2020 Season Starts Today!

Joe is tapping trees, so today, January 11, marks the start of the 2020 season here at the Hardwick Sugar Shack. I hope you are enjoying this warm weather. I’m getting off my computer now and meeting up with Joe in the woods. Who wouldn’t want to spend the day outside today?!

It’s over for another year

It’s official, the 2019 maple season is over for us! Joe has been working out in the woods pulling taps. It was a less-than-average year for production. That’s how it goes…it’s all up to Mother Nature! Thanks to all of you who stopped by, shared our Facebook page, and otherwise connected in community! The season may be over, but here’s to enjoying the sweet taste of our labor all year long!!

The View of Spring

I began the season with the sound of spring as sap plopped into the bucket. I’m ending the season with the view of spring with pussy willows. Today is he last open house, and yes, Joe will be boiling. Open from 11-4 today!

Reverse Osmosis

As I write this, Joe is down at the Sugar Shack running the sap through the reverse osmosis machine. That process takes the sugar content from about 2% to 12%, making it much more efficient to boil. While he’s doing that, all the dogs want to do is play! Come by to enjoy the sun and a taste of the sweet stuff. We’re open from 11-4 today.

Sunday open house

The phone has been busy ringing today, Saturday, asking about the open house. Yes, we are open SUNDAY, March 24. But not today, I’m sorry to say! Here’s what I woke up to here on the farm this morning. Hope to see you tomorrow, when the sun is shining and Joe is boiling sap that is sure to flow today.

MA Maple Weekend

In celebration of the state-wide MA maple weekend, the Hardwick Sugar Shack will be open Saturday and Sunday this weekend, March 16-17, from 11-4. We will be boiling sap, to make great syrup you can taste! The weather has made for a slow start this season. We are about 1/2 the production we are usually at this point. This week looks really promising—with freezing nights and day temps in the 40’s. Fingers crossed!

Storm Cancellation

Because of the storm, the open house for today is cancelled. It’s a good day to stay inside and read in front of a fire, or go for a ski (I just went cross country skiing. It’s lovely!) There is no sap to boil. Next weekend, though, looks like the pick of the month. It’s MA Maple weekend, and so we will be open Saturday and Sunday. Spring will come!