This winter has seemed like it was never going to end! But, as I write this it is nearly 40 degrees out and the sun is shining. I have full faith that spring is on the way, but before it arrives there is still one last winter tradition that needs to happen- Sugar Shack season! According to Massachusetts Maple Producers sugar season starts in late February and usually lasts through early April.

In late winter, when the weather finally turns a new leaf and there are a few warmer days, the maple trees are tapped and a bucket is hung to collect sap.

Sugar shacks of Western Mass

A sugar shack is a small house or cabin where the sap collected from maple trees is boiled into maple syrup. Many people in Western Mass have sugar shacks on their property and make sugaring a winter hobby. But the best sugar shacks of the Pioneer Valley of Western Mass aren’t hobby shacks. They’re sugar shacks that are family owned businesses that serve breakfast!

Maple Weekend is March 17-18. Here’s a list of participating sugar shacks! 

Tips for Visiting Sugar Shacks Of Western Mass

Here are five tips to make sure you get the most out of your sugar shack experience.

  1. Get there early or be prepared to wait. Sugar shacks are kind of a big deal in Western Mass. It seems like everyone has a trip to the sugar shack on their to do list. Most sugar shacks have very limited seating.
  2. Order pancakes or waffles. This seems like it should be a given but if you’re headed out to a sugar shack, make sure you order something that you can enjoy maple syrup with!
  3. Call ahead or check the website to make sure they’re open and when their sugaring season starts and ends.
  4. Enjoy the experience. In addition to breakfast, some of the sugar shacks of Western Mass also offer horse and carriage rides, tours, and other fun!
  5. Bring maple treats home with you! From syrup to maple candies, you’re sure to find something sweet for later!

Sugar Shacks of Western Mass

Sugar Shacks Of Western Mass are a great place for breakfast and treats! Sugar season starts in late Feb and lasts through early April.

North Hadley Sugar Shack  (Hadley) 

Open for breakfast during sugaring season M-F from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and Sat/Sun from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. Credit cards accepted. North Hadley Sugar Shack is very kid friendly, but during the height of sugaring season there can be a wait for a table of up to 1 hour. Begins Saturday, February 17th.

 

High Hopes Farm (Worthington)

Open for breakfast during sugaring season Saturday and Sundays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm. Unique to the area, they offer an all you can eat sugar house buffet featuring pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, sausage, ham and their own pure maple syrup for $11.95 (with reduced prices for children). Begins Saturday, February 24th.

 

Williams Farm Sugar House (Deerfield)

Open for breakfast during sugaring season on Fridays from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm and on the weekends from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. Other weekday times may be available via reservation. Visa and Mastercard accepted. In addition to breakfast, sweet treats including maple candy and sugar on snow are available.  Begins Saturday,  February 24th.

Hanging Mountain Farm & Strawbale Cafe (Westhampton)

Open for breakfast year round, except the month of January, on  Saturdays and Sundays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm with the last seating at 12:45 pm.  Their year round menu is creative and a truly farm to table experience. However, during the sugaring season they switch to a more traditional sugaring menu offering pancakes, waffles, and french toast as well as breakfast meats, homefries, and eggs. Gluten free options are available.  Currently open. Sugaring menu begins Saturday, February 24th. 

Steve’s Sugar Shack (Westhampton)

Maple sugar house restaurant open seasonally Saturdays/Sundays 7am-1pm from the last Saturday of February through the 2nd Sunday of April each year, featuring maple products made on site by Stephen Holt.  Begins Saturday, February 24th.
Davenport Maple Farm (Shelburne Falls)
Sugar House Restaurant. Enjoy breakfast with fresh maple syrup. Our menu features pancakes, waffles, homemade french toast, and more. You can watch how maple syrup is made while you wait. Hours are Saturday and Sunday, from 8AM to 3Pm. Begins Sunday, March 4th.

 

Honorable Mention:

Gould’s Sugarhouse was recommended in the comments last year, however there isn’t much information available about it online. Looks like the season starts around March 1. Visit their website for more details. 

Lawton Family Sugarhouse doesn’t serve breakfast, but they’re a great stop on Rt. 9 in Williamsburg for maple treats, maple syrup, and more. Visit their Facebook Page. 

Have you ever had breakfast at a sugar shack? Is your favorite spot on my list?