RENOWNED MAPLE SYRUP FESTIVAL OFFERS TRAVELERS SWEET EXPERIENCES

Mansfield, OH – For 33 years, Mansfield’s Malabar Farm State Park has hosted thousands of visitors at its annual Maple Syrup Festival.  Held this year March 7-8 and 14-15 from noon- 4 PM each day, this free festival is a unique opportunity for friends and families to learn about and enjoy the history of Ohio maple syrup making.

The festival features demonstrations of Ohio sugaring techniques, from its earliest history when Ohio was home to Native Americans, through present day.  Travelers can take a self-guided tour of the sugar camp and sugarhouse, check out sugaring equipment and watch as maple sap is transformed into maple syrup.  Presented by the Richland County Museum, the summer bell house, located behind Pugh Log Cabin, is set up as a pioneer’s cabin where kids and adults can take part in daily pioneer chores, including washing clothes, tending the fire, making candles and open-hearth cooking.  Visitors will also enjoy the horse-drawn wagon rides to the sugar camp, offered by the Central Ohio Draft Horse Association.

Free samples of maple syrup are available at the sugarhouse and visitors can purchase pure Ohio maple syrup, homemade maple walnut fudge, maple cotton candy, maple popcorn and other tasty maple products to take home.  Live bluegrass music and light refreshments and snacks are offered at Pugh Log Cabin.  Bromfield’s historical 32-room mansion will be open for guided tours at 12, 2 and 4 PM. Tickets can be purchased in the Gift Shop.

Malabar Farm Restaurant is open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. through the year.  Malabar Farm Restaurant offers lunch and dinner specials, featuring Malabar Farm products and maple syrup.  A kids menu is available.

In addition to Malabar Farm State Park, Mansfield, Ohio offers a wealth of other unusual travel adventures, including everything from overnight ghost hunts in a haunted former state prison to a museum that houses the world’s first robot.  A destination unlike any other, the area’s world-class motorsports, breathtaking scenery and rural and hometown experiences are complimented by hiking, biking, golf, cross-country and downhill skiing, bird watching and loads more unique adventures.  Details on incredibly affordable lodging and Road Trip getaway packages starting at well under $100/night, complete area travel information and a free Visitors Guide are available at (800) 642-8282 or www.mansfieldtourism.com.

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