Spring is finally here and with this welcome new season comes a statewide celebration of all things maple. To help you decide where to go with your family, we scoured 81 listings to find some of the most unique places to visit.
Chase Farms
Wells
chasefarmswells.com
This popular farm is open on both Saturday and Sunday, which is a bonus for families with busy weekend schedules. Two handsome Belgian horses named Bud and Bill will take you on a wagon tour through the sugarbush ($5/pp). Before you go, treat yourself to maple cotton candy or cider donuts at the market.
Highlights: Kids can get their faces painted, tour the barn, and visit with sweet piglets and calves.
Image courtesy Chase Farms
Merrifield Farm
Gorham
Find them on Facebook
Breakfast is served outside from 9-4 on Saturday and Sunday, so while you may need to bundle up, time is on your side. Don’t miss the rustic sugarhouse, 1900’s ice house and barn.
Highlights: During your visit, check out the blacksmithing and ox demonstrations plus a display of antiques used for maple sugaring. Smoked cheese, maple roasted nuts, and maple creemees (soft serve ice cream) are also on hand for hungry visitors.
Image courtesy Merrifeld Farm
Blueberry Fields Bed + Breakfast
Washington
blueberryfieldsbandb.com
Husband and wife team, Deb and Cyd Zeigler, built this post and beam B&B in 2007. Deb is a professional baker and Cyd operates the sugarhouse. On Saturday and Sunday, the couple opens their doors to visitors for sugarbush tours and homemade treats.
Highlights: The family can stay for the night at a reasonable rate and enjoy a pancake breakfast at the inn on Sunday. If there is snow on the ground, visitors can explore the snowshoe and cross-country ski trails.
Image courtesy Goranson Farm
Goranson Farm
Dresden
goransonfarm.me
Rob Johanson, who co-operates Goranson Farm with his wife Jan Goranson, has made maple syrup for over 40 years. He’s a terrific resource for learning everything families need to know about syrup production (a sign in the sugarhouse provides some cool stats). The certified organic farm also offers hot drinks and horse drawn wagon rides.
Highlights: Organic maple syrup, free maple sundaes, Chase Farm maple donuts and live music in the greenhouse.
Image courtesy Dunham Farm
Dunham Farm/Velvet Hollow Sugar Works
Greenwood
Find them on Facebook
This farm has a newly updated sugarhouse, gluten-free kitchen and a cozy market that offers many of their gorgeous baked goods. And did you know? Greenwood is the birthplace of L.L.Bean.
Highlights: A gluten-free pancake breakfast, served inside the sugarhouse, followed by Maple turkey chili and cornbread for lunch. Open both Saturday and Sunday.
Eureka Farms
Palmyra
eurekafarmsmaine.com
Families flock to this lovely space on Sunday for sweet treats and sleigh rides. Kids can sample Maine-made Gifford’s ice cream with syrup, while parents shop for goodies like maple BBQ sauce and orange blossom honey (made with a partnering beekeeper in Florida).
Highlights: Drafty Acres beautiful horses and sleighs are available for tours of the sugarbush.
Washburn-Norlands Living History Center
Livermore
norlands.org
Visit Maine’s oldest farm museum for a pancake breakfast inside a historic farmer’s cottage. What’s especially cool is kids can help tap trees and collect the sap. For the curious, visit the replica, one-room schoolhouse to see what life was like in the 19th century.
Highlights: If the weather cooperates, the 445-acre property is perfect for snowshoeing or sledding (BYO).
Photo courtesy Spring Break Maple & Honey
Spring Break Maple & Honey
Smyrna
mainemapleandhoney.com
Kevin and Kristi Brannen create artisan made maple syrup in the County. It’s clear the Brannens appreciate good food, as evidenced by the love and care that goes into their products. While you’re there, say hello to Scout, their sweet dog and official greeter.
Highlights: Maple sundaes made to order (with all proceeds going to Sarah’s House, a Holden-based cancer care center that provides temporary lodging to patients and their families). Tours include a visit to the sugarbush and their candy-making facility.
To find a Maine Maple Sunday celebration near you, visit here.
PS: A classic sugarhouse, if you’d like to see.