Massachusetts declared the month of March as Maple Month in a press release from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) last week. Maple Month will also be marked by Maple Weekend, happening on Saturday, March 7th, and Sunday, March 8th, when sugarhouses around the state will open their doors to visitors for tours of their operations, where they can learn about the maple sugaring process and the rich history behind the sector. Most importantly, visitors will be able to sample and purchase freshly produced maple sugar products. Maple sugaring is one of the few agritourism activities available during the early months of the year. Between March and April, over 60,000 visitors spend more than $2 million during the sugaring season. Farms, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, country inns, and other tourist businesses share this income, primarily flowing into small towns and farm communities, supporting the rural economy.
In Essex County, there are a number of maple sugarhouses spread through the towns. West Newbury has two sugarhouses; Merrimac and Byfield have one; there is another in Topsfield; and one in Wilmington.
For Maple weekend, Archelaus Hill Maple Farm will open their doors to the public from 12-5 PM on Saturday, March 7th at 288 Middle Street in West Newbury. Archelaus Hill Maple Farm is a small, family run operation with about 250 maple taps.
