Category: North America

Sugar shack, Quebec, Canada

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The sugar shack or ‘sucrerie’ is the place where it manufactures the maple products. It lies within the wood where they collect the sap of maples in spring. This sap (or maple water) is discharged from the cells of the tree in autumn to allow it to survive the winter freeze. This is not the pure sap, there should be a transformation into maple syrup using a system of kettles and vessels where the sugar concentration increases at each stage. These shacks date from the beginning of the 19th century, with their craft and a popular tradition. It is a typical activity of Quebec but there are some other Canadian regions and even in the United States where you can find them. There are commercial or family shacks. From maple syrup, producers make toffee, caramel, candies, sugar bread, syrup, jelly and also alcoholic drinks.

Tips

You can taste a good meal or just simply visit the sugar shack, see the production of its products and buy on-site. A traditional meal usually has an omelette, ham, with potatoes, beans, etc, and for dessert, you will find the sugarpie, all with maple syrup.
You will also find animations and activities on-site. It is a good activity for the family, with children or friends.
The time to make your visit is from March to April.

Special thanks to the artist Cristina Benevidez Legault who let us have a picture of a sugar shack made by her.

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Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun Hotel, Cancun, Mexico

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Fiesta Americana Condesa Cancun is an all-inclusive hotel across from the beach, 2.7 km from the ruins of the El Rey archaeological area, 10 km from Dolphinaris Cancun and 16 km from the airport. You get everything the hotel has to offer: restaurants, drinks, activities in the hotel, sports programs, etc. There are 10 restaurants and 4 bars. All rooms are non-smoking. The hotel is a family one with a section for children. You will find the Pirate’s ship in the section of the children’s pools with water slides and other games and activities that your children will love. There is also an area for teenagers with video games, music and activities completely dedicated to them. You also have a store to buy your travel souvenirs.

Tips

If you want even more comfort, the hotel has 26 suites with personalized room service.

There are supermarkets and other shops within walking distance.

To choose the spetial restaurants, it is better to look at the opening hours of each place.

Sugar shack La Goudrelle, Montérégie, Mont St-Grégoire

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Sugar shack La Goudrelle is located on the South Shore of Montreal, in Montérégie, at Mont St-Grégoire. It belongs to the Gingras family and has been established since 1948. There are five dining rooms and a dance hall. You can also take your meal away and of course taste the maple taffy on the snow. You have the possibility to make events during the year under reservation (80 people and more). Other activities are added to your visit. There are several free ones for the children and also some paying ones during the weekend. There are animals on site and you can enjoy the trails for hiking in the mountains. During your visit, you can see the operation of the sugar bush in video.

Tips

You can check schedules and prices on their website. If you wish, there is the possibility to buy their products in the shop on site; you will also find several gift ideas. For groups of 20 people or more, you must make a reservation. If you are a student or a person of the golden age (65 and over) mention it because there are often promotions.