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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260907T160000
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SUMMARY:Dock 9 Family Mondays
DESCRIPTION:Dock 9 Family Mondays offers an affordable way for families to enjoy a night out together in Stonington with food specials\, games\, and drink discounts throughout the evening. Held every Monday from 4 p.m. until close\, the weekly promotion is designed to give parents and kids a reason to gather around the table and spend time together after the start of a busy week. \nThe centerpiece of the promotion is a kids-eat-free offer\, allowing one free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased\, with a maximum of three complimentary meals per family. Children can choose from a menu that includes favorites such as cheeseburgers\, grilled cheese\, pasta\, chicken tenders\, quesadillas\, and mozzarella sticks. Open darts are available all night\, adding a fun activity for guests of all ages. \nFamily Mondays is ideal for parents looking for a casual weeknight dinner option that won’t break the budget. Adults can also take advantage of happy hour specials featuring discounted house wine and draft beers while kids enjoy a meal and some friendly competition around the dartboards. \nAdditional Details\n\nLocation: Dock 9\nAddress: u Stonington\, CT\nSchedule: Every Monday\nTime: 4 p.m. to close\n\nKids Eat Free \n\nOne free kids meal with each adult entrée purchased\nMaximum of three free kids meals per family\n\nKids Menu \n\nCheeseburger\nGrilled Cheese\nPasta\nChicken Tenders\nQuesadilla\nMozzarella Sticks\n\nActivities \n\nOpen darts all night\n\nHappy Hour Specials \n\n$5 House Wine\n$2 Off All Drafts\nFamily-friendly weekly dining promotion\nFood and drink specials subject to change by the venue
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/dock-9-family-mondays/2026-09-07/
LOCATION:Dock 9\, 22 Bayview Avenue\, Suite 49\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Dock 9
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CREATED:20260510T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020852Z
UID:10000474-1788778800-1788800400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history\, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit\, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition\, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia. \nThe exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years\, including the Titanic\, the Vasa\, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus\, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught\, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline. \nInteractive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios\, operate a remote underwater vehicle\, experiment with ship stability\, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts\, archaeological tools\, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade\, exploration\, disaster\, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families\, history buffs\, LEGO® fans\, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/brickwrecks-sunken-ships-in-lego-bricks-3/2026-09-07/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brickwrecks-Sunked-Ships-in-Lego-Bricks.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260907T103000
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SUMMARY:Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2026 Guide
DESCRIPTION:Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2026 transforms the Lebanon Country Fairgrounds into a sprawling 16th-century fantasy village for nine weekends of jousting\, comedy\, live music\, costumed characters\, artisan shopping\, food\, games and themed adventures. \nThe Faire runs from August 29 through October 25 at 122 Mack Road in Lebanon\, with regular hours from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It also opens on holiday Mondays\, including Labor Day and Columbus Day. \nFor 2026\, the Faire is advertising more than 40 shows each day across 13 stages\, along with dozens of games and activities and more than 200 artisans\, food vendors and other merchants. \nAnd this isn’t an event where you simply watch from the sidelines. \nWalk through the gates and you enter a village populated by kings\, queens\, knights\, fairies\, musicians\, rogues and other characters who interact with visitors throughout the day. You can watch armored combat\, cheer at the joust\, throw an axe\, shop for a handmade sword or drinking horn\, take the kids on human-powered rides\, eat a turkey leg and end up in a conversation with a member of the royal court on the way to your next show. \nHere’s how to plan a day at the 2026 Connecticut Renaissance Faire. \nWhen Is the Connecticut Renaissance Faire?\nThe 2026 season runs from August 29 through October 25. \nThe Faire is generally open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.\, with special openings on Labor Day and Columbus Day. \nThe season is divided into themed weekends\, so the experience changes as fall progresses. Themes for 2026 include Dragons & Dungeons\, Roses & Romance\, Shirefolk\, Faerie Ring Revels\, Pirates & Vikings\, Time Travelers\, All Hallows and the new Merry Macabre weekend. \nLabor Day weekend\, September 5–7\, is Dragons & Dungeons\, a fantasy-focused weekend built around quests\, heroes and legendary characters. \nCostumes aren’t required to attend. Some visitors arrive in everyday clothes\, while others treat the themed weekends as an opportunity to build elaborate Renaissance\, fantasy\, pirate\, Viking or other character costumes. \nHow Much Are Connecticut Renaissance Faire Tickets?\nGeneral admission for the 2026 season is $18 for adults and $10 for youth\, while children in the Faire’s child admission category enter free. \nAdmission covers the Faire itself and its regular stage performances. Certain games\, rides\, food\, drinks and premium experiences cost extra. \nOne useful change from the way some fairs and festivals operate is that there are no food tickets. Food and beverages are purchased directly from individual merchants. \nSame-day re-entry is also permitted with a handstamp\, so leaving the grounds doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your Faire day. \nStart With the Shows\nTrying to see everything at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire in one day is probably the wrong approach. \nThere are simply too many performances. \nThe 2026 Faire uses 13 stages and advertises more than 40 shows daily. Entertainment ranges from music and comedy to acrobatics\, combat demonstrations\, theatrical performances and interactive shows. \nOne of the biggest spectacles is the armored combat demonstration from the Knights of Gore. These aren’t performers simply swinging lightweight theatrical weapons around one another. The demonstrations feature fighters in plate armor engaging in full-contact medieval-style combat. \nThe Knights of Gore also present educational demonstrations throughout the day covering subjects such as medieval helmets\, the roles of knights and squires and siege weapons including the trebuchet. \nThe Joust Remains a Centerpiece\nIt’s difficult to imagine a Renaissance faire without knights charging toward one another on horseback. \nJousting remains one of the major attractions in Lebanon. \nThe 2026 season includes jousting from Roundtable Productions and Equus Nobilis\, both listed among the Faire’s new entertainment additions this year. \nThe joust combines horsemanship\, theatrical storytelling and medieval-style competition on a scale that’s difficult to replicate on one of the smaller stages. \nIf seeing a joust is high on your list\, check the schedule when you arrive and build the rest of the day around it rather than assuming you’ll simply stumble across the right performance. \nThere Is Plenty of Comedy\nNot everything involves swords and armor. \nComedy is scattered throughout the Faire\, sometimes on a stage and sometimes walking directly toward you in the lanes. \nThe Norfolk Theatricals specialize in interactive theatrical comedy\, presenting deliberately chaotic original plays with audience members sometimes pulled into the performance. \nBone Dallaire roams the grounds as a self-important thespian and playwright whose opinion of his own talent may exceed everyone else’s. \nThe Faire’s cast of Crown Players adds another layer of continuous theater. Instead of performing only at scheduled times\, characters inhabit the village and interact with guests throughout the day. \nThat distinction is important for first-time visitors. \nThe Connecticut Renaissance Faire isn’t simply a collection of scheduled shows surrounded by food booths. The space between the stages is part of the performance. \nMusic Runs From Celtic Traditions to Sea Chanteys\nLive music is another major part of the day. \nThe 2026 roster includes performers working with Celtic music\, traditional folk\, sea chanteys and other styles that fit naturally into the Faire setting. \nJesse Ofgang and the Diaspora\, new for 2026\, combine Scottish and Irish musical traditions with contemporary rhythms using instruments including bagpipes\, whistles and guitars. \nNemeton: Folk Fantasy Music and Dance brings an especially unusual collection of instruments to the Faire\, including bagpipes\, drums\, double flutes\, penny whistles\, English concertina\, medieval small pipes\, rauschpfeife and hurdy-gurdy. \nNew England’s Misfits of Avalon draw from Celtic music with hammered dulcimer\, mandolin\, guitar and violin. \nOther weekends bring different musicians\, including the maritime and Celtic sounds of the Crimson Pirates and southeastern Connecticut’s Bards of Gungywamp. \nBecause performers vary by themed weekend\, it’s worth checking the schedule for the specific date you’re attending. \nSome of the Best Entertainment Is Strange\nRenaissance faires have always left room for acts that don’t fit neatly into a category. \nThat’s part of the fun. \nFor 2026\, Fly by Night joins the Connecticut Faire with a combination of comedy\, juggling\, whip cracking and sideshow skills. The duo of Steve King and Ryan Roberts has been performing since 1990 and appeared as semifinalists on the fourth season of America’s Got Talent. \nCircus Stella puts rescued dogs into a circus environment alongside Dextre Tripp\, mixing canine tricks with juggling\, ladder balancing\, rope walking and unicycling. \nElsewhere\, visitors can encounter puppetry\, dance\, storytelling\, magic and roaming performers without necessarily planning to see them. \nLeave some empty space in the schedule. \nAt a Renaissance faire\, getting distracted is part of the itinerary. \nGames and Rides Go Beyond the Stages\nThere’s plenty to do when you want to participate rather than watch. \nThe Faire’s games and activities include old-fashioned and Renaissance-inspired challenges\, physical games and human-powered attractions. \nSome activities carry an additional fee. \nYou’ll find opportunities to test skill and strength\, explore the Royal Maze and take part in attractions spread throughout the village. \nFor families with younger children\, this can provide a useful break between longer stage performances. \nFor adults\, it can become surprisingly competitive. \nEat the Turkey Leg\, But Don’t Stop There\nYes\, there are giant turkey legs. \nThe Faire’s Turkey Legs and More stand serves the oversized roasted festival staple along with turkey sundaes\, mac and cheese\, smoked chicken\, lemonade and fried dough. \nBut the food selection has grown far beyond the Renaissance-faire stereotype. \nThe 2026 Faire lists 37 food merchants and seven pubs and taverns\, with meals\, desserts\, snacks and beverages distributed throughout the grounds. \nThere are burgers and hot dogs\, chicken sandwiches\, baked goods\, fried seafood\, sweets and a broad assortment of festival food. \nThe Faire also identifies vendors offering vegetarian\, vegan\, gluten-free and dairy-free choices. \nEvery food merchant is required to offer at least one item priced at $7\, an attempt to keep at least one lower-priced choice available at each location. \nOutside snacks and nonalcoholic drinks are also permitted. \nYou Can Walk the Faire With a Drink\nThere are no isolated beer tents requiring guests to remain inside a designated drinking area. \nAdults can purchase alcoholic beverages from the Faire’s pubs and taverns and carry their drinks while exploring the grounds. \nValid identification is required for alcohol purchases. \nThat also makes the taverns part of the atmosphere rather than simply concession stands. \nFor visitors looking for something more structured\, the Faire offers two separate 21-and-over experiences. \nThe Pub Crawl Is a 90-Minute Quest\nThe Connecticut Renaissance Faire Pub Crawl isn’t simply four drink tickets stapled together. \nThe approximately 90-minute experience is hosted by Fae Frostwhiperer and takes a group of no more than 15 participants through four Faire taverns. \nThere are four alcoholic drinks along the way\, but participants also complete challenges\, play games\, sing\, chant and interact with their guide. \nOne stop at Shattered Shield includes Liar’s Dice\, a vegetable platter and an exclusive small-batch mead that isn’t sold from the tavern’s regular menu. \nAnother stop includes