Appreciating the world of art, design, and handmade craft -plus all things creative, lovely and inspiring! Sharing my travels, my experiences, my fancies ... My Paisley World!
One of those "off the beaten path" must-experience places,
B. F. Clyde's Cider Mill is set apart from the most popular tourist sites.
Located at 129 North Stonington Road in Old Mystic,
it was one of our favorite stops while we were in Connecticut.
This is the home of the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States!
Just a quaint wood building tucked away amid the trees.
Nothing innovative or industrial looking about it.
B. F. Clyde's is open from September through late December.
It's a national historic mechanical engineering landmark!
We really enjoyed watching how the press operates.
Ground apples pour out into fabric-lined frames.
The apples are spread evenly using a state-of-the-art tool called a "garden hoe."
The fabric is folded over...
...then topped with another frame.
The process repeats several more times.
Now it's time for the press to do its work.
The apple juice runs out and is collected below.
With my thanks to Lee C., I share this YouTube video
so that you can see the Cider Mill come to life!
A collection of old cider jugs hangs from the rafters.
It warms my heart that they're still family owned and operated!
Six generations of Clydes have been making cider since 1881!
After our tour of the mill, we popped over to their little shop,
filled with good things like sweet apple cider,
apple pies, local honey, fudge and maple syrup.
This was the most delectable melt-in-my-mouth apple cider donut
The highlight of our Connecticut weekend was a trip aboard the 81 foot schooner, Argia.
Ours was a sunset cruise from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
We appreciated the silence of moving through the water using only wind power.
What a treat to see the scenery along the Mystic River!
Enjoy my photos from that evening, as well as shots of the Argia
taken as we spotted her each day on the river.
Such a memorable experience to share with my Sweetheart on our anniversary!
The Mystic River Bridge opened for us to pass.
Watch for an upcoming post with more on this bascule bridge!
Afterwards, a stroll through downtown Mystic for some ice cream!
