There's something truly magical about fall in New England. And in Franklin County, Massachusetts, the arrival of November means one thing: it's time for Cider Days, an annual celebration of all things cider. In 2023, this festival marks its 29th year, promising a weekend filled with orchard adventures, cider tastings, workshops, and more.
From Friday, November 3rd to Sunday, November 5th, explore the history and flavors of cider at various venues across the county. This year's event promises an array of activities that capture the essence of cider-making and the beauty of the region. Plus, most of these activities are free, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
Here are just a few of the events happening during Cider Days weekend. Be sure to visit ciderdays.org to see the full schedule!
One of the highlights of Cider Days is the 4th Annual Wild and Seedling Pomological Exhibition, hosted at the Williamsburg Grange Hall. Here, you can see and taste a showcase of seedling apples (and pears!) from all over the continent.
Headwater Cider will once again host a gathering of Western Mass cider makers at their orchard on November 4th and 5th from 11 am to 4 pm. Sample small tastes of their delicious ciders and enjoy cheese from Grace Hill Farm and Meadowsweet Farm. Don't forget to check out jams, cookies, and apple-themed goodies from Billings Brook Farm, and meet Tinky Weisblatt with her inspiring cookbooks.
Take a guided walk at Meadow Forge Farm in Shelburne Falls and explore the farm's wildflower habitat. Engage in a discussion of meadow creation and its importance for sustainable orcharding. Witness the innovative hugelkultur beds in practice, discuss active water management, and learn valuable lessons in seedling apple tree cultivation while observing trees in various stages of development.
Head to The Mill at Shelburne Falls for a full day of events. Gnarly Pippins will host a day of enriching talks, displays, and tastings on orchards, heirloom fruit varieties, and fine cider. This event, held at Raven Books inside the picturesque Mill at Shelburne Falls, is open to the public and promises a wealth of knowledge for cider enthusiasts. Note that the final session at 5 PM is a 21+ ticketed session. Plus, check out the sapling sale in the parking lot outside.
For a full schedule of events and more information, visit ciderdays.org. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to savor the flavors of fall and explore the world of cider in Franklin County!
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