Home to the largest maple syrup producing county in the U.S., it’s no wonder that the state of Maine hosts an annual event celebrating and highlighting this sweet syrup. Each year, when the end of winter meets the beginning of spring, maple producers tap the maple trees as they start producing sweet sap to feed the buds. In celebration of the spring season, syrup producers from across the state open their sugarhouses to the public to enjoy samples of freshly made syrup and other tasty treats. The event is always held on the fourth Sunday of March, and most sugar shacks make a weekend of it.

But before you head out, read here for what you can expect during Maine Maple Sunday.

Choose your sugar shack

Choosing which sugar shack to go to can be hard because there are so many to choose from. Syrup producers of all sizes will open their doors for the weekend, inviting visitors to come in and taste what they’re cooking up. Depending on where your travels will take you, use this maple map to choose the sugar shacks you want to visit.

Choose your flavor

The fun part of Maine Maple Sunday is not only learning about the maple making process but discovering your favorite flavor, which requires a lot of tasting! But before you start tasting, it’s first important to know the different kinds, or rather, different grades of syrup so you know what you are tasting. All syrup is broken down into four different grades: Golden color with a delicate flavor, amber color with rich flavor, dark color with robust flavor, and darker color with a strong flavor.

All open sugarhouses will offer samples of each kind, offering you the perfect opportunity to discover and choose your favorite flavor!

Try it all

It’s not just maple syrup you get to taste, most sugarhouses will offer a side dish to accompany your sweet treat. Sweet Woods Farm, near Newcastle Inn, will serve a sample of hot maple syrup over ice cream or enjoy complimentary maple meringues at the Henhouse Sugaring Co. in Edgecomb, Maine.

Learn how they do it

Most open sugarhouses will offer tours of their farms and sugarbush along with demonstrations of the maple making process. For the kids, some sugarhouses will provide sleigh or wagon rides during the tour. Depending on where you visit, most tours will be free.

Sweet dreams and goodnight

After a full day of maple syrup tasting enjoy sweet dreams at night with a stay at Newcastle Inn. Our award-winning bed and breakfast located along the Damariscotta River is the perfect home base for exploring coastal Maine and all its sugar shacks. We offer 14 charming and distinct rooms between the Inn and the Carriage House.

Breakfast is served every morning in our dining area, with ample outdoor dining space for those warmer mornings. Whether you are coming for Maine Maple Sunday or a different occasion, make Newcastle Inn your home away from home and start enjoying all the wonderful things Maine has to offer!

Can’t make it to Maine Maple Sunday? Download our Newcastle Inn Recipe Book for tasty a Maine Maple syrup recipe you are sure to enjoy at home.