Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center is Vermont's most visited cider producer, operating continuously since 1974. The mill sits on Route 100 between Waterbury and Stowe, making it a natural stop for travelers heading to the ski resorts and mountain towns of central Vermont. The highlight of any visit is watching the traditional rack-and-cloth cider press in operation — a labor-intensive method using layers of apple pomace pressed between cloth racks to extract juice without filtration, producing a cloudy, intensely flavored fresh cider. The press runs year-round but is most active and visible during the main cider season from September through November, when the apple harvest is freshest. Free samples of cider are offered at a tasting counter, and the store stocks cider in multiple sizes from pints to five-gallon jugs. Cold Hollow also produces apple cider donuts baked on-site — a Vermont institution best eaten warm from the fryer — along with a full range of Vermont specialty products including maple syrup, aged cheddars, local honey, and seasonal preserves. The retail store carries Vermont craft gifts, woolen goods, and food products from regional producers. The building itself is a large rustic New England mill structure with exposed timber framing and a wood-burning stove that makes it a welcoming stop on cold autumn and winter days. Entry is free; the shop and tasting counter are the primary draw. The mill is open daily year-round, including Christmas, making it a reliable stop in any season. Most visits take 30 minutes to an hour, though browsers of the extensive Vermont food section may linger longer.