New England’s Most Delicious Season is Here

Written By Lindsey

Hello Maple Season!

Maple season is one of my favorite times in New England! Sugar houses all across New England open their doors to the public for live demonstrations, tastings, educational sessions, and even full pancake breakfasts! And it's a sign to New Englanders that spring is on its way.

The exact timing of the season has a lot to do with the weather, but it generally runs from the end of February through the end of March.  During this time, there are hundreds of sugar makers across New England to visit.

Below are a few of my favorite sugarhouses to visit in Massachusetts:

Davenport Maple Farm (Shelburne Falls, MA) - This spot is perfect for breakfast and all orders of pancakes, waffles, and French toast come with your very own mini jug of their dark robust maple syrup! I love their homemade waffles with strawberries (and of course maple syrup). Gluten free friends - they also offer a homemade gluten free waffle option. Post breakfast, tour the boiling room and take in the amazing smells of maple syrup in the air. You can also walk the property to visit the cows and chickens, and enjoy some scenic views. This sugarhouse is super popular so I recommend arriving early as there can be some longer wait times for seating, but it is well worth the wait.

North Hadley Sugar Shack (Hadley, MA) - A maple sugar breakfast spot and store. The store is open year-round and during sugar season you can enjoy breakfast here Friday - Sunday. They have a full menu including homemade pancakes served up with their very own maple syrup. You can also see the boiling process in action with a tour of their boiling room or grab one of the tables right outside the boiling room for breakfast with a view. Following breakfast, head over to the market side to pick up some of their maple syrup to take home. On your way out, take a photo with the largest maple syrup jug ever, located out front of the building. This spot is also popular for breakfast during sugar season so plan on an early visit if possible for less wait times.

Hardwick Sugar Shack (Hardwick, MA) - This beautiful little sugar shack is located down a lovely scenic road, so not only is the destination worth the visit but the drive is as well. If you want to learn about the maple syrup boiling process, this is the spot for you! When you arrive, you will be greeted and guided through the process of making maple syrup. We were able to see how maple syrup historically was made, by being collected in buckets from each tree and boiled over an open fire. Today, the boiling process involves connected tubing across the maple trees to make it more efficient. And this spot smells amazing, especially inside the boiling room.

Three other smaller sugarhouses that I love in the area are Boyden Brothers Maple (Conway, MA) for amazing maple candies, Brookledge Sugarhouse (Whately, MA) for delicious maple covered walnuts, and John's Maple (Whately, MA) for beautiful views and a variety of tasty syrups.

Discover a sugarhouse near you:

Most states also have a maple weekend packed with lots of events. Check out the details below for the 2024 dates and links to find maple producers in each state:

Lindsey

I like taking the trips and taking pics of them.

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