STURBRIDGE — Maple Days are back at Old Sturbridge Village, a sweet annual tradition that means spring is right around the corner despite what it looks like outside.
According to a press release during Maple Days running through March 15 visitors can explore the historic village and watch as costumed historians demonstrate the entire sugar-making process, from tapping the maple trees to sugaring off — the boiling down of maple sap until it thickens into syrup or crystallizes into sugar.
Guests can learn how maple sugar was used in early New England and why it was more common than maple syrup and have the opportunity to step inside historic homes and interact with interpreters as they cook period foods using maple products as well as watch the tinner and the cooper making maple-related items and much more.
“Maple Days are always a welcome sign that spring is on its way,” said Old Sturbridge Village Agricultural Coordinator Jen Buckley. “It’s a short and sweet season where the temperature has to be just right and there’s no better place than the village to experience it. Guests can watch the sugaring process in action, learn how it was baked into popular dishes and find syrups, sweets, and soaps in our gift shop. If you love maple, you don’t want to miss this.”
The plethora of maple themed items she mentioned that can be found in both the Miner Grant Store and Ox & Yoke Mercantile gift shop also includes candy, books, lotions, and clothing.
Old Sturbridge Village is open during the winter months with many seasonal programs, workshops, and special events happening each week, with current hours Wednesday through Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Maple Days are included with general daytime admission and guests are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance by visiting osv.org/event/maple-days.
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