Its sugaring time again in Vermont. For those who don’t know, that the time of year when the maple sap runs from the trees into buckets all over the state, waiting to be collected and “cooked” into delicious maple syrup. The smell (as I am sure you can imagine) is amazing. Several sugar houses offer tours and demonstrations in our area. We took a ride up to Harlowes Sugar House, which is just up the road from us, to check out the operation.

At Harlowes, they offer a wide selection of local products, other than syrups. They also will let you watch the cooking process. This weekend (March 28-30th) is an open house weekend at many local sugar houses. Demonstrations of both the traditional methods of syrup production and more advanced methods will be available as well as samples and all things maple! There is more information about the activities scheduled at www.vermontmaple.org. Copies of the “2008 Vermont Ski & Maple Map” can also be picked up at any Vermont Welcome Center (Rest Areas).

If you are planing a trip to Forty Putney Road and would like to see some sugaring, here are some local spots to check out:

Harlowes is located at 563 Bellows Falls Rd. (Rt. 5), in Putney. The phone number is (802) 387-5852. For more information, visit www.harlowssugarhouse.com.

The Clark Farm is at 4224 Bonnyvale Rd., in Guilford. The phone number is (802) 254-2569.

The Corse Farm is at 1089 Corse Rd., in Whitingham. The phone number is (802) 368-2322.

Harlow’s Sugarhouse is at Sweet Maple Alpacas is at 154 River Rd., in Westminster. The phone number is (802) 376-9846. For more information, visit www.sweetmaplealpacas.com.

Robb Family Farm is at 827 Ames Hill Rd., in Brattleboro. The phone number is (802) 258-9087. For more information, visit www.robbfamilyfarm.com.