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Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard

Shelton, CT

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With donuts still warm and cider fresh from the press, Beardsley’s is a fall favorite for families across the region. 📷 The Cider Mill at Beardsleys

Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard
• Address: 278 Leavenworth Rd, Shelton, CT 06484
• State: Connecticut
• Website: www.beardsleyscidermill.com

Overview:
Nestled in the White Hills of Shelton, Beardsley’s has been a family farming tradition since 1849. Today, it’s best known for its seasonal apple picking, fresh-pressed cider, and some of the best pies you’ll ever smell—let alone taste. The orchard opens each August with juicy peaches and rolls into peak apple season by September, culminating with a festive farm store that stays open through Christmas Eve. Whether you’re wandering the pick-your-own apple rows or simply stopping in for a warm pie, Beardsley’s is pure fall magic.

Why It’s Worth a Stop:
From crumb-topped apple pies and just-pressed cider to rare heirloom apples and a working mill on-site, Beardsley’s blends the charm of an old-fashioned orchard with the flavor of something truly special. It’s family-run, deeply rooted, and incredibly welcoming—just don’t be surprised if you leave with more than one pie.

What to Know Before You Go:
• Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through December 24 (closes at 1 p.m. Christmas Eve).
• Pick-your-own apples available on weekends only, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., starting in early September.
• Peaches are available in August, but not for PYO.
• No pets, backpacks, or large bags allowed in the orchard.
• Fresh pies are available daily—first come, first served (no pre-orders).
• Try their farm-pressed cider and browse the shelves for local spirits from White Hills Distillery.
• Family seating area available near the orchard for enjoying treats if not visiting the distillery.

Fun Fact:
Beardsley’s heirloom apples have names like Tremlett’s Bitter, Kingston Black, and Brown Snout. They may not win beauty contests, but their flavor is treasured by cider lovers and apple nerds alike.