Sweetness in Vermont: A Guide to Maple Syrup Season Beyond the Fall Foliage: A Sugary Delight
While Vermont's fall foliage is a sight to behold, there's a different kind of magic happening in the Green Mountain State come late winter and early spring. Maple syrup season, also known as "sugaring season," is a unique and delicious time to visit Vermont.
Why Visit During Maple Syrup Season?
- Witness the maple syrup making process from tree to table.
- Sample fresh maple syrup and other maple treats.
- Enjoy the crisp air and beautiful scenery of Vermont's countryside.
- Participate in fun activities like sugaring demonstrations, pancake breakfasts, and sleigh rides.
When to Go to Vermont
Maple syrup season typically runs from late February to mid-April, depending on the weather. The ideal time to visit is when temperatures are freezing overnight and above freezing during the day, as this is when the sap flows best.
How to Get To Vermont:
- Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV) and rent a car.
- Take Amtrak's Vermonter train to various towns in Vermont.
- Drive from nearby states like New York, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.
Where to Stay in Vermont:
- Luxury: The Woodstock Inn & Resort, Twin Farms
- Mid-Range: The Essex Resort & Spa, The Stowehof
- Budget: Green Mountain Suites Hotel, The Warren Lodge
Dining Suggestions:
- Fine Dining: Hen of the Wood (Waterbury), The Kitchen Table Bistro (Richmond)
- Casual: The Blue Benn Diner (Bennington), Prohibition Pig (Waterbury)
- Maple Treats: Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks (Montpelier), Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop (East Montpelier)
Suggested Itinerary for a 3-Day Vermont Getaway:
Day 1:
- Arrive in Burlington and visit the ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain.
- Drive to Stowe and check into your accommodation.
- Take a scenic gondola ride up Mt. Mansfield.
- Enjoy dinner at Harrison's Restaurant & Bar.
Day 2:
- Visit the Ben & Jerry's Factory in Waterbury.
- Explore the Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
- Have lunch at The Blue Benn Diner.
- Visit Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks and learn about maple syrup production.
- Enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast with fresh maple syrup.
Day 3:
- Visit the Trapp Family Lodge, a beautiful Austrian-style lodge with stunning mountain views.
- Take a walk or cross-country ski on the lodge's trails.
- Have lunch at the lodge's restaurant.
- Drive back to Burlington for your departure flight.
Covered Bridges and Sugarhouses:
Vermont is famous for its covered bridges, and many of them are located near sugarhouses. Here are a few must-sees:
- Arlington Green Covered Bridge: Located in Arlington, this bridge is one of the oldest and most photographed covered bridges in Vermont.
- Cornish-Windsor Covered Bridge: Spanning the Connecticut River between Cornish, New Hampshire, and Windsor, Vermont, this bridge is the longest covered bridge in the United States.
- Smiley's Covered Bridge: Located in Bolton, this bridge is known for its picturesque setting and is a popular spot for photos.
Sugarhouses to Visit:
- Morse Farm Maple Sugarworks (Montpelier): This family-owned sugarhouse offers tours, demonstrations, and a variety of maple products.
- Bragg Farm Sugarhouse & Gift Shop (East Montpelier): This sugarhouse is known for its delicious maple syrup and maple cream.
- Slopeside Syrup (Stowe): This sugarhouse offers a unique experience, with maple syrup production taking place right on the slopes of Stowe Mountain Resort.
Hidden Vermont Gems:
- The Maple Creemee: This Vermont specialty is a soft-serve ice cream cone with a drizzle of maple syrup. It's the perfect treat on a warm day.
- Maple Syrup Festivals: Many towns in Vermont host maple syrup festivals during sugaring season, with activities like pancake breakfasts, sugarhouse tours, and live music.
- Sugarbush: Take a walk through a sugarbush and see the maple trees tapped for sap.
Tips for Planning Your Trip:
- Book your accommodation and activities in advance, as maple syrup season is a popular time to visit Vermont.
- Dress warmly, as temperatures can be cold, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- Be sure to try some of the local maple syrup and other maple products.
- Take your time and enjoy the slow pace of life in Vermont.
Maple syrup season is a special time in Vermont. It's a chance to experience the state's natural beauty, learn about its history and traditions, and indulge in some delicious treats.