All About Them Apples

Connecticut has a number of orchards and farms stores all over the state- which come fall- make apples the name of their game. Whether you’re looking for apple cider donuts or apple fritters to munch on, an apple pie to pass off as your own, or an orchard to enjoy a day of pick-your-own with family and friends, Connecticut has it all. Here are five places across the state that cover all the bases:

B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill

The oldest steam powered cider mill in the United States is right here in Stonington, Connecticut. B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is run by the 6th generation of the Clyde family and offers cider making demonstrations on Saturdays and Sundays, and tons of apple treats in their store. Cider slushies are a favorite before the temperatures turn chilly, and their hot mulled cider, apple pies and famous donuts will do the trick after that. 

Lyman Orchards

There is easily a full days worth of activities to be enjoyed at Lyman Orchards. There are over one hundred varieties of fruits to pick throughout the year, three golf courses, a corn maze in the fall, and much shopping to do at their Apple Barrel store. At the Apple Barrel you can buy cider, their award winning apple pie, load up on farm grown produce and Connecticut made specialty foods, or indulge in pancakes at their deckside breakfast. 

The Old Cider Mill

For the most apple-y tasting fritters in the state- with real chunks of apple in them- head to Glastonbury’s Old Cider Mill. There is a petting zoo for the kids, and mums and pumpkins for sale to kick start your fall decorating. The fritter trailer is cash only, but the farm store will do cash back for you, and you can grab some local honey and treats while you’re inside. 

Rogers Orchards

This 8th generation family run farm is located on ninety acres of land in Southington and grows over twenty varieties of apples during the season. Rogers Orchards offer pick-your-own on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and their farm store is stocked full of apples sold by the bushel, apple cider, donuts, pies and their own labels of jams and jellies. 

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard

Bring the family for pick-your-own apples on the weekends (cash or check only) or pop in to their farm store and pick up one of their eleven varieties of pies, or a dozen apple cider donuts. Beardsley’s is known for their fresh pressed apple cider, and also sells untreated cider- in case making your own hard apple cider is on your fall bucket list.