
With its abundance of maple trees and sugar shacks, West Virginia is truly "almost heaven" for our real estate agents and other maple syrup lovers. Get an up-close look at production and sample some sweet treats at these locations during Mountain State Maple Days Saturday, February 20 and Saturday, March 20.
- Heasley Homestead Maple - 2988 Compressor Station Rd., Bruceton Mills, WV 26525
Since 2015, Keith Heasley has been tapping maple trees at his family's farm, Heasley Homestead, less than 30 minutes from Morgantown homes for sale. In that short time, they have been doubling production each year. Follow along as sap is gathered from the sugar bush and processed in the brand-new sugar shack. Kids can enjoy a scavenger hunt while everyone samples the farm's products, including their famous maple bacon smokies. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Loafer's Glory Resort - 3576 Dry Run Rd., Franklin, WV 26807
The delightfully named Loafer's Glory Resort is known as a popular vacation destination and event venue about 130 miles from Morgantown. Did you know the grounds also include a homestead that's listed on the National Register of Historic Places? The Munn family will be welcoming visitors to their small sugaring operation for some Maple Days activities, including running the wood-fired evaporator, combined with a glimpse of local history. Hours are noon - 4 p.m.
- Cool Hollow Maple Farm - 627 Cool Hollow Dr., Sugar Grove, WV 26815
If you head out to Loafer's Glory Resort, double your Maple Days fun with a visit to Cool Hollow Maple Farm in the appropriately named neighboring town of Sugar Grove. Husband-and-wife owners Ricky and Sam produce maple syrup at the farm that has been in Ricky's family since the early 1900s. They even refer to their twin daughters as "little sapsuckers." Kids just love their light-as-air maple cotton candy, while the maple cream makes a luscious spread for toast, pancakes, and baked goods. Hours are 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
- Indian Water Maple Syrup Products - 761 Burgess Hollow Rd., New Creek, WV 26743
More than 25 years ago, Ed and Karen Hartman enjoyed making stove-top syrup with their three sons. The family hobby blossomed into Indian Water Maple Syrup Products, producing a variety of maple items using secret recipes they developed during those early days in their kitchen. On Maple Days, the Hartmans will be giving tours of their sugar camp, less than a two-hour drive from Morgantown. Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Frostmore Farm - 14141 Frost Rd., Dunmore, WV 24934
When Adam and Rachel Taylor purchased Frostmore Farm in Dunmore, about a 2.5-hour drive from Morgantown, making maple syrup wasn't part of the plan. After a New England vacation that included a tour of maple syrup farms, the Taylors were inspired to start their own business. Today they produce a variety of maple-infused products, from syrup and cream to candy and balsamic vinaigrette. Tree-to-table tours and free samples will be offered during Maple Days. Hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- M & S Maple Farm - 2213 Mozer Rd., Upper Tract, WV 26866
The initials in M & S Maple Farm stand for owners Mark and Sarah Kimble. The sugar shack is on the spot of Mark's childhood home, while Sarah grew up about five miles away. Take the 2.5-hour trip from Morgantown to the eastern panhandle site of the farm for a sugar shack tour and free samples. The Kimbles will be serving breakfast for the early birds. Hours are 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
A home in Morgantown offers a wonderful blend of urban and rural living. Contact us at Heritage Real Estate for more information.