In my house growing up, my family would get into the classic pancakes vs. waffles debate on a semi-regular basis. We alternated between the two on weekend mornings, and I’d wait in the kitchen with excitement for the griddle to heat up.
I favored waffles. My brother preferred pancakes. People have tried to convince me to join Team Pancake over the years, but I am and will always remain a steadfast waffle fan. And there’s a good reason why: Waffles hold maple syrup better! There’s nothing more satisfying than pouring liquid sugar into each square and watching the fluffiness of the waffle slowly absorb it.
In short, the syrup is what it’s all about! In that spirit, now would be a great time to tell you that it’s the sweetest weekend of the year. As the weather warms and sugarhouses across the state begin tapping trees for sap to turn into syrup, residents and visitors alike have the chance to see this process up close. The magic of Maple Weekend only rolls around once a year, so get ready to enjoy it.
Some sugar shacks have special meals and tastings planned. Others will give you a tour or let you try tapping trees yourself. You might have the chance to buy maple goodies, or drink your fill of syrup right there and then.
The New Hampshire Maple Producers Association has a very handy map you can use to find sugarhouses across the Granite State. Check it out at www.nhmaplemap.com/sugarhouse-map/.
In nearby Warner, there’s a plethora of maple-related activities, including a pancake breakfast from 7:30 – 11 a.m. both days at the United Church of Warner, a maple syrup tasting contest from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Town Hall (also both days) and several sugarhouses open to visitors: Baker’s Syrup, Courser Farm, Kearsarge Gore Farm, Nulhegan Abenaki Maple Syrup, Rogers Maple Syrup and What’s Sappenin. Visit www.warnerhistorical.org for more information!
There’s no shortage of local festivities. At Sunnyside Maple in Loudon, there will be live music, sugarhouse tours, free samples, a food truck, many maple goodies and more. Venture to Sunnyside anytime between 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on either Saturday or Sunday to join the fun.
Briar Bush Farm in Canterbury will have lotions, soaps, maple samples, sugarhouse tours and … drum roll please … baby goats to cuddle! The farm will also be unveiling its maple ice cream for the first time, so there’s lots to be excited about. Come either Saturday or Sunday between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
This is a very small sliver of the many Maple Weekend options out there to enjoy. There are dozens of sugarhouses across the state, so wherever you go in New Hampshire, you won’t miss out!