Taste Fall in Massachusetts
Cider has long history in Massachusetts – in 1767, 35 gallons per person were consumed a year – and the variety and quality have only improved over time. Today, farms across the state offer their own take on the old favorite, all fresh pressed with local produce. Here, a guide to find the best of all things cider.
If you like your apple cider…
After picking your own bushel:
At Russell Orchards in Ipswich, visitors are encouraged to pick their own apples – 12 varieties are available for self-harvest – as well as a blackberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, and strawberries. After the work, visit the farm’s store for homemade apple cider, pressed fresh every week in the fall with a blend of apples selected for their flavor and sweetness. In addition to various sizes to take home, the store even offers hot mulled cider by the cup when the weather is chilly. Russellorchards.com
In donut form:
Visit Atkins Farms in Amherst, recognized by many as the best cider donut in the country. The full-size country store, with an inviting selection of local products and the farm’s own apples and other produce, hand-bakes the donuts daily for customers who come from near and far for the sweet and spicy treat. During the fall, they make 10,000 per day to meet demand. atkinsfarms.com
With a side of art:
Don’t miss Park Hill Orchard, which creates new Art in the Orchard exhibition and festival every other year. Primarily a 20 to 25-piece sculpture trail, the festival also includes additional events like music and storytelling. The next installation is scheduled for Fall 2015, but fear not: many pieces from last year remain on display throughout the property. In addition to 36 apple varieties, the Easthampton farm boasts about 70 varieties of fruit, including berries, plums, pears and more for pick-your-own harvesting. parkhillorchard.com
As an adult beverage:
Hard apple cider is seeing a resurgence in popularity, in no small part to a number of Boston-area cider brewers. Far From the Tree uses local apples to make small-batch hard cider in Salem, using 250-year-old traditional methods in a nod to the long history of cider in Massachusetts. Originally from Maine, Downeast Cider House (downeastcider.com) has found its home – and a strong following – in Charlestown, with an original blend, cranberry blend, and other limited flavors available only on draft. In Somerville, Bantam set out to create original cider using the best quality local fruit and ingredients, while becoming an active, positive member of their community.
About MOTT:
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state’s economy, tourism generates close to $1 billion in state and local taxes and $16.9 billion in travel related expenditures, supporting 124,700 in-state jobs. massvacation.com
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For more information, contact:
Annie Moloney, Director of Communications
Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
617 – 973-8531
or
Molly Kravitz, Public Relations Manager
Connelly Partners
Mobile # 317-919-5252 ~ Office # 617-521-5431