We visited Portland, Maine after Maple weekend in March and was looking for an educational tour on…read morehow maple syrup was made. We asked the Waterhouse family if they'd be willing to do so even after the maple festivities and they kindly did so. We got so much more than a tour, for which reasons we highly recommend this farm and their products. Disclosure: I have no financial disclosure to make. This is solely based on great experience our family had.
The Waterhouse family welcomed our family (2 adults, 2 kids: 8 and 10 yo) and treated us like their own. They were going to boil their maple sap on that day so we had the privilege of staying from the beginning to end, approx. 90-120 mins.
Josh explained the process patiently, while integrating hands-on experience and ensuring our safety. The process involved us (willingly) to feed the wood stove with logs a few times (kids included, with supervision), discussing the science and physics behind the process, and finally tasted freshly-made maple syrup. The experience was much, MUCH richer than I could ever hoped for. The kids learned not only values of hard work, but also to appreciate nature and its gifts, the humility, kindness and generosity, and how interconnected all are. Additionally, we had the privilege of meeting the Waterhouse family that included their younger children and beloved pets. We learned afterwards that they also have AirBnB nearby, which we would love to be in the next time in Maine. Link below:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1476014662400467351?unique_share_id=3c64846f-c918-4d1a-ae3b-19368ee7559a&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76
Essentially, we brought home not only bottles of maple syrup but also heavenly maple cotton candy, fudge, and the homemade soap bars. More importantly, we brought home sweet memories and great experiences, thanks to the Waterhouse family. We ABSOLUTELY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND this farm, to anyone in the area. Hands down, the best experience we had in the short time we were in Maine. Thank you, Josh, Sheila, Kenny, and Jenny, for a wonderful memory and goodies.
Their website: waterhousefamilyfarm.com