Where to Go for Apple Pies, Apple Cider, Cider Donuts, and More in Saratoga County, NY
Fall is apple season, and there are many ways to enjoy this flavorful fruit. To get started, we've rounded up the best places to visit for fresh apple pies, cider donuts, apple cider, and fall cocktails in Saratoga County, NY.
Satisfy Your Craving For Sweet & Delicious Apple Cider Donuts
Apple cider donuts are a quintessential fall treat that kids and adults can't get enough of. After a relaxing day of apple picking or fall fun, eating a fresh donut or two is the perfect way to wrap up your adventure.
Take a look at some of the top spots for apple cider donuts in the Saratoga area below.
Ellms Family Farm
Featuring acres of family-friendly activities, Ellms Family Farm in Ballston Spa is a true fall destination in September and October.
They offer over 40 attractions on the property, including corn mazes, apple cannons, a giant jumping pillow, ziplines, and more. When you're ready to wind down, you can find a table and eat some of Ellms Family Farm's delectable apple cider donuts.
Whether you came for just the donuts or are looking for a fun time, the many activities and welcoming staff make it hard to leave.
DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards
Get your apples, pumpkins, gourds, and cider donuts at DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards in Halfmoon.
The family-owned farm spends countless hours baking the most delicious treats, and as soon as you step inside the store, you'll smell sweet cinnamon and hot apples in the air.
DeVoe's Rainbow Orchards often offers specialty cider donuts too, which enhance the deliciousness of the donuts. The frosted donuts featured above are the orchard's pumpkin donuts!
"It is always nice to visit a small, family owned business, said one Google reviewer. "Everyone is always so friendly."
Schuyler Farms
Round up the family and see what fall fun awaits you at Schuyler Farms. Located in the Village of Schuylerville, this farm welcomes visitors to get lost in the corn maze, take a hayride to the pumpkin patch, and pan for real fossils and gemstones.
Schuyler Farms is a wonderful family attraction that gives kids the ideal fall experience. If you get through the corn maze without getting lost, be sure to reward yourself with a fresh, warm cider donut!
Sunnyside Gardens
When Sunnyside Gardens' fall season kicks off in September, the local garden center becomes a hotspot for family fun in Saratoga Springs.
Shop for pumpkins and flowers, go for a hayride, ride on their little blue train, listen to live music during their fall festival, and eat some homemade cider donuts.
"Great place to take younger kids," shared one satisfied parent. "We always pick up some pumpkins and donuts while there."
Riverview Orchards
Take a trip to Riverview Orchards in Rexford for all your fall favorites. You can go apple picking in their orchard, visit the bakery for homemade pies and apple cider donuts, and browse other local products in their gift store.
The best part about visiting is that you can watch as the bakers make their award-winning donuts. Learn what it takes to make the donuts that customers consistently call the best in the region.
An insider secret is to ask for the donuts "hot," and you'll never want donuts from anywhere else again!
For more donuts, check out our full roundup of places to go in Saratoga County >>
Find the Tastiest Apple Pies for Sale in Saratoga County
Are you in the mood for a homemade apple pie? This scrumptious dessert is always a good option this time of year, and you can buy one from these local bake shops and businesses.
Lakeside Farms
When fall arrives at Lakeside Farms in Ballston Lake, you’ll be able to find all things apple, such as a large selection of pies and desserts, bags of apples, apple cider, donuts, and more.
As noted by one Google reviewer, “The bakery is amazing and has a slew of pie choices available every day as well as many other baked goods.”
The farm also features a restaurant that serves breakfast and lunch. Head to Lakeside Farms for an excellent meal and follow it with an even better pie for dessert.
Smith’s Orchard & Bake Shop
Go beyond the traditional apple pie and see what’s on the menu at Smith’s Orchard & Bake Shop in Ballston Spa.
Since expanding its store in 2006, the bake shop has offered an even greater selection of desserts, including over 20 types of pie made with a regular or crumb crust.
Over 19 different fruit options, including combinations, can be used to make the fruit pies, some of which are more common than others. The best part is you can order them as full pies or mini pies for a smaller treat that is just as yummy!
Iron Roost
You may have visited Iron Roost in Ballston Spa for a hearty breakfast or lunch, but did you know that you can also order scratch-made baked goods?
Their on-site bakery sells a wide variety of tarts and pastries, fresh breads, muffins, and, of course, homemade pies. Choose from different flavors, such as apple double crust, apple crumb, and strawberry rhubarb crumb.
