Experience a sensory celebration while supporting historic preservation

The month of June brings days that are longer, nights a bit warmer, and a house full of inspiration. Entering into its fourth year, Historic Macon Foundation’s annual fundraiser, Design, Wine and Dine Festival (DWD) promises 10 days of experiences comprised of authors, socialites, interior designers, beverage experts and endless feasts for the eyes.

The fanciful fixture of DWD is the Design House, this year located at 231 Tucker Road, on the campus of Wesleyan College.

“(The Porter House) has such an interesting history,” said Emily Hopkins, Historic Macon’s special events and marketing coordinator. “James Hyde Porter and Olive Swann Porter were community philanthropists who believed in investing in Macon.”

Originally, the Porter House was nestled in south Macon and then moved to Wesleyan’s campus to ensure its preservation.

“For four years now the community has watched this house, first with its move, and then the ongoing rehabilitation of the structure. It’s an incredible opportunity for Historic Macon to partner with Wesleyan to showcase this architectural masterpiece,” Hopkins said.

Festival events will be sprinkled throughout Macon, however many will occur at the Design House, including a bourbon tasting with Richie Jones, wine tasting with Allan Bass, yoga class with Megan Carson, and book signing with Bravo TV’s “Southern Charm” cast member Patricia Altschul.

The docket of experiences elicits additional excitement with the exploration of Villa Albicini (one of Macon’s most iconic works of architecture), author Mary Kay Andrews sharing her favorite recipes and the stories that inspired her latest book, “The Beach House Cookbook,” and floral arranging class with interior designer extraordinaire Canaan Marshall — just to name a few.

While Design, Wine and Dine brings luxe to our fair town, one must also remember that it supports a humble cause: to ensure the architectural preservation of Macon.

“By learning how to faux paint or exploring Shirley Hills’ mid-century modern homes during a progressive supper, you’re also contributing to those preservation efforts that garner national attention. I dare say Macon would look a bit different without the 50-plus years of continuous work carried out by Historic Macon,” Hopkins said. “DWD helps to maintain our programing, tax credit consulting, loan program, Fading Five list and so much more.”

For a detailed schedule of DWD events, Design House hours and ticket costs, visit designwinedine.org.

This story was originally published June 14, 2017 at 8:38 AM with the headline "Experience a sensory celebration while supporting historic preservation."