Apple Cider Guide 2025: Orchards, Donuts, and Day Trips Across the Country

Cider is synonymous with fall, and what better way to experience it than at an apple orchard? We rounded up cider spots across the country that are a short drive from Related cities. Make a day trip out of it and enjoy changing foliage and cooler temperatures if you’re in the northern states.

New York City: Fishkill Farms (Hopewell Junction, NY)

Situated just 1.5 hours from NYC, Fishkill Farms offers a “tree-to-bottle” cider experience at the farm’s on-site Treasury Cider. Sip hard ciders by the glass or flight on the farm’s outdoor covered porch May-November, as you take in charming views of changing leaves, the farm’s expansive orchards, and the surrounding Catskill Mountains. In addition to cider, guests can experience pick-your-own apples and other fruits, a farm store packed with fresh donuts and pies, lunch or brunch, and special events like fall harvest festivals and open mic nights. Beyond the beautiful scenery at the orchard itself, you’ll enjoy the gorgeous surrounding Hudson Valley on the drive up as well. 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell Junction, NY 12533

Chicago: Jonamac Orchard (Malta, IL)

Jonamac Orchard’s well-stocked Cider House is located a little over an hour from Chicago. Choose from Jonasmack Hard Ciders like Jonasmack Heirloom and Jonasmack Dry Hopped, or try the orchard’s apple wines, like a Red Barn Blush (apple cranberry wine) or Jonazin (apple and grape wine). Can’t decide? Sample any four of the Cider House’s hard ciders, wines, or beers with a tasting flight, or take home a growler or howler to go. If hard cider isn’t your thing, fresh-pressed apple cider is also available (plus, watch the cider press in action on certain days!). The Cider House also hosts after-hours events like live music, food trucks, and a flashlight corn maze. The orchard is incredibly family-friendly with attractions like an animal barn, apple cannon, an apple train, corn maze, trike track, wagon rides, and much more. And don’t miss the u-pick apples, pumpkins, and flowers. 19412 Shabbona Rd., Malta, IL 60150

Boston: Lookout Farm (Natick, MA)

One of the oldest continuously working farms in the United States is a short drive (35 minutes) from Boston. Fall is the perfect time to visit and u-pick over 29 varieties of apples. Perhaps the biggest attraction here is the Lookout Farm Brewing & Cider Co. Taproom, which serves farm-crafted beers, hard ciders, and wines alongside barbecue and comfort food made from farm produce. The taproom also hosts trivia nights and live music. Other points of note include a corn maze, play areas, special events, and other crops in addition to apples, such as pears, peaches, and more! 89 Pleasant St., Natick, MA 01760

Los Angeles: Snow-Line Orchard (Oak Glen, CA)

Escape the hustle and hotter weather of LA only 90 minutes east in the San Bernardino Mountains at Snow-Line Orchard’s Oak Glen apple farm, winery, and cidery. Founded in 1898 and family-run for the past 36 years by Mert and Shirley Hudson, the orchard offers an original packing shed, historic cider mill, ancient chestnut tree, and picnic grounds with Instagram-worthy views of the surrounding mountains. Sip wines and hard ciders (available via samples, full tastings, or take-home bottles) made fresh from as many California ingredients as possible. The apple farm offers a variety of apples, and raspberry picking when in season. But the standout at Snow-Line is the mini cider donuts, made fresh on-site with an exclusive blend of the farm’s own apple cider. Each donut takes a ride on the “Donut Coaster” until it’s golden brown and ready to be finished off with house-made cinnamon sugar. Try them with fresh-pressed cider (available in slushie format, too!) or custom-roasted Augie’s coffee. 39400 Oak Glen Rd., Oak Glen, CA 92399

San Francisco: AppleGarden Farm (Tomales, CA)

Located a little over an hour outside of San Francisco, between the Point Reyes National Seashore and Sonoma Wine Country, AppleGarden Farm & Cottage is a must-visit this fall. Founded in 2007 and utilizing unique farm practices to grow apples with limited water availability, today the farm offers apple varieties such as Golden Russet, Tremlett’s Bitter, Ashmead’s Kernel, and more. The farm is also committed to being completely hands-on: not only growing and hand-picking apples but creating cider by hand, too, through a process of sorting, washing, grinding, pressing, and fermenting. Take your experience even further by staying on-site at the farm and cidery in its cozy bed-and-breakfast cottage. 3875 Tomales Petaluma Rd., Tomales, CA 94971

Washington, D.C.: Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine (Middletown, MD)

Take a trip into Maryland, just a little under 90 minutes from D.C., to discover Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine. The farm is Maryland’s only certified organic orchard, boasting 1,800 apple, cherry, pear, peach, and apricot trees, as well as other farm produce. In fact, farmer Eric Rice founded the orchard over 30 years ago and spearheaded the region’s organic farming programs in the process. Today, the orchard’s Tasting Room offers beautiful indoor and outdoor views, perfect to enjoy as you sip farmhouse-style cider made from the farm’s own American heirloom apples. Attractions go beyond cider and wine tastings, too. Visit to experience fresh herbs, plants, flowers, fine art, pottery, jewelry, and even the farm’s resident cats and dogs! 6219 Harley Rd., Middletown, MD 21769

West Palm Beach: Palm Beach Cider Donuts (North Palm Beach, FL)

While traditional apple orchards and cideries are rare in South Florida, West Palm Beach locals can still savor fresh apple cider donuts at Palm Beach Cider Donuts. In addition to its signature apple cider donuts, expect other delicious donut flavors like pumpkin, red velvet, blueberry, and double chocolate. Stop by their storefront for a taste, or follow them around to local greenmarkets and events in the area. 797 Northlake Blvd., North Palm Beach, FL 33408

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