Could we have picked a better or more magical day, weather-wise, to visit a local maple syrup farm?
Seriously.
This is definitely one of the many occasions where I wish there was a scratch-and-sniff blog application. All of the warm, sweet steam rising out of the cabin was rich caramel. Burnt butterscotch. A cinnamon toast convention. I could have died there (and died happy.)
Maple Creek Farm, located in Burnsville NC, is the Southern-most sugar bush in North America. And, if I recall correctly, they are the only commercial maple syrup producer in all of NC. It was truly a wonder to see the high-strung tubing that carried the sugar from the trees and down the hill, with only the help of gravity. After the tour, we took home a 12 ounce bottle of dark maple syrup, which won't last long, I'm sure. Luckily they will be selling at a local farmers market. Mike also snagged a bag of their scrumptious pork sausage, as they also have pork, lamb, apple cider and other wares to offer, too. And as an added bonus, I somehow managed to spill a tablespoon of syrup from my sample cup into my right coat pocket, all over my keys, gloves, and our grocery list. Only me, I tell you. Anyway, it was a glorious afternoon and a lovely welcome back home after our week-long trip to VA. As nice as it is to be back home, I'm seriously missing all of our friends and family. The whole time we were at the farm I kept thinking, "Amber would so love this." And, "I wish my sister was here with us." etc. If only I could teleport everyone I love to Asheville! Oh well. I guess I can't have my syrup and eat it too, eh?
Maple Creek Farm, located in Burnsville NC, is the Southern-most sugar bush in North America. And, if I recall correctly, they are the only commercial maple syrup producer in all of NC. It was truly a wonder to see the high-strung tubing that carried the sugar from the trees and down the hill, with only the help of gravity. After the tour, we took home a 12 ounce bottle of dark maple syrup, which won't last long, I'm sure. Luckily they will be selling at a local farmers market. Mike also snagged a bag of their scrumptious pork sausage, as they also have pork, lamb, apple cider and other wares to offer, too. And as an added bonus, I somehow managed to spill a tablespoon of syrup from my sample cup into my right coat pocket, all over my keys, gloves, and our grocery list. Only me, I tell you. Anyway, it was a glorious afternoon and a lovely welcome back home after our week-long trip to VA. As nice as it is to be back home, I'm seriously missing all of our friends and family. The whole time we were at the farm I kept thinking, "Amber would so love this." And, "I wish my sister was here with us." etc. If only I could teleport everyone I love to Asheville! Oh well. I guess I can't have my syrup and eat it too, eh?
Oh, I am so envious. I am a nut about maple syrup and of course being on the west coast, we do not get to experience this. It looks like such a lovely day!
Posted by: krissy | February 23, 2009 at 04:14 PM
Gorgeous photos! Don't worry, I would definitely find a way to spill syrup all over myself too, haha!
Posted by: Alli | February 23, 2009 at 06:04 PM
"That maple syrup is tearin' through the hay!!"
Posted by: Kristy | February 23, 2009 at 08:56 PM
its lovely!!! What a special adventure. :)
Posted by: kristin rose | February 23, 2009 at 10:21 PM
Oh man I definitely would have LOVED to go there! I haven't had syrup in too long. You are weakening my no-sugar resolve!
Posted by: Amber | February 24, 2009 at 09:25 AM
mmmmmmmmm.....syrup!! My favorite liquid treat!! :) I had no idea about this place! Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: marjorie | February 24, 2009 at 03:15 PM
amanda these pictures are amazing! i know what you mean about missing people, i am having so much fun finding old friends on fb and being back in touch. but it makes me miss everyone so much more! at least you are a car ride away! miss you guys, but we are so glad you love it there!
Posted by: kat in oregon | February 26, 2009 at 04:27 PM
Wow! Do they only do tours once a year or only a certain time of year? Don't know much about making maple syrup but I do know that my husband *loves* it. That would be a fun mini get away.
I second the need for a scratch and sniff plugin. ;)
Posted by: june | April 22, 2009 at 08:34 PM