Maple syrup is a staple food in Vermont, and marking maple syrup is a part of the state's culture. So it's natural that every spring, when maple trees start producing their valuable juices, syrup production turns into one large celebration of Vermont's lifestyle and nature. Maple houses can be found throughout the state, and they usually open doors for visitors during the maple sap season in March, so everyone can witness how Vermont's liquid gold is being made from boiled sap. Maple syrup is served over delicious local desserts, like donuts, muffins, and ice cream. You can have even more fun learning everything about the syrup at local maple festivals that start in March and run till late April.
Vermont Maple Weekend
Bennington County in Southern Vermont is famous for its pure and delicious maple syrup. More than 100 farmers take part in a weekend celebration that usually occurs in mid-March to showcase the maple syrup industry. Visitors can tour maple houses in Bennington County to see exciting demonstrations and to taste different kinds of maple syrup. Besides, there is lots of food and entertainment such as horse-drawn sleigh rides, wagon rides, and sugar-on-snow parties.
MapleFest at Smugglers' Notch (March 14–31, 2023)
The ski resort of Smugglers' Notch hosts the annual MapleFest celebration in mid-March to highlight the Vermont traditions of the sugaring season. Visitors can see sap lines that collect the precious sap for a local sugarhouse. Sample maple syrup at the Country Store and have fun at MapleFest Winter Carnival with exciting games, sugar on snow, and tastings of food and beverages!
Vermont Maple Festival, St. Albans (April 28–30, 2023)
For over 50 years, St. Albans has hosted Vermont Maple Festival, celebrating the state's signature agricultural crop. The weekend event includes the parade, the carnival, numerous maple exhibits, and food demonstrations. Famous chefs cook with maple syrup. There is music and live entertainment for the whole family alongside the antique show and craft & specialty food show.
