Everyone knows The Chatham Bars Inn (chathambarsinn.com/). It’s been named a top hotel many times, and the serene ocean views and gorgeous accommodations explain why.

But did you know foodies have been drawn to the Inn for more than a century? It’s been a must-visit for fresh air and upscale seaside vacations since 1914 – and even more so since its major renovations back in 2006.

The Inn has embraced and celebrated farm to table long before the concept became a trend. The Inn has its own massive garden and also hosts food and dining events that celebrate its history, the sea and chefs both local and world-renowned.

A recent visit to the Chatham Bars Inn for its James Beard Dinner and Weekend showed me how delightful a weekend of food, fun, new friends and seaside walks there can be.

We arrived on a Friday afternoon and checked into our room in one of the Inn’s seaside cottage-type buildings. The Chatham Bars Inn is anchored by a main inn along with a bevy of surrounding buildings. Everything is walkable – and the ocean breeze and scenery are always there for you.

We were attending a welcome reception for the chefs – both staff and visiting – and then a multi-course dinner.

We could tell that many people were there for this event, and yet the lounges, restaurants and sitting areas were dotted with all kinds of groups. A bachelorette party sipped espresso martinis and laughed, reclining on plush couches in a lounge. A mom quietly played chess with her young daughter while sipping a glass of wine. A newly engaged couple stood on the verandah holding hands.

The main dinner, led by CBI Executive Chef Andrew Chadwick and his team along with guest chefs, showcased locally sourced fare.

Ed Cotton, who worked beside Todd English, appeared on “Top Chef” and “Beat Bobby Flay” and who now serves as Executive Chef and Partner of Jack & Charlie’s No. 118 in New York City joined the weekend event.

So too did local favorite Chef Michael Scelfo, heralded for his successful Boston area spots Alden & Harlow, Waypoint and his newest, Josephine in Somerville.

Both chefs worked with the Chatham Bars staff to create their own unique courses for the Friday night meal and then, on Saturday, hosted cooking demonstrations.

As the weekend progressed, we began to get to know fellow diners,  as well as the chefs themselves. It was like a posh camp for foodies.

It wasn’t all cooking and noshing though. The Inn sits on a beautiful beach that even on a cooler weekend like ours is perfect for walks. Their outdoor pool stays open year round.

The town of Chatham is just a quick drive or even stroll away. There you’ll find fun shops, lots of other dining choices and down the street, an historic lighthouse and beach that often is home to many seals.

There’s a small public golf course next door, and the Inn has a spa as well.

We stayed through Sunday morning, savoring the Inn’s famed brunch, and then after a quick round of golf said goodbye to all our new foodie friends.

You didn’t miss your chance: The Chatham Bars Inn hosts regular food events throughout the year.

On June 8 the Inn celebrates National Rosé Day by launching its new private label Ultimate Provence Rosé with a beach party and summer clambake.

There will be beach games, live music and passed rosé-themed hors d’oeuvres and chefs will prepare a traditional pit lobster bake. Reservations are required.

The “Farm to Table Series” sold out in 2023 and is back this year. Beginning in June, the resort will host weekly dinners in its garden fields and greenhouses. Guests are greeted with a refreshing cocktail as they peruse the farm, greenhouse and Farm Stand, which features fresh produce, flowers, local products such as cheese and resort-made items including hot sauce.

After shopping, guests can find their way to the alfresco dining area, where beautiful tablescapes await underneath twinkle lights. Led by Chadwick and Farm Manager Joshua Schiff, each dinner features a distinct four-course menu that highlights the Farm’s day-of harvest, all accompanied by locally sourced meats, fish and seafood.

Fresh-grown food, fun and friends – that’s a winning menu.

Chef Michael Scelfo, of Arden & Harlow, Waypoint, and most recently Josephine in Somerville, was a recent guest chef at the Chatham Bars Inn. (Photo by Moira McCarthy)

Chatham Bars Inn chefs whip up a beach clambake. (Photo courtesy Chatham Bars Inn)