Sugarhouse tours statewide for Maple Open House Weekend

Maple Open House Weekend brings an estimated 30,000 visitors to tour Vermont sugarhouses and meet the sugar makers responsible for leading the nation in maple syrup production (nearly 1.8 million gallons averaged over the past three seasons). The weekend celebrates the current season’s crop and this year’s event has expanded the offerings and activities for visitors by partnering with local businesses that specialize in their own craft and support Vermont’s maple industry by including maple in their ingredients, on their menus, and offered for sale at their locations.

When visiting sugarhouses on March 24 and 25, visitors can expect warm welcomes from their sugar maker hosts, eager to educate and share with the public the process of making maple syrup from sap — an inside look at the hard work that goes into producing each jug of syrup. Traditional open house activities include sampling syrup, tours of the woods, pancake breakfasts, horse-drawn sleigh rides, sugar-on-snow parties, and plenty of maple products to taste including maple donuts, maple cotton candy, and maple creemees.

Visitors can also expect to be impressed by the diversity of maple as an ingredient as showcased by partner businesses. Each partner capitalizes on the flavor qualities of maple as a key component of recipes and menu items appearing throughout the weekend.

For more information about the weekend and to see the growing list of participating sugarhouses and partnering businesses, visit: www.vermontmaple.org/mohw. — from the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association.