March and April mean maple syrup season in Ohio.
For me, a piece of that leaf-shaped maple sugar candy dissolving on my tongue tastes like childhood. It takes me back to the elementary school field trip where I learned that the source of my favorite breakfast condiment was a dormant tree.
I remember I had expected the sap to be golden and thick, not a clear, thin and nearly tasteless liquid. We spent the day warming by a fire; identifying trees and watching the sap cook slowly until it was rich and sweet. It was a perfect day.
Sound like fun? Then check out these classic Ohio maple events.
Maple Syrup Time
Dayton
February 27
937/275-7275, metroparks.org
Maple Sugar Pancake Breakfast
Beavercreek
March 6
937/562-7440, www.co.greene.oh.us/parks
Malabar Farms 33rd Annual Maple Syrup Family Festival
Lucas
March 6–7, 13–14
419/892-2784, ohiodnr.com
Maple Sugaring Weekend at Lake Metroparks Farmpark
Kirtland
March 13–14
440/256-2122, lakemetroparks.com
March Maple Madness Driving Tour
Burton,
March 13–14, 20–21
440/834-1415, ohiomapleproducers.com
32nd Anniversary Sugar Maple Festival
Bellbrook
April 16–18
937/862-9305, sugarmaplefestival.com
81st Annual Geauga County Maple Festival
Chardon
April 22–25
440/286-3007, maplefestival.com