Nestled in the forests of Poplarville, is a magical kingdom filled with lush vegetation, wildlife and mushrooms. 

It’s called Shroomdom, Inc. and it’s owned and operated by the “king” and “queen” Leilani and Tony Rosenbaum.

In 2011, the pair, who are avid runners, began noticing mushrooms popping up everywhere during their runs in the woods, Leilani said.

Leilani said she loves taking pictures and would take pictures of the mushrooms they found and began doing some research.

The pair now hosts educational walks through the 160 acre woods that Leilani said holds all the wonders of the fungi kingdom.

Leilani said there are about one million types of mushrooms but only about one percent are known.

Before beginning a foray, guests view the garden that Leilani said will one day wrap the house, transforming into an edible living space, which is called permaculture.

The garden is filled with collards, tomatoes, blueberries and a strawberry patch, just to name a few.

Following the visit to the garden, guests are led to the castle tree.

“Shroomdom is a story told in a fairytale based in medieval times,” Leilani said. “We believe in the three M’s of mushrooms, magical, mystical and miraculous.”

There are five trails guests can walk, Leilani said.

During the foray, guests look for mushrooms, visit bogs and look for wildlife that may be nearby.

Leilani said if guests are lucky they might catch a glimpse of Shroomdom’s most wanted creature, Tortuga, an endangered gopher turtle.

Travelers to the kingdom get their own bags to store mushrooms they find along the trails.

Following the tour, guests are invited to study their finds at the specimen table to determine which type of mushroom they discovered.

“There are 14 known wild edible mushrooms that we pick and sell,” Leilani said. “We also grow and cultivate gourmet mushrooms to sell.”

Leilani said it is important to learn and recognize the different types of mushrooms before consumption, as some are not edible and could make you sick.

Following forays, Leilani whips up a meal featuring the tasty toadstools.

The Rosenbaums have also entertained many specialists in the field and are listed on the US Gulf Coast States Geotourism website.

Rebecca Fetterolf, president of the Pearl River County Master Gardeners, brings members of her group to take the tour.

“It’s very interesting, I love it,” Fetterolf said. “It’s very interesting to a lot of my members and they are eager to come and learn.”

Joy Lorens, of Carriere, grows perennials and orchids and that the topic of mushrooms was new to her.

Joy’s husband, Rob, said the couple has woods on their property and with the knowledge gained during the tour, he can go out and identify fungi for himself.

Shroomdom is located at 23 Rosenbaum Dr. in Poplarville.

To get “shroomed” call 601-795-2611.

The total tour time is about 4-5 hours, which includes a meal.

Tours are given by appointment only and are limited to about six to a group, Rosenbaum said.

Tour prices are $5 for walks only, $20, for a walk and lunch and $25 for a walk and dinner.

Rosenbaum said the proper attire for a visit to Shroomdom includes long pants, long sleeve shirts, rain boots and mosquito spray.