NEW HAMPSHIRE

More than 50 sugar shacks are open to visitors and will host open houses March 24-25; for other times, call ahead. For a list of shacks: New Hampshire Maple Producers, 603-225-3757, http://www.nhmapleproducers.com/. More info: New Hampshire Division of Travel and Tourism,800-386-4664, http://www.visitnh.gov/.

A sampling of the state's sugar shacks:

· Stonewall Farm (242 Chesterfield Rd., Keane, 603-357-7278, http://www.stonewallfarm.org/) on March 24 will host 20 teams of horses that will compete, with their drivers, in a sap-gathering contest and do demonstrations on an obstacle course in a sheep paddock. The farm also offers lunch and maple ice cream, an extensive gift shop and visits with farm animals including dwarf goats and angora rabbits. Hayrides and pony rides are often available, but not on the day the draft teams compete.

· Parker's Maple Barn and Restaurant (1316 Brookline Rd., Mason, 800-832-2308, http://www.parkersmaplebarn.com/) demonstrates both modern sugaring methods and techniques used by Native Americans. It has a store that sells cedar furniture and souvenirs in addition to maple products, an outdoor coffeehouse, and an indoor restaurant open year-round.

· Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. throughout the sugaring season at Benton's Sugar Shack (Route 175, Thornton, 603-726-3867).

· Mount Cube Farm Sugar House (Route 25A, Orford, 603-353-4814) will have horse-drawn rides and pancake roll-ups on open-house weekend.

· Hutchinson Family Sugar House (271 Hackleboro Rd., Canterbury, in Merrimack County, 603-783-4691) will have a sugaring-off party with live music and dancing March 25.

· Allen Acres Maple Grove (20 S. Sugar Hill Rd., Weare, 603-529-2381) will include free admission to a doll museum, along with demonstrations.

· Horse-drawn rides and farm animals for petting are included at Tamarack Farm (125 Asby Rd., Canterbury 603-783-9226, http://www.geocities.com/tamfarm2001).

· Sugar Shack (314 Route 4, Barrington, 800-576-2753, http://www.maplesugarshack.net/) will have live music and a breakfast buffet. It also has an extensive country gift shop.