Located in the Emlen Physick Estate which was the nation's oldest seaside resort, the Mid-Atlantic Center (MAC) for the Arts in Atlantic City was built in 1879.
Recognized as a romantic 18-room mansion that was saved from a 1970 demolition, it allows a magical glimpse into the past for Victorian architecture, customs, decorative arts, and the lives of Dr. Emlen Physicks family.
In fact, MAC was developed as the sole purpose of rescuing the original 1879 estate from being torn down, an organization that promoted the cultural enrichment of greater Cape May in addition to the restoration and interpretation with a 300,000 visitor list annually. Because of MAC, Cape May as a summer only beach resort became the country's leading art center with a leading Victorian-themed destination.
Throughout the event-filled year, lots of historical activities are held which make the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts much more fun and exciting, with Aleathea's at the Inn of Cape May sponsoring breakfast every now and then; the Cape May Family Treasure Hunt for an educational scavenger hunt; gift certificates for friends and family members.
But nothing beats an interior tour of four historic inns followed by a "light afternoon tea" at the Carriage House Tearoom & Café, or to sit back and enjoy the professional Equity Theatre at the Robert Shackleton Playhouse. Also at the MAC is a Cape May Wine School which is hosted by the Washington Inn, sponsored by the MAC with "It's all in the bubbles: sparkling wines for the Holidays."
