Maple Weekend Planner

During several weeks in March, when the nights are cool and the days are warm, the sap flows from maple trees all over New Hampshire. There are more than 60 maple producers in the state, and many offer tours and sweet samples, including the always popular sugar on snow. To highlight the season, B&Bs and inns all about the state offer weekend packages that include maple tours, products and cuisine.

The Candlelite Inn Bed & Breakfast in Bradford offers a Maple Sugar Weekend on March 19 and 20. The inn offers a two-night package that includes welcoming hors d’oeuvres, a maple-infused breakfast, dinner and gift basket. During the day, visit area sugarhouses to see the maple sugaring process and sample ample homemade maple treats. Take in area antiques shops along the way. Reservations required. Packages start at $280 per couple. For information call (603) 938-5571, or visit www.candleliteinn.com.

Maple Weekend Planner

Located on the famous lupine trail in Sugar Hill, the Homestead Inn also is open for guests to enjoy the maple sugar season. This historic farmhouse and adjacent cottage have been preserved by seven generations, dating back to 1802. They’ve maintained the authentic character of the buildings and furnished them with heirlooms from that era. Also on the grounds is the Sugar Hill Sampler gift shop and museum. The Maple Sugaring Weekends package includes lodging Friday and Saturday, a dinner allowance, a visit to The Rocks Estate, and a gift pack made of treats from Polly’s Pancake Parlor and their own gift shop. Main house: $225; family cottage: $249. Call (603) 823-5564, or visit www.thehomestead1802.com for details.

North of Sugar Hill in Lincoln is the Indian Head Resort, located in the shadow of its namesake, the Indian Head Rock Profile. The resort boasts 180 acres of scenic mountain and river views, indoor and outdoor heated pools and whirlpool spa. Dining and nightly entertainment are part of the many amenities, plus access to cross-country ski trails and ice skating. From $109.
For details, call (800) 343-8000, or visit www.indianheadresort.com.

The Jefferson Inn in Jefferson is a charming 1896 Victorian located near Mt. Washington. It offers spectacular views and easy access to outdoor adventures for both couples and families. Maple Sugaring Vacation packages are available March 12-13, 19-20 and 26-27. Arrive early on Friday with no checkout deadline on Sunday. Two night packages start at $185 (tax included) and include full country breakfast and afternoon tea, as well as a day at The Rocks Estate. One night packages also available. For information call (800) 729-7908 or visit www.jeffersoninn.com.

Sugar is sweet and so is a weekend at the Mount Washington Bed & Breakfast in Shelburne. Wake to a hearty breakfast (stuffed cinnamon French toast is a specialty), and spend the day at The Rocks Estate. Return to sit by the fire and snack on hot chocolate, tea and homemade pastries. This 1800’s Federal-style farmhouse sits on five acres surrounded by the Presidential mountain range and Reflection Pond. With seven guest rooms, with two deluxe suites with whirlpool tubs, rates start at $180 per couple March 12-13, 19-20, and 26-27. Families also welcome. For information call (603) 466-2669, or visit www.mtwashingtonbb.com.

Pampered maple weekends await at the Four-Diamond Mountain View Grand Resort and Spa in Whitefield. During the last three weekends in March, these packages will include a luxurious guestroom and dining at the resort with maple-infused recipes and menu specials: Friday night in Nicky Finn’s, plus breakfast each morning, and dinner in Juliet’s on Saturday night. Guests will take part in The Rocks Maple Sugaring program and receive a maple-themed gift to take home. Packages start at $244 per couple, per night. During your stay, consider, visiting their Tower Spa and Salon for one of several new treatments, each of which use maple sugar as the main ingredient, including a maple sugar body exfoliation and a maple sugar facial. For information call (866) 484-3843 or visit www.mountainviewgrand.com.

Minutes from The Rocks Estate and the White Mountains, Bethlehem’s Mulburn Inn is a B&B located right on Main Street. If you can tear yourself away from their hot tub and fireplaces, stroll to restaurants in the quaint village of Bethlehem. The Mulburn offers an Olde Fashioned Maple Adventure package for three consecutive Saturdays beginning March 13. Included are two nights lodging, a hearty breakfast each morning and participation in The Rocks Maple Syrup program including a maple goodie basket by Polly’s Pancake Parlor and a bottle of maple syrup. Package starts at $289 per couple. For information call (800) 457-9440, or visit www.mulburninn.com.

The Sugar Hill Inn will hold their special Maple Sugar Program and dinner the weekend of March 19-20. This restored 18th-century, three-diamond inn has fireplaces and mountain views. The maple weekend includes casual dining on Friday, breakfast, a visit to The Rocks Estate, followed by afternoon refreshments and five-course candlelight gourmet dinner for two, Saturday showcasing maple flavors. Packages start at $385 for classic rooms and $660 for luxury rooms with Jacuzzi (double occupancy). For information call (603) 823-5621, or visit www.sugarhillinn.com. NH

For maple syrup recipes from local innkeepers and authors, pick up your copy of New Hampshire Magazine on newsstands today or click here http://www.nh.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031216/NHM05/31215006 to subscribe.