It’s a miracle that humans learned how to get the sweetest syrup from the maple trees around us. While the science behind maple tapping and sugaring is rather detailed, here’s the short of it: maple sap starts to flow when temperatures fluctuate between below-freezing at night and above-freezing during the day.
Essentially, that’s springtime here in Massachusetts! And without further ado, here are two local spots with family-friendly events that can show you exactly how maple sugaring is done this March:
1. Appleton Farms
Established in 1638 and maintained by nine generations, this North Shore destination is one of the country’s oldest continuously operated farms. In March, Appleton Farms hosts hands-on family maple sugaring workshops starting on March 4 and running though the end of the month. Each two-hour session introduces the tools of maple sugaring, then you can practice tapping your own tree.
Find Appleton Farms at 219 County Road, Hamilton & Ipswich, MA.
2. Old Sturbridge Village
Our favorite old-fashioned village is back this March with their Maple Days events. Included with the price of admission into the village, these weekends will feature maple sugaring demonstrations as it was done in early 19th-century New England. You’ll be able to see the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the trees to “sugaring off’ the maple sap.” It’s interesting, educational, and delicious!
Find Old Sturbridge Village at 1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA.
3. Natick Community Organic Farm
Just 30-minutes from Boston, you can go maple sugaring near the city. Workshops are held weekly and involve farm tours, learning about sap tapping and boiling maple. Learn more and reserve a tour!
Find it at 117 Eliot St, Natick, MA 01760
4. Davenport Maple Farm
Located adjacent to “Maple Row” in Western Mass, it’s no surprise that this farm knows all things maple syrup! Learn about sugaring on weekends and grab some fresh-extracted syrup for the road!
Find it at 111 Tower Rd, Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
5. North Hadley Sugar Shack
This shack hosts special maple-themed breakfast every Saturday and Sunday during sugaring season, which ends in early April. They also host all-you-can-eat waffle events where you douse your carbs in the syrupy goodness.
This article is written by Ameera Hammouda and Vanessa Baron