Great Escape: Pennsylvania Maple Festival

You don’t have to cross the border to Canada to get some really tasty maple syrup. Right here in Pennsylvania, the small town of Meyersdale has received international recognition as “Maple City, USA,” and will host the Annual Pennsylvania Maple Festival for a 64th consecutive year. 

The springtime rite of maple sugaring is part of the rich heritage and history of Meyersdale--a town that traces its origins back to the Monongahela Indians who first took the liquid from the maple trees to make sugar. Somerset County’s maple syrup has long been recognized as the sweetest tasting syrup, but it wasn’t until popular 1940s singer Kate Smith asked for a taste of some “Vermont” maple syrup in her daily noontime radio broadcast. 

The maple sugar producers of Meyersdale took Smith's request as a challenge, and provided her with samples of Somerset County maple syrup, which she called “the sweetest she had ever tasted.” With Smith's endorsement bestowed upon them, the Meyersdale Chamber of Commerce decided to launch a promotional campaign to let everyone know that Vermont doesn’t have anything on this small town. 

So it was that in 1948, a group of men huddled around a pot-bellied stove at Shipley Hardware Co. had a vision for a huge town festival celebrating Somerset County maple syrup. The ingenuity of the men who attended the “Potbellied Summit,” as it has come to be known, was an inspiration in a post-WWII era when communities struggled to redefine their identities.

If you plan to sojourn to Meyersdale for this year's festival, don’t miss the tree-tapping ceremony that kicks off the event. After the ceremony, enjoy the historic reenactments, parade, demonstrations and the crowning of the Maple Queen. Of course, no festival would be complete without an array of craft and food vendors, not to mention an antique auto show that is a draw unto itself. 

If you do decide to celebrate all things maple syrup, consider doing so in true Gilded Age splendor. The Levi Deal Mansion is one of the oldest and grandest houses in Meyersdale, and stands as testimony to the community's coal mining heyday.

The Deal Mansion was owned by Levi Deal and his family, who prospered from the lucrative coal and timber industries at the turn of 20th century. The historic property boasts 15 rooms, including a ballroom, reception hall and library, and has all the architectural charm of a French chateau. Beautiful hardwood and stained glass will make you feel like the Queen (and King) of the Maple Festival.

LEVI DEAL MANSION (BED AND BREAKFAST)

Where/When: 301 Meyers Avenue, Meyersdale, Pennsylvania

Why go: It's hard to beat the combination of elegance and personal charm this historic B&B offers visitors. Located in the heart of Meyersdale, you won’t miss any of the Maple Festival if you stay here, and you'll have easy access to local wineries, hiking trails, horseback riding, theater and more.

Price: Rooms range in price from $120 to $155 per night and feature cable television, fireplace, Wi-Fi, whirlpool or Jacuzzi tub. All rooms include a hot and hearty breakfast. Dinner packages are available Friday and Saturday evenings. Complimentary beverages and homemade snacks give a personal touch to your experience. Call (814) 289-7600 for reservations.

64th ANNUAL MAPLE FESTIVAL (THE SWEETEST FESTIVAL)

Where/When: Festival Park, Meyersdale, Pa.; March 26-27, April 1-3

Why Go: Maple syrup isn’t just for pancakes. In fact, the Native Americans who first tapped maple trees in this mountainous area called it “magic water.” If you are interested in history, turn-of-the-century culture and all of the pageantry of a small-town festival, the Maple Festival in Meyersdale is a perfect choice.

Price: Admission is $5 per adult, $1 per child. Parking is free.