Please note: This post is from 2021. Stay tuned for an updated 2022 listing!
One of my favorite discoveries from writing this blog has been the brief (blink and you’ll miss it!) season of Maple Sugaring that generally happens late February into March. Sadly, many of our favorite maple-themed events and activities have been cancelled for 2021 due to Covid, but we were still able to find a few destinations with fun offerings.
This year, the list might be a little bit shorter, but it’s still just as sweet! 🙂
Roaring Brook Nature Center
March 14th, 2021 from 12:00-1:00pm & 2:00-3:00pm: Roaring Brook Nature Center in Canton offers their annual Maple Sugaring in Your Own Backyard demonstration teaching you how to make maple syrup the easy way. They’ll cover the entire process from identifying the tree to the best part – tasting the final product. Cost: $10 each / $30 family of four. MASKS & RESERVATIONS REQUIRED. Groups limited to 12 people. To register for the 12- 1 pm program, click here. To register for the 2- 3 pm program, click here. Program may be subject to change or cancellation if conditions require. OAAM Venue Preview; Website; Facebook Page
New Canaan Nature Center
Saturday, March 13th, 2021, 3 Sessions: 8:30 A.M., 9:45 A.M., or 11:00 A.M. The New Canaan Nature Center hosts its annual syrup season celebration, Syrup Saturday: A Pancakes & PJs Party! Bring the whole family and join them for their annual syrup season celebration – you won’t want to miss their famously delicious Pancakes & PJs party, complete with TONS of fun syrup-related activities! They’ll be serving up flapjacks, syrup, and an array of tasty toppings, OUTDOORS ONLY this year. The day will also include tree tapping demos, a real maple sap “boil down,” sweet maple-inspired crafts, campfire with marshmallows, and a real v. fake syrup taste test. They’ll also have bottles of NCNC Maple Syrup for sale. Proper social distancing will be strongly encouraged. Face coverings are required for all guests over the age of 2, except when eating. Pre-registration by Thursday, March 11th at 12pm is required! Spaces are limited to 40 people per time slot to allow for social distancing. All attendees (children + adults) must purchase a ticket. Sign in will be at the Check In Table between the Visitor Center and Green House. Members: $10/person; Non-Members: $15/person. OAAM Venue Preview; Website; Facebook Page
Northwest Park
Northwest Park in Windsor Maple Sugaring Winter 2021: Sugar master Chuck Drake operates their own maple sugaring process in the brand new Northwest Park Sugarhouse in February and March. Watch the entire process every year in late winter. Call the park for specific details, 860-285-1886. OAAM Venue Preview; Website; Facebook Page
Maple Sugaring Sunday and Pancake Breakfast Party
On March 7, 2021 there’s a Maple Syrup Sugar Shack demonstration during brunch at Lyman Orchards in Middlefield. Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut’s traveling sugarhouse will be onsite for families to learn about the tradition of maple sugaring. Kids and adults can try their hand at tapping a “tree” before or after you indulge in their delicious ‘Pancake Party’ brunch menu. A delicious pancake menu awaits, strawberry, blueberry, apple or chocolate chip. Enjoy this outdoor demonstration with your paid brunch reservation. Limited reservations available. COVID guidelines strictly enforced. It’s all happening at the 1741 Pub & Grill located at Lyman Orchards Golf Course in Middlefield! Reservations can be made here. Website; Facebook Page
11th Annual Maple Sugaring Demonstration & Pancake Breakfast
March 20, 2021: The ELCCT’s annual pancake breakfast and maple sugaring demonstration at Indian Rock Nature Preserve in Bristol will look a little different this year, but guests will still be able to enjoy a hardy pancake breakfast as take-out. “Take Out Only” pick up will be from 8 a.m. – noon. When you arrive at your scheduled time, first let them know you are there by visiting the check-in table. Visit the all-outdoor Maple Sugaring Demonstration while they get your order together. Pick-up times will be staggered to keep social distancing guidelines intact, and facemasks must be worn at all times. Bottles of homemade maple syrup and maple sugar candies will be available for sale during the Maple Sugaring Demonstration. Adults $10; Children (10 and under) $5, Advance registration required. Register HERE! Website
Flanders Nature Center
Maple Syrup Demonstrations: Flanders Nature Center in Woodbury welcomes small groups to reserve their time to visit the Sugar House as staff and volunteers demonstrate turning sap into syrup with an entertaining mix of science, stories and humor. The entire family will be fascinated by the maple sugar-making process. There is a $3/person suggested donation which will go to support Flanders’ future maple sugar programming. Saturdays: March 6 & 13, 2021; Sundays: Feb 28, and March 7 & 14, 2021 at 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30, 3:00, 3:30 & 4:00 PM at The Sugar House. REGISTER HERE
Pancake breakfast to Go on Sunday, March 7, 2021 from 8:00 – 11:30 AM at The Sugar House. Keep the tradition alive and join them for the Annual (Drive-Thru) Pancake Breakfast! The menu will feature a full stack of pancakes and sausage for $9 or a short stack and sausage for $7. All served with Flanders’ very own maple syrup, butter and beverage of choice (coffee, tea and/or orange juice). All proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Flanders’ education programs. (Rain date: Sunday, March 14). All breakfast orders must be made in advance and received by Friday, March 5. Any questions call them at 203-263-3711. PRE-ORDER YOUR BREAKFAST HERE
Lamothe’s Sugar House
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, Lamothe’s Sugar House will be suspending tours for the 2021 season. However, if you need a maple fix, their retail store will remain open on a limited basis (please call ahead of time to ensure they are available). They can also do phone orders (with credit cards), and place the product outside the store if you prefer. Or, you can place an online order as well, and have it shipped to you as soon as possible. OAAM Blog Post; Website; Facebook Page
Maple Weekend
Brought to you by the Maple Syrup Producers Association of Connecticut March 20th & 21st, 2021: Visit sugarhouses and taste great maple products. During the two days, many sugarhouses across the state will be open for tours and will be selling their products. This is a great opportunity for visitors to learn how maple sap is collected and turned into delicious, sugary products. Website
Looking for even more maple fun? Check out the Maple Syrup Producers of Connecticut’s website for a brochure of CT sugar houses that are open to the public and this list of places where you can buy pure CT maple syrup.
Annual events that have been confirmed cancelled for 2021:
- Maple Sugar Madness at the Welles-Shipman-Ward House in Glastonbury
- The annual Auerfarm Pancake Breakfast
- Northwest Park annual Pancake Breakfast
- Hebron Maple Festival
Please note: Maple Sugar Fest Sundays at The Stamford Nature Center has SOLD OUT
Originally posted on 2/27/21; please be sure to check each venue’s website for any event updates or schedule changes.
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