Maple Madness Driving Trail: 3 Spots You’ll Love

As it has for 20 seasons, the Ohio Maple Producers Association will offer a taste of the sweet life this month with the Maple Madness Driving Trail. The self-guided event (set for the first two Saturdays and Sundays in March) showcases maple producers across the state, who open their doors to offer tours and treats. Here are three great stops along the way.

Burton Log Cabin and Sugar Camp: Since 1951, more than 20,000 visitors have traveled to the Burton Chamber of Commerce’s Burton Log Cabin and Sugar Camp each year to see how maple syrup is produced, eat pancakes and make candy. An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast is served 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Maple Madness Driving Trail Sundays at four locations in Burton. “We’re proud to carry on the tradition of maple-syrup-making that gained fame here in 1931,” says cabin manager Amy Wehn. While you’re there, try the maple cream candy made from condensed syrup. 14590 E. Park St., Burton 44021, 440/834-4204, burtonchamberofcommerce.org

Elm Run Farms: Ken and Sandy Ressler’s 120-year-old, 150-acre farm is only open on March 2 during this year’s Maple Madness Driving Trail. Along with enjoying a tractor-pulled wagon and a meet-and-greet with the farm’s Devon cows, visitors can sample tempting treats, including Sandy’s gluten-free Maple Monster cookies. “And though it’s winter, our maple ice cream is a huge hit,” Sandy says. “It’s amazing how much yumminess the right amount of maple syrup and milk can produce.” 16808 Burkhart Rd., Orrville 44667, 330/317-7283, elmrunfarms.com

Bissell Maple Farm: The sugar works at Bissell Maple Farm is a hum of activity as owner Nate Bissell, his father Dave Bissell and a staff of 15 bottle the 2,500 gallons of syrup produced each year on the property that’s been in the Bissell family for seven generations. On Maple Madness Driving Trail Saturdays, Nate will also be making pancakes for those who stop by. Breakfast can be topped with one of four grades of maple syrup the family is known for. Nate’s favorite is the Sugar Chalet bourbon-barrel-aged syrup. “The oak sugar adds so much character, because it pairs really well with the maple,” Nate says. 82 W. Ashtabula St., Jefferson 44047, 440/563-3263, bissellmaplefarm.com

For more information about the Maple Madness Driving Trail, visit ohiomaple.org.