Cape Cod in early fall might be one of the East Coast’s best-kept secrets. The summer crowds have started to disappear, the days are still beautiful, and there’s just enough crispness in the air to remind you that a new season is around the corner. It’s the tail end of what we affectionately know as “locals’ summer,” and I recently had the honor of spending one of those perfect evenings at the iconic Chatham Bars Inn for a truly unforgettable dinner.
For the last two years, Chatham Bars Inn Farm has hosted its Friends of James Beard Dinner, bringing together an incredible collection of culinary talent for an intimate four-course dinner in one of the most beautiful settings on Cape Cod.
Hosted by Chatham Bars Inn’s Executive Chefs, the evening featured an impressive lineup of guest chefs, with each preparing a different course. It was such a unique way to experience each chef’s individual point of view while still enjoying a menu that flowed seamlessly from one course to the next. Each dish was accompanied by a thoughtful wine pairing, with seasonal and locally sourced ingredients keeping the entire meal connected to the place and time of year.
If you've missed the Friends of James Beard Dinner, dinners at the Farm are fortunately not limited to this one evening. The Chatham Bars Inn’s Farm Dinner Series begins each summer with weekly dinners outdoors, and as the season changes, the experience moves inside the property’s beautiful greenhouse. The dinners continue through November, giving guests the opportunity to gather around the table for a farm-to-table menu that celebrates what is growing and in season at that exact moment. A true delight!
Part of what makes the experience so memorable is simply being at the Farm itself. There’s something incredibly special about sitting down to a culinary experience surrounded by the land where so much of what you’re eating has been grown. And fall feels especially fitting for the greenhouse. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Farm, guests can experience a quieter, more intimate side of Cape Cod—one that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of July and August.
There are also new ways to experience the Farm beyond dinner. This summer, Chatham Bars Inn introduced a series of immersive agricultural classes that give guests a more hands-on look at the property’s farming program. Experiences range from seasonal planting and floral design to beekeeping lessons, offering another way to connect with the land and better understand just how much goes into what ultimately makes its way to the table.
I’ll always love Cape Cod in the summer, but there’s something about this time of year that feels particularly special. Chatham is quieter, the days still hold onto some of that summer warmth, and the evenings arrive with crisp fall air. Add a stay and an incredible Farm Dinner at Chatham Bars Inn, and it’s hard to imagine a better reason to plan a Cape escape after Labor Day.