Inspiration

All Things Apple

last updated: September 2026

The CT Ambassadors are on the hunt for the best apple picking spots in the state. Here's a list from the fanatic foodies at CTEatsOut.com.

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:

This article has been updated by the Connecticut Office of Statewide Marketing & Tourism.

Rogers Orchards, Southington

This 8th-generation family-run farm (see some of their apple crop above!) is located on 90 acres of land in Southington and grows over 20 varieties of apples during the season. Rogers offers pick-your-own on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and its farm store is stocked full of apples sold by the bushel, apple cider, donuts, pies and its own labels of jams and jellies.

Rogers' Long View Ciderhouse, a "branch-to-bottle" ciderhouse and distillery, also creates its own fruit wines, hard cider, and apple-based brandy spirits from the fruit on the farm.

Cider slushie with two cinnamon sugar donuts on top

B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill, Old Mystic

The oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States is located in the Old Mystic section of Stonington. 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 throughout October and November. The on-site store offers plenty of apple treats. Cider slushies are a favorite before the temperatures turn chilly, and Clyde's hot mulled cider, apple pies and famous donuts will do the trick after that.

Rows of apple trees in an orchard under a blue sky with clouds

Lyman Orchards, Middlefield

There is easily a full day’s worth of activities to be enjoyed at Lyman Orchards. There are 100 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. The store offers award-winning apple pies, cider, cider donuts, farm-grown produce, Connecticut-made specialty foods , a full deli menu, and a weekend outdoor grill menu with breakfast and lunch - including apple cider-boiled hot dogs.

Rustic Old Cider Mill with pumpkins and potted plants outdoors

The Old Cider Mill, Glastonbury

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 or credit card, and you can grab some local honey and treats.

Hand holding sugar-coated donut outdoors with green foliage background

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard, Shelton

Bring the family for pick-your-own apples on the weekends (cash only with an ATM on site) or pop in to their farm store and pick up one of their 11 varieties of pies, or a dozen apple cider donuts. Beardsley’s Cider Mill is known for its fresh pressed apple cider, and also sells untreated cider—in case making your own hard apple cider is on your fall bucket list.

Pics: CTEatsOut.com

Woman holding a cup of coffee at a cafe table with pastry

CT Eats Out

Alycia Chrosniak is a food and travel writer with bylines in publications such as Travel + Leisure, Food52, Boston.com, Hartford.com, Femsplain and Seasons Magazine. She enjoys a good dinner party, her one-eyed cat, and pretending the Hartford Whalers still exist.