For those of you who weren't able to make it to Union Square Greenmarket for EscapeMaker's 2nd annual Maple Fest, you were missed! But for those of you were were able to attend and returned home with gallons and gallons of local maple syrup, you might be wondering...what to do with all this sweet, sticky goodness? Although the New York Maple Weekends are over, there are a few festivals still going on in Vermont (check the event calendar) and a few of them in or near towns off Amtrak's Vermonter, like the 51st Annual Maple Festival in St. Albans! And even if Maple Weekends are coming to a close in and around New York, the liquid gold is still flowing! We've got a few ideas for what to do with it: Maple Glazed Carrots: In a large skillet, combine 3 lbs sliced carrots, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tbsp butter, ½ cup water, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Boil, then reduce heat and simmer 12-15 minutes.(Crown Maple) Maple Stout Float: Divide 1 pint maple ice cream into 4 pint glasses. Pour beer (24 oz stout divided) slowly into each glass until full. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of maple syrup in each glass. Grab spoons and enjoy! (Vermont Maple) Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette: Place ½ cup balsamic vinegar, ¼ cup maple syrup, 2 tsp Dijon mustard, salt and pepper (to taste) into a blender. Pulse to combine, then add 1 cup olive oil in a steady stream with the motor running. (Crown Maple) Banana-Nut Pancakes: Combine dry ingredients (1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup whole wheat flour, 2 1/2 t baking powder, 1/2 t baking soda, 1/2 t salt, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans) in a large bowl and toss to mix. In a separate bowl, beat 2 eggs until frothy, then whisk
For those of you who weren’t able to make it to Union Square Greenmarket for EscapeMaker’s 2nd annual Maple Fest, you were missed! But for those of you were were able to attend and returned home with gallons and gallons of local maple syrup, you might be wondering…what to do with all this sweet, sticky goodness? Although the New York Maple Weekends are over, there are a few festivals still going on in Vermont (check
It's maple season, Escapemakers! When cold wintry days start to transform into spring, northeasterners know that this short and sweet (yes, pun intended) season is upon us. This rings especially true for the state of Vermont. Vermont maple syrup -- rich in flavor, rich in heritage -- is a signature agricultural product in the Green Mountain State. The sugar makers of Vermont care deeply for the high quality maple syrup products they create, building relationships with their communities and their customers. Vermont maple syrup is so much more than a topping for pancakes. Its unique flavor is unparalleled and allows it to be used in baked goods, savory foods, and many different cuisines. And it's as a healthy a sweetener as you could hope for, easily surpassing cane sugar, corn syrup, or honey in its level of macronutrients and antioxidants! Get up to Vermont via Amtrak this spring to experience the sugaring season for yourself!
It’s maple season, Escapemakers! When cold wintry days start to transform into spring, northeasterners know that this short and sweet (yes, pun intended) season is upon us. This rings especially true for the state of Vermont. Vermont maple syrup — rich in flavor, rich in heritage — is a signature agricultural product in the Green Mountain State. The sugar makers of Vermont care deeply for the high quality maple syrup products they create, building relationships
DID YOU KNOW over half of the country’s maple syrup comes from Vermont and New York State? Celebrate the maple sugaring season this March at a Maple Weekend, Open House or festival near you via Amtrak, Metro-North, Zipcar or bus! Hudson Valley, New York: Crown Maple at Madava Farm Maple Weekends: 3/18-3/19 & 3/25-3/26 www.crownmaple.com White Oak Farm + Hilltop Hanover Farm Maple Weekends: 3/18-3/19 & 3/25-3/26 www.whiteoakfarm1.com Soukup Farms Maple Weekends: 3/18-3/19 & 3/25-3/26 www.soukupfarms.com Finger Lakes, New York: Wellspring Forest Farm & School Maple Weekend: 3/18-3/19 www.wellspringforestfarm.com Catskills, New York: Roxbury Mountain Maple Maple Weekends: 3/18-3/19 & 3/25-3/26 www.roxburymountainmaple.com Vermont: Smugglers’ Notch Resort MapleFest: 3/18 – 4/2 www.smuggs.com/maple Woodstock Village Green Maple Madness: 3/25 – 3/26 www.woodstockvt.com/upcoming-events St. Albans, VT Vermont Maple Festival: 4/28-4/30 www.vtmaplefestival.org Town of Poultney MapleFest Craft Fair: 3/25-3/26 www.poultneyvt.com Sugarhouses Statewide Maple Open House: 3/25-3/26 www.vermontmaple.org/openhouse
