Looking for a quintessential springtime experience? Plan your visit to Highland County, Virginia, for the annual Highland County Maple Festival on March 8 & 9, 2025, and March 15 & 16, 2025! This cherished tradition, designated the Official Maple Festival of Virginia in 2014, celebrates the art and heritage of maple syrup production in the Allegheny Mountains.

Nicknamed Virginia’s Sweet Spot, Highland County offers more than just maple syrup. It’s a celebration of rural charm, breathtaking scenery, and warm hospitality. From its scenic mountain views to the friendly locals, the Maple Festival is a perfect way to experience the essence of this beautiful region.  Visitors have been coming to Highland County since 1959 to tour the camps and enjoy a cultural and culinary experience. The festival is open from 9 am – 5 pm on Saturdays and 9 am – 4 pm on Sundays.

Event Highlights

🌟 Maple Sweetness:
Visit 10 working sugar camps and witness the process of turning maple sap into delicious, golden syrup. Each camp offers a unique experience.  One of my favorite experiences about visiting the sugar camps are being able to ask questions about the process.  Some of the camps have been making maple syrup for generations and use traditional methods while other utilize modern technology to make the process more efficient and sustainable.  My other favorite part – the sample tasting.  Think wine tasting, but with maple syrup.  In addition to pure maple syrup, you will find barrel-aged and infused syrups, hickory syrup, birch syrup, black walnut syrup and certified organic syrup. Yummy sweetness!  I love the Sea Salt Maple Syrup and maple sugar candy!  And, of course, there will be plenty of syrup to purchase and take home with you!

Did you know that pure maple syrup is fat free, contains iron, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and has a higher calcium content of milk?  Additionally, maple syrup contains amino acids, proteins and vitamins B2,B5 and niacin.  With only 40 calories per tablespoon, as a sweetener, maple syrup has fewer calories than honey (45), white sugar (55) and corn sugar (60).

For a list of the sugar camps that will be open for the 2025 Maple Festival, please click the following link: https://www.highlandcounty.org/maple-festival/#tours

🌟 Entertainment & Shopping:
Enjoy live music and performances as you stroll through the festival. Explore booths from over 100 juried arts and crafts vendors, offering high-quality, handcrafted items perfect for gifts or keepsakes.

🌟 Culinary Experience:

From all-you-can-eat regular and buckwheat pancake meals to maple doughnuts, maple cotton candy, baked goods, food truck vendors and sit-down restaurants in Monterey, the culinary choices are delicious and located throughout the county.  Each sugar camp has a variety of food choices as most are located a short distance away from town.

🌟 Affordable Fun:
While many areas of the festival are free, entry to the arts and crafts area requires an entry fee.  This one-time purchase of a $5 collectible keychain provides access to all arts and crafts areas and the entertainment performances for the weekend.

Make It a Weekend at Vine Cottage Inn

Enhance your festival experience with a stay at Vine Cottage Inn! Located just a short, scenic drive from Highland County, our cozy rooms and hearty breakfasts are the perfect way to unwind after a day of festival fun. Let us make your weekend truly memorable!

Tips for Visitors

• Dress for the weather: Highland County in March can be chilly and the mountains seem to make their own weather. Layers are your best friend!  Many of the camps can be muddy, so wear appropriate shoes or boots.
• Arrive early: Parking can fill up fast, and arriving early ensures you won’t miss a thing.
• Bring cash: Some vendors may not accept cards, and it’s always handy for small purchases.

Don’t Miss Out!

The Highland County Maple Festival is a one-of-a-kind experience filled with sweet memories, stunning scenery, and timeless traditions. We hope to see you there – don’t forget to book at Vine Cottage Inn for the ultimate getaway!  Click the links above for more information.