Imagine a place where the aroma of fresh-pressed apples mingles with the sweet scent of cinnamon sugar, and you’ve just stepped into a slice of Vermont heaven.

Welcome to Cold Hollow Cider Mill, a quintessential New England destination that’s been pressing smiles onto faces faster than they press apples into cider.

Nestled in the heart of Waterbury Center, Vermont, this charming red barn isn’t just a mill – it’s a portal to apple paradise.

As you approach, the classic red exterior with its white trim stands out against the lush Vermont landscape like a beacon of deliciousness.

The welcoming entrance, adorned with colorful flowers and rustic wooden beams, practically begs you to come in and stay a while.

And trust me, you’ll want to.

Once inside, you’re greeted by a whimsical world that’s part country store, part cider wonderland.

The air is thick with the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon, making your taste buds do a happy dance before you’ve even taken a bite of anything.

It’s like walking into your grandmother’s kitchen – if your grandmother was an apple-obsessed wizard with a penchant for Vermont charm.

The mill’s interior is a feast for the eyes, with wooden beams overhead and shelves upon shelves of apple-themed goodies.

It’s as if someone took all the coziness of autumn and stuffed it into one building.

You half expect to see leaves falling from the ceiling and hear the crunch of them under your feet.

But let’s get to the real star of the show – the cider press.

This isn’t just any old press; it’s a 1920s vintage press that’s been lovingly restored and put to work creating liquid gold.

Watching it in action is like seeing a choreographed dance between man and machine, with apples playing the starring role.

It’s hypnotic, really.

You might find yourself staring at it for hours, wondering if you’ve discovered the meaning of life in the rhythmic crushing of apples.

(Spoiler alert: you haven’t, but you’re definitely on the right track.)

Now, let’s talk about the cider itself.

This isn’t your run-of-the-mill, store-bought apple juice masquerading as cider.

Oh no, this is the real deal – pure, unadulterated apple goodness that makes your taste buds stand up and salute.

It’s crisp, it’s refreshing, and it’s got just the right amount of tartness to make you pucker up and ask for more.

Drinking it is like taking a sip of autumn itself, minus the leaf-raking and sweater-wearing.

But wait, there’s more! (I’ve always wanted to say that.)

Cold Hollow isn’t just about the cider – they’ve got a whole smorgasbord of apple-related delights waiting to tempt you.

There’s apple butter so smooth it could teach dance lessons, and jams that would make your morning toast weep with joy.

They’ve even got apple-infused BBQ sauce, because why should savory miss out on all the fun?

It’s like they took an apple and said, “How many different ways can we make this delicious?” and then proceeded to answer their own question in the most mouthwatering way possible.

And the apple adventure doesn’t stop there.

They’ve got apple salsa that’ll make your taste buds do the cha-cha, and apple pie filling that’s practically begging to be baked into greatness.

There’s even apple cider vinegar for those health-conscious folks who want to feel virtuous while still indulging in apple-y goodness.

It’s a veritable apple-palooza, a fruity fiesta, a pomaceous party that’ll have you looking at apples in a whole new light.

Who knew one fruit could be so versatile?

It’s like the Swiss Army knife of the produce world, ready to tackle any culinary challenge with delicious aplomb.

But let’s not forget the true showstopper, the reason why pilgrims flock to this apple mecca from far and wide – the apple cider donuts.

These aren’t just donuts; they’re rings of joy, circles of happiness, toruses of pure bliss.

(Yes, I looked up the geometric term for donut shape. I’m nothing if not thorough in my donut descriptions.)

These donuts are the stuff of legend, with a crispy exterior giving way to a tender, cake-like interior that’s infused with the essence of apple cider.

They’re then generously coated in cinnamon sugar, because if you’re going to do something, you might as well do it right.

Biting into one of these donuts is like getting a warm hug from autumn itself.

It’s a religious experience, really.

I’ve seen people have epiphanies while eating these donuts.

Suddenly, the meaning of life becomes clear: it’s to eat more apple cider donuts.

And who are we to argue with such profound wisdom?

The best part?

You can watch these circular delights being made right before your eyes.

It’s like a donut peep show, but far more family-friendly and significantly less likely to get you in trouble with your spouse.

You can see them go from batter to fryer to cinnamon sugar coating, all in a mesmerizing display of donut acrobatics.

