B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill, Old Mystic
One of the silver linings of 2020 has been having the time to visit awesome local spots that have been on “my list” for years. High on that list was B.F. Clyde’s, a historic cider mill in Old Mystic, and it did not disappoint. As soon as you pull up, you’re transported back to the 1880s when this family first started making their famous apple cider that is referred to by many as “the best apple cider on earth”.
Clyde’s is a sixth generation family business making apple ciders, hard ciders, apple wines and baked goods. It is based on a beautiful property right on route 201 featuring a Victorian style building and mill machinery that were built by Frank and Abby Clyde in 1898. It is the last steam powered cider mill still in use in the United States today and was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1994.
Clyde’s is open seasonally from September 1st — December 1st and is a great place to visit with family or friends for that quintessential New England fall experience. There are three main buildings — first is the store; where you can get apple cider, donuts and a variety of baked (pies, breads, cookies, muffins) and local goods (honeys, syrups, butters, spreads), then the tasting room; where you can sample four hard ciders or apple wines for free and then shop your favorites, and the mill; where you can see the apple cider being made on the spot. Then, you can order a growler of your favorite and enjoy it on a picnic table outside on picnic tables with family and friends.
Clyde’s is only 10 minutes away from downtown Mystic, so you can make an entire day out of exploring the area. Parking downtown and go to Sift Bake Shop for their famous pastries and lattes and then scope out the area for a great dinner spot; the Treehouse at the Oyster Club and Red 36 are two of my favorites. One trip and we were already declaring this to be a new annual tradition. I’m sure you will love it as much as we did!
B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill
129 N Stonington Rd, Old Mystic CT
(860) 536-3354
Website • Clyde’s Story
