Vermont's Maple Open House Weekend

The sap at Vermont Trade Winds Farm in Shoreham was boiling when we arrived on Saturday. Smoke and steam were billowing from the sugarhouse, and all I could smell was the sweet scent of maple.

Dave and I decided to take a drive to this Addison County sugarhouse during Maple Open House Weekend, an annual event when Vermont sugarmakers open their doors to the public.

Since we moved to Vermont four years ago, we've made a point to venture out to sugarhouses every year during Maple Open House Weekend. There's always such a strong sense of community at this event, and the sugarmakers are more than happy to talk to people about the process of making maple syrup.

As we all know, Sunday is the first day of spring. To celebrate, we're having pancakes for breakfast.

**If You Go: Vermont Trade Winds Farm
Vermont Maple Open House Weekend

Inside the sugarhouse.

Owner Tim Hescock loads wood into the evaporator.

Vermont Trade Winds Farm sugarhouse

Shelburne Farms in Winter

I've visited Shelburne Farms quite a few times over the past several years. But last week was the first time I've ever been to the 1,400-acre working farm and national historic landmark in winter.

Located on the shores of Lake Champlain, Shelburne Farms was established in 1886 by William Seward and Lila Vanderbilt Webb. Nearly a century later in the early 1970s, the estate became a non-profit education center open to the public.

Shelburne Farms hosts a variety of events and educational programs for children and adults. Visitors can also enjoy walking trails, tours, cheesemaking, a children's farmyard, as well as a restaurant and inn on the property.

I've spent many summer afternoons here enjoying various culinary festivals and special events, and visiting Shelburne Farms this time of year makes me long for summer. Still, there's something special about walking around in the snow at Shelburne Farms under a bluebird winter sky.

**If You Go: Shelburne Farms
Map

The Farm Barn at Shelburne Farms

Scenic landscape at Shelburne Farms