Cold Hollow Cider Mill: A Unique Donut and Cider Experience in Waterbury Center, VT

Cold Hollow Cider Mill was founded in 1974. The operations include the cider mill, the bakery, the retail store, the café, the bee hives, and the dairy barn. They are housed in a 19th century farmhouse and run by the family using traditional ways. Fresh apple cider from Vermont apples is made on an original and traditional old-school 1900’s apple press, where washed whole apples are placed under pressure to squeeze the cider out. We were allowed to watch the cider-making process and then taste a sample at the end of the production line. They also make cider donuts and Vermont Maple products. The Café serves breakfast and lunch, and most of their products can be shipped. The gift shop was a fun place to visit, where almost anything related to apples can be purchased, along with many other cute things. Restrooms are available and parking is provided.

This is one of those places, my husband would call a “tourist trap“. Too many people with two little parking and buses and large groups wandering through especially during leaf season. However, the country store was very charming, the coffee was excellent and the maple creamee ice cream was amazing! Don’t get mad at me, but I really did not care for the cider donuts. They really were nothing to get excited about. They were just cake donuts, which I’m not a fan of, and didn’t taste very much like apple cider. To me, the taste was mehh and not worth the hype. If you love cake donuts then by all means grab one. It’s one of those places that if you’re visiting for the first time you’ll probably make yourself go to and if not during peak season it’s probably a lot more enjoyable.

Visited the restaurant and the food and cider was very good. Enjoyed the Cider Mill Vermonter sandwich which was delicious. The hot apple cider was great as well. Stepped across to the cider and gift shop where you can sample fresh pressed cider and view displays of the cider process. Nicely done for a small space. Unfortunately, the cider donuts did not live up to claims and were a disappointment. It was small, dry, and nearly tasteless. The Apple House in Shenandoah, VA puts these cider donuts to shame.

Cold Hollow Cider Mill is such a fun Vermont stop! The fresh cider smells amazing, and the warm donuts are a must-try—crispy, sweet, and perfect with a hot drink. You can watch cider being pressed and browse maple goodies. Cute shop, friendly staff, and great fall vibes all around!

Classic Vermont Tourist Stop Probably one of the most touristy spots in the area (second only to Ben & Jerry’s). When we visited this past weekend, the store was absolutely packed. It was hard to even move without bumping into someone every three seconds. Every local we spoke to warned us it was a tourist trap, but we still wanted to check out the Vermont apple cider experience. The store had plenty of maple and Vermont goods, but the best part was the tasting room in the back. It’s just a massive steel tank of apple cider, completely self-serve, and you can pour as much as you want. I had a few cups right there, and it was super crisp, fresh, and perfectly chilled straight from the tank. I wasn’t planning to buy anything, but that first sip immediately convinced me to get a couple of cider packs. At checkout, we also grabbed their “legendary” apple cider donut and the maple creemee donut sandwich. The donut, unfortunately, was really bad. Dry, oddly sweet but somehow not sweet enough. It actually tasted better frozen with the maple creemee than on its own. Honestly, I’ve had better grocery store versions, though maybe dipping it in cider helps.

The cider store has a huge variety of products. That was surprising! I bought coffee spread and maple jelly. Excited to try it soon. I also tried cider donut, it was decent. Ordered chicken pesto from the café, it was decent but little bit pricy though. It was fun to checkout cider process and try it out!

We came here in 2024 on a weekend trip to Stowe and fell in love so much that we HAD to come back in 2025. This place is super touristy but worth ALL the hype it receives. You MUST go to their cafe for breakfast. We enjoyed it so much this trip we went twice! Super cinnamon-y apple cider, sweet maple crepes, and a maple creemee are some highlights. The Morning Core on a cheddar biscuit alone is the reason to visit! The gift shop is also lovely and has an assortment of treats and Vermont merchandise- You won't go home empty handed!

The place is busy and obviously a tourist attraction. Please bring your patience!!! The hard cider is delicious and the maple creemee was really good but also really rich and sweet. Cider donuts are flavorful although not what I expected. Be sure to get a taste from the tasting tank in the back of the store. It is fresh and the best you will ever have!!