It’s enough to make you want to applaud, or at least give a standing ovation with your mouth full of donut.

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But Cold Hollow Cider Mill isn’t just about stuffing your face with apple-y goodness (although that’s certainly a big part of it).

It’s also a place to learn about the rich history of cider-making in Vermont.

They’ve got displays and exhibits that walk you through the process, from apple to glass.

It’s like a museum, but with tastier exhibits and a much more relaxed attitude towards touching the displays.

You might even pick up some apple trivia to impress your friends at parties.

(Did you know there are over 7,500 varieties of apples in the world? Now you do. You’re welcome.)

And let’s not forget about the gift shop.

It’s a treasure trove of Vermont-made goodies, from maple syrup (because you can’t leave Vermont without maple syrup – it’s practically illegal) to handcrafted items that scream “I went to Vermont and all I got was this incredibly charming and unique item that I’ll cherish forever.”

It’s the perfect place to pick up souvenirs for friends and family, or to stock up on treats for yourself.

Because let’s face it, you’re going to need something to tide you over until your next visit.

(And there will be a next visit. Once you’ve tasted apple nirvana, there’s no going back.)

Walking into this gift shop is like stumbling into Aladdin’s cave, if Aladdin was a Vermont farmer with a penchant for all things apple and maple.

The shelves are stocked with an array of local delicacies that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance.

There are jars of apple butter so smooth it could charm the socks off a snake, bottles of pure maple syrup that could make even the toughest pancake weep with joy, and an assortment of apple-themed knick-knacks that are equal parts adorable and unnecessary – but you’ll want them all anyway.

It’s a dangerous place for your wallet, but a wonderland for your senses.

As you wander through the mill, you’ll notice something else – the sense of community.

This isn’t just a tourist trap; it’s a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

You might find yourself striking up a conversation with a fellow donut enthusiast, or getting apple variety recommendations from a seasoned cider sipper.

It’s the kind of place where strangers become friends, united by their love of all things apple.

And isn’t that what life is all about?

Connecting with others over shared passions, even if that passion happens to be deep-fried and covered in cinnamon sugar.

Now, I know what you’re thinking.

“This all sounds great, but what if I’m not a fan of apples?”

First of all, who hurt you?

And secondly, fear not!

Cold Hollow has something for everyone.

They’ve got a cafe that serves up delicious sandwiches, soups, and other non-apple related fare.

Although, let’s be honest, if you come here and don’t try something apple-related, you’re kind of missing the point.

It’s like going to the beach and refusing to look at the ocean.

Sure, you can do it, but why would you want to?

As you prepare to leave (reluctantly, I might add), you’ll find yourself already planning your next visit.

Maybe you’ll come back in the fall, when the surrounding trees are ablaze with color and the air is crisp with the promise of winter.

Or perhaps you’ll return in the spring, when the apple blossoms are in full bloom and the whole world seems to be waking up from its winter nap.

Whenever you choose to return, Cold Hollow Cider Mill will be here, pressing apples, frying donuts, and spreading joy one sip and bite at a time.

It’s more than just a cider mill; it’s a celebration of Vermont’s agricultural heritage, a testament to the enduring appeal of simple pleasures, and a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life really do grow on trees.

So, whether you’re a Vermont local looking for a delicious day trip or a visitor seeking an authentic taste of New England charm, make your way to Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Your taste buds will thank you, your Instagram feed will thank you (because let’s face it, these donuts are more photogenic than most people), and your soul will thank you for indulging in a little slice of apple-scented heaven.

Just remember to pace yourself on the donuts.

Or don’t.

I’m not here to judge.

I’m just here to encourage responsible donut consumption and spread the gospel of good cider.

And who knows?

You might just find yourself becoming a cider convert, evangelizing about the virtues of pressed apples and fried dough to anyone who will listen.

Welcome to the club.

We meet every day at Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

The password is “one more donut, please.”

For more information about this apple paradise, check out Cold Hollow Cider Mill’s website and Facebook page.

And when you’re ready to embark on your own cider-fueled adventure, use this map to guide your way to donut nirvana.

Where: 3600 Waterbury-Stowe Rd, Waterbury Center, VT 05677

Life is short.

Eat the donut.

Drink the cider.

Thank me later.