Vermont is the nation's largest producer of maple syrup - by far.

 

On Saturday and Sunday, March 28-29, 2015, participating sugarmakers around the state open their sugarhouse doors to visitors as part of Vermont's annual Maple Open House Weekend.  

 

The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association shares with us which sugarhouses will be open, when and just what tasty treats and fun activities they are offering.

 

See what's open 

 

After an unseasonably cold winter, sugaring season is a welcome relief. Sugaring season occurs when temperatures rise into the 40s during the day but drop to the 20s at night, causing a change in pressure within the tree and sap flow. The season typically lasts several weeks, or until trees bud.

A long-standing tradition in Vermont, sugaring season is marked by steam rising from sugarhouses as maple sap is boiled down to syrup in large wood- or oil-fired evaporators.

 

If conditions are right, this is what you'll witness on Open House Weekend. Sugarmakers are also offering tours, samples, selling maple products from syrup to maple cotton candy, teaching about the trade, and in some case offering sugar on snow.

 

For novices, sugar on snow is maple syrup heated to just the right temperature and poured over fresh snow to create a thick and sticky treat. Sugar on snow is often served with a raised doughnut or sour pickle.

 

Make this Vermont tradition your tradition. Visit Vermont during Maple Open House Weekend.  

 

We warn you, however: sugaring season also occurs during Vermont's unofficial fifth season - Mud Season - so bring your Muck boots and penchant for back road driving.