Nestled in the Ukiah Valley, Ukiah is a mid-sized town surrounded by vineyards, pear orchards and redwood covered hills. The small town's strong sense of community is clearly present in its numerous town celebrations, festival and events, including the Ukiah Country PumpkinFest, which celebrates Ukiah's rich agricultural tradition each October, and the Taste of Downtown, where visitors sample dozens of local wines, micro-brews, brandies, root beer and more each year in late July. A plenitude of recreational opportunities can be found at Lake Mendocino, just five miles from Ukiah, with over 100 family picnic sites, boat launching ramps, fishing, a swimming beach, hiking and interpretive trails and much more. For entertainment, Ukiah boasts a number of theatrical companies. The Grace Hudson Museum makes for another entertaining diversion, featuring exhibitions of the works of artist Grace Hudson as well as local, regional and Californian Indian artists.