articles

It's Maple Sugaring Time!

By Tessa D'Ippolito, Publisher March 4, 2024

We are fortunate here in New England to have a plentiful supply of sugar maple trees, which produce sap that is boiled down into maple syrup and maple sugar products. It's a fascinating process with an incredibly delicious end result, and kids will love to see it (and taste it!).  While there are few sugar houses in Greater Lowell, there are several that aren't too far away.  

Mass Maple Weekend is March 16 & 17. Make your plans now to visit a sugar house!  Be sure to wear boots and be prepared for mud.

We've listed below several sugarhouses that are within a 30-minute drive of Lowell.  Calling ahead is strongly suggested, especially the smaller sugarhouses.


MASSACHUSETTS 


Hollis Hills Farm
340 Marshall Rd

Fitchburg MA

(978) 337-7879

Hollis Hills Farm offers sugarhouse tours in March and Maple Breakfasts and farm-made products in their barn.  The Sugar House will be open March 17 -18 and March 23-24, follow their Facebook page and website for updates.


Boggastowe Farm
20 Shattuck St
Pepperell MA 01463

(978) 433-5191

Learn about the maple process and try their maple products on Mass Maple Weekend, March 16 from 11am-4pm and March 17 12-4pm.  A variety of maple products are available for sale.

Kimstead Farm
169 Hollis Street
Pepperell MA 01463

(978) 580-6711

2024 Maple Weekend – Open Saturday & Sunday Small family homestead focused on raising Nigerian dwarf goats, laying hens and two resident miniature donkeys.  We also cultivate various types of berries for jam making. Annual Open Barn the last Saturday in April. Otherwise by appointment only.


Big Head Fred's
417 Flat Hill Road
Lunenburg MA 01462

(508) 331-9589

2024 Maple Weekend March 16–17: 11am–4pm Join us for maple candies, maple kettle corn, maple cotton candy, sugar on snow, maple roasted peanuts, almonds, walnuts and pecans.


Honey Pot Maple Farm
28 Marjorie Rd
Wilmington MA 01887

(978) 361-0808

Call ahead for visiting hours. Maple syrup, honey and eggs available for sale at this small suburban farm.


Maynard Maple
6 Windmill Dr
Maynard MA 01754

978-897-4518

This small home-based maple sugarhouse is open for Mass Maple Weekend Saturday and Sunday 12:45-3:45 PM. Learn about making maple syrup, try samples, and purchase maple syrup, candies, cream and sugar.


Wartah Maple
46 Warren Avenue
Harvard MA 01452

978-501-0784


Woodville Maples
217 Wood St

Hopkinton MA

(508) 341-5108

This small maple syrup producer usually has open hours on Mass Maple Weekend. Visit the sugar house, ask questions, and purchase syrup, candy, honey, cream and other products.  Check their Facebook page or call ahead to make sure they're up and running.  Note that this sugar shack is at a private home, so parking is limited.


Sap Castle
29 Overlook Rd
Rutland MA

508-886-4564

Open on Saturdays and Sundays from late February to April -- check their online calendar and Facebook page to confirm.  Family-owned multi-generation maple farm, open for tours and maple syrup purchases.


Appleton Farms
219 County Road

Hamilton & Ipswich, MA 01938

Visit this beautiful local farm, operated continuously since 1638. In February and March, book a Maple Stroll to visit the maple trees and learn about maple sugaring.



NEW HAMPSHIRE


Babel's Sugar Shack
323 Hurricane Hill Rd

Mason NH

603-878-3929

They will be offering tours and demonstrations of the sap to syrup process. Free samples of syrup plus many homemade maple products will be available.


Miracle Acres Sugar House
523 Mason Rd

Milford NH

603-765-2893

Miracle Acres Farm taps trees in several locations in the Milford area.  Stop by the farm to see their wood-fired evaporator, learn about the maple sugaring process, and choose from their selection of farm-produced maple products.


Parker's Maple Barn
1316 Brookline Rd

Mason NH

(603) 878-2308

This popular country restaurant serves breakfast with plenty of maple syrup products included. A gift shop on site has a variety of maple and New England products for sale. Visit the Sugar House during maple season to see their wood-fired evaporator.  This extremely popular destination can be very crowded. Allow plenty of time for your visit. Check their Facebook page for the latest information on the Sugar House.


Sammy's Sugar Shack
131 North River Rd

Milford NH

603-345-1247

Open select weekends from 9 AM to 4 PM for free samples, maple products, and demonstrations of the sugaring process.  


Charmingfare Farm
774 High Street
Candia, NH 03034

Explore maple sugaring on a working farm and enjoy the horse-drawn Maple Express.  Book tickets in advance.





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