MARCH 26, 2014

Suggestion for a great days journey

Recently I went to MADAVA FARMS, The Home of Crown Maple Syrup 47 McCourt Rd. Dover Plains, NY 12522  845.877.0640 and was so impressed with the facility, their 800 acres of nature with breathtaking views over the valley and beyond.  When and if ever the snow is not an issue, the walking trails would be wonderful.
Jacob, CIA chef and chief syrup taster, gave us an interesting tour of the syrup process from tapping to tasting (which is available on the tour). They also have a chef-prepared, farm to table menu at their eclectic eatery and market where they feature dozens of other NY artisanal specialities.
In my day, we tapped trees and had buckets to catch the sap then boiled the sap FOREVER and got about a spoonful of syrup. In this "new age" they tap the trees and use plastic tubing all going into the sap collecting facility for processing--much more efficient.
The sap was not flowing when we went on March 12th as it had been so cold. They need warmer days and cool nights for the flow. I believe it must be flowing now so do yourself a favor and plan a trip to MADAVA FARMS.
visit crown maple.com  for info