Did you know that Tuesday, December 17, 2019 is National Maple Syrup Day? When you think of the sweet, golden liquid we know as maple syrup, you probably think of Canada or New England. But did you know that Maryland has its own maple syrup tradition, too?
Western Marylanders have been tapping maple trees for generations. Even though we officially celebrate maple syrup in December, Maryland syrup production only occurs from late February through April. The sap boiled to make syrup thaws in the Spring, making it easy to collect when the trees are tapped. Maple syrup comes in different grades, or colors, from light golden amber to darker molasses hue. Maryland syrup is typically lighter in color. It takes about forty gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup – while this kind of syrup is more expensive than most store-bought brands, it’s worth the investment.
MARYLAND MADE MAPLE SYRUP
We’ve listed some of the best syrup producers in the business. Visit or call to enjoy your holiday maple syrup in a unique Maryland way this season:
CASSELMAN INN
Casselman Inn, ca. 1842, in Grantsville in Garrett County is an historic hotel with a dining menu that includes its own maple syrup. Travelers on the Old National Trail, the first national road in the US (now Route 40), often stopped at the Inn to rest on their way over the Appalachians.
BARTON DAME MAPLE SYRUP
Barton Dame Maple Syrup is a small business in Corrigansville in Allegany County, offering syrup, candies, and maple cinnamon sugar. They also have special maple mustards, dressings, and marinades. Look for Barton Dame in local gift shops, groceries, or occasionally at the Waverly Farmer’s Market in Baltimore.
SAVAGE RIVER LODGE
The Savage River Lodge produces its syrup in Frostburg in Allegany County. Check out their incredible eco-friendly amenities for a weekend getaway in 700 acres of State Forest.
STEYER BROTHERS MAPLE SYRUP
Steyer Brothers Maple Syrup in Oakland in Garrett County, has a 100-year family tradition of offering some of the best tasting syrup around. You can visit them at 2735 Gorman Road, Rt. 560, Oakland, MD, or give them a call 301-334-2900. They have maple candy as well.
You can thank Kyle Fisher for this sweet post, he’s one of Preservation Maryland’s Waxter Interns. With degrees in history, communications, and teaching, Kyle has contributed greatly to our education and outreach programs, including this blog. Learn more about Kyle and our intern program here: presmd.org/waxter.