Celebrate Cider With Franklin County CiderDays!

Posted by Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

Today on MassFinds, we’re diving into another (delicious) fall tradition: apple cider! Cider has a special place in Massachusetts’ culture, and it’s celebrated accordingly in Franklin County with CiderDays, a two-day festival devoted apples and the tasty beverage they produce!
This year, the delightful festival takes place the weekend of November 2–3, and offers a number treats who attend!

Photo via Facebook

While the name suggests a singular focus, CiderDays actually celebrates all things apples, including pies and pancakes, just to name a few. Different variations of cider, both hard and fresh, make up the centerpiece, of course — with more than ten local orchards hosting sessions.
Over the weekend, these orchards, which span from Hawley to New Salem, will be open for samplings from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors will get to enjoy the full range of orchard products, which not only include various types of fresh, hard and sweet ciders, but plenty of other treats, too; jams, wines, honey, soups, sandwiches and burgers are just a few of the additional enticing options.
One marquee CiderDays event is the can’t-miss Cider Salon and Harvest Supper, which takes place on Saturday, November 3, where two tastings sessions, one from 3–4:30 p.m. and a second from 5:15 – 6:45 p.m., will introduce patrons to offerings from more than 75 cider producers.
Supper will follow the tastings, taking place from 7–9 p.m., and featuring fare fresh from the farm. For a look at what’ll be on the table, click here. Tickets are available online to both the cider tastings and the supper.
While the samples and supper are star attractions, they certainly aren’t the only events worth a stop. A marketplace will bring together a number of local food vendors, as well as artisans and their crafts. The marketplace will be open from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Saturday, November 3 at the Shelburne-Buckland Community Center.
Along with the samples, suppers and shopping, CiderDays will also feature a number of activities, ranging from instructional lessons like Cidermaking 101 to cultural experiences like Spanish Cider Tasting.  You can find a full list of the weekend’s events and activities here.

Franklin County Orchard photo by Robin Bossert via Facebook

For driving directions to the area, just click here. To survey your lodging and dining options in Franklin County, click here and here. You can discover more Massachusetts festivals, food-themed and otherwise, here.
Now, here’s a quick question! What’s your favorite cider-themed recipe? Tell us in the comments below! 🙂

TOPICS: Fall, Food, Things to Do, Western MA