A Sweet Weekend in Granville, New York: Celebrate Maple Weekend
With spring on the horizon in Upstate New York, there’s one season not to be missed: the time when the trees are tapped and the sugarhouses fire up for New York State Maple Weekend. Hosted in March each year, this weekend provides and opportunity for visitors to come to farms and sugarbushes to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse at how maple syrup is made, all while enjoying samples of the golden syrup right from the source.
If you’re looking for a fun outing, the town of Granville and the surrounding Washington County countryside offer a sweet escape. Here’s a roundup of what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of Maple Weekend in Granville.
Why Granville is a Great Spot
Granville lies in Washington County, a region rich in maple syrup tradition. Can’t get enough maple syrup? Granville is located on the border of Vermont, which hosts its own Vermont Maple Open House Weekend in March each year.
Here are a couple of local sugar producers you might visit:
Grottoli’s Maple (91 Ritchie Road, Middle Granville, NY): A family-owned, multi-generational operation offering maple syrup, granulated maple sugar, maple cream, maple candy, and more. Grottoli’s also hosts pancake breakfasts to showcase their syrup on weekends throughout the sugaring season.
Wild Hill Maple (366 Carney Cassidy Road, Salem, NY): A family-run sugarhouse offering pure New York maple syrup, specialty products like bourbon-barrel–aged syrup and maple cream, and warm, welcoming tours and tastings straight from their traditional sugarbush.
Rathbun’s Sugarhouse (1208 Hatch Hill Rd, Whitehall, NY) An 8-generation family–run sugarhouse and restaurant known for its hearty weekend breakfasts in a rustic sugar-house setting, pure maple syrup and candy, horse-drawn wagon rides, and tours of the syrup-boiling process.
Thrall Road Maple (552 Thrall Rd, Poultney, VT) Produces 100% pure Vermont maple syrup (including infused flavors like vanilla, coffee, and habanero), maple sugar, cream, and candy. Their grlittering syrup is especially popular for gifts and to add a little sweet sparkle to cocktails and dishes.
Mahar Maple Farm (9 Mountain Rd, Middletown Springs, VT): A family-owned maple sugarhouse producing award-winning 100% pure Vermont maple syrup, cream, granulated sugar, and maple-coated nuts; they offer free tours, tastings, and even custom-labeled glass syrup bottles.
Green’s Vermont Maple Sugarhouse (1846 Finel Hollow Rd, Poultney, VT): A sixth-generation, family-run sugarhouse that produces award-winning, wood-fired maple syrup and a full line of pure maple products (sugar, candy, cream, jams, spices).
Get a complete list of sugarhouses participating in Maple Weekends by clicking the links below:
Suggested Weekend Itinerary for Maple Fun
Morning: Start with a sugarhouse tour & taste.
Plan to arrive mid-morning (10 a.m. is a common start time for participating farms) to catch the heart of Maple Weekend. The official event runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (though individual farms may vary).
Midday: Enjoy a pancake breakfast.
Many sugarhouses, including Grottoli’s Maple in Middle Granville, serve pancake breakfasts during the weekend—great for families and for soaking up that delicious syrup. Check the NYS Maple Weekend website for participating farms.
Afternoon: Explore the woods, shop maple treats, and soak in local culture.
After tasting and touring, take time to browse maple products and perhaps take a short walk in the woods near the farm to appreciate the sugarbush. Check the NYS Maple Weekend website for farms offering tours of their sugarbush.
Evening: Visit Granville village for dinner or an evening stroll.
Finish the day in the village of Granville itself. Pick a cozy spot for dinner and a drink, and reserve a room at a local hotel or b&b if staying the night.
What To Know Before You Go
Dress appropriately. It’s early spring in upstate New York — the weather can be quite unpredictable. Many locations are rustic and most will be muddy. Dress in layers, wear closed-toe and insulated footwear, and thick socks are recommended.
Cost. Tours and product samples are offered at most sites free of charge, though pancake breakfasts or special activities may be subject to additional cost.
Check the farm’s specific hours. While the general event runs 10 a.m.–4 p.m., individual farms may start earlier (especially for breakfasts) or end earlier.
Bring a little extra cash. Even though entry/tours may be free, you’ll want to pick up maple products or pay for breakfast. Many farms are cash-only, so come prepared.
Go with a flexible mindset. Because you’re visiting working farms, weather, mud, and rustic conditions are part of the fun. Embrace it!
The magic of Maple Weekend lies in connecting with the land, the trees, the people who’ve kept this tradition alive, and the pure taste of maple syrup in its most authentic form. In Granville and the surrounding region, you’ll find that connection — with friendly farm families, delicious maple products, and a springtime outing that’s both sweet and educational.