It’s syrup season: Here’s our list of the must-try maple syrup festivals in the area

While it’s not necessarily what the Buckeye State is known for, Ohio is actually one of the top maple syrup-producing states in the country. 

And since syrup season is right around the corner, we’ve compiled a list of the nearest syrup-related gatherings, including everything from tapping your tree to tasting, for you to dip into.

Jeffrey Woods Festival (Bexley)

From 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on March 4, you can take part in the Bexley tradition of making maple syrup. Visitors can learn about the process, and even watch as maple sap is evaporated into maple syrup. Also, on Feb. 25, Bexley arborists will offer a two-day program to help you identify tap maple trees and install your own sap buckets. Free

Maple Syrup Festival (Malabar Farm State Park)

Malabar Farm is not only a haven for local literature and history buffs, it’s also the site of a functioning “sugar camp,” where visitors can experience how Malabar Farm residents of old would create their own syrup. The festival, which will include free wagon rides, will be held on March 5, from noon to 4 p.m. Free

Maple Fest (Delaware)

On March 4 and March 11, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., Boy Scouts of America will host Maple Fest at Delaware’s Camp Lazarus. Visitors can stop by the Adam Mullins sugar shack where they can meet the syrup makers and more. Parking is available at Columbus State’s Delaware campus, and shuttles will transport festival attendees to Camp Lazarus. $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Maple Sugar Celebration (Delaware)

The Stratford Ecological Center in Delaware is returning its annual slate of maple syrup events this year on March 4. Visitors can explore the Center grounds for a storybook trail that leads to the sugar shack, where they can learn how to tap a tree, watch the production process, and sample some syrup. $10 per person

Mapling Sugaring in the Hills (Hocking Hills)

On March 12 and March 13 from noon to 4 p.m., Hocking Hills’ naturalists will lead a free tour through the woods around Old Man’s Cave as they discuss the many ways maple syrup has been created in the area through the years. Free

Maple Time (Slate Run Metro Park and Living Historical Farm)

Columbus and Franklin Country Metro Parks are also in on this year’s syrup action. On Feb. 25 from 1-3 p.m., the Living Historical Farm at Slate Run Metro Park will teach visitors about tapping trees, boiling sap and more. Syrup tasting is also involved. Free

Want to read more? Check out our print publication, (614) Magazine. Learn where you can find a free copy of our new February issue here!

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