MONTEREY, Va. (DayTripper) — Back Creek has been the home of syrup connoisseurs since before 1838. Located in the Back Creek Valley of Highland County, Virginia, the community prides itself on using the natural resources surrounding them to create a rich, natural livelihood. Pat, born on Back Creek and current owner of the property, has continued a tradition instilled in him by his family.
Pat Lowry began helping his father make maple syrup when he was just 8 years old. The process involved tapping trees, gathering the sap and carrying the sugar water back to the sugar house. Family, friends and neighbors would gather together as the sap boiled into its final form — notably, the “open pan” that was used before the Civil War is still used to boil down the sap today. “A layer of steam would hang in the valley from each farm boiling their syrup down at the same time,” Pat recalls.
At that time, maple sugar was the only sugar available, and maple syrup was just that; today, we are offered various creative options created by Pat himself. Around 2015, he developed Back Creek’s “Hickory” syrup, described as a “sweet and smoky blend of hickory bark tea with a simple syrup.” The hickory syrup was an enormous success, and he began branching out to other flavor profiles: sea salt, spiced elderberry, chili pepper and vanilla cinnamon are just some of the available options. However, the farm isn’t limited to syrup; they now boast their very own apple butter and Appalachia Hot Sauce “unlike any hot sauce you’ve ever tasted.”
Pat first began selling his syrup in 1984 on the Courthouse Lawn during the local Highland County Maple Festival. His wife, Valerie, joined him in production in 2000. They began tapping trees from several old farms as the original owners became disinterested or unable to do so themselves. This led to Back Creek Farms becoming an LLC in 2008.
When COVID-19 struck, Back Creek Farms’ business slowed, as they couldn’t continue selling at the Maple Festival. After the Maple Festival shut down for a second year, they decided to open the farm for tours. Now, Back Creek Farms is No. 5 on the official “Maple Tour” map, providing tastings of 14 different syrup flavors, tours through the farm and even a rental available for short-term stays.
“We are a unique combination of tradition, but with a modern twist!” Valerie states — and this couldn’t be more true of this unique piece of history preserved on Back Creek.
Many of Back Creek Farms’ products are available for purchase online at backcreekfarms.com; however, with its rich history, aromatics and carefully crafted product, Back Creek Farms is more than worth your day trip. They are open year-round; visitors are encouraged to check ahead of time for availability by texting 540-421-5184. The farm is located at 7781 Upper Back Creek Rd., Monterey, VA 24465.
