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Jan 16, 2024

It’s apple season in NY. Don't miss these 5 cider mills

New York loves it apples. The apple was named the state's official fruit in 1976 and why not? New York is the second largest apple producer in the United States with an average annual production of

New York loves it apples.

The apple was named the state's official fruit in 1976 and why not?

New York is the second largest apple producer in the United States with an average annual production of about 29.5 million bushels from more than 600 growers, according to the New York Apple Association.

Pennsylvania is no slouch when it comes to apples either, ranking fourth in the U.S. for total production from its nearly 250 growers.

About 53% of all New York apples are sold fresh and ready to eat.

When thoughts turn to fresh-picked apples can thoughts of apple cider and cider mills be far behind?

Fortunately, there are some enticing options in and around the region when it comes to cider mills and all their attractive accruements, including doughnuts, fresh produce, candy apples, maple syrup and other treats.

Here are five cider mills worth a trip to check out this fall:

2 Nanticoke Ave., Endicott, New York

An Endicott landmark since 1926, The Cider Mill is a fall bucket list destination for fresh apple cider, New York apples, homemade doughnuts, fresh pies and an impressive assortment of baked goods and sweet treats.

The season began the first week of August and runs until Dec. 1. The hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

The Cider Mill gets its apples from Lake Ontario orchards, and in addition to providing the main ingredient for cider, candy apples dipped in one of seven candy flavors — caramel, cherry, cinnamon, grape, lime, strawberry and raspberry. And there is delicious sweet corn. When fall arrives, pick out a pumpkin.

More:Fall weather: What temperatures, precipitation experts say we can expect in NY

419 N. Keystone Ave., Sayre, Pennsylvania.

In 1920 James Campbell began pressing apples for local farmers, and the family’s cider-making tradition continues with James Campbell’s great-grandson, Ray Campbell, in charge of operations at the Keystone Cider Mill.

Currently, plans call for Keystone to open on the first Wednesday after Labor Day. The season will run through the weekend after Thanksgiving. Hours for the retail stand are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Offerings include cider, apples, honey, maple syrup, canned goods, baked goods and other seasonal odds and ends, including decorations. The vast majority of the mill’s products are preservative-free. The Keystone Cider Mill is also a functioning museum, with the 1800s-era cider press still run by a gas-powered tractor.

Contact Keystone to schedule a tour. Ask about custom pressing.

6226 Lain Road, Canisteo, New York

Edwin and Bertha Lain established E.H. Lain Cider mill in 1964 and Lain's Cider Mill is still operated by Lain family descendants.

It opens Sept. 23 and closes the day before Thanksgiving. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for sales and 1-7 p.m. for custom pressing every day of the week.

What’s for sale? Cider, apples, barrels, wine making supplies, homemade pies, jellies and jams and gift baskets upon request. At Lain’s, they press customer's apples, supply recipes for hard cider and allow visitors to be part of the process.

Don't miss this: cider doughnuts are on the menu this fall!

29 Park Road East, Castile, New York

The Western New York family-owned and operated Castile Cider Mill returns for the fall season on Sept. 9. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The apple cider is cold pressed on site and apple cider fry cakes are made fresh daily.

Check the locally sourced fall produce from the orchard and vineyard as well as other delicious items from the region. Apple varieties include Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Empire, Honey crisp, Snapdragon, sourced from their own orchards. Three Falls Cider, the hard cider tasting room, is open year-round.

256 E. Main St., Penn Yan, New York

Established in 1977, Wagers Cider Mill is all about the apples, but there is a lot more to enjoy, including cheese, fresh baked pies and cookies. Juice and apple cider doughnuts are made and served daily. The cider mill’s slushies look like a great option for warm fall days.

Apples are freshly picked from their own orchards with 26 varieties of apples available, depending on the season. Try the seasonal grape juice and new this year, hard cider.

Wagers Cider Mill is open until the end of December. Business hours are 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Sunday through Friday; 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday.

Feel free to come watch the apple cider get processed on site. The building at Wagers Cider Mill has been a cider mill and juice plant since 1929.

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