Last Monday my family and I took a day trip to Michigan to do what Polish people do best – forage for mushrooms. An autumn tradition, I hadn’t gone with my parents in over a decade, so the time had finally come.

In addition to the joy of spotting a buried wild mushroom – there was a deep relief in getting out of the city that can only come when immersing yourself in the woods. The quiet, fresh air, and incredible scenery gave me a much needed escape while also re-tuning my senses.

I will have a full mushroom hunting “how-to” up on Sprout Chicago soon – but until then – here’s a glimpse at the beauty found in our perfect fall day.