Maple Syrup Means Spring in Northeast Ohio

Maple syrup season in Northeast Ohio is a true harbinger of spring. When the maple sap begins to run in late February to mid-March, warm weather is sure to follow. Ohio is one of the top 10 maple sugar-producing states, creating approximately 90,000 gallons of maple syrup each year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

You don't have to be a farmer or even have maple trees in your yard to enjoy this seasonal sweetness. There are plenty of places in Northeast Ohio where you can sample the state's maple syrup goodness.

Burton, Ohio

Burton is the maple syrup capital of Northeast Ohio. This New England-style village is located in the heart of Geauga County, the region's largest maple syrup-producing county. Every Sunday in March, the town welcomes visitors to watch maple candy and maple syrup being made at the Burton Log Cabin, located in the middle of the town square. Berkshire High School in town will also serve pancake breakfasts from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., as will the Burton Fire Station from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Berkshire High School
14510 N. Cheshire St. in Burton
877-283-3496
pancaketown-usa.com

Burton Fire Station
13828 Spring Court in Chardon
440-834-4416

Chardon Pancake Breakfasts

Chardon, the Geauga County seat, is located north of Burton and is also known for its pancake breakfasts. Every Sunday from late February to late April, the Chardon Ladies Auxiliary serves up pancakes, sausage, eggs and home fries. Hours are 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Chardon Ladies Auxiliary
317 Water Street in Chardon
440-286-9921
2261.foe.com

Geauga Park's Maple Sugaring Celebration

The Geauga County Park System joins the festivities every Sunday in March with their Maple Sugaring Celebration, held at the Swine Creek Reservation. Activities include visits to the sugar house, gathering sap, live music, and plenty of maple syrup and treats.

Swine Creek Reservation
16004 Hayes Road in Middlefield
440-286-9516
geaugaparkdistrict.org

Malabar Farm Maple Syrup Festival

Malabar Farm, the state park, organic farm and former estate of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louis Bromfield is located just outside of Mansfield, halfway between Cleveland and Columbus. The free festival happens the first two weekends of March and features maple sugar demonstrations, a tour of the sugar house and sugar camp, and free samples of maple syrup. The park also has a gift shop and restaurant. If you miss the festival in March, Malabar Farm offers tours and other activities year-round.

Malabar Farm State Park
4050 Bromfield Road in Lucas
419-892-2784
malabarfarm.org

Geauga County Maple Festival

Capping off the annual maple syrup events is the Geauga County Maple Festival, held in Chardon for four days in late April. Of course, there are pancakes and other maple goodies. There are also two parades, judging of maple syrups, a craft show, rides and the ever-popular bathtub races. Most events take place in the center of town.

Geauga County Maple Festival
Chardon, OH
440-286-3007
maplefestival.com

Sources:

http://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/New_England_includes/Publications/0605mpl.pdf