Welcome to Snyder Donegan “Destination” — a series dedicated to exploring the places, events, and hidden gems that make our local communities so special. In each feature, we’ll take you beyond the main roads and into the heart of our neighborhoods, showcasing unique attractions, small businesses, local events, outdoor spaces, and the stories of the people who bring them to life. From scenic parks and historic landmarks to family-owned restaurants and growing community initiatives, this series is all about celebrating what makes our area vibrant, welcoming, and full of character. Whether you’ve lived here for years or are just discovering the region, we hope these stories help you connect more deeply with the community and maybe even inspire you to explore somewhere new right around the corner. Join us as we discover the heart of our hometowns, one story at a time.
Set along the banks of the Connecticut River in Plainfield, New Hampshire, Mac’s Maple and McNamara Dairy represent a quintessential Upper Valley farm story—one rooted in resilience, reinvention, and family tradition—and one of the favorite local stops of many on the Snyder Donegan team!
The farm began in 1950, when William and Hazel McNamara purchased a modest riverside property with just one cow and no electricity. From those humble beginnings, they built a working dairy and raised a family deeply connected to the land. Over time, the farm evolved into “Mac’s Happy Acres,” at one point becoming one of the region’s most prominent harness racing and breeding operations before eventually returning its focus to agriculture.
Today, the farm has come full circle as a thriving, multi-generational maple and dairy enterprise. Now in its fourth generation, the McNamara family’s maple operation is a local favorite—traditionally crafted with 100% wood-fired evaporation, a slower process that creates a rich, full-bodied, authentic flavor. From classic syrup to maple creemees, it’s become a go-to Upper Valley visit every season.
Beyond maple, the farm’s dairy operation remains at its core. They milk a large herd and process the milk right on-site, often bottling it in classic glass bottles for a fresh, nostalgic touch. Alongside milk, they offer a range of fresh, locally produced goods, reinforcing their role as a true working farm and everyday staple for the surrounding community and visitors alike.
Blending deep agricultural roots with modern diversification, Mac’s Maple and McNamara Dairy stand as a living example of how New England farms adapt and endure—preserving tradition while continuing to grow for future generations.
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