a Test of Strength at King’s Inn Crossing. \nPub Crawls depart twice each Faire day\, at 11 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. \nThe price is $75\, plus a processing fee when purchased online. Tickets can also be purchased at Shattered Shield without the online processing fee\, although each crawl is limited to 15 participants and can sell out. \nParticipants must be 21 or older with valid identification. \nRegular Faire admission is not included with the Pub Crawl. \nWhiskey Tastings Offer a Quieter Break\nFor adults who prefer sipping to crawling\, guided whiskey tastings offer a considerably calmer experience. \nThe approximately one-hour sessions explore a curated selection of whiskies\, with hosts discussing origins\, production methods\, flavor profiles and techniques for nosing and tasting. \nCharcuterie is served alongside the pours. \nThe experience is designed for both beginners and experienced whiskey drinkers\, and advance reservations are strongly recommended because seating is intentionally limited. \nParticipants must be 21 or older and bring valid government-issued photo identification. \nLike the Pub Crawl\, a whiskey tasting is an additional experience. Regular Connecticut Renaissance Faire admission must be purchased separately. \nShopping Is a Major Part of the Faire\nDon’t treat the merchant area as an afterthought. \nThe Faire says the 2026 season includes 213 artisans\, games and food vendors\, with 32 new shops joining the grounds this year. \nThe marketplace is where the fantasy world starts becoming something you can take home. \nDepending on the merchant\, visitors can find clothing\, leatherwork\, jewelry\, drinking vessels\, artwork\, fantasy accessories\, home décor and handcrafted goods. \nSome merchants make items that are specifically useful for people building Renaissance or fantasy costumes\, while others sell pieces that work perfectly well outside the Faire. \nFor someone arriving without a costume\, the marketplace also provides an easy way to gradually become more appropriately dressed as the day progresses. \nYou may enter in jeans. \nThere is no guarantee you will leave without a cloak. \n2026 Is a Significant Expansion Year\nThe Faire has added a substantial amount of new material for 2026. \nIts official count includes 11 new shows\, 32 new shops and seven new food offerings. \nAmong the new entertainment are the two jousting productions\, Fly by Night and Jesse Ofgang and the Diaspora. \nThe Faire is also introducing Merry Macabre\, a new themed weekend for October 24–25 that takes the season into darker territory just before Halloween. \nThat expansion matters even to people who have attended in previous years. \nThe basic formula remains recognizable\, but the Faire is deliberately designed so returning on another weekend doesn’t simply reproduce the same day. \nBringing Kids to the Connecticut Renaissance Faire\nChildren don’t have to understand Renaissance history to find things to do here. \nThere are family-oriented performances\, interactive games\, rides and characters throughout the village. \nOne particularly memorable experience is the Knighting Ceremony with the King and Queen\, where children can present themselves before King Basil and Queen Gwendolyn Genevieve and receive royal recognition before the parade. \nThere are also quests and interactive encounters with the Knights of Gore. \nThe Faire’s combination of structured shows and wandering characters means children can become involved in the fantasy rather than spending the entire day watching adults perform. \nYes\, You Can Bring Your Pet\nThe Connecticut Renaissance Faire has an unusually broad pet policy. \nWell-behaved dogs\, cats\, rabbits\, ferrets\, rats and lizards are permitted. \nPet admission is $5 per animal\, while service animals enter free. \nDogs and cats must have proof of current rabies vaccination. A veterinarian’s letter\, email or current rabies tag can serve as proof. \nPets must remain on a non-retractable leash no longer than six feet and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. \nLivestock\, horses\, donkeys\, mules and other large animals aren’t permitted. \nThe Faire advises owners to bring food and water for their animals. Water bowls may be available from merchants\, but pet food isn’t sold on the grounds. \nPets are also permitted on the parking shuttles. \nParking Has Changed for 2026\nThis is one section worth reading before leaving home. \nThe Faire has a new parking system for 2026. \nVisitors who want to park directly at the Faire grounds at 122 Mack Road can purchase Premium Parking for $10 per vehicle. \nThere are only 525 Premium Parking spaces available each Faire day\, and they must be purchased online in advance for the specific date you’re attending. \nYou cannot purchase Premium Parking when you arrive at the lot. \nVIP admission includes Premium Parking. \nThere are also 125 free ADA parking spaces at the main Faire site for vehicles displaying a valid handicapped placard or plate. These spaces can’t be reserved and are available on a first-available basis. \nMotorcycles can park at the main site for free. \nFree Parking and Shuttles Are Available\nYou don’t have to pay to park. \nThe Faire operates free satellite parking with continuous shuttle service beginning at 9:30 a.m. \nOne free lot is located at 744 Trumbull Highway in Lebanon. \nAdditional parking is available at Lebanon Middle School\, 891 Exeter Road\, and Lyman Memorial High School\, 917 Exeter Road. \nThere is one important wrinkle with the school lots: the shuttles do not pick up directly at the schools. \nGuests parking at either school walk to the Mobil station located between the two schools\, which serves as the shuttle pickup and drop-off point. \nThe last shuttle leaves the Faire 30 minutes after closing. \nAnd don’t blindly follow your GPS. \nThe Faire specifically warns visitors not to use Barker Road\, which police close to through traffic on Faire weekends. \nWhere to Stay\nFor visitors coming from farther away\, the Faire maintains a list of nearby lodging options rather than operating an on-site campground. \nBecause the event runs for nine weekends\, staying overnight can also make sense for visitors who want to attend both Saturday and Sunday without making the drive twice. \nCheck lodging availability early for popular themed weekends\, particularly as the season moves toward October and foliage season in eastern Connecticut. \nWhat First-Time Visitors Should Know\nThe easiest mistake is approaching the Connecticut Renaissance Faire like an attraction where everything follows one obvious route. \nIt doesn’t. \nThere are performances happening simultaneously\, characters wandering the lanes\, merchants to explore\, food to try and activities that can consume far more time than expected. \nCheck the day’s performance schedule first and choose the handful of shows you really don’t want to miss. \nThen allow the rest of the day to happen around them. \nYou might stop for lunch and encounter a roaming performer. \nYou might head toward a stage and spend 30 minutes shopping instead. \nYou might intend to watch one song and stay for an entire set. \nThat’s not poor planning. \nThat’s pretty much how a Renaissance faire is supposed to work. \nConnecticut Renaissance Faire 2026 Details\nEvent: Connecticut Renaissance Faire\nSeason: August 29–October 25\, 2026\nRegular Days: Saturdays and Sundays\, plus Labor Day and Columbus Day\nHours: 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.\nLocation: Lebanon Country Fairgrounds\nAddress: 122 Mack Road\, Lebanon\, CT 06249\nAdult General Admission: $18\nYouth Admission: $10\nChild Admission: Free\nEntertainment: More than 40 shows daily across 13 stages\nMarketplace: More than 200 artisans\, food vendors\, games and other merchants\nFood: 37 food merchants and seven pubs and taverns\nPremium On-Site Parking: $10\, advance date-specific purchase required\nFree Parking: Satellite lots with shuttle service\nPet Admission: $5; service animals free\nSame-Day Re-Entry: Permitted with handstamp\nOutside Food: Snacks and nonalcoholic drinks permitted \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/connecticut-renaissance-faire-2026-guide/2026-09-07/
LOCATION:Lebanon Fair Grounds\, 122 Mack Road\, Lebanon\, 06249\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lebanon Fairgrounds
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Connecticut-Renaissance-Faire-2026-Guide.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260907T090000
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CREATED:20260901T212201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T212201Z
UID:10007309-1788771600-1788804000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill 2026: Complete Guide
DESCRIPTION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is now open for the 2026 season\, beginning another fall of fresh-pressed sweet cider\, cider donuts\, traditional hard cider\, apple wine and one of the most unusual pieces of working history in Connecticut. \nThe family-owned Old Mystic landmark opened for the season September 1 and is currently scheduled to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 129 North Stonington Road. \nBut calling Clyde’s a cider shop doesn’t quite explain why generations of families make a trip here every fall. \nThe mill has been family-owned since 1881. Fourth\, fifth and sixth generations of the family still work in the business. Apples are still crushed and pressed using historic machinery powered by steam. Visitors can watch the machinery operate\, descend into the cellar for traditional hard cider tastings\, sample apple wines in a converted grist mill and leave with a bag of cider donuts. \nClyde’s calls itself the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. \nMore precisely\, it is the last operating steam-powered cider mill in the country\, according to the mill\, and its historic cider-making machinery has been recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. \nIt isn’t a reproduction of an old cider mill. \nIt’s the real thing. \nA Mystic Fall Tradition Since 1881\nThe story begins with Benjamin F. Clyde. \nIn 1881\, Clyde began producing cider from apples he had pressed at other local mills. He eventually rented a press before purchasing his own mill in 1897. \nThe equipment that followed would become the heart of the operation visitors still come to see. \nClyde purchased a screw press manufactured by Boomer & Boschert of Syracuse\, New York. The company also supplied the apple grater\, elevator and cider pump\, along with plans for the mill building. \nThe machinery was installed in 1898. \nAt the time\, cider mills were hardly unusual in rural America. \nThey served much the same role for apple growers that grist mills did for farmers growing grain. Orchards could bring surplus apples to a centrally located mill\, where the fruit could be processed and pressed into juice. Some of that juice could then be fermented into hard cider. \nMost of those community mills disappeared. \nClyde’s didn’t. \nThe Steam-Powered Mill Is Still Working\nThat’s what makes a visit different from touring a preserved historic building. \nThe machinery still has a job. \nApples enter the cider-making system and are elevated to a grinder\, where they’re reduced to pulp. That pulp is prepared for pressing\, and the historic screw press applies the tremendous pressure needed to extract the juice. \nThe technology was impressive for its era. \nAccording to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\, the all-steel screw press could apply pressure at three speeds and represented one of the last generations of screw presses before hydraulic presses became widespread during the 20th century. \nASME designated B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1994\, recognizing the machinery as a rare survivor of an industry that was once common throughout America’s apple-growing regions. \nMore than a century after the equipment was installed\, Clyde’s still uses the mill to make cider. \nWhen Can You Watch Clyde’s Press Cider?\nVisitors don’t have to settle for looking at the machinery. \nClyde’s runs it during the season. \nThe mill’s typical pressing schedule is: \nTuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–noon\nSaturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.