Maple sugaring has a rich history in New Jersey that got its start centuries ago with the Native Americans who lived in the area. Colonists also participated in the process, passing it on to future generations. Though not as common as it once was, maple sugaring is still a fun family activity and Duke Farms in Hillsborough is one of the best places to enjoy the tradition in the Garden State. Each year, it offers a special Sugar Maple Celebration.
Duke Farms is the former estate of heiress and philanthropist Doris Duke.
Duke Farms/Facebook Today, it is open to the public for exploration, education, and entertainment. Visitors will enjoy gorgeous gardens, fascinating classes in fields like botany and birding, hiking, biking, scavenger hunts, and special events.
One of these special events is a Sugar Maple Celebration, held annually in February or March - it depends on when the trees start producing sap.
Cornelius Krieghoff/Wikipedia Pictured is a depiction of the maple sugaring process in 1852. It’s not too different today at Duke Farms. Enjoy a bit of old-fashioned fun.
Event attendees will tap a tree and take part in the maple sugaring process.
Laura Guertin/Flickr Turning sap into syrup involves A LOT of boiling. It takes 35 to 40 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup. Because of this, the event is more about learning how to produce maple syrup rather than bringing home a bunch. Fun fact: maple syrup is made via the same process. It takes longer because all the sap must be evaporated away. This can be difficult as the syrup sometimes burns if boiled too long under improper conditions.
That doesn’t mean you won’t be sampling all sorts of sweet treats!
Anne White/Flickr The cafe will be serving specialty maple goodies all day. Last year’s menu included sugar maple beignets and a maple braised short rib sandwich.
The celebration will also include a variety of activities and nature hikes.
Duke Farms/Facebook They will be focused on wildlife, tree identification, best forestry practices, and climate change as it relates to the Sugar Maple and our native forests.
Sound good? If you’re down for family fun this winter, it may be for you. It’s also great for unique dates and day trips with friends. To keep up-to-date with event dates, check out the Duke Farms website.
Duke Farms/Facebook
Today, it is open to the public for exploration, education, and entertainment. Visitors will enjoy gorgeous gardens, fascinating classes in fields like botany and birding, hiking, biking, scavenger hunts, and special events.
Cornelius Krieghoff/Wikipedia
Pictured is a depiction of the maple sugaring process in 1852. It’s not too different today at Duke Farms. Enjoy a bit of old-fashioned fun.
Laura Guertin/Flickr
Turning sap into syrup involves A LOT of boiling. It takes 35 to 40 gallons of sap to make a gallon of syrup. Because of this, the event is more about learning how to produce maple syrup rather than bringing home a bunch. Fun fact: maple syrup is made via the same process. It takes longer because all the sap must be evaporated away. This can be difficult as the syrup sometimes burns if boiled too long under improper conditions.
Anne White/Flickr
The cafe will be serving specialty maple goodies all day. Last year’s menu included sugar maple beignets and a maple braised short rib sandwich.
They will be focused on wildlife, tree identification, best forestry practices, and climate change as it relates to the Sugar Maple and our native forests.
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Address: Duke Farms, 1112 Dukes Pkwy W, Hillsborough Township, NJ 08844, USA
