Maple syrup occupies a sweet spot in our nation's history. It was the Native Americans who showed the colonists the magic spewing from New England maple trees. The early Americans used the sap to sweeten venison and the colonists took the idea and improved upon the process of collecting it...and well, the rest is history. Learn How sap is made into maple syrup during New York State’s Maple Weekends – March 16-17 & 23-24, 2024. Tour sugar houses throughout the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region, taste samples, and purchase NYS Maple Products. Attend a pancake breakfast or other maple-themed events.
Participating Locations Throughout the Chautauqua-Lake Erie Region Include:
Fairbanks Maple – See everything from the tree to jug! Fairbanks Maple will be collecting, processing, and boiling sap to make maple products right before your very eyes! Participate in demonstrations and tours of the process, sugar house and sugar bush. Enjoy a self- guided hike and horse drawn wagon rides, weather permitting. Purchase an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast and maple breakfast sandwiches between 8 AM to 12 PM on March 16th, 17th, 23rd and 24th. Between 12 PM - 4 PM they will serve maple pulled pork sandwiches.
Johnson Estate Winery – Enjoy fresh, made-to-order French Crepes served Julia Child's style with toasted nuts between 11-4 PM daily during NYS Maple Weekends. Reservations not required for groups less than 6. The small plate pairs well with Johnson Estate’s Maple Liqueur, which tastes like a combination of sherry and ice wine – fortified and sweet – but with a dry finish due to its 20% alcohol content. The light infusion of maple syrup provides a warming, not-too-sweet maple sensation. Purchase a bottle and a French Crepe Kit to recreate the experience at home!
Scott's Farms & Greenhouse – Stop in to Scott's Farm & Greenhouse on NYS Maple weekends for full demonstration of the syrup making process including candy and cream making. Cotton candy and all maple products will be available for purchase as well as greenhouse plants and honey products.
Stewards Dairy and Gustafson Maple Country USA - Enjoy an all you can eat pancake breakfast with real maple syrup at the Maple Tree Cafe (1993 E Main St. Falconer, NY 14733) on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM to 2 PM on both maple weekends. Maple desserts and lunch specials will also be featured at the restaurant. Enjoy maple syrup making demonstrations and tubing. Recipes and free samples of syrup, cream, candy and fluff will also be available.
Red's Best Pancake House – Celebrating over 40 years producing maple syrup, Red’s Best Pancake House is at the same time a local institution while also a best-kept secret due to its off the beaten path location in Sherman, NY. Only open Saturday & Sunday from February – April, and then again in October, people line up for a seat at these family-style tables. Enjoy all you can eat buckwheat pancakes, homemade pork sausage, apple sauce, and a beverage, all served with their house syrup. Waiting for a table at this restaurant is quite enjoyable because it’s an opportunity to see and learn how sap transforms into the liquid gold that is maple syrup.