In Brief:
The Highland Maple Festival takes place during the second and third weekends of March each year. Highland County, situated in the Allegheny Mountains west of Staunton, Virginia, proudly refers to itself as “Virginia’s Switzerland.” However, the maple syrup crafted in this region is unique and unparalleled.
This vibrant festival sees the entire county come together to celebrate their most cherished local product. The Highland Maple Festival features an array of activities including craft shows, dances, sugar camp tours, music and dance performances, and, of course, delightful food, especially pancakes drizzled with maple syrup.
Getting There:
To reach the Highland Maple Festival, driving is essential. From Interstate 81 through the Shenandoah Valley, you can take either Virginia Route 220 north to McDowell and Monterey or Virginia Route 250 west to Monterey. If you are traveling via Interstate 64, simply take Route 220 north to Monterey.
Be prepared for steep and winding roads as you navigate through the picturesque hills and valleys of Highland County. Gas stations are scarce, typically only located in towns and tourist areas, so ensure your refueling stops are well-planned.
Admission and Hours:
Visiting sugar camps and exploring the charming streets of Monterey and McDowell is free of charge. However, pancake breakfasts are available for purchase, starting at 7:00 a.m. in McDowell, Bolar, and Williamsville, 7:30 a.m. in Blue Grass, and 8:00 a.m. in Monterey. Live performances featuring dance and music begin at noon. Specialty dinners, including ham and trout, are served from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in McDowell, while Monterey offers afternoon options like beef, ham, hot dogs, burgers, and trout sandwiches. Admission to the craft shows is $3.00 for a single day, and visitors can enjoy various street vendors and local shops selling maple syrup and fresh maple doughnuts throughout the day.
Address and Telephone Number:
The Highland County Chamber of Commerce
P. O. Box 223
Monterey, VA 24465
Telephone: (540) 468-2550
Things to Know About the Highland Maple Festival:
- This festival is extremely popular, so expect large crowds. Drive carefully in towns and be mindful of pedestrians.
- If you plan to stay overnight in the area, it’s advisable to book accommodations several months in advance, as most hotels and bed-and-breakfast inns may increase their rates during the festival.
- The spring weather in Highland County can be unpredictable. Wear shoes suitable for muddy, snowy, or icy conditions, and dress in layers to stay warm.
- The festival is spread across different areas of the county, so checking the weather forecast ahead of time is crucial. If it has recently rained or snow has melted, parking may be on muddy ground, especially near the sugar camps.
- Sugar camps are located outside Highland County’s towns, so be prepared for a short drive to reach them.
- Admission to craft shows is $3.00 per day, allowing for multiple entries throughout the day.
- Unmissable are the locally cherished maple doughnuts, which are quite distinct from those found in national chains. Additionally, the buckwheat pancakes served with maple syrup are highly recommended. It’s common to see attendees flavoring their coffee with maple syrup as well.
About the Highland Maple Festival
Highland County is rich with sugar maple trees, and each spring, as the sap flows, the county’s sugar camps come to life. The Highland Maple Festival not only celebrates the syrup-making process but also provides an opportunity for locals and visitors to honor the county’s cultural heritage through music, dance, art, crafts, and of course, maple syrup.
Be sure to pick up a sugar camp map, available throughout Monterey and McDowell, and visit one of the sugar camps to learn about the syrup production process and observe large vats of boiling sap. Syrup can be purchased either at the camps or in the towns.
If you appreciate handmade crafts, do not miss the craft shows, where artisans from both local and distant areas showcase their creations inside the county’s school buildings and on the courthouse lawn in Monterey.
For many attendees, the culinary offerings at the Highland Maple Festival are the highlights of the event, featuring delectable dishes like ham dinners, trout, funnel cakes, barbecue, and fluffy buckwheat pancakes smothered in maple syrup. Be adventurous and try local specialties; you’ll likely leave with a box of maple doughnuts and plans to return for next year’s festival.
