If you’ve been craving sugar lately, that’s probably because it’s almost time for the first maple harvest of the year. Come indulge your cravings at Prince Edward County’s Maple in the County festival.

Maple in the County is a two-day festival dedicated to celebrating the maple harvest. Participating sugar bushes and local businesses all throughout the county take part by hosting a range of maple-themed activities for the whole family to enjoy. You’ll get to sample fresh maple goodies and learn a bit about how maple syrup is made. This year’s Maple in the County will be taking place on March 28th and March 29th.

The main draw of the Maple in the County festival is Prince Edward County’s sugar bushes. During the festival, the participating sugar bushes will be offering tours and delicious maple treats such as maple candy, maple jelly, maple sugar, maple taffy, and even maple popcorn. Many sugar bushes will be providing a pancake breakfast as well. A variety of local businesses throughout the county will also be taking part in the festival, each offering unique maple-themed activities and dining opportunities. Vineyards and wineries will be offering wine and food pairings, breweries will serve up craft beer alongside maple-themed menus, and restaurants will be cooking up maple-inspired dishes and desserts. There’s even going to be free public skating at the Picton Arena.

Twelve sugar bushes and numerous local businesses are taking part in Maple in the County this year. With so much going on, it can help to plan where you want to go before heading out. If you plan on doing a sugar bush tour (which you certainly should), then you’ll want to allot at least an hour for it. One of the best ways to make the most out of your time is to start your day with a sugar bush tour that includes a breakfast. Afterwards, head over to either Black River Cheese for a cheese tasting or to Heal with Horses for maple treats and pony rides. Take your lunch at a winery offering wine and food pairings and finish the day off with dinner and drinks at a participating brewery or restaurant. If you don’t quite have the time to spend a full day on Maple in the County festivities, then consider stopping by one of the participating wineries that also has a sugar bush.

Though Maple in the County technically takes place in early spring, you never really know what the weather is going to be like this time of year. You’ll be spending some time outside for many of the festivities, so it’s best to check the forecast ahead of time and dress properly for the expected conditions. Wear layers and make sure you bring along the proper footwear for unexpected snow or cold.

Maple in the County provides a great opportunity to learn about and sample some of this country’s sweet liquid gold. There’s something so uniquely Canadian about such a maple-themed extravaganza. You definitely want to experience it at least once for yourself.