HANCOCK, Mass. — It’s almost that time again! New York Maple Weekends are almost here! Hosted by the New York State Maple Producers Association and proudly funded by the NYS Department of Agriculture, New York Maple Weekends allow you to visit your local verified maple producer on March 21-22 and 28-29. Those producers will open their doors to visitors looking to enjoy the region’s fresh maple and experience how New York’s delicious maple products are made. 

Ioka Valley Farm, just over the border in Hancock, MA, has participated in the New York Maple Weekend since 2015 and looks forward to hosting visitors to indulge in all the region has to offer this season. The farm will be opening up their cafe to serve delicious maple meals. Tastings of the farm’s maple products also will be available, including maple cotton candy, meatballs, and barbeque sauce. Not only will visitors be able to eat these products, but also they can take part in making some of these dishes, like stirring maple into delicious cream.

It is an exciting opportunity to witness how your favorite foods are made and served while talking with the staff in a close to hands-on experience. Visitors also can tour the site to take a look at the very crops that transform into their favorite maple products.

Maple Weekend allows everyone to get in touch with local producers, nature, and with their community. Even when the weather is as muddy and unpleasant as it is this time of year, Maple Weekend is the perfect excuse to get out of the house.

For more information about what Ioka Valley Farm has to offer, visit iokavalleyfarm.com. If you can’t make it to Ioka Farm but want to visit another maple producer on Maple Weekend, find the list of other producers at upperhudsonmaple.com.

–Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association

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