Most people would never think of February as a month to visit the Seashore – and in most instances, you’d be right – but that’s where Cape May differs from the rest. The small town atmosphere and the lure of Victorian architecture have always made Cape May a year-round destination.
This month our friends over at the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities (MAC) have a full roster of activities planned for President’s Day Weekend, which also includes Valentine’s Day (Feb.13-15). As an added bonus, many of the B&Bs reopen that weekend – what could be more romantic?
MAC has a little something lined up for everybody. Let’s begin with wine lovers. Cape May Wine Weekend (Friday, Feb. 12 thru Sunday, Feb.14) combines a Wine Tasting Dinner, Winery Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class for a weekend of total indulgence. The weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday with a four-course dinner at the Washington Inn featuring wines themed to the Sunday Wine School Class. Guests will be treated to individual attention from the wine steward. On Saturday afternoon (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. Sunday (1 p.m.), learn the finer points of fine wines at a Wine School Class at the Washington Inn. The complete package is $135 per person. Friday, Feb. 12-Sunday, Feb. 14. For more information or to make reservations, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
If you don’t want to commit to the whole weekend, save some time on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 14. Cape May Wine School is featuring a class on “Great Italian Wines” at 1 p.m. Learn to discern and appreciate wines from Italy in this informative class at the Washington Inn, 801 Washington St. Admission $30.
If you can’t make it down President’s Day weekend, there is a Cape May Wine Trail also being offered Sunday, Feb. 21 from noon to 5 p.m. Spend the day visiting Cape May County’s wineries and sampling the unique flavors of each. First enjoy lunch at one of Cape May’s restaurants and then board the trolley, which will take you to the wineries where you’ll learn about viniculture and visit the tasting rooms. Admission is $75 per person and includes lunch, wine tastings at each vineyard and a wine tasting glass. Limited event, reserve early!
Never fear beer lovers – there’s a new MAC event for you as well. Beginning Sunday, Feb. 14, the Mad Batter Beer School is hosting eight Sunday sessions on at 2 p.m. on “Pairing Beer & Cheese.” The $25 per class fee includes five samples of beer and light refreshments. Bistro menu also available at an additional charge. Contact MAC for more information or to make a reservation.
Did I hear you say chocolate was your fixation? MAC has just the thing. Saturday, Feb. 13 at 2:00 PM – and make sure you eat lunch so you don’t go into a sugar tailspin – the Washington Inn will host their most popular, always a sell out, Chocolate Fantasy Buffet. If you love chocolate (and who doesn’t?), you won’t want to miss the Chocolate Fantasy Buffet. Milk or dark, whatever your preference, you can fulfill your chocolate fantasy in the decadence of a completely chocolate buffet. Washington Inn Chef Kathleen Cressman-Pastiu will be on hand to share the secrets of her trade. Admission is $35 per person. Contact MAC for more information or to make your reservations – REALLY make your reservations early. This event sells out very quickly.
The Mad Batter. Photo by Jumping Rocks
Want to try something different? How about a tour and brunch combo? On Sunday, Feb. 14 at 10:45 a.m. – not 10:30, not 11 a.m. but 10:45 – the MAC Sea Trolley Tour is offering a tour of the town’s mansions followed by a gourmet brunch at the famous Mad Batter Restaurant on Jackson Street. $22 for adults; $17.50 for children (ages 3-12). Contact MAC to make your reservations.
Another, enormously popular tour is the Ghosts of Cape May Trolley Tour which is being offered Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 13 and 14. The tour includes a 30-minute ride through the streets of Cape May with a guide who will relate the paranormal findings of Ghost Writer Craig McManus at various properties along the way. The tour begins at the Washington Street Mall Information Booth at the end of the Mall on Ocean Street. $10 for adults, $7 for children (ages 3-12). Sponsored by MAC. Wheelchair accessible trolley tours are offered, subject to availability.
If mystery, murder and mayhem are more your bent, MAC and the Cape May Detective Agency has just the thing for you. Friday, Feb.19 and Saturday, Feb.20 the “Looking Glass Mysteries” continue. Join the mystery weekend where poison, blackmail, and bribery are part of the game…and where the killers actually hunt the guests! These little adventures are designed by Shadow Stalkers and they’ve had 13 guests murdered in a single night!
Sound like fun? It is… if you survive! The Carroll Villa Hotel will be our Mystery Head Quarters, with the Bedford Inn, Bacchus Inn, and John Wesley Inn also fielding teams of detectives. Call 609-884-5404 for reservations.
Black Blue & True photo exhibit is on display through April 18, featuring the work of photographer William May.
The following weekend on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 4 p.m. MAC in conjunction with the Center for Community Arts is conducting a panel discussion, “Black, Blue & True: To the Tune of Inspiration.” Join local and national musicians featured in the exhibit at the Carriage House Gallery located on the grounds of the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Panel discussion will be led by Gary Walker, WBGO-FM/88.3FM Music Director and on air personality. 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21. Admission is free.
For more information on this or any of the MAC activities, call 609-884-5404 or 800-275-4278 or visit www.capemaymac.org.
But wait, there’s other stuff going on. Congress Hall is hosting a Yoga Retreat Friday, Feb. 5 through Sunday, Feb. 7. Join us for our yearly retreat with teachers Doug Swenson and Sharon Fruchtman. Registration is Friday evening with classes Friday eve through Sunday morning. For more information please contact Sharon Fruchtman s_fruchtman@yahoo.com or call (609) 408-0009.
Looking for a place to watch the Super Bowl while you’re in town? Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill on Beach Avenue is hosting their 3rd Annual Super Bowl Cigar Party Sunday, Feb. 7. The soiree includes a half-time tailgate buffet, super drink specials, and four premium cigars: Cape May Ghost Rides, 10 Anos, Cape May Celebration, Man-o-War. Tickets are $25.00 and are available at Up in Smoke at 421 Washington Street Mall. Private event hosted by Up in Smoke at Cabanas Beach Bar & Grill. Tickets required for entry. Day of walk-ins are welcome!
Looking for just a quiet getaway or for something relaxing to do after all your touring? Well, if the B&B you’re staying in doesn’t have a fireplace, you can take a short walk over to Congress Hall on Beach Avenue and Perry Street for dinner at the recently well-reviewed Blue Pig Tavern or for a cozy cocktail in the Brown Room and enjoy the quiet ambiance and lovely glow of the fireplace in each setting. As an added bonus, there is entertainment in the Brown Room every Friday and Saturday from 8 to midnight. On the holiday weekend Ann Oswald and Don Shaw will be playing Friday and Darin MacDonald on Saturday night.
If it’s a more casual look you’re seeking, try the fireplace at the Pilot House on Decatur Street – there’s a Happy Hour from 4-6 everyday but Saturday. On Thursdays you can have dinner in front of the fireplace and listen to the music of Jay Bethel, of Bluebone Fame, from 8 to 10 p.m. or relax for a cocktail and complimentary apps at the bar on Sundays and join in the fun while Barry Tischler plays your favorite songs from decades past from 4-6 p.m.
So whachya think? Plenty to do – and we didn’t even mention the obvious – shopping and sunsets. Bargains are still available pending spring shipments. Those winter sunsets are spectacular. If it’s too cold – drive down to the Cove. Sit in your car and sip on your hot cocoa laced with Bailey’s Cream. Until next month, Happy Trails.