Feb. 12-27 — WOODSTOCK — Ever wonder how the sweet, sticky syrup on your breakfast pancakes was made? Learn all about maple sugaring in Vermont during the Magic of Maple, daily from Feb. 12–27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Billings Farm & Museum.
Vermont’s rich maple history will be on display, through photographs from the Billings Farm collection and a showcase of tools used for tapping, sugaring and processing. Guests will learn about maple trees and why they produce their sweet sap. On Feb. 19 and 20, local maple sugarer, Mary McCuaig of Top Acres Farm, will be on site to share the maple sugaring process from tree to bottle. Top Acres Farm Syrup will also be available for purchase in the museum gift shop.
Visitors can sample the treat of sugar on snow and see video demonstrations on how to make a delicious maple popcorn snack at home. Families can create a paper snowflake craft, read children’s stories by the outdoor fire and warm up with hot chocolate, coffee and s’mores, available for purchase on site from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Guests are invited to walk, cross-country ski or snowshoe along the snow-covered Billings Farm trail loop, where they may observe old fashioned sugar maple spile and bucket taps. Follow the storywalk featuring “Snowflake Bentley” by Jacqueline Briggs Martin. Page by page, the story unfolds on signs along the pasture fence.
Other special programs during the Magic of Maple:
Public sleigh rides: Conditions permitting, Billings Farm & Museum will offer horse-drawn sleigh rides on Feb. 15, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24 & 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations for rides will be taken upon arrival at the ticket desk, on a first come, first served basis. The cost is $5 per person in addition to the purchase of a general admission ticket. Ages 2 and under are free. Rides are approximately 10 minutes long. Private sleigh rides by advance reservation. To book please visit billingsfarm.org/winter-sleigh-rides.
Build a Snow Creation Instagram Challenge: Feb. 5-27 Construct, create or decorate a snow creation at Billings Farm. Hats, mittens, scarves, gloves and other decorations will be provided. Post photos to Facebook and Instagram, and tag @billingsfarm with #BFMSnowCreations. Winners will be announced Feb. 28 and will receive delicious Billings Farm cheese.
Winter Wonders Camp: Feb. 14-18, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Fun”tastic winter activities such as snow explorations, sledding and winter crafts for ages 6-8. Visit our website for more information and to reserve a spot at billingsfarm.org/winter-wonders-camp.
Torchlight snowshoe: Feb. 24, 4:30–6:30 p.m. Snowshoe or walk along the Billings Farm trail as evening begins. Warm up around the fire pit with complimentary s’mores and hot drinks. Learn about the wildlife, people and history of the land from National Park rangers. Tickets must be purchased to attend in advance or at the door. Adults $10/Youth (4-15) $5; BFM Members $5/Member Youth Free. Children 3 and under are free. Visit billingsfarm.org/events/torchlight-snowshoe to learn more.
For the continued safety of our staff and guests,all guests 2 and over are required to wear a face covering in all indoor spaces. Outdoors, all guests must wear masks when around people and unable to maintain 6’ physical distances. Entry is not permitted without a face covering. Visit billingsfarm.org/safety for details.
