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Posted by Stephanie Saba, guest blogger of Fitchburg State University

It’s that time of year again, when the days bring more sun, the nights are crisp, and sap is collected for a favorite sweet treat. All across Massachusetts, maple sugar trees are being tapped and sap is turned into maple syrup. It’s no wonder March was officially declared Maple Month! And while we all love to top our pancakes with that maple goodness, there are plenty of other activities – all dedicated to maple – taking place during the month of March.

A great place to start is our maple page, which is full of maple producers, activities and events across the state. This year, Maple weekend will be March 16th-17th. Over 50 sugar houses will be open for tours and demonstrations. Find a complete list here.

Maple Days at Old Sturbridge Village, source: instagram.com/oldsturbridgevillage

And make sure you stop by participating restaurants for delicious maple cuisine. From maple mustard baked salmon at The Old Creamery Co-Op to the classic pancakes and syrup from Elmer’s, there are so many tasty ways you can enjoy the flavor of maple! Check out the Massachusetts Maple Producers Association for all the sugarhouses and restaurants participating this year.

Here’s are a few to get you started:
Elmer’s, Ashfield
Hartman’s Herb Farm, Barre
Henrietta’s Table, Cambridge
The Old Creamery Co-Op, Cummington
Taylors Tavern, Greenfield
Paul & Elizabeth’s, Northampton
Hager’s Farm Market, Shelburne
Red Lion Inn, Stockbridge
Wild Oats Market, Williamstown

Looking to get a little more involved in the maple process? Take a tour of a local sugarhouse and watch the transformation from sap to syrup. Many local attractions and maple sugarhouses host maple days and maple breakfasts all season so you can enjoy the sweet goodness whenever a craving hits.

Sap collecting and maple sugaring

Hardwick Sugar Shack has open houses every Sunday in March from 11am-4pm. Visitors can follow the process of making maple syrup from tree to tasting. Enjoy free samples of the finished products while you sip on their hot apple cider and visit the farm animals. You can even pick up your own Hardwick Sugar Shack maple syrup before you leave!

Old Sturbridge Village, a living history museum focused on the 1830’s and early New England living, is hosting maple days every weekend in March. Visitors can see how sugaring has evolved with time. History and foodie buffs alike can enjoy looking at the different sugaring equipment and tapping techniques of 19th century New England and visit the gift shop right after to pick up their own batch of delicious maple syrup.

Visit the North Hadley Sugar Shack & Market to stock up on all things maple! Pure maple products such as Maple Syrup, Maple Candy, and Maple Cream are all available at the market as well as Infused Soaps, Scented Candles and much more. Visitors can also feast on the sugar shack’s famous maple breakfast every day of the week from 7am-1pm and weekends 7am-3pm. Boiling demos and tastings also take place on the weekends.

However you choose to get your maple fix this month – and beyond – we’re glad to have you in MA to enjoy it! So grab a waffle, take your pick of products, and savor those maple flavors!

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