–noon \nThe schedule can vary because Clyde’s presses according to production needs\, so the machinery isn’t guaranteed to be running continuously throughout those periods. \nEven when the press isn’t operating\, visitors are welcome to look inside the historic press building. \nFor anyone specifically interested in seeing the steam-powered machinery at work\, a pressing morning is the best time to plan a visit. \nHow Clyde’s Makes Sweet Cider\nFresh sweet cider is the product that started everything. \nClyde’s purchases its apples from small orchards rather than operating a pick-your-own orchard of its own. The apples are processed at the mill and pressed into cider using the historic equipment. \nThe finished sweet cider is flash pasteurized on the property. \nVisitors can buy cider to take home or drink it while visiting\, and seasonal cider drinks have become part of the experience alongside the mill’s baked goods. \nThat combination has helped turn what was originally a working agricultural business into a fall destination. \nYou can come to learn how a 19th-century cider press works. \nYou can also come because you want cider and a donut. \nNeither is the wrong reason. \nAbout Those Clyde’s Cider Donuts\nFor plenty of visitors\, the steam engine has competition. \nClyde’s cider donuts have become almost as closely associated with the mill as the cider itself. \nThe store sells its well-known cider donuts along with other baked goods and seasonal treats. The selection can vary\, but the broader shop also carries jarred products\, honey from local beekeepers\, candied apples made by the family and other locally produced goods. \nIt’s part bakery\, part country store and part historic attraction. \nAnd on a busy fall weekend\, the line is evidence that plenty of people know exactly what they came for. \nThen There Is the Cider Downstairs\nThe word “cider” gets considerably more complicated at Clyde’s. \nSweet cider is only part of the story. \nClyde’s also makes traditional hard cider using a process very different from the sweeter\, carbonated canned ciders that have become common in supermarkets and bars. \nThe hard cider begins with apple juice and ferments before aging in oak whiskey barrels. \nThe process from juice to finished hard cider typically takes about a year. \nAfter fermentation and aging\, the hard cider receives relatively little filtration before being sold. That preserves more of the raw\, oaky character produced by the barrel. \nThe result is considerably stronger than many commercial hard ciders. \nClyde’s hard ciders and apple wines generally contain 12 to 14 percent alcohol. \nHard Cider vs. Apple Wine: What’s the Difference?\nThis is one of the more interesting parts of Clyde’s operation because the two products begin in essentially the same place. \nBoth the hard cider and apple wine start as fermented apple juice aged in oak whiskey barrels. \nWhat happens afterward separates them. \nClyde’s hard cider is only lightly filtered to remove sediment. That leaves it with a bolder flavor\, more pronounced oak character and more bite. \nThe apple wine receives considerably more filtration. \nThat additional processing produces a smoother\, somewhat sweeter product that is also shelf stable before opening. \nSo someone expecting Clyde’s hard cider to taste like a modern canned hard cider may be surprised. \nThis is closer to an older cider-making tradition. \nWhat’s in the Hard Cider Cellar?\nThe hard cider cellar sits underneath the press building. \nThat’s where visitors can taste Clyde’s traditional hard ciders and where the product has been made for generations. \nAvailability changes throughout the season\, but Clyde’s 2026 lineup includes several recurring varieties. \nThe Original is the starting point. It’s dry\, without added fruit flavors competing with the oak character of the barrel. \nLucky Lion is also dry and crisp\, with a character Clyde’s says some drinkers compare to Scotch. \nBlackout goes even further in that direction. It’s Clyde’s most popular hard cider and wine flavor\, with strong oak notes that the mill describes as almost reminiscent of whiskey. \nThen things get fruitier. \nBoomerang combines apple and cranberry for a tart\, sweeter cider. \nGoodfella adds blackberry and lands on the sweeter end of the lineup. \nYellow Jacket combines apple and orange\, producing some sweetness with a citrus bite. \nCherry Bomb adds another fruit-driven option. \nBecause Clyde’s rotates its hard ciders\, individual varieties can change during the season. \nThe Apple Wine List Goes Much Further\nThe wine side of the operation offers even more variety. \nClyde’s currently lists 14 apple wines\, ranging from dry expressions of apple to much sweeter fruit combinations. \nApple Wine is the driest of the wine lineup. \nSpiced Apple uses mulling spices for a distinctly fall-oriented version. \nSpider Cider combines sweetness with pumpkin spices and can be warmed or used in a hot toddy. \nStrawberry Bliss is the sweetest wine in the lineup\, combining apple and strawberry. \nBlueberry Spinner combines apple and blueberry. \nApple Raspberry leans sweet but tart. \nCider House Blend combines apple\, orange and cranberry. \nSeveral of the hard cider varieties\, including Original\, Lucky Lion\, Blackout\, Boomerang\, Goodfella and Yellow Jacket\, are also produced as wines. \nThe distinction comes back to filtration. \nSame roots. \nDifferent finish. \nYes\, You Can Taste Them for Free\nClyde’s offers separate hard cider and wine tastings throughout its season. \nAnd the tastings are free. \nNo purchase is required and no reservation is necessary. \nVisitors can sample up to four hard ciders and up to four wines at their respective tasting locations. \nHard cider tastings take place in the cellar beneath the press building. \nWine tastings are held in the tasting room\, which has its own connection to the property’s history: the building is a converted grist mill once used to produce johnnycake meal. \nTastings are first-come\, first-served. \nCurrent tasting hours are: \nMonday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\nSunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. \nEveryone participating in a tasting must show a valid ID\, regardless of age or appearance. Clyde’s does not accept expired IDs or photographs of identification. \nConnecticut alcohol rules also mean Clyde’s cannot sell its hard cider or wine before 10 a.m. on Sundays. \nA Few Clyde’s Flavors to Know Before You Taste\nIf you don’t know where to start\, the tasting bottles are generally arranged from driest to sweetest\, and the staff can help narrow the choices. \nFor something dry: Original or Apple Wine. \nFor strong oak character: Blackout. \nFor dry and crisp: Lucky Lion. \nFor tart cranberry: Boomerang. \nFor something sweeter: Goodfella. \nFor fall spice: Spiced Apple or Spider Cider. \nFor very sweet fruit: Strawberry Bliss or Blueberry Spinner. \nOne warning for anyone accustomed to mass-market hard cider: remember the alcohol content. \nAt 12 to 14 percent ABV\, Clyde’s hard cider is much closer to wine strength than a typical bottle or can of commercial cider. \nCan You Bring Back a Clyde’s Growler?\nYes. \nClyde’s sells 64-ounce growlers of hard cider and offers growler refills. \nThere are a couple of important rules. \nClyde’s refills growlers rather than exchanging them\, so customers should clean their growler before bringing it back. The mill can only refill glass growlers that have a stamped or imprinted 64-ounce measurement. \nWine cannot be used for growler fills. \nThe refill program is for hard cider. \nHard cider should also be kept cool after purchase. Clyde’s recommends refrigeration. \nThere’s More Than Cider\nThe tasting room also contains Clyde’s gift shop\, with merchandise and locally made products that can include handmade earrings\, postcards and art prints. \nElsewhere at the mill\, visitors can browse honey produced by local beekeepers\, jarred foods\, family-made candied apples\, baked goods and other seasonal products. \nThat makes it possible to spend considerably more time at Clyde’s than simply buying a gallon of cider and heading home. \nWatch the press. \nGet cider and donuts. \nExplore the store. \nGo downstairs for a hard cider tasting. \nVisit the wine tasting room. \nBrowse the gift shop. \nIt’s effectively several different experiences spread across the historic property. \nIs B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill Good for Kids?\nYes. \nClyde’s welcomes children of all ages. \nThe working mill is also an opportunity to show kids a piece of machinery doing the job it was actually designed to do more than a century ago. \nThere is no alcohol involved in the regular sweet cider\, and the bakery\, cider and mill demonstration make Clyde’s an easy family fall stop. \nJust don’t confuse the two kinds of cider. \nThe traditional hard cider and apple wines are 12 to 14 percent alcohol and are strictly for adults 21 and older. \nCan You Pick Apples at Clyde’s?\nNo. \nThis is one of the most useful things to know before making the trip. \nB.F. Clyde’s is a cider mill\, not a pick-your-own orchard. \nThe mill purchases apples from small orchards and uses them to produce its cider. \nIf apple picking is part of your fall plans\, you’ll need to visit an orchard separately. \nCan You Bring a Dog?\nYes\, with restrictions. \nLeashed pets are permitted on the grounds. \nThey aren’t allowed inside the buildings or on the porch\, and visitors need to bring whatever they need to clean up after their pets. \nParking Can Be the Hardest Part of a Fall Visit\nClyde’s popularity comes with one predictable problem. \nIt gets busy. \nThe main parking lot can fill during peak periods\, particularly on fall weekends. \nClyde’s asks visitors to try the main lot first and to respect posted no-parking areas and neighboring properties if parking along nearby roads. \nAn auxiliary lot is available at 49 North Stonington Road. It’s approximately four-tenths of a mile from the mill\, so visitors using it should expect a walk. \nIf your schedule is flexible\, a weekday visit can make the entire experience easier. \nIf you’re coming specifically to see the press operate\, Tuesday or Thursday morning offers the combination of a weekday visit and a scheduled pressing window. \nClyde’s Isn’t a Museum\, and That’s the Point\nThere are plenty of places where historic machinery survives behind ropes. \nClyde’s is different. \nBenjamin Clyde started making cider in 1881. \nHe acquired his own mill in the 1890s. \nThe equipment installed in 1898 survived the arrival of hydraulic presses\, mass food production\, supermarkets\, interstate highways and more than a century of changes in how Americans buy their food. \nThe family survived with it. \nToday\, fourth\, fifth and sixth generations are involved in the operation. \nEvery September\, the doors open again. \nApples arrive. \nThe steam-powered machinery starts moving. \nFresh cider begins flowing. \nAnd people line up for cider donuts. \nThat’s why B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is more than another place to add to a Connecticut fall checklist. It’s a piece of New England’s agricultural and industrial history that never stopped doing its job. \n2026 Visitor Guide\nAttraction: B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\n2026 Season Opening: September 1\, 2026\nCurrent Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\, seven days a week\nLocation: 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nAdmission: Free\nChildren: Welcome\nPets: Leashed pets allowed on the grounds; not inside buildings or on the porch\nApple Picking: No\nSweet Cider: Available\nCider Donuts and Baked Goods: Available\nHard Cider: Available for adults 21+\nApple Wine: Available for adults 21+\nAlcohol Content: Hard cider and wine are generally 12–14% ABV\nTastings: Free; no reservation required\nHard Cider Tastings: Cellar beneath the press building\nWine Tastings: Tasting room\nTasting Hours: Monday–Saturday\, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday\, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.\nTypical Pressing Schedule: Tuesday\, Thursday\, Saturday and Sunday\, 10 a.m.–noon\nParking: Main lot plus auxiliary parking at 49 North Stonington Road\nThanksgiving: Closed\nShipping: Not available\nPreorders/Call-Ahead Orders: Not available \nHard Cider Menu\nAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers History \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/b-f-clydes-cider-mill-2026-complete-guide/2026-09-07/
LOCATION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\, 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BF-Clydes-Cider-Mill-2026-Complete-Guide.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T173000
DTSTAMP:20260716T173134Z
CREATED:20260716T173134Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260716T173134Z
UID:10006851-1788705000-1788715800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Sunday Jam Sessions at Deans Mill Farm
DESCRIPTION:Sunday Jam Sessions at Deans Mill Farm return every Sunday through the season\, bringing live local music\, food trucks\, and refreshing drinks to one of Stonington’s favorite outdoor gathering spots. Held from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m.\, the free weekly series offers a relaxed afternoon where families\, friends\, and music lovers can unwind while enjoying performances from talented local musicians in the scenic setting of Deans Mill Farm. \nEach Sunday features a different performer\, giving visitors something new to experience throughout the season. Along with live entertainment\, food trucks serve a variety of favorites while the farm offers signature drinks and other cold beverages. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs\, settle in for the afternoon\, and enjoy a casual community atmosphere. The event is family-friendly\, although outside alcohol and pets are not permitted. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Sunday Jam Sessions\nSchedule: Every Sunday\nTime: 2:30-5:30 p.m.\nSeason: Through October (Weather Permitting)\nVenue: Deans Mill Farm\nAddress: 1189 Pequot Trail\, Stonington\, CT\nAdmission: Free\n\nWhat to Expect\n\nLive music from local performers\nRotating food trucks\nSignature drinks and cold beverages\nFamily-friendly outdoor atmosphere\n\n2026 Concert Schedule\nJuly 19 \n\nBig Lux\n\nJuly 26 \n\nT. Ray Taylor\n\nAugust 2 \n\nBen Freiert\n\nAugust 9 \n\nFrankenphil\n\nAugust 16 \n\nBen Freiert\n\nAugust 23 \n\nRobbed By Locals\n\nAugust 30 \n\nJames Harris\n\nSeptember 6 \n\nTo Be Announced\n\nSeptember 13 \n\nFrankenphil\n\nSeptember 20 \n\nTo Be Announced\n\nSeptember 27 \n\nJonny Debit\n\nOctober 4 \n\nKGB\n\nOctober 11 \n\nFrankenphil\n\nOctober 18 \n\nDan Watson\n\nOctober 25 \n\nJames Harris\n\nKnow Before You Go\n\nFamily-friendly event\nNo outside alcohol\nNo pets\nWeather permitting\nTimes are subject to change\n\nWhy Attend\n\nFree weekly live music\nRotating lineup of local musicians\nFood trucks and beverages\nRelaxed outdoor setting\nGreat Sunday afternoon tradition\n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/sunday-jam-sessions-at-deans-mill-farm/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:Deans Mill Farm\, 1189 Pequot Trail\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Deans Mill Farm
