Maple producers open to the public — in and not too far from Bennington — include Armstrong Farm, Glastenview Maple Farm in Shaftsbury, Ball Brook Maple in Pownal, and Merck Forest in Rupert. Thank you!!
Maple, maple, maple – a Vermont staple so ingrained in our state’s culture that it is nearly impossible to have a meal without it, especially in the springtime when the maple trees come to life and the sap begins to run.
More than 100 maple producers take part in a wildly popular weekend festival that celebrates this delicious syrup. Nearly a dozen of our Bennington County sugar-makers participate in the festivities as well.
What to Expect at Maple Weekend in Bennington
Hop from maple house to maple house. Indulge in a seemingly endless supply of maple desserts: ice cream, donuts, fudge, muffins, and more. Maple Weekend in Bennington is perfect for foodies or just anyone with a taste for adventure.
What if sweets just aren’t your thing? Don’t worry – there are plenty of savory options available. How about a slice of maple sausage fennel pizza paired with a decadent maple stout? No matter what you’re craving, there’s a maple-infused delight with your name on it.
The syrup is sweet and the food delightful. There’s also plenty of local entertainment to keep you and your kiddos busy as you nibble your way through this fun-filled Vermont Maple Weekend.
Depending on where you decide to stop, you will have an opportunity to experience horse-drawn sleigh rides, wagon rides, cooking demonstrations, and sugar-on-snow parties.
If you don’t know what sugar-on-snow is, you just might have to come to Vermont Maple Weekend to find out what you’ve been missing.
Participating maple syrup makers are excited to show you around the sugar shack and provide demonstrations on how maple syrup is made from boiled sap. You will learn about the taste, colors, and different grades of syrup. Make sure you have some space in your bags to take home a few pints for friends and family.
Vermont Maple Weekend in Bennington is one of the best ways to embrace our sweetest season. The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association (VMSMA) revels in sharing the tradition of maple sugaring with the public during this special annual event.
The Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association is one of the oldest non-governmental agricultural organization in the US with its establishment in 1893. Its mission to protect the tradition of maple sugar making and keep consistent quality has helped Vermont to export some of the best maple syrup in the world. The demand for maple syrup is growing daily with Vermont’s production tripling in the past decade to 1.8 million gallons per year.
Mark your calendars for March 19-20 & 26-27, 2022 and start planning your Vermont Vacation now. Word is our Bennington VT hotels and B&B hosts can make a mean breakfast featuring none other than pure Vermont maple syrup.
Fun Facts about Maple Syrup
- It takes 40 liters of sap to make 1 liter of maple syrup.
- A quarter cup of maple syrup contains important minerals such as manganese, riboflavin, zinc, magnesium, calcium, and potassium.
- Maple Syrup contains antioxidant properties equal to a banana or of a serving of broccoli.
- Most maple trees yield between 5 and 15 gallons of sap per season.
- In 2019, Vermont produced nearly 2-million gallons of syrup, making it the top producer in the United States.
- Sponsored by the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association, Vermont Maple Weekend is an event that Vermonters and visitors mark their calendars for year after year.
Participating Farms in and around Bennington
- Armstrong Farm, Pownal, Vermont
- Ball Brook Maple, Pownal, Vermont
- Dunn’s Leakee Bucket, Bennington, Vermont
- Glastenview Maple Farm, Shaftsbury, Vermont
- Maple Hill Maple, Shaftsbury, Vermont
- Mance Family Tree Farm, Shaftsbury, Vermont
- The Wing Farm, Shaftsbury, Vermont
To learn more about specific Maple Weekend events at participating sugar houses, visit Bennington County Sugarmakers’ Association.