I have one non-negotiable: maple syrup on everything. We're talking lemonade, meatballs, fish sauce, pancakes — the classics and the questionable alike. Mid-March usually brings Maple Weekend across the New England region. It’s when the maple farms open to the public for tours, activities, and free samples. I've always taken part in this tradition in Connecticut, but this year I found myself in New Hampshire.
New Hampshire Maple Weekend was no different. I visited a few farms around the Lake Sunapee area where I was staying. The only noticeable difference from Connecticut? The free maple samples were all served WARM!
Here are some farms I visited:
My first stop was Harding Hill Farm in Sunapee, NH — a beautiful property with a charming farm store and a glimpse into the room where the maple magic happens. They were serving up a Maple Weekend pancake breakfast, and the place was absolutely buzzing with visitors. A small but lovely touch: the bottles featured an illustration of Lake Sunapee right on the label.
My next stop was Will A Way Maples in Newbury, NH. I'd had my eye on their vanilla-infused maple syrup, but when I arrived — the selection was even more impressive than expected. Easily the widest variety I've come across. I ended up choosing the campfire and cinn-vanilla flavors. And as a bonus, I got to meet their adorable pup.
More adorable dogs greeted me at Windy Top Sugarhouse in North Sutton, NH. This sugarhouse had a more intimate feel, which made for a much more personal experience with the makers themselves. They were incredibly welcoming. Before I left, I had a handful of new recommendations for nearby sugarhouses to add to my list.
I usually stick to a planned list, but sometimes a roadside sign is all it takes to make a detour worthwhile. That was the case with Meetinghouse Maple in South Sutton, NH, which turned out to be my longest stop of the day. I lost track of time chatting with the makers and learning about the maple season in New Hampshire — they mentioned that the sap had only just begun to run. It's a fascinating contrast to Connecticut, where the season had already wrapped up entirely.
Maple Weekend isn't just about farm tours — local businesses get in on the fun too, with maple-themed food all around. Here's a look at some of the treats I tried and where you can find them.
Overall, it was a wonderful Maple Weekend in New Hampshire, and I came away having learned more than ever about the craft behind the syrup. I have such admiration for the dedicated people who make it all possible. If you're looking for a great getaway, I can't recommend New Hampshire enough — the maple farms are plentiful (and yes, far more than Connecticut!).