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Sunday-Jam-Sessions-at-Deans-Mill-Farm-Sundays-230-pm-530-pm.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T180000
DTSTAMP:20260816T022849Z
CREATED:20260816T022849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260816T022849Z
UID:10007202-1788696000-1788717600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Rhythm & Roots Festival 2026 Guide: Music\, Schedule\, Food\, Camping & More
DESCRIPTION:Rhythm & Roots Festival 2026 returns to Ninigret Park in Charlestown for three full days of roots music over Labor Day weekend\, September 4–6\, with more than 40 performances spread across three stages\, on-site camping\, dancing\, workshops\, food vendors\, a swimming pond and activities for families. \nThis year’s headliners include St. Paul & The Broken Bones\, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives\, Tower of Power\, Margo Price\, The Devil Makes Three and Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, backed by a lineup that stretches from blues and Americana to Cajun\, zydeco\, bluegrass\, soul\, country and New Orleans jazz. \nBut Rhythm & Roots has never really been a festival where you show up for one headliner and leave. \nMusic begins at 1 p.m. each day and continues until 11 p.m.\, with performances moving among the Rhythm Stage\, Roots Stage and Dance Stage. There are workshops during the afternoon\, plenty of room to dance\, food from more than a dozen vendors\, craft shopping and an entire campground that becomes its own little community for the weekend. \nAnd yes\, bring the kids. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Ninigret Park has a playground and Little Nini Pond for swimming\, giving families something unusually valuable at a three-day music festival: somewhere for the kids to burn off energy between sets. \nHere’s what you need to know before heading to Charlestown. \nRhythm & Roots Festival 2026 Dates and Hours\nThe 28th annual Rhythm & Roots Festival takes place Friday through Sunday\, September 4–6\, 2026\, at Ninigret Park in Charlestown. \nFestival gates are open: \nFriday\, September 4: Noon–11 p.m.\nSaturday\, September 5: Noon–11 p.m.\nSunday\, September 6: Noon–11 p.m. \nCampers can make a considerably longer weekend of it. The campground opens Thursday morning for campers holding the appropriate early-access camping ticket\, and all campsites must be cleared by noon Monday. \nFriday: St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Marty Stuart\nFriday doesn’t function as a shortened opening night. Rhythm & Roots launches with a full day of music beginning at 1 p.m. \nThe Rhythm Stage builds toward a particularly strong evening pairing. Futurebirds perform from 5 to 6:20 p.m.\, followed by Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives from 6:40 to 8:10 p.m. \nThen St. Paul & The Broken Bones closes the stage from 8:30 to 10:15 p.m. \nFriday Rhythm Stage\n1:00–2:00 p.m. — Paul Gabriel Blues Band\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Adam Ezra Group\n3:30–4:45 p.m. — Donna The Buffalo\n5:00–6:20 p.m. — Futurebirds\n6:40–8:10 p.m. — Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — St. Paul & The Broken Bones \nThe Roots Stage takes a different route through the day\, moving heavily into zydeco and Louisiana music. \nFriday Roots Stage\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Los Texmaniacs Workshop\n3:30–4:30 p.m. — Sons of Levin\n5:00–6:00 p.m. — Los Texmaniacs\n6:30–8:00 p.m. — Kindred Valley\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — The Mallett Brothers Band \nAnd then there’s the Dance Stage. This is where Rhythm & Roots begins showing why calling it simply a “concert festival” doesn’t quite capture the weekend. \nFriday Dance Stage\n1:00–2:30 p.m. — Planet Zydeco\n3:00–4:30 p.m. — Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys\n5:00–6:30 p.m. — Old-Fashioned Aces\n7:00–8:30 p.m. — Ruben Moreno\n9:00–11:00 p.m. — Pine Leaf Boys \nYou could spend the entire first day at one stage and hear a coherent afternoon of music. Or bounce among all three and make it something completely different. \nThat’s basically the Rhythm & Roots formula. \nSaturday: Tower of Power and Margo Price\nSaturday puts Tower of Power at the top of the bill\, closing the Rhythm Stage from 8:30 to 10:15 p.m. \nImmediately before them is Margo Price\, performing from 6:40 to 8:10 p.m.\, while Big Bad Voodoo Daddy takes the 5 p.m. slot. \nSaturday Rhythm Stage\n1:00–2:00 p.m. — Knickerbocker All-Stars\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Johnny Mullenax\n3:30–4:45 p.m. — Los Texmaniacs\n5:00–6:20 p.m. — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy\n6:40–8:10 p.m. — Margo Price\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — Tower of Power \nSaturday Roots Stage\nThe Roots Stage opens with two workshops before moving into a full afternoon and evening of performances. \n1:00–2:00 p.m. — Acoustic Jam Workshop\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Workshop\n3:30–4:30 p.m. — The Alpaca Gnomes\n5:00–6:00 p.m. — The Quahogs\n6:30–8:00 p.m. — Ward Hayden & The Outliers\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — Donna The Buffalo \nSaturday Dance Stage\n1:00–2:30 p.m. — Old-Fashioned Aces\n3:00–4:30 p.m. — Ruben Moreno\n5:00–6:30 p.m. — Pine Leaf Boys\n7:00–8:30 p.m. — Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble\n9:00–11:00 p.m. — Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys \nIf dancing is your reason for coming\, Saturday night is probably the night to circle. Curley Taylor leads directly into a two-hour closing set from Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys. \nSunday: The Devil Makes Three and Preservation Hall Jazz Band\nSunday doesn’t wind the festival down gently. \nThe Devil Makes Three gets the final 8:30 p.m. Rhythm Stage slot\, preceded by Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, Yonder Mountain String Band and Roomful of Blues. \nSunday Rhythm Stage\n1:00–2:00 p.m. — The Moonrise Cartel\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Canyon Lights\n3:30–4:45 p.m. — Roomful of Blues\n5:00–6:20 p.m. — Yonder Mountain String Band\n6:40–8:10 p.m. — Preservation Hall Jazz Band\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — The Devil Makes Three \nSunday Roots Stage\n1:00–2:00 p.m. — Sunday School with Christine Ohlman\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Accordion Workshop\n3:30–4:30 p.m. — Blues Jam Workshop\n5:00–6:00 p.m. — Jason Ingriselli & The Miles North\n6:30–8:00 p.m. — The Suitcase Junket\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — Quinn Sullivan \nSunday Dance Stage\n1:00–2:30 p.m. — Pine Leaf Boys\n3:00–4:30 p.m. — Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble\n5:00–6:30 p.m. — Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys\n7:00–8:30 p.m. — Ruben Moreno\n9:00–11:00 p.m. — Old-Fashioned Aces \nOne thing worth noticing in that schedule is how frequently musicians return on different days or stages. \nThat’s intentional. Rhythm & Roots isn’t built like a typical rock festival where every band gets 45 minutes and disappears. The festival grew from Cajun\, zydeco\, bluegrass and other roots traditions where workshops\, dancing\, collaborations and repeat performances are part of the experience. \nMore Than 40 Performances Across Three Stages\nThe breadth of the lineup is probably the festival’s biggest strength. \nThere’s southern soul from St. Paul & The Broken Bones\, country and bluegrass history with Marty Stuart\, the horn-powered funk and soul of Tower of Power\, Americana from Margo Price\, traditional New Orleans jazz from Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, progressive bluegrass from Yonder Mountain String Band and the genre-blurring acoustic sound of The Devil Makes Three. \nThen follow the schedule deeper. \nYou’ll find Rhode Island’s own Roomful of Blues and Knickerbocker All-Stars\, Texas conjunto from Los Texmaniacs\, Louisiana zydeco from the Pine Leaf Boys and Curley Taylor\, Cajun music from Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys\, plus blues\, country\, folk and regional artists throughout the weekend. \nThat’s been part of Rhythm & Roots’ identity from the beginning. The festival describes its musical territory broadly\, encompassing Cajun\, zydeco\, blues\, country\, bluegrass and Americana\, rather than forcing everything under one genre. \nRhythm & Roots Has Been Doing This Since 1998\nThere’s some real Rhode Island music history behind the weekend. \nFestival founder Chuck Wentworth spent decades immersed in roots music\, including 37 years hosting Traditions on WRIU. He became involved with Rhode Island’s Cajun & Bluegrass Festival in 1981 and eventually took responsibility for booking its performers. \nIn 1998\, Wentworth and festival producer Mary Doub revived the struggling event as Rhythm & Roots. After its first year in Escoheag\, they moved it to Ninigret Park\, where the flatter and considerably larger property offered room for multiple stages\, camping and parking. \nThe Wentworth family operated Rhythm & Roots as an independent family festival for more than two decades. \nIt very nearly ended in 2022. \nWentworth announced that health problems were forcing him to shut down Lagniappe Productions and cancel the festival. Instead\, Connecticut-based GoodWorks Entertainment acquired Rhythm & Roots and brought it back that same Labor Day weekend\, promising to preserve the community and family atmosphere Wentworth had built. \nThe 2026 festival is the 28th annual Rhythm & Roots. \nBring the Kids\nThis deserves considerably more attention than the usual “family friendly” label buried near the bottom of a festival page. \nChildren 12 and under get into Rhythm & Roots free. \nNinigret Park also has a large playground and Little Nini Pond\, a freshwater swimming area inside the park. The festival promotes the weekend as something that can work for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. \nThat changes the equation for families considering an all-day festival. \nKids don’t have to spend ten hours being told to sit quietly next to a folding chair while Mom and Dad watch bands. Break up the music with the playground or swimming\, grab something to eat\, and then head back toward the stages. \nThe festival grounds also include a Kids Tent and other activities as part of the weekend. \nFood at Rhythm & Roots\nYou could also make a pretty respectable weekend out of eating your way through the festival. \nThe announced food lineup includes: \nNewport Chowder — seafood\nAlaina’s Mobile — American\nGood Karma Cafe — coffee and beverages\nThai Jasmine — Thai\nGinger Love Cafe — Filipino street food\nThe Potato Caboose — loaded baked potatoes\nSunset Farm — hamburgers and barbecue\nThe Breachway Grill — tacos and more\nAtomic Blonde — ice cream\nDel’s Lemonade — frozen lemonade\nTimi’s Greek Food — Greek and Middle Eastern food\nKettle Korn Express — freshly made kettle corn\nTing Ting Dumplings — Asian cuisine\nChili Brothers — Cajun and Creole\nVetrano’s — pizza \nThat range isn’t accidental. Food has long been treated as another part of the Rhythm & Roots experience\, with the festival specifically seeking a mix that reflects some of the same cultural variety found on its stages. \nThere are also craft vendors selling handmade clothing\, jewelry\, artwork\, musical items and other goods\, plus official Rhythm & Roots merchandise. The festival says it generally features about 25 artisans. \nCamping at Ninigret Park\nFor some longtime attendees\, camping isn’t simply somewhere to sleep after the music. \nIt’s part of Rhythm & Roots. \nNinigret Park becomes a temporary campground exclusively for the festival\, accommodating tents\, cars\, pop-up campers and RVs on its flat grassy grounds. Festival organizers even note that performers sometimes stay in the campground\, which can lead to informal music and late-night jams after the stages shut down. \nCamping runs from Thursday at 9 a.m. through noon Monday for those holding the appropriate passes. \nThere are no utility hookups. The campground provides potable water\, portable toilets and hand-washing stations\, while showers require a separate shower pass. \nEveryone older than 12 staying in the campground needs a full festival camping