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Rutland, Vermont was once known as, “The Marble Capital of the World.” Many presidents visited Rutland in its early years, and it was through the marble industry that the Ripley’s acquired their wealth. General Ripley served as commander of the first brigade of Rutland’s Light Guards during the Civil War. He led the Light Guards into Richmond astride his favorite horse, “Old John.” Old John returned with the General after the war, and his grave is directly in front of the large rock, toward the sugar house, which you can see out the west windows. Engraved in the stone are the words, “The Grave of Genl. Edw. H. Ripley’s ’Old John,’ A Gallant War Horse of the Great Civil War 1861-1865.”
The rock, old sugar house, small horse barn and the larger maple trees are all that is left of the Ripley estate. As you sample the delight of our maple syrup, you might imagine the words of the General’s nephew, Tom:”…Uncle Ed jumped us out from under the buffalo robes in the sleigh, and we swarmed into the sugar bush, dashing about among the maples. Peering into buckets, tasting the sap from a tin dipper, smelling the warm, damp earth patches emerging from under the grimy snow. Tin pans and earthen bowls were packed with snow, and we dipped hot syrup and sprinkled it in varying patterns on the snow, preferably forming the initials of lady-love or boy swain. How good it tasted!”
Our Own Ice Cream
We make our own ice cream the original way. Only the finest of natural ingredients are placed in our wooden buckets, surrounded by rock salt. Pure Vermont cream and maple syrup are used to make our maple ice cream- a real favorite. Vanilla and maple walnut are available by the dish, as a sundae, on a cone or as a excellent topping on your waffles.
The Way We Are
We’ve brought together, for you and your family to enjoy, some of the traditions of Vermont. In addition to watching our maple syrup, candies and ice cream being made, we also display and sell contemporary Vermont crafts and gifts.
The heart of Sugar & Spice is our two-story open gallery. Stand on the second level and watch the syrup being made below. You’re invited to walk down into our sugaring area and get a close-up look. You can even draw off some syrup to bring back up to pour on your pancakes, waffles or French toast!
Getting your own hot syrup is a special thrill- the kids will love it!
Adjacent to Sugar & Spice is our own Vermont forest and sugar bush. We welcome you to enjoy it- go for a walk, a picnic, or visit Old John’s Rock.
U.S., Vermont, and Canadian grading
Grading standards are the same for most of the United States, maple syrup is divided into two major grades named Grade A and Grade B. Grade A is further broken down into three subgrades; Grade A Light Amber (sometimes known as Fancy), Grade A Medium Amber, and Grade A Dark Amber. Grade B is darker than Grade A Dark Amber. The U.S. state of Vermont Department of Agriculture uses a similar grading system of color and taste. The grade "Vermont Fancy" is similar in color and taste to U.S Grade A Light (Fancy). The Vermont grading system differs from the U.S. in maintaining a higher standard of product density. Vermont maple is boiled longer for a thicker product.
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