March in New Hampshire means one thing: the sap starts to flow and sugarhouses begin turning it into liquid gold. When days start to warm but nights remain cold, maple sugaring season is officially underway. For about six sweet weeks, sugar makers work tirelessly to transform sap into syrup, maple candy, and other treats, making pancakes taste better than you ever imagined they could.
Each spring, the state celebrates New Hampshire Maple Weekend. This year it takes place on March 21 and 22, when more than 90 sugarhouses across New Hampshire open their doors to visitors. It is a chance to witness the maple sugaring process in full swing and enjoy everything from tastings and horse drawn wagon rides to pancake breakfasts and the old fashioned magic of sugar on snow.
The best part? You don’t have to wait for Maple Weekend to experience it! Many sugarhouses welcome visitors throughout the entire sugaring season, so you can stop by on a cozy weekend drive, plan a spontaneous outing, or make a tradition of checking out a new spot each year. Check individual sugarhouse websites for hours, events, and boiling times on any given day.
Here are some of our favorite local spots to visit this season:
Harding Hill Farm | 524 Stagecoach Road, Sunapee
Kicking off their season on March 7, Harding Hill Farm invites visitors to see their sugaring operation in action every weekend throughout the month. They will join Maple Weekend on March 21 & 22 with a full-blown celebration featuring fresh syrup and a massive outdoor pancake and BBQ feast. This high-energy Sunapee destination combines record-breaking production with a festive, farm-to-table atmosphere. Tickets are required for the pancake breakfast. Visit their website for details and to purchase tickets.
6 Saplings Sugarhouse | 31 Kearsarge Valley Road, Wilmot
From maple syrup and maple candy to maple cream, 6 Saplings offers a sweet array of treats including maple candied nuts, maple sugar, and even maple cotton candy. On select weekends, you can also enjoy fresh donuts sprinkled with maple sugar. This local gem is the perfect spot to stock up on handcrafted New Hampshire goodies in a cozy, welcoming setting.
Sanctuary Dairy Farm | 209 Route 103, Sunapee
One weekend only! Join the Sanctuary Farm for Maple Weekend, March 21-22 for all things maple! They will be serving up maple creamees, maple glazed donuts, maple bbq pulled pork and so much more.
Ben’s Sugar Shack | 834 Route 101, Temple
Opening March 7, Ben’s Sugar Shack is home to the brand-new Maple Station Market, where visitors can enjoy an interactive look at how liquid gold is made. Open every weekend in March, guests can take free tours and watch both traditional bucket tapping and state-of-the-art evaporators in action. With fresh maple deli samples, the aroma of the wood-fired boil, and a massive selection of maple treats, Ben’s offers a total sensory experience.
Mac’s Maple | 129 River Road, Plainfield
Get ready for a flavor explosion at Mac’s Maple, where you can devour legendary maple creamees made with fresh milk from their own dairy cows. Their Maple Weekend celebration features live music and educational tours that show exactly how their liquid gold goes from tree to bottle. It is a picturesque farm destination that perfectly captures the heart of New Hampshire agricultural life and offers a sweet escape for the whole family.
It’s time to plan your visit!
Maple sugaring season is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and take in the fresh spring air. Visiting a sugarhouse offers a glimpse into a New Hampshire tradition while letting you experience the sights, smells, and flavors of maple in the making. Whether it’s a short visit or a family outing, a trip to a local sugarhouse provides a simple, authentic way to connect with the region and the season.
To plan your maple-filled adventure, the New Hampshire Maple Producers Association offers a complete online directory of participating sugarhouses and their events, making it easy to map out your visit.
If you are visiting the area for the first time, or simply looking for something new to add to your weekend plans, be sure to check out our visitors guide.
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