DID YOU KNOW over half of the country’s maple syrup comes from Vermont and New York State? Celebrate the maple sugaring season this March at a Maple Weekend, Open House or festival near you via Amtrak, Metro-North, Zipcar or bus! Hudson Valley, New York: Crown Maple at Madava Farm Maple Weekends: 3/18-3/19 & 3/25-3/26 www.crownmaple.com White Oak Farm + Hilltop Hanover Farm Maple Weekends: 3/18-3/19 & 3/25-3/26 www.whiteoakfarm1.com Soukup Farms Maple Weekends:
It's the sweetest time of the year, EscapeMakers! Every spring for a few short weeks, maple sugarmakers across the Northeast open the doors of their sugarhouses for maple weekends, inviting visitors to discover the sweet flavors and traditions involved in making maple syrup. Between Vermont and New York State, more than half of the country's maple syrup production takes place just a train ride away from NYC via Metro North Railroad or Amtrak! And with the days getting warmer, now is the time to start planning for your escapes to the long list of sugarhouses within reach. Vermont is the nation’s leading producer of maple syrup. Producing over 1.3 million gallons of syrup, Vermont generates 42% of the country’s maple syrup from more than 1,500 sugar houses statewide. In 2014, Vermont produced 1,230,000 gallons of the sweet, sticky goodness. Vermont Maple Open House Weekend takes place this year on March 25-26. The sites and activities at the many sugarhouses in the region range from tours to pancake breakfasts to maple tapping demonstrations to samples of maple syrup, candy, creams and more. Check out some hot spots like Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm, Corse Maple Farm, or Green Mountain Sugar House...or get the full list of all participating Vermont sugarhouses here and plan your maple weekend escape! New York is second leader in maple production in the USA, following Vermont. In 2014, New York produced 546,000 gallons of maple syrup, which makes up over 17% of the entire country's supply. With locations at approximately 160 farms and museums, Maple Weekend across New York State takes place March 18-19 and March 25-26. Visitors will find sugarhouse tours, free samples, activities and so much more! Check out Roxbury Mountain Maple in the Catskills (Sullivan County), or the Hudson Valley's White Oak Farm (Westchester County),
It’s the sweetest time of the year, EscapeMakers! Every spring for a few short weeks, maple sugarmakers across the Northeast open the doors of their sugarhouses for maple weekends, inviting visitors to discover the sweet flavors and traditions involved in making maple syrup. Between Vermont and New York State, more than half of the country’s maple syrup production takes place just a train ride away from NYC via Metro North Railroad or Amtrak! And with
When January 1st arrives, we often make resolutions to focus on health in our lives. But just because you're eating cleaner, and looking to be more active and increase wellness, that doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your cravings for travel and adventure! With so many spas, wellness centers, and active winter sports just a short drive or train ride from NYC, you can still plan your weekend escape while staying true to those resolutions. So for all of you looking for healthy and adventurous escapes, check out our weekend getaway inspiration below: Spas & Wellness in the Hudson Valley: The Hudson Valley is dotted with peaceful spas, wellness and healing centers where you can go to relax and unwind. Grab a quick Amtrak to Rhinecliff (+ quick cab)to visit the IZLIND Integrative Wellness Center & Institute, complete with tailored experiences for groups and individuals looking to increase wellness, whether that be via acupuncture, Chinese herbal therapy, massage, meditation, life coaching, tai chi and more. Or, plan a wellness retreat with yourself, your friends, your family, or your colleagues to Rhinebeck's Linwood Spiritual Center. Overlooking the Hudson River, Linwood's programs feature silent, guided workshops, spiritual direction and exercises, yoga, arts programs and more. Hop off at the Poughkeepsie stop via Metro North Railroad and make a spa crawl out of the many day, massage and facial spas like Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa or Oasis Medi-Spa. Want to learn more? Click here for a list of spas and wellness centers in Dutchess County. Outdoor Sports in Westchester: If you're looking to stay close for a 1 night or weekend getaways, Westchester, just a short Metro North Railroad ride away from Grand Central Station, is a great escape for some winter sports. Whether you prefer challenging cross county skiing trails through wooded areas, scenic outdoor ice
When January 1st arrives, we often make resolutions to focus on health in our lives. But just because you’re eating cleaner, and looking to be more active and increase wellness, that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your cravings for travel and adventure! With so many spas, wellness centers, and active winter sports just a short drive or train ride from NYC, you can still plan your weekend escape while staying true to those resolutions. So for