If you think the season is over in Cape May just because Labor Day is here – fagetaboutit – in many ways, it’s just coming into its own. September is particularly rich with activities, not necessarily beach related but more in the area of the arts, both the culinary kind and the traditional.

 In the theatrical arena, we are particularly blessed with three venues – the Henry Sawyer Room at the Chalfonte Hotel, Cape May Stage on Lafayette Street, and East Lynne Theater at First Presbyterian Church on Hughes and Decatur streets. If you’re reading this before September 3, check out the Chalfonte Hotel’s debut of An Evening With Mark Twain.

 Professional actor Robert Billbrough brings his acclaimed portrayal of “the most conspicuous person on the planet” to the Chalfonte. With dissertations from his famous tours, anecdotes about his life, and commentary about the world today, Twain as humorist and lecturer is brought to life on the Henry Sawyer Room stage. Poignant, hilarious, and timely, Billbrough’s Twain is impeccable. Final performances will be Saturday and Sunday, September 2-3 at 9:00 p.m. in the Henry Sawyer Room. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and students, $10 for children 12 and under. Tickets can be reserved at by e-mail or by calling the hotel at 609-884-8409.

 Through September 23, Cape May Stage gives us a theatrical treat, presenting Arthur Miller's 1967 play, The Price. Miller, the late American playwright who was perhaps better known for his works The Crucible and Death of a Salesman (and marriage to Marilyn Monroe), tells the story of two brothers reunited after nearly two decades of estrangement to settle their father's estate, leading both of them to examine their lives as they try to sell off an attic full of memories before the house is demolished. Joining his two sons Andrew and John in the cast as antiques dealer Gregory Solomon is acclaimed actor and Cape May resident Robert Prosky (read more about Prosky in the “Cape May People” section of Cape May Magazine).

 For most of us, an intriguing, engrossing family drama only whets the appetite. Thankfully, our theatre scene isn't single-serving—the East Lynne Theater Company is dishing up Why Marry?  from September 20 through October 14. This 1917 play, written by Jesse Lynch Williams, was the first to ever receive a Pulitzer Prize. It opened on Christmas day and forced a reexamination of women's roles in society. The comedy explores marriage versus living in sin (gasp!) through the lives of three sisters whose opinions of why a woman should marry and how a wife should behave are as diverse as the songs you'll hear people croon at Terry-Oke!

 And what is fall, if you can’t have a good scream? Which brings us to Cape May Stage's presentation of The Woman in Black by Stephen Mallatratt, running from September 27 through October 29. This play revolves around a haunted man who employs an actor to help him exorcise the fear that has gripped his soul. Cape May Stage calls the play “a flesh-creeping journey to eerie marshlands, amid moaning winds and silence-shattering screams.”

 Step for a moment into the art world, down Howard Street to the historic Chalfonte Hotel, which blew out 130 birthday candles with us in our July issue. Beginning September 10, Pennsylvania resident and artist Doreen Currie's art exhibit will go on display in the Magnolia Room. Currie works in watercolors, oils, and mixed media. Her wide, bold brush strokes, bright colors, and impressionist style conjures the idea of Chagall-meets-Monet. The exhibit will be on display to the public, free of charge, until mid-October.

 The Chalfonte doesn't only seek to bring art to the public, it also seeks to bring art instruction. Friday through Sunday, September 15-17, the hotel hosts a three-day workshop on watercolors and plein air painting with Trenton resident and noted artist Marge Chavooshian, whose own incredibly lifelike renderings—such as those featured in the series Paintings & Drawings—will certainly inspire aspiring artists. The Chalfonte has such offerings at other times of the year, so be sure to keep an eye on their schedule if you have a mind to expand your artistic horizons.

 Skipping over to Jackson Street (mind the loose bricks!), we come to the Carroll Villa Hotel's house restaurant, the Mad Batter, featuring a main-room exhibit by New Jersey resident Helen Clymer through October 11. Clymer is a professional artist with Painted Lady Studio in Millville. Following Clymer's exhibit will be watercolors by Diana Dool and paintings by Dr. Andrew Drake, which will be on display through mid-November.

 The Mad Batter's gallery room will feature Guatemalan photos by Judy Heyman through September 28, followed by a mosaics display by Roby and Melannie Huber through the 28^th of October.

