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North America, Travel
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April 2, 2013

Touring Madava Farms, Home of Crown Maple Syrup

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On a lazy Saturday, one of the first of Spring, my family and I decided to venture out to Dutchess County, NY on a maple farm tour.

We had first toured a maple syrup farm in Lake Placid a couple of years ago, and though the terrain was had more snow and the weather was colder, we learned a lot about the process and got to take home some yummy syrup. This time, we were venturing to the Hudson Valley on a much sunnier day, which also meant we were arriving on the end of maple syrup production season.

But a trip to Dutchess County is a pretty day trip, through winding roads and forested areas, as well as stunning views of the Hudson Valley. Madava Farms, where Crown Maple Syrup is produced, looks and feels more like a luxury winery than a maple syrup production facility, albeit also being the most advanced maple production facility in the U.S.

Madava_Farms_GirlGoneTravel        IMG_7246

Located on 800 acres surrounded by century-old sugar and red maples, it’s no wonder many guests like to complement their visits with hikes around the few marked trails on the property.

Madava_Farms_GirlGoneTravel

Madava_Farms_GirlGoneTravel

Tours depend on when you arrive during the season. Because we came on the latter part of it, we didn’t tour the forest to witness the sap collection process, but instead walked through the indoor facility and learned about intake, storage, and processes involved in the final production. We also learned about the advanced technology that helps separate Crown Syrup from so many others, and go to test the two varieties of maple syrup, medium and dark, as well as pair it with cheese and chocolate. The cost for this 1-hour experience is $5 for children under 10 and $10 for those 11 and older.

Madava_Farm_GirlGoneTravel

Madava_Farm_GirlGoneTravel

Madava_Farm_GirlGoneTravel

Madava_Farm_GirlGoneTravel

Maple_Syrup_GirlGoneTravel

Madava_Farm_GirlGoneTravel

We had a lovely farm-to-table lunch in their in-house cafe where gourmet sandwiches and soups are served, as well as various sweets, all with some component or another made from their certified organic maple syrup and the chef’s garden.

Maple_Farms_GirlGoneTravel

Madava_Farms_GirlGoneTravel

Madava_Farms_GirlGoneTravelMaple syrup ice cream sandwich

Even though maple syrup season is almost over, visitors will still find things to enjoy at the farm. There are plans on the way for a few special events, including Ramps (Spring Onion) Forest Foraging on April 20-21, cooking classes, and more to be announced via Madava Farm’s website soon. Be prepared to shop as well, they have a cute shop with everything from books about the Hudson Valley to maple syrup products.

Madava_Farm_GirlGoneTravel

Madava_Farm_GirlGoneTravel

If you’re looking for a day trip with the family or a little romantic escape only 75 miles North of Manhattan, and especially if you want to learn about where the best quality maple syrup in the country is produced, this is a great one to add to your to-do list.

Photos are property and copyright of GirlGoneTravel.com and may not be used with direct permission from publisher.

 

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Carol Cain

Brooklyn native Carol is happiest when on an adventure, whether close to home or farther away. She is a small business owner and travel writer. In addition to creating Girl Gone Travel, she is the Founder and Principal of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. She's mom to three wonderful sons and wife to a handsome Irish/Scot. She lives, works, and plays in the beautiful Finger Lakes region of NY.

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Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons and 2 puppies. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

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