When most people think about maple syrup, they may not be thinking about Virginia. Being a native to this lovely state, I’m happy to say that Highland County, Virginia is one of the most southern locations that maple syrup is made in North America. Believe it or not, Highland County has a major Maple Syrup Festival two weekends each March to celebrate this very unique attribute to the state of Virginia. Now you might catch an article by Deborah Huso in Virginia Living Magazine this month on the Maple syrup festival in Highland County but take a look at the following images, which really show the fun that can be had during this annual event.

On your way, you will see all the little newborn lambs this time of year.

I love the sign stating the obvious. Also shown is a stack of buckwheat pancakes from the Bolar Ruritan Club. It’s all-you-can-eat at these places so bring your appetite.

A view of the maple funnel cakes in downtown Monterey.

Jane, my doughnut loving wife, eating a Monterey Ruritan Club doughnut, along with a view of the doughnuts before frying and glazing.

The house is packed at the Bolar Ruritan Club dining room.

The new method of capturing the sap verses the old way.

A few of my litter tasting some of the sap from the buckets surrounding this old maple tree.

Tasty maple ice cream at the Sugar Tree Country Store in McDowell.

Here at Rexrode Farm, we get a closer view of some of the old methods of gathering sap. The days of “the old bucket around the trees” are gone but it was cool that Rexrode Farm left some out to see.

The second weekend features the Hi-Horse Cloggers in downtown Monterey. If you have never experienced clogging, this is a must see!

A maple tree tapped with the new way of gathering sap.

Puffenbarger Sugar Camp facility where doughnuts and maple syrup are made.

All this dancing, eating and festivities help celebrate the sap that flows from a tree. How awesome is that?