From Nov. 6–15, the entire California county of Mendocino on the Pacific Coast celebrates the mushroom harvest season. The Mushroom, Wine and Beer Fest includes a host of related events including fungi foraging rides, hikes and workshops. Highlights include Ride with the Hunt — Mushroom Sightings at Ricochet Ridge Ranch, taking place each day of the festival; and the Pygmy Forest Ecological Staircase Hike & Educational Hunt, a self-propelled, self-guided expedition taking in beaches and bluffs with mushroom hunting along the five terraces that make up the Jug Handle Ecological Staircase.

Prefer a guide? Mycologist Adrienne Long will conduct daytime Mushroom Exploration Tours that begin at The Stanford Inn by the Sea before heading into nearby forests and meadows. Mushroom identification, plus insider tips on how to forage, cook and dry mushrooms are the focus of the Mushroom Foraging Workshop at the Emerald Earth Sanctuary. Other events include Walk on the Wild Side mushroom hunt on Nov. 15 with wine and canapés provided by Alison Gardner and Merry Winslow, authors of The Wild Mushroom Cookbook (Barefoot Naturalist Press, 2014). Staff mycologist Mario Abreu will conduct daily mushroom workshops and walks within the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.