
A day of family fun can be had nearby by visiting downtown Ukiah for a celebration with sidewalk sales, a farmer?s market, music, food trucks and a beer garden.
One of the mushroom-inspired dishes part of Mendocino County Mushroom Feast.
The Willits Chamber of Commerce hosts a Mushroom Feast tasting featuring local chefs competing for bragging rights, as they whip up their favorite mushroom inspired delectables. Pair these desirable dishes with a local beer, wine, or signature cocktail and learn about what mushrooms you can forage and their medicinal uses from experts Eric Schramm and Rye N. Flint. Click here for tickets
For a walkable experience, you can also take a visit to the Mendocino County Museum and take in the historic train exhibitions and enjoy festival specials from local pubs, restaurants and merchants. Live music included. On Sunday, November 10, you can jump on the Skunk Train for a Mushroom Hunt and Bubble Brunch where you will be transported to Crowley Meadow. Sip bubbly on the way and learn about the local area as you prepare to hunt for mushrooms. Don?t forget to try a Kemmy?s Pie mushroom quiche while you are at it.
For more foraging experiences, you can also head to Jug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center for a guided mushroom identification walk led by Eric Schramm. Grab your boots, camera, and mushroom net for this tour of local fungi and enjoy some sips and savories afterwards. Get your tickets for this event here.
Looking to make a whole weekend of the mushroom feast? There are multiple options for your stay on the North Coast. From inns, hotels and Bed and Breakfasts there are so many great places to stay whether you are looking for ocean views or to be nestled in a redwood forest. Great deals are available on this magnificent mushroom themed weekend. Book your stay here.?
Come and savor the Mendocino County experience that is Mushroom Feast Mendocino!
For a full list of events please click below.
