Carlson Orchards has recently burst onto the beverage scene with its hard and soft ciders, but this 100-acre orchard in Harvard, Massachusetts dates back to 1936. It was founded by Walter and Eleanor Carlson, who spent the following decades raising chickens, cows, potatoes, and apples.

By the late 60s, apples had become the farm’s specialty. Walter and Eleanor passed their livelihood to their sons Bruce, Frank, and Robert Carlson, and soon the orchards were producing 30,000 bushels of apples annually. The Carlsons partnered with New England Apple Products, a local family company, to press and bottle the apple cider. Ciders are available at retail locations throughout the region, and at the Cider Barn Taproom at Carlson Orchards. The Taproom also serves pizza and other pub offerings.

Visitors to the farm can pick their own apples or shop the farm store for specialty gifts.

Photo courtesy of Carlson Orchards

Sources: carlsonorchards.com