Spring Festival Serves up Flavorful Events

Co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) and the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Cape May, the city is presenting its 16th annual Spring Festival, April 29 through May 8.
Making its much anticipated Spring Festival return is the Chocolate Championship Tour and Tasting on Saturday, April 30 from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. You are the judge as you taste the area’s best chocolate concoctions, visit participating historic inns and B&Bs, sample their signature desserts and vote for your favorites.
Triple your taste bud pleasure by combining a Wine Tasting Dinner, Winery Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class for a weekend of total indulgence, Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1. The Cape May Wine Weekend begins on Friday evening with a visit to the Washington Inn for a four-course dinner featuring wines themed to the Sunday Wine School Class.
On Saturday, April 30 at 3 p.m., visit the award-winning Cape May Winery for a tour of the vineyard, an introduction to the winemaker’s art, and a barrel tasting with cheese and fruit.
On Sunday, May 1 at 1 p.m., learn the finer points of fine wines at a Wine School Class at the Washington Inn. The Cape May Wine School class, “Summer Sippers” at the Washington Inn can be purchased separately or as part of the Wine Weekend package.
Visit the famous Mad Batter restaurant, 19 Jackson St., for their Wine Dinner “Out of the Ordinary.” On Friday, May 6, get a taste of spring in their five course seasonal menu paired with some fresh and interesting alternatives to the standard varietals.
Indulge in a gourmet feast during the Spring Festival Chefs’ Dine-around on Thursday, May 5 at 6 p.m. Taste the best of Cape May as you enjoy a five-course gourmet meal, with each course served in one of Cape May’s premier restaurants. Wine will be provided with each course and a representative from the sponsoring winery will be on hand to explain the pairings.
The scene is set for Spring Festival’s Murder Mystery Dinners and Luncheons and murder is on the menu. Join the Impromptu Players at the Inn of Cape May, 7 Ocean St., interact with the cast of likely suspects and try to solve the mystery, “One Tough Cookie,” as you enjoy a three-course dinner or luncheon. Dinners are offered on Saturday, May 7 and Sundays, May 1 and May 8 at 7 p.m. Luncheons are offered on Sundays May 1 and May 8 at 1 p.m.
On Tuesday May 3, the Tea Luncheon and Temperance Debate at the Carriage House Tearoom & Café, located on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate at 1048 Washington St., will feature a spirited dispute between saloonkeeper Patrick Collins and Jennie Wales, staunch advocate of the temperance movement. Join Dr. Physick as he attempts to maintain decorum. The event is at 12:30 p.m.
Spend a spring afternoon at the award-winning Cape May Winery, 711 Town Bank Rd. Tour the vineyard to see how the grapes are grown and then visit the winery where you’ll be introduced to the winemaker’s art. Savor a barrel tasting accompanied by cheese and fruit. Winery Cellar Tours & Tastings are offered at 3 p.m. on Saturdays, April 30 and May 7.
Explore Cape May County’s wineries at your own pace during the new Self-guided Wine Trail offered daily from noon to 5 p.m. Visit Natali Vineyards, Hawk Haven Vineyard & Winery, and Turdo Vineyards and taste wines at each.
The Carriage House Tearoom and Café, on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., brings the English afternoon tea tradition to Victorian Cape May. The tearoom is open daily at 11:30 a.m.
For pricing and more information, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278, or visit MAC’s Web site at www.capemaymac.org.