ticket\, and every vehicle entering the campground requires an additional vehicle pass. \nOne important update for anyone reading this guide while considering a camping weekend: regular 2026 three-day camping passes are currently sold out through the festival’s primary ticket seller. The ticketing page directs buyers to its fan exchange for resale availability. \n  \nWhat Tickets Cost\nAs of August 15\, standard non-camping tickets remain available. \nSingle-day admission: $102\nTwo-day pass: $185\nThree-day non-camping pass: $269 \nThose prices are listed as all-in pricing\, with fees included. \nChildren 12 and younger are free. \nThree-day non-camping admission includes access to all three stages\, food and craft vendor areas\, Little Nini Pond\, the playground and other festival grounds\, along with free daily on-site parking. \nThere is also a paid Lagniappe Lounge upgrade offering early entry\, a covered area\, private bar\, air-conditioned flush toilets and a viewing platform. A regular general admission ticket is still required. \n  \nWhat You Can Bring\nFestival-goers may bring food and water in a small soft-sided cooler no larger than 18 by 12 by 12 inches. \nHard coolers and coolers on wheels aren’t allowed. \nNeither are outside alcohol or glass bottles. Potable water is available on the festival grounds for refilling bottles. \nThat’s particularly useful if you’re bringing children and planning to stay for most of the day. You don’t have to buy every snack or bottle of water inside the festival. \nParking and Getting There\nNinigret Park is in Charlestown\, just off Route 1. \nThe festival address is: \n4890A Old Post Road\nCharlestown\, RI 02813 \nStandard three-day non-camping admission includes free daily parking. Preferred parking is separately ticketed when available. \nFestival organizers specifically ask drivers not to stage or line up on Route 1 before entering the park. \nRain or Shine\nRhythm & Roots takes place rain or shine\, and tickets are non-refundable. The artist lineup is also subject to change. \nGiven that this is three days outdoors in Rhode Island at the end of summer\, checking the forecast before packing isn’t a bad idea. \nThen again\, neither is packing for two different seasons. It’s New England. \nRhythm & Roots Festival 2026 at a Glance\nDates: Friday–Sunday\, September 4–6\, 2026 \nHours: Noon–11 p.m. daily \nMusic Begins: 1 p.m. daily \nLocation: Ninigret Park \nAddress: 4890A Old Post Road\, Charlestown\, RI 02813 \nStages: Rhythm Stage\, Roots Stage and Dance Stage \nHeadliners and Featured Artists: St. Paul & The Broken Bones\, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives\, Tower of Power\, Margo Price\, The Devil Makes Three\, Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, Yonder Mountain String Band\, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy\, Donna The Buffalo\, Roomful of Blues and more \nSingle-Day Tickets: $102 \nTwo-Day Tickets: $185 \nThree-Day Non-Camping Pass: $269 \nChildren: Ages 12 and under admitted free \nParking: Free daily parking included with non-camping festival admission \nCamping: On-site camping available only with appropriate camping passes; primary 2026 camping passes are currently sold out \nFood: More than a dozen food vendors offering seafood\, barbecue\, Cajun and Creole\, Thai\, Filipino\, Greek and Middle Eastern food\, pizza\, tacos\, desserts and more \nFamily Activities: Playground\, Little Nini Pond swimming area and Kids Tent \nWeather: Rain or shine \nRefunds: No refunds \nMore Information\nComplete festival information\, including schedules\, policies\, camping details and updates\, is available on the Rhythm & Roots Festival website. \nTo purchase admission\, click the Event Ticketing link. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/rhythm-roots-festival-2026-guide-music-schedule-food-camping-more/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:Ninigret Park\, 5 Park Lane\, Charlestown\, RI\, 02813\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ninigret Park
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T150000
DTSTAMP:20260712T235944Z
CREATED:20260531T024717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260712T235944Z
UID:10003093-1788696000-1788706800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Denison Farmers Market
DESCRIPTION:Denison Farmers Market returns for its 22nd season on Sunday\, June 7\, bringing fresh Connecticut-grown products and a vibrant community atmosphere to Mystic. The popular weekly market showcases local farmers\, food producers\, and artisans\, offering residents and visitors an opportunity to shop directly from the people who grow and make the products they bring to market. \nThroughout the season\, shoppers can browse a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables\, along with locally produced foods and specialty items sourced from across Connecticut. The market has become a seasonal tradition for many families\, providing access to high-quality local products while supporting regional agriculture and small businesses. The 2026 season runs every Sunday from June 7 through October 25. \nWhether you’re stocking up on fresh produce\, discovering new local products\, or simply enjoying a Sunday afternoon in Mystic\, the Denison Farmers Market offers something for everyone. It’s an ideal destination for food lovers\, home cooks\, and anyone who appreciates supporting local farms and producers. \nEvent Details \nEvent: Denison Farmers Market 2026 \nDates: Every Sunday\, June 7 – October 25\, 2026 \nTime: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. \nLocation: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center \nTown: Mystic\, CT \nAdmission: Free \nMarket Highlights \n\nConnecticut-grown fruits and vegetables\nLocal farmers and food producers\nFresh baked goods and specialty foods\nArtisan and handcrafted products\nSeasonal offerings throughout the summer and fall\nFamily-friendly community atmosphere\n\nWhy Attend \n\nShop directly from local farmers and makers\nSupport Connecticut agriculture and small businesses\nFind fresh\, seasonal ingredients\nDiscover unique local foods and artisan goods\nEnjoy a relaxing Sunday morning in Mystic\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/denison-farmers-market/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:Denison Homestead Musuem\, 120 Pequotsepos Rd\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Denison Homestead Museum
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Denison-Farmers-Market-Sundays-12-to-3-through-October-25.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T170000
DTSTAMP:20260705T020852Z
CREATED:20260510T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020852Z
UID:10000473-1788692400-1788714000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history\, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit\, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition\, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia. \nThe exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years\, including the Titanic\, the Vasa\, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus\, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught\, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline. \nInteractive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios\, operate a remote underwater vehicle\, experiment with ship stability\, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts\, archaeological tools\, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade\, exploration\, disaster\, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families\, history buffs\, LEGO® fans\, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/brickwrecks-sunken-ships-in-lego-bricks-3/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brickwrecks-Sunked-Ships-in-Lego-Bricks.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T103000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T180000
DTSTAMP:20260903T140908Z
CREATED:20260903T140908Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T140908Z
UID:10007440-1788690600-1788717600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2026 Guide
DESCRIPTION:Connecticut Renaissance Faire 2026 transforms the Lebanon Country Fairgrounds into a sprawling 16th-century fantasy village for nine weekends of jousting\, comedy\, live music\, costumed characters\, artisan shopping\, food\, games and themed adventures. \nThe Faire runs from August 29 through October 25 at 122 Mack Road in Lebanon\, with regular hours from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It also opens on holiday Mondays\, including Labor Day and Columbus Day. \nFor 2026\, the Faire is advertising more than 40 shows each day across 13 stages\, along with dozens of games and activities and more than 200 artisans\, food vendors and other merchants. \nAnd this isn’t an event where you simply watch from the sidelines. \nWalk through the gates and you enter a village populated by kings\, queens\, knights\, fairies\, musicians\, rogues and other characters who interact with visitors throughout the day. You can watch armored combat\, cheer at the joust\, throw an axe\, shop for a handmade sword or drinking horn\, take the kids on human-powered rides\, eat a turkey leg and end up in a conversation with a member of the royal court on the way to your next show. \nHere’s how to plan a day at the 2026 Connecticut Renaissance Faire. \nWhen Is the Connecticut Renaissance Faire?\nThe 2026 season runs from August 29 through October 25. \nThe Faire is generally open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.\, with special openings on Labor Day and Columbus Day. \nThe season is divided into themed weekends\, so the experience changes as fall progresses. Themes for 2026 include Dragons & Dungeons\, Roses & Romance\, Shirefolk\, Faerie Ring Revels\, Pirates & Vikings\, Time Travelers\, All Hallows and the new Merry Macabre weekend. \nLabor Day weekend\, September 5–7\, is Dragons & Dungeons\, a fantasy-focused weekend built around quests\, heroes and legendary characters. \nCostumes aren’t required to attend. Some visitors arrive in everyday clothes\, while others treat the themed weekends as an opportunity to build elaborate Renaissance\, fantasy\, pirate\, Viking or other character costumes. \nHow Much Are Connecticut Renaissance Faire Tickets?\nGeneral admission for the 2026 season is $18 for adults and $10 for youth\, while children in the Faire’s child admission category enter free. \nAdmission covers the Faire itself and its regular stage performances. Certain games\, rides\, food\, drinks and premium experiences cost extra. \nOne useful change from the way some fairs and festivals operate is that there are no food tickets. Food and beverages are purchased directly from individual merchants. \nSame-day re-entry is also permitted with a handstamp\, so leaving the grounds doesn’t necessarily mean the end of your Faire day. \nStart With the Shows\nTrying to see everything at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire in one day is probably the wrong approach. \nThere are simply too many performances. \nThe 2026 Faire uses 13 stages and advertises more than 40 shows daily. Entertainment ranges from music and comedy to acrobatics\, combat demonstrations\, theatrical performances and interactive shows. \nOne of the biggest spectacles is the armored combat demonstration from the Knights of Gore. These aren’t performers simply swinging lightweight theatrical weapons around one another. The demonstrations feature fighters in plate armor engaging in full-contact medieval-style combat. \nThe Knights of Gore also present educational demonstrations throughout the day covering subjects such as medieval helmets\, the roles of knights and squires and siege weapons including the trebuchet. \nThe Joust Remains a Centerpiece\nIt’s difficult to imagine a Renaissance faire without knights charging toward one another on horseback. \nJousting remains one of the major attractions in Lebanon. \nThe 2026 season includes jousting from Roundtable Productions and Equus Nobilis\, both listed among the Faire’s new entertainment additions this year. \nThe joust combines horsemanship\, theatrical storytelling and medieval-style competition on a scale that’s difficult to replicate on one of the smaller stages. \nIf seeing a joust is high on your list\, check the schedule when you arrive and build the rest of the day around it rather than assuming you’ll simply stumble across the right performance. \nThere Is Plenty of Comedy\nNot everything involves swords and armor. \nComedy is scattered throughout the Faire\, sometimes on a stage and sometimes walking directly toward you in the lanes. \nThe Norfolk Theatricals specialize in interactive theatrical comedy\, presenting deliberately chaotic original plays with audience members sometimes pulled into the performance. \nBone Dallaire roams the grounds as a self-important thespian and playwright whose opinion of his own talent may exceed everyone else’s. \nThe Faire’s cast of Crown Players adds another layer of continuous theater. Instead of performing only at scheduled times\, characters inhabit the village and interact with guests throughout the day. \nThat distinction is important for first-time visitors. \nThe Connecticut Renaissance Faire isn’t simply a collection