MAC On a Mission

Here we are again, at my favorite time of year. Even though there’s not been a big change in the weather, you just know it’s right around the corner. Fall! I just love it! Professionally, as well as personally.
Here in Cape May at the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC), fall means I no longer have an every other week deadline for This Week in Cape May, our guide to all that’s happening in town, and which keeps me so busy all summer. It also means it’s time for our annual tribute to foodies near and far, the Cape May Food & Wine Celebration.
In case you’re wondering what that has to do with history, the backbone of our organization, here it is in an (edible) nutshell. Like so many other things we do at MAC, all year round, the Food & Wine Celebration gives people a reason to come to Cape May. They come from Cape May Court House and Washington, D.C.; from Green Creek and from Maryland, and they all come to enjoy the entertainment and enrichment our programs and special events offer, not to mention the tasty stuff on the menu during special events such as the Food & Wine Celebration.
Let’s face it, nowadays there aren’t a whole lot of people who say, “Hey, let’s take a trip to someplace with historic buildings!” Travelers are more apt to plan a trip around a region for a special event or activities (like the beach) and then look for other things to do while they are there. If they can discover the Physick house museum, the Cape May Lighthouse or the World War II Lookout Tower while they’re here, that makes us happy, and them too, because they discovered a treasure they might have otherwise overlooked.
That makes bringing people to town, for whatever the reason, a big part of our mission. During the weeks of summer, we supplement the lure of the beach by offering entertaining programming for families so they understand there is so much more to Cape May than sand and sea, and learn about its history while they’re here. And getting people here in early fall with the Food & Wine Celebration is a piece of cake, pardon the expression.
There are just more food (and wine) experiences than you can shake a stick at, plus some new events this year. Heading the list of the newcomers is the Harvest Brew Fest, here on the grounds of the Physick Estate Sept. 19. After four successful years of the Craft Beer & Crab Festival, we’ve learned that people love to spend a day at an event that offers everything, and that’s what we’re aiming for. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. you can enjoy local and regional brews and music, food, crafts, activities for the kids, and seasonal vendors. We’ll have a big tent and tables set up, or bring a lawn chair or blanket and stake your claim to a spot on the lawn and enjoy the day.
There’s also our new Grilling at the Vineyard at Hawk Haven Vineyard Sept. 13, a Winemaker’s Dinner at Willow Creek Sept. 17, Flights of Cheese at Seaside Cheese Sept. 11 and 18, a Brew Cruise Sept. 19 aboard the Spirit of Cape May, and a Champagne Jazz Brunch at Aleathea’s Sept. 20, plus the return of the popular Lobster Bake at Hawk Haven, a Chocolate Lover’s Feast and lots more.
Check it all out at www.capemaymac.org and help us welcome fall! 
— Barraclough is director of publications and website at MAC