It’s the bare beginning of spring and maple trees are ready to do their thing! Here in New York State, the celebration of the maple harvest begins on March 18-19 and 25-26. More than 160 producers and farms will be opening their properties to the public for this annual tradition; here are just a few to check out:
Learn about the maple syrup process with educational tours, demonstrations, and syrup tastings on March 18, 19, 25, and 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours are free but reservations are recommended. (105 Hawleys Corner Rd, Highland; 845.943.8013 or 845.706.2484; www.coreysfarm.com)
This unique farm will be offering demonstrations on how they make maple syrup using a high-efficiency, wood-fired evaporator. Plus, you can enjoy Valley views from a sugarhouse fully constructed by timber collected and milled on-site. Open March 18, 19, 25, and 26. (93 Dupier Rd, Ghent; 518.929.0484; www.mapleleafsugaring.com)
Stop in for sweet breakfast treats (including pancakes with pure maple syrup, sausages, coffee and tea). Tours of the sugar houses and a viewing of their 2,400 tapped trees will follow the morning eats. March 18, 19, 25, and 26. 9 a.m.-12 p.m., $8 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 years old, and free for children under 5. (680 Croton Lake Rd, Yorktown Heights; 914.245.7535 or 914.582.1117; www.whiteoakfarm1.com)
This sugarhouse will be giving insight into the making of different maple products, boiling sap into syrup and demonstrating the many ways to convert the sweet stuff into a delicious treat. March 25 and 26 only. (8 Sugarhouse Ln, Grahamsville; 845.985.7815 or 845.796.1010; www.catskillmountainsugarhouse.com)
Check out our map below for these and other maple sugaring events this March!