Gone are the days when vending machines and coffee carts were the only means of sustenance while exploring a museum. A growing trend among museums and historical sites is the incorporation of food into their seasonal programming. Venues large and small are welcoming food onto their properties, and often getting very creative in the process.

In honor of Museum Week, we’re taking a look at a few of our favorite food-based programming ideas from museums large and small.

Food Truck Fun. It’s nearly impossible to drive anywhere near a major metro without seeing (or smelling) a food truck serving up something delicious. They’ve become very trendy in recent years, in part because of their mobility and versatility. If your property doesn’t have any kitchen facilities, contracting with a local food truck vendor is an easy, low-effort way to get fresh, inexpensive food to your guests. Or expand the program and get a whole bunch of food trucks onsite for a festival, such as Food Truck Friday at Heritage Museums and Gardens on Cape Cod.

Farm-to-Table Dining. If your museum has the space, partnering with local chefs to host a farm-to-table dinner event can be another way to jump on a growing trend. An intimate dinner learning about the local cuisine and enjoying private dining at your museum is sure to be a hit with your guests, and also shows your venue’s commitment to sustainability and the local community.

Historical Cooking Classes. Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook supper on an open hearth? Or bake bread in a traditional Dutch oven? If your venue has history in food preparation, offering a traditional cooking class is a great way to connect past methods with current guests. From demonstrations to hands-on classes, as long as your visitors get something to snack on at the end, a cooking class is sure to be a hit.

Host your own Beer-fest. This one may not be entirely about food, but it’s a close companion. Local breweries are extremely popular, especially with the millennial generation (check out the Augusta Museum of History’s Historic Beer Tasting Event). Partnering with a local brew company as an add-on to an existing event, such as s concert or evening function, is a great way to bring in a new crowd and elevate the experience for your guests. While of course drinking responsibly.

Traditional museum cafe taken to the next level. A museum cafe doesn’t have to be limited to sandwiches and a case of soda or juice. Many historical sites are revamping their cafes to reflect the modern, current museums that they are. Whether this includes locally sourced food options, fresh produce from the on-site garden, or just fresh, more healthful options, it’s worthwhile to examine your current museum cafe and see if it needs a little refresh to bring it into the present day. Your guests will appreciate it.