Massachusetts’ Sweetest Winter Treat Is This Homemade Maple Syrup Tasting

I love getting outside and enjoying all of the natural beauty our state has to offer. However, when winter’s temperatures drop and the cold winds hit hard, I find myself fighting the urge to hibernate in my warm living room. During these times, I rely on my sweet tooth to motivate me to get up off the couch and venture into the frozen wonderland beyond my doorstep. Nothing is tastier this time of year than authentic maple syrup, and sampling it directly from its source is such a fun and interesting experience. Appleton Farms in Ipswich, Massachusetts, will host several fabulous maple sugar events this season. The delicious reward at the end of these experiences is worth the trip out into the cold.

Appleton Farms is a gorgeous 1,000-acre property maintained by the Trustees of Reservations. The farm hosts events all year long, including cooking classes, farm-to-table dinners, and family-friendly celebrations. Now that winter is in full swing, Appleton Farms is focusing on its annual maple syrup events.

This year, Appleton will host events for adults and teens and separate experiences for families with young children. Let me start by telling you about the farm's “Adult Maple Strolls.” During the hour-long event, guests enjoy a walk around the scenic New England farm while learning about the history and science of the maple-sugaring process. After a visit to the farm’s maple grove, visitors have the opportunity to warm up and observe the maple sugaring process in action at Appleton’s Sugar Shack. The tour also includes a tasting of fresh maple syrup.

If you plan to embark on a maple sugaring event with littles, I suggest you opt for the farm’s “Children's Maple in the Barnyard” experience, specifically designed for families with children ages three to 11. During this fun 45-minute program, families have the opportunity to see the maple trees, learn about the tools required for the maple sugaring process, and sample some of Appleton’s delicious syrup. The informative program also includes a trip to the barn to visit some of the farm's furry friends.

Once you get a taste of the authentic Appleton maple syrup, there is no going back to the store-bought brand. You can purchase syrup and other delicious products at Appleton’s on-site farm store. A special food station, featuring homemade maple products, will also be available during the adult and family tours.

Appleton’s maple syrup experiences take place on Saturdays from late February to Early March. You can find further event information on the Appleton Farms website and the Appleton Farms Facebook page. The Trustees also sponsor wonderful winter events at nearby Crane Beach and the deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Lincoln. If you are wondering what to do with all of that delicious maple syrup, the Maple Syrup Cookbook, by Ken Haedrich, contains fantastic maple recipes.