March is Maple Madness in the Finger Lakes

When people think of the Finger Lakes, they most often think of wine. And, when people think of March, they most often think of the NCAA basketball tournament. Now, don’t get me wrong; I love basketball and I love wine. But, when I think of the Finger Lakes in March, the first thing that comes to mind is the maple-sugaring season!

 

And, here is a fun fact. Did you know that New York State is the second largest maple producing state in the nation? And many of that maple is produced right here in the Finger Lakes. That’s right. We’re just behind Vermont. And, we’re better at basketball than Vermont. Go Syracuse Orange!

 

So, while I’m watching the Syracuse Orangemen work their way towards an NCAA championship this March, I’ll also be out and about enjoying all the maple fun in the Finger Lakes.

 

Here is a sampling of what’s on tap this month. And make sure to check out our Maple Weekend video from a past season!

 

2292 County Road 6

Phelps, NY 14532

(315) 789-0883

 

Dates: March 22, 23 and 30

 

The sap house will be open and the wood-fired evaporator will be boiling. Visitors can enjoy samples of maple syrup and cream. Activities include wagon rides into the woods to show the tubing and tank collection system as well as displays of tools and equipment.

 

 

1064 Willis Hill Road

Victor, NY 14564

(585) 924-3769

www.schoffssugarshack.com

 

Dates: March 22, 23, 29 and 30

 

Schoff’s produces about 200 gallons of syrup a year. The team will be boiling on our wood-fired evaporator. Syrup, candy and gift bottles will be available along with free samples of various syrup grades. Reverse osmosis and bottling demonstrations will be conducted when sap and syrup are available. 

 

8064 Coates Road

Naples, NY 14512

(585) 775-7770 

www.fingerlakesbulkmaplesyrup.com

 

Dates: March 22, 23, 29 and 30

 

Visitors will love the breathtaking view from Wohlschlegel's Naples Maple farm. Breathe the aroma while enjoying a personal tour in the modern sugarhouse. Learn how sap is transformed into maple syrup with energy efficient technology. Activities include a woods walk (you may need to bring your snowshoes!) through the sugarbush. Complimentary coffee & cornbread, free samples of maple syrup and our specialty item, maple cream will be available. Visitors may purchase jugs and bottles of maple syrup as well as other maple products. There will also be a pancake breakfast 8am- 1pm each day.

 

6472 Gulick Road

Naples, NY 14512 

(585)374-6160 

www.rmsc.org/cummingnaturecenter

 

Maple Sugaring explores the science and lore of maple syrup production with volunteer guides along the Pioneer Trail. Visitors will learn how a tree makes sap and discover the different processing techniques of Native Americans, early pioneers and today’s modern sugar bush managers. Highlights include a 100 percent pure maple syrup tasting in the sugarhouse and a pancake meal in the visitors center.

 

101 South Main Street

Canandaigua, NY 14424

(585) 394-9090

www.simplycrepes.com

 

To celebrate maple sugaring season and March Madness, Simply Crepes will be offering all you can eat traditional crepe rolls between March 21 - 31, 2014. 

 

Growing up, Simply Crepes owner Pierre Heroux’s version of a crepe was a thin layer of batter sizzling on the hot pan to form a delectable vehicle to carry brown sugar, maple syrup and a dollop of whipped cream. During Maple Madness, guests can enjoy as many of these crepes as they desire for $8.