Burlington, VT transforms into a haven of sweet aromas and festive spirit every spring as Vermont Maple Sugar Season unfolds. Did you know that Vermont churns out over 2 million gallons of maple syrup yearly, proudly standing as the nation’s largest producer? This isn’t just a seasonal event—it’s a deep-rooted tradition, a celebration of nature’s bounty that epitomizes the heart and soul of Sugar Season Vermont.
A Brief History
Maple syrup in Vermont dates back to pre-colonial times when Native American tribes tapped maple trees to process sap into syrup and sugar. When European settlers arrived in the 17th century, Native Americans taught them to make syrup. By the early 20th century, Vermont was the leading producer of maple syrup in the United States.
Today, plastic tubing, vacuum pumps, and reverse osmosis have made maple syrup production more efficient and increased yields. As you drive around Vermont, it is common to see tubing connecting trees in a grove of maples called a sugar bush. It is also not unusual to find residents tapping trees on their property or even local school children having a hands-on science lesson to learn about tapping for sap and boiling maple syrup for a classroom pancake breakfast.
How to Celebrate
After a long winter, sugar season brings a celebratory atmosphere with Maple Open House Weekend and festivals featuring maple-inspired treats. Join the celebration!
Maple Open House Weekend - March 22-23, 2025
One of the highlights is Maple Open House Weekend on March 22-23, 2025. Over 50 sugar houses open their doors, offering an exclusive glimpse into the art of syrup making. Enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, and unique tastings—from indulgent maple creemees and maple hot dogs to the quirky, yet delicious, Sugar on Snow (a perfect blend of freshly boiled syrup drizzled over shaved ice, paired with an apple cider donut and a dill pickle spear). It’s a celebration that captures the creative spirit of Burlington while keeping Vermont Maple Syrup at the forefront.
Here are just a sample of sugarhouses you can visit for demos, samples, sweet treats and assorted maple beverages for adults and children. View the full list of participating sugarhouses here.
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Palmers Sugarhouse in Shelburne puts on a festive air with live music, boiling demos, horse rides, farm animals and more.
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Browns River Maple in Essex Junction will offer tapping demonstrations, tours, and other maple-themed activities.
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Sugartree Maple Farm in Williston uses wood-fired evaporators to boil down sap and welcomes visitors for maple house tours, assorted maple treats, and free samples.
Explore Beyond the Sugar Shack: Sugarhouse Tours and Outdoor Adventure
Can’t make Maple Open House Weekend? Vermont’s sugaring season isn’t confined to just one weekend. Many of Vermont’s sugarhouses and maple farms are open throughout the sugaring season, including Shelburne Sugarworks, a 170-acre maple farm. Bring your cross-country skis or hiking boots to explore their spectacular sugar bush (what is the official name of a forest of maple trees). Schedule a tasting to see how maple syrup gets made. Here is a fun insider’s peek on making maple syrup at Shelburne Sugarworks.
Seeking more outdoor adventure in the sugar bush and beyond? Explore other springtime outdoor activities here.
Vermont Maple Festival
A picturesque 30-minute drive north of Burlington, you can enjoy the annual Vermont Maple Festival from April 25-27, 2025 in St. Albans, Vermont. It’s full of fun family activities, including a carnival and parade. Grab your running shoes and join the Sap Run, held Sunday, April 27, 2025, for an 8.5-mile point-to-point run that starts in Swanton Village and finishes on Main Street in downtown St. Albans. Fuel your run with syrup shots and homemade maple muffins at the finish line.
Plan Your Sweet Escape
Whether you’re seeking a cozy bed and breakfast or a room by the waterfront, Burlington, Vermont offers a range of accommodations to suit every taste. A visit to Vermont during the sugaring season is a sweet adventure! We look forward to your visit. Book your hotel stay.
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