6 Food Festivals That Are Worth the Trip

The Wine & Mushroom Festival; November 6–15

Are We Having Fungi Yet?

Northern California's Mendocino County is an internationally renowned wine terroir—and when the autumn rains hit, the region comes alive with wild mushrooms. The Wine & Mushroom Festival (November 6–15) welcomes that happy annual invasion with mushroom-themed menus in area restaurants, a serene kayak tour of wild fungi along the Noyo River ($60), and wine tastings held on a vintage steam locomotive that winds through the towering redwoods ($60). Or take a seminar to help you spot each mushroom variety ($10), including the maple-flavored Candy Cap, which grows only along the California coast (GoMendo.com).

Can’t make it? Mendocino Mushroom Co. will gladly send their porcinis, matsutakes, or chanterelles your way (707-964-1646 for details and prices); add a bottle of La Crema’s 2007 Anderson Valley Pinot Noir for the full experience ($30; LaCrema.com).

Ready to take off? Here's what to pack in