Welcome to Connecticut Day Trips, a newsletter that gives the great state of Connecticut the Conde Nast Traveler treatment it deserves.
Connecticut’s cider mills are not just about the drink; they are experiences. Imagine strolling through rows of apple trees heavy with fruit, the air crisp with the scent of fallen leaves and fermenting apples. The mills often include country stores where shelves are laden with apple butters, pies, and other homemade treats that evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.
Visiting these mills now also supports local agriculture at a critical time of year. The fall harvest is a crescendo of the year’s hard work, and purchasing directly from cider mills aids local farmers and the community.
Moreover, cider mills in Connecticut are a gateway to the past. Many have been in operation for over a century, like the aforementioned B.F. Clyde's, which has been pressing cider since 1881. Here, you can witness the fascinating process of cider making, often on antique presses that have been lovingly maintained through generations.
The mills also offer a plethora of activities: hayrides through the orchards, corn mazes that challenge the mind and delight the senses, and tasting rooms where one can sample varieties of cider, from the sweet to the complex and spicy hard ciders that warm the palate.
For families, these mills provide educational opportunities, as many offer tours and apple picking. Children can learn where their food comes from and the process it goes through from tree to table. For adults, many mills now offer hard cider tastings and pairings with local cheeses and other delicacies, making for a perfect autumnal outing.
The beauty of Connecticut’s cider mills lies in their ability to offer something for everyone, wrapped in the warm embrace of fall. So, whether you are a local or a traveler seeking the autumnal charm of New England, visiting Connecticut's cider mills is an experience imbued with the essence of the season, a tradition that continues to delight as the leaves turn and the air chills. Now is the time to savor the season, one sip of cider at a time.
Fairfield County:
Beardsley's Cider Mill & Orchard: 278 Leavenworth Rd., Shelton, CT 06484. A family-run mill dating back to 1849, offering fresh-pressed cider, farm-baked goods, and a scenic orchard for apple picking.
Park Lane Cider Mill: (No address available). A local establishment in New Milford known for its seasonal cider offerings.
Cider Mill School: 240 School Rd, Wilton, CT 06897. While not a cider mill, this elementary school carries the historic name reminiscent of the region's apple-growing heritage.
Blue Jay Orchards: 125 Plumtrees Rd, Bethel, CT 06801. A staple in Bethel for apple picking and cider, complete with a farm market and bakery.
Hartford County:
Hogan's Cider Mill: 522 Spielman Highway, Burlington, CT 06013. An iconic cider mill in Burlington, operating since 1912, known for both hard and sweet ciders.
Old Cider Mill: 1287 Main St, Glastonbury, CT 06033. The oldest continuously operating cider mill in the United States, offering a peek into historical cider making.
Woodland Farm: 168 Woodland St, South Glastonbury, CT 06073. A farm offering locally produced cider as part of its produce selection.
New Haven County:
Bishop's Orchards Farm Market & Winery: 1355 Boston Post Rd, Guilford, CT 06437. Offers a range of products including cider, with a winery on-site for tastings.
Lyman Orchards Farm Store at the Apple Barrel: 32 Reeds Gap Rd, Middlefield, CT 06455. A well-known farm store offering fresh cider, baked goods, and other local produce.
New London County:
B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill: 129 N Stonington Rd, Mystic, CT 06355. The oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States, known for its apple cider and cider donuts.
Litchfield County:
Park Lane Cider Mill: (No address available). This mill is a part of Litchfield County's rich agricultural community, offering fresh cider during the harvest season.
Averill Farm: 250 Calhoun St, Washington Depot, CT 06794. A tenth-generation family farm that offers apple cider, pick-your-own apples, and a variety of farm products.
Middlesex County
Gotta's Farm and Cider Mill: Located at 661 Glastonbury Turnpike, Route 17, Portland, CT 06480, this farm offers home-made cider, pies, breads, cookies, and other fruits. It is a fourth-generation farm established in 1898 that grows quality plants, fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, and allows you to pick strawberries, peaches, apples, and pears when in season.
Yankee Cider Company: This cider mill in East Haddam, Middlesex County, is known for its delightful ambience. They offer flights of hard cider and sweet wines, along with freshly made cider donuts and the option to enjoy s’mores over an open fire outside.
Tolland County:
Cider Mill Road: Tolland, CT. This is a street name in Tolland, likely named for historical mills in the area, rather than a specific business or tourist destination.
Windham County:
Buell's Orchard: 108 Crystal Pond Rd, Eastford, CT 06242. A family-run orchard offering apple picking, cider, and other fresh farm produce during the harvest season.
Tree House Orchard & Farm Fermentory: (No address available). A newer establishment in Woodstock focusing on fermented products, possibly including cider.