By mid-September, apple picking is suddenly the thing to do. You wait for that picture-perfect day, sunny with just enough chill in the air to finally pull out the plaid shirt or sweater you’ve been dying to wear. Everyone piles into the car, you roll up to the orchard, and then comes the age-old question: how many apples do you actually need? Spoiler alert: whether you choose a peck or a bushel, you’ll still head home with more than what can reasonably fit, mounded up and rolling around the trunk like loose marbles.

Apple picking is nice and all, but let’s get real. The apples are not the main event. The real reason we all go is the cider donuts. Warm, soft, and dusted in just the right amount of cinnamon sugar, they’re the true prize of orchard season. Forget the apples, forget the homemade pie you swear you’ll bake, and forget the Instagram photo ops. This year, skip straight to the good part. Here are the local spots where you’ll find the best cider donuts.

Applegate Farm Market (Canton) - Tucked along Route 44, this charming farm market earned a spot on WFSB’s (channel 3) list of Connecticut’s best cider donuts. Their secret? A local baker and a recipe perfected with time (and plenty of cinnamon sugar). While you’re there, browse their seasonal produce, homegrown goods, and fall decor.

Pickin’ Patch (Avon/Simsbury line) - Known mostly for pumpkins, the Pickin’ Patch quietly rolls out cider donuts on fall weekends and they’re well worth grabbing if you catch them fresh. It’s a great stop for families, with a farm stand, hayrides, and classic New England charm.

Rogers Orchards (Southington) - A family-run farm for over 200 years, Rogers makes cider donuts the old-fashioned way, with fresh-pressed cider and warm fall mornings in mind. They have two locations: Sunnymount and Shuttle Meadow. For a little extra charm, head to Shuttle Meadow and check out the Long View Ciderhouse, a hidden gem that took home Best Reserve Cidery at the 2024 Big E.

Hogan’s Cider Mill (Burlington) - A true Burlington institution, Hogan’s has been making cider since 1912. They now offer more than 20 varieties of hard cider, including their signature drink, The Drunken Donut. Grab a fresh donut, sip something sweet, and enjoy a laid-back, no-frills afternoon.

Belltown Hill Orchards (South Glastonbury) - A fourth-generation family farm with cider donuts that locals swear by and cider slushies that you won’t find anywhere else. Go early on weekends for the freshest batch. Their bakery also stocks fresh produce and other tempting treats like pies, cookies, and seasonal specialties.

Lyman Orchards (Middlefield) - Maybe you visited Lyman earlier this year after I recommended it for strawberry picking. This farm looks like it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie, and the magic continues into fall. The country store offers cider donuts, pies, and stuffed donuts. You can pick your own apples, brave the corn maze, or skip it all and head straight to the bakery counter.

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