Move over pumpkin spice—it’s apple season.
The burnt-orange blend often gets all of the credit as the top fall flavor, but, as the air gets cooler, we’re suckers for crunchy leaves, cozy crackling fires, and, best of all, crisp local apples. This time of year, Maryland orchards and farms are dotted with the tart fruits, which, of course, bring apple cider in all forms—hot, cold, boozy, slushified, or even baked into warm, sugar-coated donuts.
Below, find the best spots to get your apple cider fix around Baltimore and its surrounding counties.
Baugher’s Orchard and Farms
1015 Baugher Road, Westminster. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Free entry
Baugher’s family-run farm has been in operation since 1904. Visit the Orchard Market for warm apple cider donuts, apple fritters, apple dumplings, deep-dish pies, and apple cider—all homemade and also available for online order.
Buppert’s Doran’s Chance Farm
6914 Ridge Road, Marriottsville. April-Nov: Mon.-Fri: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Weekends: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry.
With its scratch-made apple cider, hay rides, corn maze, and petting zoo, Buppert’s is the ultimate family-friendly fall destination. Sip on the tantalizing flavors of their cider while fully embracing the spirit of the harvest season. Other apple treats include apple cinnamon granola, Jewish apple cake muffins, and apple-scented candles.
Chapel Hills Farm and Nursery
4350 Chapel Road, Perry Hall. Weekdays: 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Weekends: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry
Home of the Perry Hall Apple Festival in September, this community farm continues the fun every weekend throughout October. Taste all of the apple-y goodness of Chapel Hills’ sugary apple cider donuts while enjoying tasty bites, live music, haunted hay rides, and activities for kids.
Distillery Lane Ciderworks
5533 Gapland Road, Jefferson. Select weekends in Oct. and Nov., 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry.
This Frederick County cidery sources 45 varieties of apples directly from its nine-acre orchard for its collection of hard ciders. Here, find a medley of sparkling, still, and seasonal boo-zy drinks (see what we did there?) A spooky lineup of fall potions includes the Witches Brew Sparkling Apple Aronia Berry Wine, inspired by the nearby Blair Witch Project site. You can also find Distillery Lane varieties at The Brass Tap in Midtown, Milkhouse Brewery in Mt. Airy, and Mills Fine Wine and Spirits in Annapolis throughout the season.
Gaver Farm
5501 Detrick Road, Mt. Airy; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31; Free entry to market. $9-$13.50 for farm festival.
While strolling around this Mt. Airy mainstay, be sure to swing by the Donut Hut for decadent apple cider donuts baked fresh on the weekends. Plus, sip on frosty apple cider slushies, pick your own apples, and meet all of the friendly animals in the petting zoo.
Homestead Gardens’ Harvest Weekends
743 West Central Avenue, Davidsonville; Weekends: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Prices vary.
Every weekend in October, the pop-up food court at this community outpost offers hot cider and apple cider donuts guaranteed to have you going back for seconds. Additionally, each weekend highlights a different activity like face painting, build-your-own scarecrows, and corn mazes. See the full schedule, here.
Lohr’s Orchard
3212 Snake Lane, Churchville. 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. daily. Free entry.
As the leaves start to change, Lohr’s farm and retail stand becomes filled with apples galore. A 50-year family tradition, their fresh-pressed apple cider is a must try. For something to satisfy your sweet tooth, taste the fall flavors infused in their homemade pumpkin and apple cider donuts.
Magnolia Meadow Farms
13001 Creagerstown Road, Thurmont; Sat. 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; $15 general admission, Children under two are free.
This daily farmstead opens for the first time this fall season, boasting apple cider donuts, hot cider, kettle corn, a zipline, live music, slides, and a corn maze that is billed as Maryland’s largest. Try their Magnolia Meadow shake—loaded with buttercream icing, white chocolate, and sprinkles—which is topped with an apple cider donut, marshmallow pumpkin, chocolate sunflower, and whipped cream for good measure. That’s one way to start the season of sweets off right.
The Maryland Corn Maze
389 Gambrills Road, Gambrills. Select weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Check the website for special offers and events.) $16.95
This eight-acre maze of twists and turns has been a family tradition for many since 2006. Get lost in this year’s Jurassic Park-themed maze before winding down with a cup of juicy apple cider or a glacial cider slushy. Plus, treat yourself for crossing the finish line with an order of sweet cider donuts.
Montpelier Farms
1720 North Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro; Hours vary Fri.-Sun; $19 admission to weekend festivals, Free entry to market and bakery during business hours.
Visit this farm’s welcoming market and donut shop for bites like apple cider donuts, caramel apples, kettle corn, fresh roasted cinnamon-glazed nuts, and more. And, of course, wash down all of the treats with hot, cold, or slushie ciders made onsite. While you enjoy the eats and drinks, partake in activities like a seven-acre corn maze, live animals, ropes courses, and fall games.
Red Shedman Farm Brewery
13601 Glissans Mill Road, Mt. Airy; Wed. 12-5 p.m., Thurs 12-8 p.m., Fri-Sat. 12-9 p.m., Sun 12-6 p.m.; Free.
In our humble opinion, the best time to discover a new hard cider is when apples, picked straight from the orchard, are in season. Boasting more than 200 acres of farmland, Red Shedman offers options like the Cinnister hard cider infused with real cinnamon sticks—giving it a spicy bite that is perfectly paired with its natural apple flavor.
Shaw Orchards
5594 Norrisville Rd, White Hall. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry.
Located right on the Mason-Dixon line, this historic family business has been in operation for 113 years. Purchase their homemade apple cider in gallons and half gallons, and munch on sugary apple cider donuts by the dozen. Get your hands dirty with pick-your-own apples and pumpkins throughout the season, as well.
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm
2526 Proctor Lane, Parkville. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Free entry.
Featuring the oldest cider mill still in use in the state, Weber’s hones in on family tradition as it has for generations. Available September through December, the farm’s fresh-pressed apple cider blends the flavors of four apple varieties. For a refreshing take on their famous drink, try the fan-favorite icy Apple Slush. Plus, swing by Weber’s Bakery to indulge in other apple-centric treats—including apple cider donuts, pies, and cakes—all made fresh on the farm daily.
Willow Oaks Craft Cider and Wine
6219 Harley Road, Middletown. Weekends 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free entry.
Sip on Willow Oaks’ many hard ciders made with organic apples—plus pears and blueberries—that are grown and fermented right on the farm. Can’t choose just one? Plan a cider tasting and relax on the deck or in the garden as you sample each spiked blend.
Fact checking assistance by Aliza Li