New England is known for many things, but New Hampshire is known for its maple syrup. In March, when nights are frozen and the morning sun warms everything up, the sap starts to flow. Maple syrup gatherers and sugar shacks from all around the state celebrate the sweet simplicity and time honored traditions of maple syrup. Located on a gorgeous lake, our New London bed and breakfast is right in the middle of the action, surrounded by maple syrup farms. We even have one right on our own property! To make your stay in New London extra special, we came up with a list of 5 must-see (and taste) maple syrup sugar shacks. With some added fun facts about our state’s sweet nectar, read on to discover a whole world of maple syrup that you won’t want to miss!
#1 Kearsarge Gore Farm
Kearsarge Gore Farm consists of 500 acres of fields and woodlands nestled in the foothills of Mt. Kearsarge. Dedicated to conservation and preserving the environment, this farm is completely off-grid. Kearsarge Gore has been growing organic vegetables for over 25 years and offers maple syrup every season. With a 3,000 tap maple operation, liquid gold is sold by the bucket full. Located at 173 Gore Road, Warner, NH.
#2 Green Acres Farm
Every season, Just Maple at Green Acres Farm hosts sugarhouse tours and an Open House during New Hampshire Maple Weekend. Sample, watch a demonstration, and enjoy a day of fun! Their barn store is open Sunday through Wednesday offering several maple inspired treats and gifts. This family owned and operated business sits on acres of farmland, with plenty for the family to do. Located at 475 School Street, Tilton, NH.
#3 Trail Side Sugar House
Owned and operated by Zach Barton, Trail Side Sugar House allows guests to learn about the maple process and purchase pure maple products. With just a quick call to the Sugar House, visitors can book a tour and demonstration. Open every weekend, there will be plenty of samples for guests to taste. They also sell all of their products online! Located at Currier Road, Andover, NH.
#4 Ragged View Farm
Eighteen acres of land with a view of Ragged Mountain is the home of Ragged View Farm. This sugar shack in New Hampshire runs 125 maple taps throughout their land to produce pure maple syrup. Give Mark a call to schedule a tour of his operation and learn the process of how each quart of maple syrup is produced. Located at 111 Bradley Lake Rd, Andover, NH.
#5 5 Saplings Sugarhouse
5 for 5! This sugar shack in New Hampshire, 5 Saplings Sugarhouse, is a family run business, offering tours on weekends. Call over to this family friendly farm and soak up the knowledge these guys have to offer about the maple syrup process. Located at 244 Kearsarge Valley Road, Wilmot, NH.
Fun Facts about Maple Syrup
- It takes 30-50 gallons of sap to produce 1 gallon of maple syrup.
- There are 200+ species of maple trees. The rock maple and sugar maple produce the best sap to make syrup.
- Trees are not harmed by the tapping process because tapping only harvests about 10% of all the sap a tree produces.
- Maple trees should be at least 30+ years old before being tapped.
- A 40-year old sugar maple tree will produce about ten gallons of sap per season (enough to make one quart of syrup).
- Temperatures need to be in the 40s during the day and drop below freezing for the sap to run.
- The weather is the most important factor in the final maple syrup product.
All of this talk about sugar shacks in New Hampshire and locally produced maple syrup inspired us to offer our Tree to Table Tour Package. Come stay at Inn at Pleasant Lake and get a complete end-to-end appreciation of maple products from the tree farm, to the sugar shacks, to our fine dining kitchen, and finally to the meals you experience throughout your stay. You can even leave the planning to us, just check out our suggested itinerary for your adventure. Book your getaway today!