NH Celebrates Maple Sugar Season

As the snow melts, sap begins to rise in maple trees across New Hampshire, making March prime time for tapping the trees and collecting the clear liquid that will soon become one of the region’s most famous products:  pure NH Maple Syrup.  Sugarhouses and producers all over the state are celebrating the season this weekend, with open houses and festivals that feature this sweet treat in all its glory—fresh and warm!

The NH Maple Producers Open House Weekend takes place March 19^th and 20^th, and more than 60 sugarhouses in New Hampshire will be participating.  At many of the sugarhouses, visitors can learn how maple syrup is made, taste free samples, and enjoy pancake breakfasts.  If there is fresh snow on the ground, some lucky folks will be able to try an old New England tradition, maple sugar on snow.

North Woodstock, NH is going all out with a town-wide celebration.  NH Maple Fest kicks off Friday evening, March 18^th, with several local restaurants featuring maple products on their menus.  On Saturday, maple lovers of all ages can join in on some fun activities, including a Maple Sugar Obstacle Course in Cascade Park, and demonstrations at nearby sugarhouses.  The Lincoln Woodstock Rotary will then host a Maple Dinner Ball Saturday night, with live entertainment and the crowning of the King and Queen of Sap.  The fun continues on Sunday with an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast, the New Hampshire Maple Festival Parade, and a Maple Festival Bed Race.

If you don’t get your fill of maple syrup this weekend, next weekend is shaping up with more fun activities as well.  On Saturday, March 26^th, The Remick Museum and Farm in Tamworth is hosting their Annual Maple Sugar Event, where visitors can experience the historic maple sugar encampment, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and view exhibits on the history of maple sugaring, from Native American traditions to modern techniques.  And in Laconia, Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center will be celebrating Maple Sugar Madness!

With skiing and snowshoeing still happening up north, flowers starting to sprout in the southern areas, and so many special maple sugar events happening all over the state, there are plenty of reasons to visit New Hampshire in the spring!  Cheers!

Carrie Reed
The Mill Falls Blogging Team

Image credit: anolobb at flickr.com