of scheduled shows surrounded by food booths. The space between the stages is part of the performance. \nMusic Runs From Celtic Traditions to Sea Chanteys\nLive music is another major part of the day. \nThe 2026 roster includes performers working with Celtic music\, traditional folk\, sea chanteys and other styles that fit naturally into the Faire setting. \nJesse Ofgang and the Diaspora\, new for 2026\, combine Scottish and Irish musical traditions with contemporary rhythms using instruments including bagpipes\, whistles and guitars. \nNemeton: Folk Fantasy Music and Dance brings an especially unusual collection of instruments to the Faire\, including bagpipes\, drums\, double flutes\, penny whistles\, English concertina\, medieval small pipes\, rauschpfeife and hurdy-gurdy. \nNew England’s Misfits of Avalon draw from Celtic music with hammered dulcimer\, mandolin\, guitar and violin. \nOther weekends bring different musicians\, including the maritime and Celtic sounds of the Crimson Pirates and southeastern Connecticut’s Bards of Gungywamp. \nBecause performers vary by themed weekend\, it’s worth checking the schedule for the specific date you’re attending. \nSome of the Best Entertainment Is Strange\nRenaissance faires have always left room for acts that don’t fit neatly into a category. \nThat’s part of the fun. \nFor 2026\, Fly by Night joins the Connecticut Faire with a combination of comedy\, juggling\, whip cracking and sideshow skills. The duo of Steve King and Ryan Roberts has been performing since 1990 and appeared as semifinalists on the fourth season of America’s Got Talent. \nCircus Stella puts rescued dogs into a circus environment alongside Dextre Tripp\, mixing canine tricks with juggling\, ladder balancing\, rope walking and unicycling. \nElsewhere\, visitors can encounter puppetry\, dance\, storytelling\, magic and roaming performers without necessarily planning to see them. \nLeave some empty space in the schedule. \nAt a Renaissance faire\, getting distracted is part of the itinerary. \nGames and Rides Go Beyond the Stages\nThere’s plenty to do when you want to participate rather than watch. \nThe Faire’s games and activities include old-fashioned and Renaissance-inspired challenges\, physical games and human-powered attractions. \nSome activities carry an additional fee. \nYou’ll find opportunities to test skill and strength\, explore the Royal Maze and take part in attractions spread throughout the village. \nFor families with younger children\, this can provide a useful break between longer stage performances. \nFor adults\, it can become surprisingly competitive. \nEat the Turkey Leg\, But Don’t Stop There\nYes\, there are giant turkey legs. \nThe Faire’s Turkey Legs and More stand serves the oversized roasted festival staple along with turkey sundaes\, mac and cheese\, smoked chicken\, lemonade and fried dough. \nBut the food selection has grown far beyond the Renaissance-faire stereotype. \nThe 2026 Faire lists 37 food merchants and seven pubs and taverns\, with meals\, desserts\, snacks and beverages distributed throughout the grounds. \nThere are burgers and hot dogs\, chicken sandwiches\, baked goods\, fried seafood\, sweets and a broad assortment of festival food. \nThe Faire also identifies vendors offering vegetarian\, vegan\, gluten-free and dairy-free choices. \nEvery food merchant is required to offer at least one item priced at $7\, an attempt to keep at least one lower-priced choice available at each location. \nOutside snacks and nonalcoholic drinks are also permitted. \nYou Can Walk the Faire With a Drink\nThere are no isolated beer tents requiring guests to remain inside a designated drinking area. \nAdults can purchase alcoholic beverages from the Faire’s pubs and taverns and carry their drinks while exploring the grounds. \nValid identification is required for alcohol purchases. \nThat also makes the taverns part of the atmosphere rather than simply concession stands. \nFor visitors looking for something more structured\, the Faire offers two separate 21-and-over experiences. \nThe Pub Crawl Is a 90-Minute Quest\nThe Connecticut Renaissance Faire Pub Crawl isn’t simply four drink tickets stapled together. \nThe approximately 90-minute experience is hosted by Fae Frostwhiperer and takes a group of no more than 15 participants through four Faire taverns. \nThere are four alcoholic drinks along the way\, but participants also complete challenges\, play games\, sing\, chant and interact with their guide. \nOne stop at Shattered Shield includes Liar’s Dice\, a vegetable platter and an exclusive small-batch mead that isn’t sold from the tavern’s regular menu. \nAnother stop includes a Test of Strength at King’s Inn Crossing. \nPub Crawls depart twice each Faire day\, at 11 a.m. and 2:45 p.m. \nThe price is $75\, plus a processing fee when purchased online. Tickets can also be purchased at Shattered Shield without the online processing fee\, although each crawl is limited to 15 participants and can sell out. \nParticipants must be 21 or older with valid identification. \nRegular Faire admission is not included with the Pub Crawl. \nWhiskey Tastings Offer a Quieter Break\nFor adults who prefer sipping to crawling\, guided whiskey tastings offer a considerably calmer experience. \nThe approximately one-hour sessions explore a curated selection of whiskies\, with hosts discussing origins\, production methods\, flavor profiles and techniques for nosing and tasting. \nCharcuterie is served alongside the pours. \nThe experience is designed for both beginners and experienced whiskey drinkers\, and advance reservations are strongly recommended because seating is intentionally limited. \nParticipants must be 21 or older and bring valid government-issued photo identification. \nLike the Pub Crawl\, a whiskey tasting is an additional experience. Regular Connecticut Renaissance Faire admission must be purchased separately. \nShopping Is a Major Part of the Faire\nDon’t treat the merchant area as an afterthought. \nThe Faire says the 2026 season includes 213 artisans\, games and food vendors\, with 32 new shops joining the grounds this year. \nThe marketplace is where the fantasy world starts becoming something you can take home. \nDepending on the merchant\, visitors can find clothing\, leatherwork\, jewelry\, drinking vessels\, artwork\, fantasy accessories\, home décor and handcrafted goods. \nSome merchants make items that are specifically useful for people building Renaissance or fantasy costumes\, while others sell pieces that work perfectly well outside the Faire. \nFor someone arriving without a costume\, the marketplace also provides an easy way to gradually become more appropriately dressed as the day progresses. \nYou may enter in jeans. \nThere is no guarantee you will leave without a cloak. \n2026 Is a Significant Expansion Year\nThe Faire has added a substantial amount of new material for 2026. \nIts official count includes 11 new shows\, 32 new shops and seven new food offerings. \nAmong the new entertainment are the two jousting productions\, Fly by Night and Jesse Ofgang and the Diaspora. \nThe Faire is also introducing Merry Macabre\, a new themed weekend for October 24–25 that takes the season into darker territory just before Halloween. \nThat expansion matters even to people who have attended in previous years. \nThe basic formula remains recognizable\, but the Faire is deliberately designed so returning on another weekend doesn’t simply reproduce the same day. \nBringing Kids to the Connecticut Renaissance Faire\nChildren don’t have to understand Renaissance history to find things to do here. \nThere are family-oriented performances\, interactive games\, rides and characters throughout the village. \nOne particularly memorable experience is the Knighting Ceremony with the King and Queen\, where children can present themselves before King Basil and Queen Gwendolyn Genevieve and receive royal recognition before the parade. \nThere are also quests and interactive encounters with the Knights of Gore. \nThe Faire’s combination of structured shows and wandering characters means children can become involved in the fantasy rather than spending the entire day watching adults perform. \nYes\, You Can Bring Your Pet\nThe Connecticut Renaissance Faire has an unusually broad pet policy. \nWell-behaved dogs\, cats\, rabbits\, ferrets\, rats and lizards are permitted. \nPet admission is $5 per animal\, while service animals enter free. \nDogs and cats must have proof of current rabies vaccination. A veterinarian’s letter\, email or current rabies tag can serve as proof. \nPets must remain on a non-retractable leash no longer than six feet and owners are responsible for cleaning up after them. \nLivestock\, horses\, donkeys\, mules and other large animals aren’t permitted. \nThe Faire advises owners to bring food and water for their animals. Water bowls may be available from merchants\, but pet food isn’t sold on the grounds. \nPets are also permitted on the parking shuttles. \nParking Has Changed for 2026\nThis is one section worth reading before leaving home. \nThe Faire has a new parking system for 2026. \nVisitors who want to park directly at the Faire grounds at 122 Mack Road can purchase Premium Parking for $10 per vehicle. \nThere are only 525 Premium Parking spaces available each Faire day\, and they must be purchased online in advance for the specific date you’re attending. \nYou cannot purchase Premium Parking when you arrive at the lot. \nVIP admission includes Premium Parking. \nThere are also 125 free ADA parking spaces at the main Faire site for vehicles displaying a valid handicapped placard or plate. These spaces can’t be reserved and are available on a first-available basis. \nMotorcycles can park at the main site for free. \nFree Parking and Shuttles Are Available\nYou don’t have to pay to park. \nThe Faire operates free satellite parking with continuous shuttle service beginning at 9:30 a.m. \nOne free lot is located at 744 Trumbull Highway in Lebanon. \nAdditional parking is available at Lebanon Middle School\, 891 Exeter Road\, and Lyman Memorial High School\, 917 Exeter Road. \nThere is one important wrinkle with the school lots: the shuttles do not pick up directly at the schools. \nGuests parking at either school walk to the Mobil station located between the two schools\, which serves as the shuttle pickup and drop-off point. \nThe last shuttle leaves the Faire 30 minutes after closing. \nAnd don’t blindly follow your GPS. \nThe Faire specifically warns visitors not to use Barker Road\, which police close to through traffic on Faire weekends. \nWhere to Stay\nFor visitors coming from farther away\, the Faire maintains a list of nearby lodging options rather than operating an on-site campground. \nBecause the event runs for nine weekends\, staying overnight can also make sense for visitors who want to attend both Saturday and Sunday without making the drive twice. \nCheck lodging availability early for popular themed weekends\, particularly as the season moves toward October and foliage season in eastern Connecticut. \nWhat First-Time Visitors Should Know\nThe easiest mistake is approaching the Connecticut Renaissance Faire like an attraction where everything follows one obvious route. \nIt doesn’t. \nThere are performances happening simultaneously\, characters wandering the lanes\, merchants to explore\, food to try and activities that can consume far more time than expected. \nCheck the day’s performance schedule first and choose the handful of shows you really don’t want to miss. \nThen allow the rest of the day to happen around them. \nYou might stop for lunch and encounter a roaming performer. \nYou might head toward a stage and spend 30 minutes shopping instead. \nYou might intend to watch one song and stay for an entire set. \nThat’s not poor planning. \nThat’s pretty much how a Renaissance faire is supposed to work. \nConnecticut Renaissance Faire 2026 Details\nEvent: Connecticut Renaissance Faire\nSeason: August 29–October 25\, 2026\nRegular Days: Saturdays and Sundays\, plus Labor Day and Columbus Day\nHours: 10:30 a.m.–6 p.m.\nLocation: Lebanon Country Fairgrounds\nAddress: 122 Mack Road\, Lebanon\, CT 06249\nAdult General Admission: $18\nYouth Admission: $10\nChild Admission: Free\nEntertainment: More than 40 shows daily across 13 stages\nMarketplace: More than 200 artisans\, food vendors\, games and other merchants\nFood: 37 food merchants and seven pubs and taverns\nPremium On-Site Parking: $10\, advance date-specific purchase required\nFree Parking: Satellite lots with shuttle service\nPet Admission: $5; service animals free\nSame-Day Re-Entry: Permitted with handstamp\nOutside Food: Snacks and nonalcoholic drinks permitted \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/connecticut-renaissance-faire-2026-guide/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:Lebanon Fair Grounds\, 122 Mack Road\, Lebanon\, 06249\, United States
CATEGORIES:Lebanon Fairgrounds
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Connecticut-Renaissance-Faire-2026-Guide.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T180000
DTSTAMP:20260705T020116Z
CREATED:20260520T023536Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020116Z
UID:10002544-1788688800-1788717600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Tree Trails Adventures Locals Day!
