Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard is a valued location in Danbury, serving the community for many years. Established in 1849, Beardsley’s offers a taste of local history, blending traditional practices with new, seasonal offerings. It is more than just a farm; it is a place for families to make memories, enjoy the harvest’s abundance, and experience simple country life.
At Beardsley’s, there are activities for everyone. Visitors can stroll through their orchards, savor freshly made cider, discover distinctive spirits, and indulge in baked goods from their renowned farm bakery. The Farm Store and the Pick-Your-Own (PYO) orchard are open at set times, allowing for easy planning of your visit. If you are looking for apples, a homemade pie, or simply a pleasant outing, Beardsley’s is prepared to receive you.
The Farm Store at Beardsley’s is open daily from 10 am to 5:30 pm, providing a convenient time for visitors to purchase their preferred items. For those who want to pick fresh apples, the Pick-Your-Own orchard is available on weekends, weather permitting, from 10 am to 4:45 pm. It is always advisable to check for the most current information, particularly concerning weather conditions, to ensure a smooth and pleasant visit to this well-loved Danbury site.
A notable feature at Beardsley’s is their excellent cider. It requires approximately 25 apples to produce a single gallon of their cider. This focus on quality is apparent in every taste. They are committed to providing 100% pure juice cider, made from sound, ripe apples that may have minor imperfections or be slightly small for sale by the bag. This method ensures that only the best fruit is used for their cider, reducing waste and enhancing flavor.
The process of making cider at Beardsley’s demonstrates their dedication to cleanliness and quality. All apples are thoroughly cleaned, often twice, before being processed and pressed. Their pressing equipment is advanced, including built-in high-pressure washers to maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the day. At the end of each pressing day, the entire mill and surrounding area are thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, a practice that greatly contributes to the superior flavor of their cider.
The orchards at Beardsley’s are an excellent place to visit, particularly in the autumn. The specific apple varieties available for Pick-Your-Own (PYO) can differ based on ripening schedules and weather, but mid-September through early October is generally the best period. They have planted numerous dwarf apple trees, keeping them at a practical height of 10 to 12 feet for easy harvesting. While they also have peach trees, these are not available for PYO; only apples can be picked. The farm contains over 13,000 apple trees and 400 peach trees, reflecting the extensive cultivation.
For the safety and enjoyment of all visitors, Beardsley’s has established certain rules for their PYO orchard. To ensure a pleasant experience and preserve the orchard’s condition, pets, backpacks, or large bags (exceeding 10 inches) are not permitted in the picking areas. Furthermore, they have created a designated family area for customers not visiting the distillery, providing a comfortable space with an orchard view for relaxation and enjoying food. More detailed information regarding the PYO experience can be found on their specific section.
The Farm Store at Beardsley’s is more than just a place to buy apples; it is a center for local goods and also offers spirits from their White Hills Distillery. This distinctive addition enhances the appeal for visitors seeking something unique. The store maintains consistent daily operating hours from 10 am to 5:30 pm, making it convenient for local residents and visitors to stop by and explore the wide variety of products available throughout the year.
A visit to Beardsley’s is not complete without stopping at their remarkable Farm Bakery. The scent of freshly baked pies is often the first thing you will notice, and for good reason! Their pies are filled generously with fresh fruit and baked on-site daily. You can purchase them ready to eat or frozen to bake at your convenience. In addition to pies, the bakery offers a wonderful selection of other treats, ensuring a perfect option for every taste.
Alongside their well-known pies, the Farm Bakery at Beardsley’s offers an extensive range of other baked items. Be sure to sample their warm, freshly prepared cider donuts, which are a seasonal favorite. For those with dietary needs, they provide tasty gluten-free cookies. You will also find a tempting assortment of fruit breads, soft and delicious scones, rich coffee cakes, and jars of local honey, making the bakery a complete destination for delicious, homemade items.
Header Image Source: Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard – GBP
