There are plenty of things we love about New England in the fall, but cider season is near the top of the list. Cider shows up everywhere this time of year, from the historic B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill to local farms, breweries, coffee shops, and restaurants putting their own spin on the classic fall drink.
Whether you’re looking for the best apple cider donuts, want to sip a flight of hard cider, or just need a frozen cider slushie on an unexpectedly warm October afternoon, here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate the season during a stay at our New England bed and breakfast.
Visit a Historic Cider Mill at B.F. Clyde’s
129 N. Stonington Road, Old Mystic, CT
When cider season arrives, B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is one of the places we always look forward to visiting. Just over the Connecticut border in Old Mystic, the historic mill presses fresh apple cider each fall, with plenty of ways to enjoy it while you’re there. Pick up a jug of sweet cider, grab a cider donut, cool off with a cider slushie, or try one of their hard ciders.
The mill itself offers just as much reason to go. B.F. Clyde’s is housed in a historic building dating back to the 1800s, and during cider season you can watch the operation and browse the other seasonal treats and products around the mill.
Sip Hard Cider at Tapped Apple Cidery
37 High St, Westerly, RI
If your idea of cider season involves a tasting flight of hard cider and a seat inside rather than a paper cup and a cider donut, head to Tapped Apple Cidery in Westerly.
The cidery works with local Rhode Island apples to make its wines and ciders, which you can enjoy by the flight, glass, or carafe. They also mix their cider and wines into specialty cocktails, so there’s more than one way to find a favorite.
Go for the Cider Donuts at The Hard-Pressed Cider Company
930 Hopkins Hill Rd, West Greenwich, RI
If cider donuts are high on your fall must-have list, The Hard-Pressed Cider Company deserves a spot on your itinerary. Their cake-style donuts are made with their own apple cider plus fresh apples that they core, peel, and finely chop before mixing them into the batter. You can order them plain or coated in cinnamon sugar. We vote for the latter.
Of course, don’t stop at the donuts. You can grab a cup of their sweet cider, warm up with hot mulled cider made with cinnamon, orange peel, and cloves, or go the completely opposite direction with a cider slushie. They even make a caramel apple slushie layered with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
Try a Cider with a Twist at Junk & Java
49 Beach St, Westerly, RI
You don’t have to leave downtown to get into the cider spirit.
At Junk & Java, apple cider gets a little more creative with a seasonal menu of cider drinks that range from sweet and cozy to a little more unexpected. Think caramel and sea salt, maple and ginger, spiced chai, cinnamon, and even a blended cider drink with ice cream.
The menu changes with the season, so there’s usually something new to try, and it’s a fun place to stop when you want your cider with a little more personality.
Cool Down with Frozen Apple Cider at Del’s
55 Beach St, Westerly, RI
You might associate Del’s with hot summer days and frozen lemonade, but fall brings a seasonal twist: Frozen Apple Cider.
It’s exactly what it sounds like: apple cider served up cold and slushy-style. If the weather is still warm but you’re determined to embrace fall, this is your answer.
Find all the Fall Treats at Quonnie Farms
16 W Beach Rd, Charlestown, RI
Quonnie Farms has grown from a traditional farm stand into a market, bakery, café, and gathering place, with plenty to explore beyond the cider.
Start with something from the bakery. Their apple cider donuts are a fall staple, but you’ll also find fresh-baked breads, scones, danishes, pies, and other seasonal treats. If you’re hungry enough for lunch, the café serves heartier options, too, so you can make a meal of your visit rather than just stopping for a donut and heading back out.
And then there’s the cider. Pick up a cup to sip while you wander or bring some home with you. On weekends, you may also find live music, yard games, street corn, and pumpkins, so you can turn it into a full day of fall fun.
Save Room for Cider Bread Pudding at Evie’s
224 Post Rd, Westerly, RI
Looking for another way to enjoy those Quonnie Farms cider donuts? Head to Evie’s Cocktails and Comforts for their house-made cider donut bread pudding.
They take Quonnie Farms apple cider donuts and turn them into a warm, gooey bread pudding, then top it with ice cream and whipped cream.
Even if you’ve already had your cider donut earlier in the day, we’re not going to tell you that you can’t have it again in bread pudding form.
Make a Day of It at Holmberg Orchards
12 Orchard Lane, Gales Ferry, CT
If you want the full fall orchard experience, make the drive to Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry, Connecticut.
You can pick your own apples, shop for fresh sweet cider and cider donuts, and try their hard ciders. The farm also has seasonal fall activities, including a pumpkin patch, so it’s a good choice when you want to spend more time outside rather than just making a quick cider stop.
Make Cider Season Part of Your Westerly Getaway
One of the best things about visiting Westerly in the fall is that you don’t have to plan your whole trip around one big attraction. You can start with breakfast at the inn, spend an hour strolling under the changing leaves in Wilcox Park, head out for cider and donuts, stop at an orchard, and return to Margin Street Inn with a bag of fall treats for later.
After a day spent picking apples, tasting local ciders, and discovering your favorite fall treats around town, come back to the inn, curl up by the fire or relax on the porch, and enjoy a quiet evening.
We would love to welcome you this autumn! Plan your fall getaway, and we’ll be waiting with plenty more local insider recommendations to help you make the most of your visit.