DESCRIPTION:Tree Trails Adventures Locals Day! returns Sundays throughout the summer from June 21 through September 20 at TreeTrails Adventures Mystic\, giving residents from Mystic\, Stonington\, Groton\, and Ledyard discounted access to one of SE Connecticut’s most popular outdoor adventure attractions. The seasonal promotion was created specifically to encourage local families and residents to enjoy the aerial adventure park during the busy summer tourism season while making new summer memories close to home. \nGuests who live in Mystic (06355)\, Stonington (06378)\, Groton (06340)\, or Ledyard (06339) can use promo code BRNeighbor25 to receive $10 off Main Park tickets for up to four people. Valid ID is required for verification. The park’s aerial obstacle courses\, climbing elements\, rope bridges\, and zipline-style experiences have become a major summer attraction in the Mystic area\, offering a mix of outdoor recreation\, physical activity\, and family-friendly adventure surrounded by wooded scenery. \nTree Trails Adventures Locals Day! adds a community-focused layer to the park’s summer programming by reserving space and discounts specifically for nearby residents during one of the busiest times of year along the shoreline. Whether visiting with family\, friends\, or returning for repeat visits throughout the season\, the promotion offers local residents a chance to experience the adventure park at a reduced price while staying active outdoors during the summer months. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/tree-trails-adventures-locals-day/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:TreeTrails Adventures\, 715 Noank Ledyard Road\, Mystic\, CT\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:TreeTrails Adventures
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Tree-Trails-Adventures-Local-Day-Sundays-This-Summer.jpeg
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T160000
DTSTAMP:20260901T003510Z
CREATED:20260818T193130Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T003510Z
UID:10007222-1788688800-1788710400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:East Coast Collectibles Convention at Mohegan Sun 2026
DESCRIPTION:East Coast Collectibles Convention at Mohegan Sun 2026 brings hundreds of dealers and thousands of cards and collectibles to the Earth Expo & Convention Center on Saturday and Sunday\, September 5–6. \nBetter known as EC3CON\, the two-day Connecticut card show has grown into a major regional gathering for sports cards\, Pokémon\, trading card games\, memorabilia and pop-culture collectibles. More than 350 vendor tables are planned for the September convention\, with collectors invited to buy\, sell and trade throughout the weekend. \nThis isn’t limited to serious sports-card collectors hunting expensive vintage cards\, either. Pokémon\, Magic: The Gathering\, One Piece\, Yu-Gi-Oh!\, Disney Lorcana\, Funko Pops\, wrestling\, comics\, anime\, non-sports cards\, fan art and other collectibles are represented alongside traditional baseball\, football and other sports cards. \nMore Than 350 Tables of Cards and Collectibles\nEC3CON is produced by East Coast Collectibles\, the Connecticut collectibles company that also operates a card shop in Middletown. \nThe organization describes its Mohegan Sun conventions as quarterly events drawing vendors and collectors from throughout New England and the Northeast. The move into the larger Earth Expo Center has allowed the convention to expand its number of tables\, programming and special guests. \nFor collectors\, that means a show floor built around browsing. \nSome tables specialize in sports cards. Others concentrate on Pokémon and other trading card games. Visitors can search for individual cards needed to complete a collection\, unopened products\, memorabilia and collectibles while also bringing their own cards to trade. \nAnd you don’t need to arrive looking for a five-figure Mickey Mantle card. \nEC3CON specifically encourages younger and beginning collectors to explore inexpensive value boxes and dollar bins\, talk with dealers and learn how trading works. \nSpecial Guests Coming to EC3CON\nThe September show is also bringing several guests from professional wrestling\, sports and animation. \nKurt Angle is scheduled to appear. The WWE Hall of Famer won a freestyle wrestling gold medal for the United States at the 1996 Olympic Games before becoming one of professional wrestling’s most recognizable performers. \nFormer WWE performer Joseph Sawyer\, better known to wrestling audiences as Joe Gacy\, is also listed among the convention’s guests. Sawyer performed as a member of the Wyatt Sicks during his WWE career. \nFootball fans will have an appearance by Tyler Nubin\, the New York Giants safety who played college football at Minnesota before entering the NFL. \nThe guest list reaches into animation as well. \nGary Littman has provided voices for characters in One Piece\, Yu-Gi-Oh! ZEXAL\, Pokémon and other animated productions\, while David Wills has accumulated voice credits across Yu-Gi-Oh! GX\, Pokémon\, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles\, One Piece and other series. \nGuest appearances\, schedules and autograph opportunities can change\, so collectors interested in meeting a particular guest should check the convention’s current schedule before attending. EC3CON’s ticket policy specifically notes that guest appearances and autograph times are subject to change. \nBring Your Own Collection\nYou don’t have to come solely to shop. \nEC3CON encourages attendees to bring cards to trade\, making the convention useful for collectors who already have boxes or binders sitting at home. \nTrading with other attendees and interacting with vendors is permitted\, although the convention notes that rules governing direct sales may vary. \nFor someone new to collecting\, that’s also part of the appeal of a large card show. Instead of scrolling through listings online\, collectors can handle cards\, compare condition\, ask dealers questions and see dozens of different approaches to the hobby in one room. \nSaturday Night Trade Night\nWhen the convention floor closes Saturday at 6 p.m.\, the collecting doesn’t stop. \nEC3CON will hold a Trade Night from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday\, September 5. \nThe evening is devoted to collectors meeting one another\, showing what they’ve brought and making trades outside the regular show-floor hours. \nBetter still\, Trade Night is free and open to the public. \nThat makes Saturday potentially a very long day for a serious collector: early-bird admission begins at 9 a.m.\, the regular convention runs until 6 p.m.\, and Trade Night continues until 10 p.m. \nGet Autographs Authenticated at the Show\nJames Spence Authentication\, better known as JSA\, is scheduled to provide on-site autograph authentication. \nCollectors can bring signed memorabilia to JSA for examination rather than mailing an item away and waiting for it to be returned. The event listing says authentication can be completed in a matter of hours. \nThat’s particularly useful at a convention where autographs and signed memorabilia are both being bought and sold. \nA Family-Friendly Introduction to Collecting\nEC3CON is explicitly designed as an all-ages event\, and children younger than 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult. \nThe organizers encourage children to bring cards of their own to trade and recommend starting younger collectors with inexpensive cards rather than immediately chasing high-value pieces. \nThat gives the convention an interesting second audience beyond veteran collectors. A parent who collected baseball cards years ago can walk into the same room with a child interested in Pokémon\, while someone else may be hunting wrestling autographs\, anime collectibles or modern football cards. \nThey’re different hobbies… until you put 350 tables under one roof. \nAbout EC3CON\nEast Coast Collectibles operates both the convention and the East Coast Collectibles Card Shop in Middletown. \nThe company describes EC3CON as a quarterly Mohegan Sun event serving collectors from Connecticut and throughout the Northeast. Organizers say the convention attracts thousands of attendees and vendors from around the country. \nAnd September isn’t the final show of 2026. \nAnother EC3CON is scheduled at Mohegan Sun for November 28–29\, followed by announced 2027 conventions in January and June. \nEvent Details\nEvent: East Coast Collectibles Convention — EC3CON \nDates: Saturday\, September 5 and Sunday\, September 6\, 2026 \nSaturday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. \nSunday: 10 a.m.–4 p.m. \nEarly Bird Admission: Saturday at 9 a.m. Early Bird admission must be purchased in advance. \nSaturday Trade Night: 6:30–10 p.m.; free and open to the public. \nLocation: Earth Expo & Convention Center at Mohegan Sun \nAddress: 1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard\, Uncasville\, CT 06382 \nAdmission: Tickets start at $20 according to the current ticketing listing. Children under 12 are admitted free with an accompanying adult. \nParking: Parking at Mohegan Sun is free. The Winter Parking Garage or Winter Parking Lot provides the most convenient access to the Earth Expo & Convention Center. \nVisitors should allow additional time to enter because Mohegan Sun conducts security screenings before events on the property.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/east-coast-collectibles-convention-at-mohegan-sun-2026/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:Earth Expo and Convention Center\, Winter Parking Garage\, 1 Mohegan Sun Blvd\, Uncasville\, CT\, 06382\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mohegan Sun
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T180000
DTSTAMP:20260831T020043Z
CREATED:20260831T020043Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T020043Z
UID:10007288-1788687000-1788717600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Holy Ghost Festival Stonington
DESCRIPTION:Holy Ghost Festival Stonington returns to the narrow streets of Stonington Borough on Saturday and Sunday\, September 5–6\, continuing a Portuguese tradition rooted in the community established by Azorean sailors more than a century ago. \nProcessions will move through the Borough both days\, with music and gathering at the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society\, a free traditional meal for everyone on Sunday\, and\, as the weekend ends\, the drawing that begins the tradition again for another year. \nBut to understand why a crown is carried through Stonington’s streets and why hundreds of people are invited to sit down and eat for free\, you have to go back much further than the first Holy Ghost festival held here. \nYou have to start with a queen\, a famine and a promise. \nA Queen\, a Crown and a Promise\nThe story at the center of the Feast of the Holy Ghost has been handed down through generations of Portuguese families. \nQueen Saint Isabel of Portugal was renowned for her devotion to the poor. According to the tradition\, during a devastating famine she prayed to the Holy Spirit for relief and promised her crown in return. \nDifferent versions of the centuries-old story vary in their details. In one\, disastrous weather ended and the crops recovered. In another\, ships arrived carrying desperately needed grain. \nWhat remains constant is what happened next. \nThe hungry were fed. \nThat act of charity became the foundation of the Festa do Espírito Santo\, or Feast of the Holy Ghost\, a tradition carried from Portugal through the Azores and eventually into Portuguese communities around the world. \nIncluding Stonington. \nThe Azoreans Who Came to Stonington\nStonington’s Portuguese story is inseparable from the sea. \nPortuguese settlement in the Borough began around the 1840s as sailors recruited from the Azores aboard Stonington whaling vessels arrived in the home port and began putting down roots. \nMore followed. \nOver the decades\, immigrants arrived from islands including Faial and São Miguel. Portuguese families established themselves particularly in the section of the Borough historically known as “South of the Cannons.” \nThey worked aboard fishing and whaling vessels\, in local mills and elsewhere around the community. \nThey also brought their traditions with them. \nOne of the most important was the Feast of the Holy Ghost. \nExactly when Stonington held its first festa isn’t known. Historical newspaper accounts document celebrations before the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society was formally organized\, and the Stonington Historical Society traces the tradition in the Borough to the Portuguese community that began taking shape in the mid-19th century. \nBy 1914\, Stonington had its own ceremonial Holy Ghost crown. \nMore than a century later\, that crown remains at the center of the celebration. \nFollow the Crown Through the Borough\nThe processions are among the most visible parts of Holy Ghost weekend. \nSaturday’s procession begins at 5 p.m. The celebration continues Sunday morning with processions at 9:30 and 11 a.m. \nThe crown and scepter travel through the streets of the Borough as part of a tradition that historically connects the Portuguese Holy Ghost Society with St. Mary Church. \nIt has happened in these streets for generations. \nPast the old houses. \nThrough the former Portuguese neighborhood. \nPast the cannons overlooking the water. \nAnd eventually back to the Holy Ghost Society on Main Street. \nThe crown isn’t simply festival decoration. It represents the charitable promise at the heart of the Holy Ghost tradition and spends much of the year outside the Society altogether. \nIts journey actually begins long before Labor Day weekend. \nSeven Domingos and a Year With the Crown\nOne of the most fascinating parts of Stonington’s Holy Ghost tradition happens largely out of public view. \nThe crown and scepter spend portions of the year in the homes of seven people known as the Domingos. \nThe first Domingo keeps them for most of the year. As the festival approaches\, they move through the homes of the remaining Domingos\, traditionally spending a week with each. \nThe crown is displayed prominently in the home\, often surrounded by flowers\, candles and symbols of the Holy Ghost. \nThe final responsibility