Nestled in the White Hills of Shelton, Connecticut, Beardsley’s Cider Mill & Orchard is a historic gem with roots that stretch back to 1849. The Beardsley family has been stewards of this land for over 175 years, cultivating fruit and fostering community in a region known for its rich agricultural heritage. Originally a dairy operation, the farm transformed following a devastating fire in 1973, when a runaway school bus crashed into the barn and altered the farm’s trajectory forever.

In the decades since, the Beardsleys have reinvented their farmstead into a beloved destination for pick-your-own apples, fresh cider, and farm-baked treats. Over 13,000 dwarf apple trees and more than 400 peach trees thrive in their carefully managed orchards. From heirloom varieties like Northern Spy and Winesap to newer favorites like Honeycrisp and Zestar, their fruit is prized for its tree-ripened flavor and exceptional quality. The farm practices Integrated Pest Management (IPM), balancing organic and conventional methods to ensure both sustainability and safety.

But Beardsley’s is more than an orchard—it is a place where tradition and innovation coexist. Whether savoring a warm cider donut, taking home a farm-fresh pie, or sipping small-batch hard cider crafted from heirloom apples, visitors experience the legacy of a family deeply connected to the land. With a farm store that hums from August through December and a distillery that adds spirited depth to the offerings, Beardsley’s remains a treasured part of Connecticut’s agricultural fabric and a beacon for seasonal joy.

Fruit

• Apples (25+ varieties including Honeycrisp, Zestar, McIntosh, Macoun, Empire, Cortland, Mutsu, Gala, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Northern Spy, Winesap, and more)
• Peaches
• Plums
• Nectarines

Baked Goods

• Fresh Baked Pies (Apple, Apple Crumb, Peach, Pumpkin, Pecan, Fruit-n-Berries, Blueberry, Strawberry-Rhubarb, Sugar-Free Apple, Chocolate Cream, Coconut Cream)
• Pumpkin Cheesecake (frozen)
• Cider Donuts
• Gluten-Free Cookies (Chocolate Chunk, Snickerdoodle)
• Fruit Breads (Blueberry, Zucchini Walnut, Peach Raspberry, Apple-Caramel, Pumpkin, Orange-Cranberry-Nut)
• Scones (Apple Cinnamon, Blueberry, Raspberry White Chocolate, seasonal)

Cider & Beverages

• Fresh Apple Cider (100% pure juice, unpasteurized and untreated cider available for hard cider making)
• Hard Cider (special hard cider apple blend available seasonally)
• Spirits (Produced under White Hills Distillery, sold in the farm store)

Other Items

• Local Raw Honey (1lb, 2lb, 5lb jars)
• Jams, Jellies, Salad Dressings, and Sauces