Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall: There’s nothing quite like a warm stack of pancakes covered in butter and hot Maple Syrup on a Sunday Morning. I’m not talking about the kind of “stuff” sold in stores that is labeled as Maple Syrup, but the real deal boiled down from the sap of Sugar Maples. Here in Maine; and New England in general, peoples spirits begin to lift when sunny days in March signal the coming change of season. These sunny days also get the Maple sap moving in the roots of trees and mark the start of Maple Syrup season. All across Maine there are families whose livelyhood depends on this sweet sticky stuff. And it is a good time of the year to get out and shake off the winter blues and enjoy the taste of tradition here in Maine. There are many Maple Syrup “Sugar Shacks” or Farms across the state, and visiting one during production is sure to be remembered. The process involves tapping the trees once the spring thaw begins, and can last for up to six weeks. It takes about 10 gallons of sap to make one quart of syrup, and the process varies from farm to farm. Generally the last weekend of March is the time these operations are in full swing, and is why folks call it Maine Maple Sunday. Good news is you can enjoy the rich taste of Maine Maple Syrup any time from anywhere, but there is nothing quite like enjoying it at one of these Traditional Maine Sugar Shacks.