Update: Maple is flowing in Vermont, but spring 2020 events have been cancelled

By Julianne G. Crane

Vermont’s “Maple Open House Weekend” – 
Vermont’s maple season is usually celebrated with “Maple Open House” the first weekend in spring, however, because of COVID-19, it has been cancelled.

“Beyond Maple Open House Weekend, we have plans in the works (in partnership with Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets) to create a new fall Maple Celebration, just at the time when our state is showing off much of her natural beauty. We haven’t worked out all of the specifics yet, but be ready to enjoy this year’s Vermont Maple crop right into the fall,” said Cory Ayotte, Communications Director for the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association.

If all go well, next spring there will be about 140 sugarmakers will open their sugarhouse doors, “inviting visitors in to experience and enjoy this remarkable time of year when pure Vermont maple syrup is made,” according to the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association. “Whether it’s the sight of steam rising from the sugarhouse, the inviting aroma of boiling sap, or the sweetly divine flavor of syrup as enjoyed in traditional sugar-on-snow, visitors are treated to an experience for the senses.”

There is no entry fee to get into any of the sugarhouses. “Although some sugarmakers offer breakfasts that might have a small cost,” said Cory Ayotte, Communications Director for the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers’ Association. “Many places offer free samples, tours of the sugarhouse, and tours of the sugarbush.”

As a reminder for RVers: Many sugarmakers live down dirt roads. Use your tow vehicles.

Vermont Maple Festival – See you in 2021

“The Vermont Maple Festival in St. Albans Vermont April 24-26, 2020 is canceled due to the current health concern of COVID-19. We hope you will join us next year. Please continue to support your Vermont Maple Sugarmakers,” said Vermont Maple Festival Board of Trustees

Next year, the three-day Vermont Maple Festival is held in St. Albans, Vermont. Event organizers want you to come explore spring in Vermont and the many maple exhibits and food demonstrations, parade, live entertainment for the family, an antique show, craft and specialty food show.

The festival is packed with dozens of events and activities to see and do. Click here for the complete schedule.

Free entertainment is continuous during festival hours. Look for country bands, magicians, individual instrumentalists, classic ensembles, rock bands, and storytellers. Much of the Vermont Maple Festival is free and handicapped accessible.

Overnight accommodations are available in St. Albans, Colchester and Burlington. For information on Franklin County, Vermont, click on the Chamber of Commerce website.

RV parks and campgrounds:

For an overview on camping in Vermont, go to Vermont Vacations. Vermont State Parks do not open until May. Click here for exact dates. Rover Pass lists 10 Vermont Campgrounds: Click here.

— Julianne G. Crane
Read more of Julianne’s RV Short Stops posts here.
Read more about the RV Lifestyle by clicking on RVWheelLife.com

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