Fairy campers at previous Spring sprites camps. Photo by GCV&M staff
With a host of outdoor and spring-themed programs, Genesee Country Village & Museum offers a variety of ways to get out and enjoy the warming weather, learn new things, and enjoy fabulous meals.
The popular curbside Meals-to-Go also return this month with two new options. First is a delicious Easter brunch for five featuring cheddar or sausage & cheddar strata, fruit salad, garlic rosemary potato wedges, and buttermilk biscuits. Orders will be taken until March 31 for pick-up on Saturday, April 3. A second curbside Meal-to-Go on April 16 will feature a maple and ginger glazed salmon, cranberry-walnut sweet potatoes, garlic green beans, and Caesar salad. The Museum’s own ales and cider will also be available to order with both meals. All Meals-to-Go are pre-order only through the Museum’s website gcv.org, under the “shop” tab.
Outdoor enthusiasts or just those looking to enjoy a dose of fresh spring air can take advantage of Nature Sundays beginning Sunday, April 11 and recurring weekly from 10 am-4 pm. With five miles of trails and a knowledgeable staff onsite, the Museum’s Nature Center is a hidden gem full of outdoor fun to be had each Sunday, all for just a $5 suggested donation. For updates on conditions and Nature Sunday activities, call the Nature Center at 585-294-8262. Nature Sunday guests can also stop in at the Flint Hill Store for some shopping in April. This country store stocks Museum-made artisan goods like pottery and iron ware, plus toys, books, and unique handmade goods from several local artisans.
Adults looking to learn a new skill can attend a class with one of the Museum’s cooks, where they’ll get an education in 19th-century foodways. Bakers can learn how to make and decorate the beautiful painted cookies known as Springerles on Sunday, April 11, and aspiring foodies can join a cheese-making class on Monday, April 26, which will be held in the Historic Village’s Jones Farm house.
For kids, GCV&M offers Saturday camps, featuring the Spring Sprites camp beginning April 17. This program is the spring version of the much-loved Elf and Fairy Academy, where kids ages 4 to 8 can explore the natural world, play games, and get creative with crafts. Spring Sprites runs weekly on Saturdays through May 15, and registration is now open online.
On Saturday evenings April 17 and 24, guests can learn about a unique springtime occurrence: the yearly migration of mole salamanders as they emerge from their hidden homes to make the long journey to the vernal pool to reproduce. During Big Night for Salamanders enjoy a hike to the vernal pool to scout for these migrating amphibians, hear stories by the campfire, and a visit with some special Museum visitors — a pair of Axolotls. Anyone who hasn’t seen these charmingly child-like creatures up-close is in for a treat. Big Night for Salamanders tickets are pre-sale only and are available at gcv.org.
Looking ahead to summer, registration is now open for GCV&M Summer Camp. Running from July 12 through August 27, the Museum has Earth Camp, 19th-Century Summer Sampler Camp, and a brand-new Art Camp, with activities for all ages and interests. Full details and registration links can be found on the Museum’s website at gcv.org. It’s never too early to start dreaming of summer!
This April, Genesee Country Village & Museum offers opportunities for all to get outside and explore the spring landscape, and have some novel experiences along the way. All program information and tickets can be found on the Museum’s website, gcv.org.
