Why Clyde’s Cider Mill Is Mystic’s Best Fall Tradition
Fall in Mystic starts at Clyde’s Cider Mill, where the country’s last steam-powered cider mill comes to life each September just ten minutes from our front door. B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill has been pressing apples on North Stonington Road since 1881, and when the doors open each September 1, visitors from across New England arrive for the first taste of the season. The Clyde family has been making fresh sweet cider for generations while also producing hard ciders, apple wines, and the warm cider donuts that have become a Connecticut fall tradition. It’s one of the state’s most iconic fall attractions and an important piece of industrial history.
The mill also makes a great starting point for the other things to do in Mystic once the leaves begin to change. We often recommend spending the morning at Clyde’s Cider Mill in Mystic, CT, then filling the rest of the day with local favorites like Mystic Seaport Museum, a slice at Mystic Pizza, a tasting at nearby Jonathan Edwards Winery, or shopping through Olde Mistick Village. Between the cider mill, the harbor, and the historic downtown, Mystic, CT, in the fall offers enough to fill an entire weekend.
You’ll want to stay at a convenient home base during your trip. Our boutique hotel spreads across a collection of historic buildings in downtown Mystic, steps from the drawbridge and just a short drive from the cider mill, with accommodations ranging from classic guest rooms to spacious suites overlooking the Mystic River. Among Mystic Connecticut hotels, our luxury lodging makes it easy to experience the very best of fall, whether you’re carrying back a jug of fresh cider or warming up beside your in-room fireplace after a day exploring.
What to Expect When You Visit Clyde's Cider Mill
The first thing you notice at this cider mill in Mystic, CT, is the sound. A historic steam engine still powers the belts and presses that turn freshly harvested apples into sweet cider, making B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill the last steam-powered cider mill still operating in the United States. Watching the machinery at work remains one of the biggest reasons to visit. During the fall season, pressing demonstrations are held on select days when production is underway, though the schedule varies throughout the season, so it’s worth checking the mill’s website before your visit. October weekends are especially popular, so arriving early helps avoid the biggest crowds.
The pressing is the main attraction, but the bakery and country store are equally hard to resist. Fresh cider donuts, apple pies, cookies, local honey, candy apples, pumpkins, and more fill the shelves throughout the fall. Many visitors consider these some of the best apple cider donuts Connecticut has to offer, and it’s difficult to leave without at least one warm bag for the ride home. The cellar tasting room offers samples of the mill’s hard ciders and apple wines, all produced on site. As the country’s oldest continuous producer of hard cider, the tasting offers a chance to experience an important piece of Connecticut’s cider-making history.
Planning your visit only takes a few minutes. B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill opens every year on September 1 and operates throughout the fall season. The mill is generally open daily during the season, closing only on Thanksgiving Day. Clyde’s Cider Mill hours typically begin at 9 a.m., although closing times and pressing schedules may change throughout the season, making it a good idea to check the official website before heading over. Wine and hard cider tastings require a valid ID, and because many baked goods sell out on busy weekends, earlier visits usually offer the best selection.
Finding this cider mill Connecticut visitors love is easy from anywhere around Mystic. Clyde’s Cider Mill is located at 129 North Stonington Road in Old Mystic, about five miles from downtown Mystic and roughly three miles from Olde Mistick Village. From our boutique hotel, the drive takes about ten minutes. Visit in the morning, watch the cider being pressed, stock up on donuts and sweet cider, and you’ll still have plenty of time to enjoy lunch and the rest of downtown Mystic.
Where to Stay Near the Mill: The Best of Mystic Connecticut Hotels
The best part of a morning at Clyde’s Cider Mill is how much of the day you still have ahead of you. You’re back in downtown Mystic by lunchtime, and if you’re staying with us, you’re already within walking distance of many of the area’s best restaurants, boutiques, and waterfront attractions. Our luxury hotel, one of the best Mystic Connecticut hotels, sits directly across from the Mystic River Bascule Bridge, with accommodations ranging from the historic 1865 House and Stanton House to spacious penthouse suites overlooking the water. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway with a room featuring a gas fireplace or bringing the family for a fall weekend, there’s a room designed for your stay.
Dinner is another reason guests plan their Mystic getaway around a stay here. The Shipwright’s Daughter, led by James Beard Award-winning Chef David Standridge, is just steps from your room, while Mystic Fish Camp offers casual seafood nearby. Enhance your stay with a charcuterie board prepared by our culinary team, a bottle of local Saltwater Farm Vineyard wine, handcrafted cocktails waiting in your room, or a chef’s tasting experience. The next morning, enjoy breakfast before exploring the area or making one more stop at Clyde’s Cider Mill for more donuts. Book your stay at one of the best Mystic, Connecticut hotels today!
