Thursday Travel Ticker: Who’s No. 1?

For the third year in a row, the United States was the most admired country globally, according to a study by GfK Roper Public Affairs & Corporate Communications. Among the top 10 countries, Britain overtook France for third place and Australia passed Switzerland to place eighth. Germany remained in second. . . . First come the rains, then come the mushrooms. Mendocino County in Northern California is gearing up its Wine & Mushroom Festival, Nov. 4-13, with wines, foraging excursions and cooking classes. . . . LAX welcomed Korean Air’s first Airbus A380 Wednesday. Korean Air flight 018 will depart from LAX daily at 12:30 p.m. . . . Mt. Baldy has extended its deadline – till Friday – for its $19.97 monthly membership that allows for free lift tickets…..The Alisal Guest Ranch & Resort in Solvang is holding a six-day songwriters workshop with Jim Messina Feb. 5-12. But you might have to hock a guitar first. Tuition is $3,000, plus a six-night room stay from $255 a night.. . . . The Venetian and the Palazzo Las Vegas kick off their first-ever Winter in Venice celebration Nov. 21. . . . Last week’s annual Donner Party Hike in Truckee was caught by a sudden storm – sound familiar? Some routes were changed but the hike forged ahead as promised despite the 22-inch snowfall. . . . Travel quote of the day: “It’s all right if you grow your wings on the way down.” Robert Bly