The breakfast and lunch at the Iron Roost are so irresistible that you may have to get a meal and take the pie to-go, but either way, you are guaranteed a delicious pie that encompasses the joy of fall.
Fo’Castle Farm Country Store
If you're on the hunt for a good apple pie, look no further than Fo'Castle Farm Country Store in Burnt Hills.
Pies are a highlight at this cozy shop, with one Google reviewer saying, "I've tried many local places that were a huge disappointment. Bought a Dutch apple pie from here and it was absolutely delicious. Best in the area."
In addition to freshly made pies, Fo'Castle offers pre-picked apples, cider donuts, pumpkins and gourds, and unique gifts (it's never too early to prepare for the holidays).
We recommend stopping by for lunch at their cafe and taking home a pie to savor later.
Pour Yourself a Refreshing Glass of Cider From These Saratoga Area Orchards
Nothing beats a glass of crisp apple cider during fall, and while there are many places to purchase this popular drink, we’ve rounded up a few that are especially noteworthy.
Bowman Orchards
Located in Rexford, Bowman Orchards is a great place to visit to pick your own fruits and vegetables and get your apple cider fix too.
During a typical year, raspberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, and sunflowers are all available for picking during the fall U-Pick season.
Bowman has a well-stocked farm store that's worth a visit as well. They sell fresh-pressed sweet cider, which one Google reviewer has described as "fantastic, local, and taste[s] fresh," donuts, kettle corn, baked treats, gifts, and more.
Saratoga Apple
If you’re a fan of both regular and hard apple cider, then add Saratoga Apple in Schuylerville to your list of places to check out this fall!
The orchard’s farm market is open year-round, and you’ll find everything from fresh apple cider to donuts, baked goods, produce, gifts, and more.
Saratoga Apple is also proud to offer its semi-sweet hard cider and an old-school, super-dry hard cider called “Scrumpy.”
One Google reviewer raved, "Awesome apples, friendly staff, they have hot apple cider, and the cider donuts are literally the best you'll ever have."
Sip the Flavors of the Season at These Top Spots for Fall Cocktails
From spiked cider to the hot apple toddy, fall cocktails are the perfect drink to warm you up on a cool day. Discover some of our recommended spots for flavorful cocktails in Saratoga County below.
The Wishing Well Restaurant
Fall is a popular season at The Wishing Well Restaurant in Gansevoort, and you can celebrate with them by ordering one of their specialty cocktails.
Past favorites have included the fall apple margarita, the maple old-fashioned, and the upstate apple martini.
The cocktails, paired with the rustic interior of The Wishing Well, create a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a delicious meal and a refreshing fall beverage for an ideal autumn evening.
Hamlet & Ghost
When it comes to craft cocktails, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Hamlet & Ghost in downtown Saratoga.
Hamlet & Ghost is best described as a cocktail bar with a modern/speakeasy atmosphere. Their cocktails are expertly made, and towards the end of summer, many of us can't wait for the fall drink menu to drop.
"By far the star of Saratoga," said one Google reviewer. "It's rare to say I've never had a bad experience somewhere, but truthfully, H&G is one place I stand by that."
Although the options change each year, many of their fall cocktails feature apple, pear, pumpkin, spices, and more. Stop by and see what Hamlet & Ghost has put together this year!
The Front Street Social Club
Fall cocktails at The Front Street Social Club in Ballston Spa are always a highlight. Look forward to specials like the spiced hot apple toddy, which features bourbon, muddled orange and cherry, bitters, winter spice syrup, and hot apple cider.
As a speakeasy, Front Street Social Club has an incredibly unique atmosphere inside the restaurant. Enjoy your cocktail while taking in the space's historical significance, adding to the ultimate cocktail experience.
They also offer American-Latin fusion cuisine, boasting flavorful dishes like fried chicken and churros.
Peddlers Bar & Bistro
Get ready to celebrate fall at Peddlers Bar & Bistro, a Clifton Park hotspot for American cuisine, live music, and seasonal drink specials. In past years, they've served caramel apple cider, honey apple cider, apple sangria, and more.
The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating, which many visitors speak positively about. "Great spot to enjoy the fall weather on the amazing patio," said one Google reviewer.
Come for the food and drinks, and stick around for the music, which really ties the experience together.
Are you ready to savor the flavors of fall in Saratoga County? Hop in the car and explore these local hotspots!
This article is sponsored by Saratoga County Tourism. Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not necessarily reflect the opinions or view of Saratoga County Tourism or its members.
Looking for more than apple treats? Here are some great places for all things pumpkin »
Make plans for leaf peeping this season »
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