A family friendly and tasty day at Merrifield Farm Sugarhouse in North Gorham Maine. While in the area, don’t forget to grab some fresh take home pastries from The Baker’s Bench.
Merrifield Farm – North Gorham, Maine
We visited the farm during Maine Maple Syrup days, which always occurs on the 4th weekend in March. Merrifield Farm is one of the most well known Maine farms for visits during maple syrup season. The drive there crossed some pretty countryside, including this Sebago Lake overlook.
At the farm, we were greeted by a friendly attendant at a welcome hut and a photo op wooden bear bench. Although busy that weekend, the farm still felt very peaceful and had a small town field.
We had already eaten and bypassed the popular pancake breakfast offerings.
I quickly noted a small stand selling maple coffee (both hot and iced). I drank it black and it was a sweet treat while enjoying the other attractions. Also picked up some maple whoopie pies to go. It’s harder to think of a treat more Maine than maple whoopie pies.
We then headed to the old fashioned maple syrup boiling station. This was a real treat for the kids. 3 huge cast iron cauldrons filled with syrup and slowly simmering over open woods fires beneath. It was educational and interesting to see.
On to the blacksmith’s hut. The gentleman was busy making iron hooks. He was knowledgeable and friendly. The kids really enjoyed this and watched for almost 30 minutes!
I snuck away and stood in line for some soft serve maple ice cream and a bucket of maple cotton candy ($5 each). The three kids split the ice cream. It was sweet but very good. We brought the souvenir cotton candy bucket home.
There were oxen wagon rides, and some cows with fancy headdresses on show.
We headed to the barn. Inside were sheep and chickens. They even had a little lamb that the children could pet! The attendant was a teenage girl who talked to my kids about her 4H project. This was an unexpected bonus that I hope helped plant a seed in their heads. I also appreciated that hand washing stations were readily available.
There is a small museum on site that showcases more farm antiques. It had a separate charge (I think $7-8). It looked interesting but my children were getting tired so we plan to do that another day.
Lastly we stood in line to get into the combined boiler room/gift shop. Here they were demonstrating the more modern day stainless steel syrup boilers. The gift shop sold maple pecans, tea, fudge, and of course maple syrup! Lots of choices for great housewarming gifts.
While we were waiting to get in the store, our kids played on a small playground. It was great to help them get the sugar wiggles out!
Overall we were there for about 1.5 hours or so and had a great time. Make supporting Maine’s maple syrup farms part of your annual March traditions.
Baker’s Bench Bakery – Westbrook, Maine
Consider a quick stop to grab some pastries or a sandwich to go. This unassuming bakery creates fresh croissants, cream horns, breads, and a variety of pastries daily. Their cream puffs are real stand outs, as are their handmade buttery croissants. Everything tasted fresh and delightful. The prices were much more reasonable than those found at the more famous city bakeries. We will be visiting again for sure!
Tips:
Parking is along the road and some people had to walk 3/4 of a mile to get to the farm. We were lucky and were only about a 3 minute walk away.
Merrifield takes cash or credit.
Walkways at the farm are natural. Expect dirt/mud and small gentle inclines. This is fine for off road strollers, but may be more difficult for those with ambulation limitations.
The day we visited, a pancake breakfast was offered in the large house right at the entrance to farm.
Dogs are not allowed (except service dogs).
Go to the store last, then you wont have to carry things around.
Merrifield Farm store is usually open most weekends in March, but call ahead. The maple syrup festival is only on the 4th weekend in March. Merrifield Farm – Facebook page
Astray Fish 
Leave a reply to Kit Cancel reply