March is a particularly challenging month in Maine. While the longer days hint that spring is on the way, there’s always the possibility of more snow and ice, and let’s not even talk about the mud. Sure, you could settle in on the couch to watch yet another episode of your favorite Netflix series, but you’ll probably feel better if you get up and out.

Visit a sugarhouse
More than 100 maple syrup operations open their doors to the public for Maine Maple Sunday on March 22, a perfect time to visit for a pancake breakfast, sugar on snow, or maple kettle corn. The Maine Maple Producers Association has all the info, including what each sugarhouse is offering and which ones are open both Saturday and Sunday.

Try a new restaurant
During Maine Restaurant Week (MRW), March 1-12, restaurants from Cape Neddick to Camden offer specially priced, multicourse menus. The festivities also include three ticketed events: the Incredible Breakfast Cook-Off, the Crave Tasting and Competition of coffee-infused sweet and savory foods, and Spirit Quest, a self-guided cocktails and bites tour through Portland’s Old Port and Arts District.

See how the sausage is made
At East Forty Farm and Dairy in Waldoboro, you can learn how to make sausage from the farm’s pastured pork on March 28. Neal Foley, who owns the farm with cheese maker Allison Lakin of Lakins Gorges Cheese, has been farming for 25 years and received his culinary training at the Ballymaloe Cookery School in Ireland. Classes are limited to 10 students.

Geek out on science
The Maine Science Festival is a five-day celebration dedicated to science, technology, innovation, and engineering. Held March 18-22 at Cross Insurance Center and other locations in downtown Bangor, the festival includes events for all ages, including “5-Minute Genius,” short talks by Maine’s cutting-edge scientists, and Science on Tap, an adults-only exploration of a topic you may have heard of but don’t know much about.

Browse the boats
From cabin cruisers to kayaks, there’s a vessel for anyone who wants to get out on the water at the Maine Boatbuilders show in Portland March 20-22. With dozens of exhibitors, including wooden and fiberglass boatbuilders, sailmakers, electronics, charter operators, and all kinds of boat gear, the show is an opportunity to learn—and to dream.

Smell the roses
… and lilies, and lavender at the Maine Flower Show, held at Thompson’s Point in Portland March 25-29. Perusing the colorful gardens and outdoor living displays by local landscaping companies and garden centers, learning from horticulture experts, and making plans for your own garden may be the best way to beat the winter blues.