A Taste of New England: Your Special Thanksgiving Treats from Clyde’s Cider Mill & Dondero Orchards

Our family has always believed in traditions, and visiting Clydes Cider Mill in Mystic CT is one of those beloved traditions we all look forward to this time of year! And this year, we’re bringing a taste of local history straight to your table with treats from two beloved businesses: Clyde’s Cider Mill and Dondero Orchards. Here’s a look at the special treats waiting for you for your Thanksgiving at one of our Nautical abodes and a little background on these iconic businesses. 

Freshly Squeezed Apple Cider with Mulling Spices from Clyde’s Cider Mill

• About Clyde’s Cider Mill: Clyde’s is a family-run business established in 1881. It is the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. With its vintage cider press and welcoming apple aroma, visiting Clyde’s feels like stepping back in time. This historic mill still hums to life with its leather belts whirling and gears turning each fall, capturing the essence of New England’s cider-making tradition right here in Old Mystic, CT.
• Your Treat: Picture yourself pouring Clyde’s freshly squeezed apple cider into a pot, adding the mulling spice teabag, and watching the steam rise as the spices begin to mingle. The aroma of cinnamon, cloves, and apples will fill the air, creating a cozy warmth that wraps around you like one of our soft wool blankets waiting for you in one of our baskets.
• How to Enjoy: As the cider simmers, close your eyes and imagine the gentle roll of waves in the distance. Serve it in a mug, sip slowly, and let the warmth soothe you, from your hands to your toes—just the way a New England evening should be.

Apple Crisp Mix from Dondero Orchards (Including Apples and Butter)

• About Dondero Orchards: Nestled in South Glastonbury, Dondero Orchards is a century-old family farm, and I love that their passion is preserving the flavors of old New England and old-fashioned goodness. The Dondero family’s apple orchards are filled with rows of trees that sway gently in the autumn breeze, producing some of the finest apples you’ll ever taste. 
• Your Treat: We provide you with all the ingredients: Apple Crisp Mix, apples, and butter, so all you need to do is peel, mix, and bake. Imagine peeling and slicing the crisp apples, the fresh scent rising as you sprinkle on the sweet topping. Once in the oven, the apple crisp transforms, filling your home with the mouthwatering aroma of caramelized sugar and baked apples~ heartwarming goodness!
• How to Enjoy: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. As you take that first bite, let the flavors transport you to an orchard in the fall—where the apples are picked fresh, the leaves crunch underfoot, and the coastal air is cool and crisp.

These special treats are our way of sharing our timeless traditions of New England with you. We hope they make your Thanksgiving stay as sweet as apple crisp and as memorable as a gentle sail along the Mystic River 😀

Are you ready to voyage to one of our New England Maritime homes? ANCHOR HERE, and we’ll see you there!

debbie@mysticvacationrentals.com

“This was one of our favorite Airbnb stays ever. First, Debbie (& Paul) have curated such a lovely property & stay for their guests, and their care for others is evident. Touches that illustrate this include: top notch communication ahead of your stay so you have all the details before arrival, a check in text at the end of each day to see if there is anything you need, such as more towels or products, unexpected extras that make you feel special (slices of apple pie at check in, coffee supplies, extra toiletry items in case you forgot something – toothbrushes/paste, mouthwash, Qtips, etc.), and so much more. The Ship Carvers room and entire property are gorgeous. The antiques, art, furniture, and landscaping are all really special, and we had so much fun looking at all of the historic & fun touches during our stay. Our room was supremely comfortable with a lovely mattress & cozy bedding – we slept so well. The bathroom was huge & the shower and bath products were wonderful. A perfect stay!” Linda B.                       (Thank you, Linda, and what a blessing to have hosted you!:)