 If you’re in the mood for some outdoor activity, you're in luck and, again, if you’re reading this on the first of the month, try the West Cape May Tomato Festival, September 2nd (Labor Day Weekend). This is a newbie festival and will be held at the WCM Borough Hall parking lot on Broadway, same general location as the Farmer’s Market held each Tuesday July and August. For more information call 609-884-8382. That same weekend Historic Cold Spring Village (HCSV) will celebrate “Hands On & Homespun.” Village artisans will demonstrate and share their skills in the art handcrafted goods. Finally, and this is a must do, the Sunset Parade at the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center September 3^rd is a memorable experience and a rare time in which the public is welcomed on base. Guest are seated by 7 p.m. There are no reservations. For more information contact CWO Bill Carson at 609-898-6969.

 In the world of arts and crafts, we have a few more post-Labor Day offerings. On September 9^th, crafts folk will be at Convention Hall from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in a celebration of Grandma’s Attic and Kitchen, Too. A showcase of hand-made items, gourmet food and unique collectibles focusing on the kitchen will be the focus. Also on the 9^th, the Fifth Annual Antiques & Fine Crafts Fair will take place in the Wilbraham Park in West Cape May from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain date is the 10^th.  The fair is sponsored by the Cape May Historical Society. September 9-10 is also the Washington Street Mall Art Show. This juried event is always a delight. You can do a little shopping, have a little lunch and take home a lovely piece of art.

 If you are in an historical mood that weekend (September 9-10), pop on over to the HCSV for their Revolutionary War Encampment in which authentically garbed re-enactors from Morgan's Rifle Corps founded in 1775, Helm's Company, 2nd NJ Regiment & Lamb's Artillery 1772 will demonstrate camp life, infantry tactics & artillery. If you can’t make the Revolutionary War, then come on back the next weekend, September 16-17 for the Civil War. This military encampment, hosted by Company E, 17th VA Volunteers & 5th Regiment, NJ Volunteers, will feature battle reenactments both days at 2 p.m. There will be demonstrations of infantry drill, weapons, artillery fire, & the role of combat engineers. A memorial service will be held at "Old Brick" Church Sun 9a.m., public is welcome. Another historical exhibit which will begin September 15 and run through Nov 5 is Victoriana A-Z. This exhibit from Morris Co. Historical Society focuses on the Victorian era in America, including advances in science and industry, as well as revolutionary changes in social structure. At the Carriage House Gallery at the Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St. Hours vary so call 609-884-5404 or visit www.capemaymac.org.

 Are you reading for some shopping? The Washington Street Mall’s Fall Sidewalk Sale is September 14-17. Bargains, bargains, bargains. Come on and buy while the selection lasts.

 September 16-21 is the 10th Annual Food & Wine Festival which will include 5 days of workshops, classes & seminars. Visit the kitchens of Cape May acclaimed restaurants. Dinner and lunch packages are available. Other events include the Chef’s Dine-Around, the Chowder Contest and the Chef’s Cook-Off. For more information visit the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts website. For an inside look at what a chef thinks about food competitions, be sure to check our Persnickety Chef’s thoughts.

 Saturday, September 16 is definitely a date to circle on your calendar. You absolutely MUST take a gander at the Cape May Kiwanis Pet Parade. Registration begins at 10 a.m. The parade begins at 11 a.m. The event will be held at Cape May Elementary School on Lafayette Street. For more information on how your adorable pooch can enter, call 609-884-8888. Also on Saturday, September 16, the Borough of West Cape May plays host to the Center for Community Arts’ fundraiser, the Harvest Country Fair at Rhea’s Farm on Steven’s and Bayshore roads. Shop some more, have your photo taken, and take a hay ride. The fair runs from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For more information call 609-884-7525. The winner of the Third Annual Cape May Scarecrow Contest will be announced at this event.

 The following Saturday, September 23, is the 23rd Annual Beachfront Run. Polish your running shoes and be at Convention Hall at 9 a.m. For more information call 609-884-9565. Afterwards, jog on over to Wilbraham Park for the West Cape May Community Craft & Flea Market. Proceeds will Benefit the 41st Christmas Parade Fund. (Rain Date 9/24)

 September winds up with the Irish Ceili Dance Weekend (September 29-October 1) at Convention. For more information call 301-933-2926.

 Finally, Jackson Street's Oktoberfest takes place (somewhat ironically) September 30. This all-day, outdoor event takes up an entire block of Jackson Street from Beach Avenue to Carpenter's Square Lane, and features art by local artists such as Patricia Rainey, food and drinks from local restaurants, and as many knick-knacks as you can think to buy. Grab a crab cake and a mug of beer, and get your holiday shopping done early!

 Well, listen folks, if you can’t find something to do in Cape May in September, we have only one piece of advise – Go to the Beach.