MENDOCINO COUNTY'S SALUTE TO MR. FUNGI November 1-10,

ITS MAGIC MUSHROOM TIME IN MENDOCINO COUNTY WITH THE 14^TH ANNUAL MUSHROOM, WINE & BEER FEST SPORTING FUNGI TREKS BY HORSEBACK & KAYAK, REGIONAL WINE & CRAFT BEER PAIRINGS, OUTBACK COOK-OFFS & HOTEL DEALS ACROSS THE BOARD

MENDOCINO COUNTY, CALIF. – From the rolling hills of Yorkville Highlands to the Pygmy Forest of Van Damme State Park, the seasonal forage for local porcinis, chanterelles and candy caps hits a high note this fall in Mendocino County.  Straddling historic Highways 1 and 101 with nearly 2,500 sq. miles of coveted live oak and redwood forest, the region is a natural hotspot for some 3,000 mushroom varieties.  Add a cache of artisanal chefs, 85 wineries, an evolving craft beer and hard cider scene and the annual salute to Mr. Fungi sprouts into action November 1-10, 2013.www.VisitMendocino.com/mushroomfestival; 866.466.3636.                                                                                                                                                                                                           Credit: Paul Kozal©

The bounty of the county rolls out with wild mushroom foraging excursions, farm-to-table mushroom-infused menus, educational seminars, art exhibits and annual Skunk Train trek and cook-off deep in the depths of the Noyo River Canyon and forest.  To cap the adventure, regional restaurants and lodging properties from Boonville to Willits, Mendocino to Point Arena are offering special menus and packages.

KEY EVENT:  MUSHROOM, WINE & BEER TRAIN (November 2, 2013)

For the ultimate outback experience only accessible via train, hop aboard the iconic Skunk Train.  Departing from both Fort Bragg and Willits, the adventure includes fungi hikes, wine tasting and culinary capers making a move with mushrooms.  A Mighty Mushroom Weigh-Off, finale cook-off and judging as well as a presentation by local mushroom expert Eric Schramm wrap up the day.  (10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., $95.00/inclusive; www.skunktrain.com.)

ROOM AT THE INN

                From “Shrooming” packages to “Fungi & Girl” spa getaways, visitors can tap into deals across the county.  Check in and check out with a stay at the new Heritage House Resort in Little River (opened 9/13/2013) ($189.00/dbl.), bunk down in an 1886 former water tower at the Abalone Tower & Weller House Inn ($300.00/2 nights, dbl.) or soak up the local culture with Little River Inn’s “Mushroom Mania” ocean-front cottage package ($139.00/dbl.).  Other top haunts include Baechtel Creek Inn & Spa’s “Fungi & Girl” package including two spa treatments, premium guestroom and passes to the annual Mushroom, Wine & Beer Train event ($499.00/dbl.) and Dennen’s Victorian Farmhouse just outside of the village of Mendocino offers a flat 25 percent discount ($135.00/dbl.). Restrictions and blackout periods apply, based on availability.  Deals: http://www.visitmendocino.com/mushroomfestival.

POWER TO THE PORCINI

                From stuffed mushroom ravioli with Pennyroyal Farm Laychee goat cheese and truffle cream to Porcini pizza at the new [Back to Press Releases Main]