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| - This was my first sugar shack experience and I really enjoyed it! This place is huge --two rooms, each seating ~100 people, and tables can be made as small (for us, two people), or as large (12 people) as necessary. I was concerned going in that trying to get "seconds" (or thirds) of our favourites would be awkward when the meal is served at the table, but the helpful servers/staff are so clearly used to second/third/fourth rounds that it was not awkward at all. I'm now a fan of the 'buffet served at your table' as I think this has a few benefits I never thought about before: 1) you can stay seated, chatting with your family/friends throughout the entire meal (rather than 'pausing' conversations when different people in your party gets up to go back to the buffet), 2) related to #1 --no standing/waiting in line at all!, and 3) since you're served a little bit of everything in several stages (1st stage: soup and bread, 2nd stage: main dishes, 3rd stage: dessert...and repeat stages until you're ready to be rolled out the door) you're better able to try a little bit of everything rather than gorging on one or two main items that caught your eye in the buffet line.
Had we had little kids, or were traveling in a touristy/big group, I would likely give this place 5 stars because this place is a well-oiled machine and I can see how it would become a nice annual family tradition. But as a couple of two, all the extra 'benefits' that are likely part of the cost ($27 pp for lunch/dinner on weekends) are lost on us --pony rides, farm animals, and playgrounds. We did enjoy the complimentary tractor ride (although note: you can just as easily drive yourself on the main road) to a cider tasting/cider shop down the road, and the maple sugar on ice, though. Even though I'm not a big buffet person (I'm more of a carb- than meat-eater, so buffets never seem quite worth the cost for me), I highly recommend this place for people who have never been to a sugar shack before. It is a fun and unique experience, and the staff here will take very good care of you. But don't forget to make your reservation beforehand!
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