Germany – which gave us the Christmas tree – for many years has compensated for those grim and gloomy wintertime days that follow the holiday season with a tradition that warms the blood and raises the spirits.
Literally.
In German, it’s a Kohlfahrt.
In English it more prudently would be called a “cabbage tour.”
Genesee Country Village & Museum ventures into its first Kohlfahrt on Saturday, February 4.
A typical Kohlfahrt experience starts with a walk (Fahrt) through winter landscapes, with frequent stops for silly games—think tea-bag toss, a Brussel sprouts shoot, street bowling, etc. A group “booze wagen” provides sips of German beer, wine, cider, Schnapps as well as non-alcoholic drinks along the way.
In this off-season tribute to cabbage (Kohl), each participant is provided with his/her own tasting necklace sporting a miniature beer mug that can be engaged at every opportunity. And laughter is a prime ingredient.
Then, after all that outdoor exercise, the Kohlfahrt culminates with a hearty, sit-down, German-style meal of sausages, brats, smoked ham, bacon-simmered kale, sauerkraut, Dampfkartoffeln and topped off with Black Forest Cake.
Each group departs on its 1½-mile outing every 15 minutes between 1:30 and 3:30 pm.
Cost is $62/$55 members. Reservations – limited to those 21 and older – are available online at www.gcv.org.