falls to the mordome\, or sponsor\, associated with the Seventh Dominga. \nThe crown then returns to the procession and the feast. \nIt means the festival isn’t really a two-day event at all. \nThe public celebration lasts a weekend. \nThe tradition lasts all year. \nWhy Everyone Is Invited to Dinner\nAt noon Sunday comes one of the most important parts of the entire weekend. \nEverybody eats. \nThe Portuguese Holy Ghost Society provides a complimentary traditional Portuguese meal\, and the invitation isn’t limited to Society members or Portuguese families. \nIt’s open to everyone. \nThat isn’t simply Stonington hospitality added to a religious festival. \nFeeding people is the festival. \nTraditional Holy Ghost sopas connects Sunday’s meal directly to the story of Saint Isabel and the feeding of people during famine. \nPortuguese sopas isn’t necessarily what an English speaker imagines when hearing the word “soup.” The traditional dish uses bread soaked in a deeply flavored broth\, historically prepared with beef and chouriço and traditionally accompanied by mint. \nDecades ago\, the Stonington Historical Society recorded that the elderly\, sick and children were traditionally to be fed first\, reflecting the charitable principles associated with Saint Isabel. \nThe scale could be extraordinary. \nA 1987 history of the Stonington feast recalled preparations to feed as many as 2\,000 people. \nSo when someone who has never attended walks through the door Sunday and is handed a meal\, they’re participating in the same central act that generations before them considered the purpose of the feast. \nYou feed whoever comes. \nSweet Bread\, Food and an Afternoon Together\nThe meal doesn’t end Sunday’s celebration. \nTraditionally\, the afternoon continues around the Holy Ghost Society with music\, food and an auction that has helped support the feast. \nPortuguese sweet bread\, or massa sovada\, has long played a particularly important role. \nHistorically\, families prepared loaves and other items to contribute to the auction\, helping pay the considerable expense of feeding the community and staging the celebration. \nIt’s another example of how much work exists behind a weekend built around giving things away. \nThe food may be free to the person sitting down at noon. \nSomebody still had to prepare it. \nAnd in Stonington\, generations of volunteers have done exactly that. \nWhat Happens at 6 p.m. Sunday?\nThe final major event on the schedule may be the one most confusing to someone encountering Holy Ghost for the first time. \nAt 6 p.m. Sunday\, the drawing of the Domingos begins. \nIt isn’t a conventional raffle. \nPeople enter for the opportunity to become one of the seven Domingos who will care for the crown and scepter during the coming year. \nNames are drawn\, and those selected take their place in the next annual cycle of the tradition. \nHistorically\, people who entered but didn’t draw a Domingo could instead draw três bolos\, or “three breads\,” signifying a contribution of sweet bread toward the next celebration. \nAnd the Seventh Dominga carries particular significance. \nThat person becomes the mordome\, the sponsor of the following year’s feast. \nThink about what that means. \nThe 2026 Holy Ghost Festival doesn’t really end when the final name is drawn Sunday evening. \nThe 2027 festival begins. \nThe crown leaves the weekend celebration and starts another journey through the community. \nEventually\, Labor Day approaches again. \nAnd the crown returns to the streets. \nThe Holy Ghost Society’s Home on Main Street\nThe Portuguese Holy Ghost Society is itself part of the story. \nThe Society is located at 26 Main Street in Stonington Borough and has occupied its current location since 1926. \nThe organization grew from the Portuguese community established around Stonington’s maritime industries\, with early members including fishermen and mill workers. \nIts historic building has served as much more than the headquarters of a social organization. \nFor generations of Portuguese-American families\, it has been a place where culture\, food\, faith and community could survive long after their ancestors left the Azores. \nThe annual festa may be the clearest expression of that. \nA Stonington Labor Day Tradition\nOn the Catholic calendar\, Pentecost and the Holy Spirit are celebrated in the spring. \nStonington does things differently. \nThe Borough’s Holy Ghost celebration moved to Labor Day weekend to avoid conflicts with Holy Ghost celebrations in other Portuguese communities. Eventually\, the new date became a tradition of its own. \nFor generations of Stonington families\, Labor Day weekend came to mean something very specific. \nThe Holy Ghost hymn. \nThe crown moving down the street. \nPortuguese flags. \nSopas. \nSweet bread. \nFamilies gathering outside the Society. \nAnd another generation learning what all of it means. \nThe community surrounding the festival has changed enormously since Portuguese sailors began settling here in the 1840s. \nThe whaling ships are gone. \nThe mills that employed later generations are gone. \nMany descendants moved beyond the small neighborhood where their families first settled. \nBut on Labor Day weekend\, the crown still comes out. \nThe procession still moves through Stonington Borough. \nAnd at noon Sunday\, anyone who arrives hungry can still be fed. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Holy Ghost Festival Stonington\nDates: Saturday–Sunday\, September 5–6\, 2026\nLocation: Portuguese Holy Ghost Society\nAddress: 26 Main Street\, Stonington\, CT 06378\nAdmission: Free and open to all \nSaturday\, September 5\nFestival Begins: 5 p.m.\nProcession: 5 p.m. \nSunday\, September 6\nMorning Processions: 9:30 and 11 a.m.\nComplimentary Traditional Portuguese Meal: Noon\nDrawing of the Domingos: Begins at 6 p.m. \nHoly Ghost Festival Stonington continues a Portuguese and Azorean tradition preserved in the Borough for generations\, with processions\, the ceremonial crown\, traditional food and a free community meal at the heart of the celebration. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n\n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \nPortuguese Holy Ghost Society \nHistoric Stonington – The Portuguese Feast of the Holy Ghost
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/holy-ghost-festival-stonington/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:Portuguese Holy Ghost Society\, 26 Main Street\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Portuguese Holy Ghost Society
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260906T180000
DTSTAMP:20260901T212201Z
CREATED:20260901T212201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T212201Z
UID:10007308-1788685200-1788717600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill 2026: Complete Guide
DESCRIPTION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is now open for the 2026 season\, beginning another fall of fresh-pressed sweet cider\, cider donuts\, traditional hard cider\, apple wine and one of the most unusual pieces of working history in Connecticut. \nThe family-owned Old Mystic landmark opened for the season September 1 and is currently scheduled to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 129 North Stonington Road. \nBut calling Clyde’s a cider shop doesn’t quite explain why generations of families make a trip here every fall. \nThe mill has been family-owned since 1881. Fourth\, fifth and sixth generations of the family still work in the business. Apples are still crushed and pressed using historic machinery powered by steam. Visitors can watch the machinery operate\, descend into the cellar for traditional hard cider tastings\, sample apple wines in a converted grist mill and leave with a bag of cider donuts. \nClyde’s calls itself the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. \nMore precisely\, it is the last operating steam-powered cider mill in the country\, according to the mill\, and its historic cider-making machinery has been recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. \nIt isn’t a reproduction of an old cider mill. \nIt’s the real thing. \nA Mystic Fall Tradition Since 1881\nThe story begins with Benjamin F. Clyde. \nIn 1881\, Clyde began producing cider from apples he had pressed at other local mills. He eventually rented a press before purchasing his own mill in 1897. \nThe equipment that followed would become the heart of the operation visitors still come to see. \nClyde purchased a screw press manufactured by Boomer & Boschert of Syracuse\, New York. The company also supplied the apple grater\, elevator and cider pump\, along with plans for the mill building. \nThe machinery was installed in 1898. \nAt the time\, cider mills were hardly unusual in rural America. \nThey served much the same role for apple growers that grist mills did for farmers growing grain. Orchards could bring surplus apples to a centrally located mill\, where the fruit could be processed and pressed into juice. Some of that juice could then be fermented into hard cider. \nMost of those community mills disappeared. \nClyde’s didn’t. \nThe Steam-Powered Mill Is Still Working\nThat’s what makes a visit different from touring a preserved historic building. \nThe machinery still has a job. \nApples enter the cider-making system and are elevated to a grinder\, where they’re reduced to pulp. That pulp is prepared for pressing\, and the historic screw press applies the tremendous pressure needed to extract the juice. \nThe technology was impressive for its era. \nAccording to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\, the all-steel screw press could apply pressure at three speeds and represented one of the last generations of screw presses before hydraulic presses became widespread during the 20th century. \nASME designated B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1994\, recognizing the machinery as a rare survivor of an industry that was once common throughout America’s apple-growing regions. \nMore than a century after the equipment was installed\, Clyde’s still uses the mill to make cider. \nWhen Can You Watch Clyde’s Press Cider?\nVisitors don’t have to settle for looking at the machinery. \nClyde’s runs it during the season. \nThe mill’s typical pressing schedule is: \nTuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–noon\nSaturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.–noon \nThe schedule can vary because Clyde’s presses according to production needs\, so the machinery isn’t guaranteed to be running continuously throughout those periods. \nEven when the press isn’t operating\, visitors are welcome to look inside the historic press building. \nFor anyone specifically interested in seeing the steam-powered machinery at work\, a pressing morning is the best time to plan a visit. \nHow Clyde’s Makes Sweet Cider\nFresh sweet cider is the product that started everything. \nClyde’s purchases its apples from small orchards rather than operating a pick-your-own orchard of its own. The apples are processed at the mill and pressed into cider using the historic equipment. \nThe finished sweet cider is flash pasteurized on the property. \nVisitors can buy cider to take home or drink it while visiting\, and seasonal cider drinks have become part of the experience alongside the mill’s baked goods. \nThat combination has helped turn what was originally a working agricultural business into a fall destination. \nYou can come to learn how a 19th-century cider press works. \nYou can also come because you want cider and a donut. \nNeither is the wrong reason. \nAbout Those Clyde’s Cider Donuts\nFor plenty of visitors\, the steam engine has competition. \nClyde’s cider donuts have become almost as closely associated with the mill as the cider itself. \nThe store sells its well-known cider donuts along with other baked goods and seasonal treats. The selection can vary\, but the broader shop also carries jarred products\, honey from local beekeepers\, candied apples made by the family and other locally produced goods. \nIt’s part bakery\, part country store and part historic attraction. \nAnd on a busy fall weekend\, the line is evidence that plenty of people know exactly what they came for. \nThen There Is the Cider Downstairs\nThe word “cider” gets considerably more complicated at Clyde’s. \nSweet cider is only part of the story. \nClyde’s also makes traditional hard cider using a process very different from the sweeter\, carbonated canned ciders that have become common in supermarkets and bars. \nThe hard cider begins with apple juice and ferments before aging in oak whiskey barrels. \nThe process from juice to finished hard cider typically takes about a year. \nAfter fermentation and aging\, the hard cider receives relatively little filtration before being sold. That preserves more of the raw\, oaky character produced by the barrel. \nThe result is considerably stronger than many commercial hard ciders. \nClyde’s hard ciders and apple wines generally contain 12 to 14 percent alcohol. \nHard Cider vs. Apple Wine: What’s the Difference?\nThis is one of the more interesting parts of Clyde’s operation because the two products begin in essentially the same place. \nBoth the hard cider and apple wine start as fermented apple juice aged in oak whiskey barrels. \nWhat happens afterward separates them. \nClyde’s hard cider is only lightly filtered to remove sediment. That leaves it with a bolder flavor\, more pronounced oak character and more bite. \nThe apple wine receives considerably more filtration. \nThat additional processing produces a smoother\, somewhat sweeter product that is also shelf stable before opening. \nSo someone expecting Clyde’s hard cider to taste like a modern canned hard cider may be surprised. \nThis is closer to an older cider-making tradition. \nWhat’s in the Hard Cider Cellar?\nThe hard cider cellar sits underneath the press building. \nThat’s where visitors can taste Clyde’s traditional hard ciders and where the product has been made for generations. \nAvailability changes throughout the season\, but Clyde’s 2026 lineup includes several recurring varieties. \nThe Original is the starting point. It’s dry\, without added fruit flavors competing with the oak character of the barrel. \nLucky Lion is also dry and crisp\, with a character Clyde’s says some drinkers compare to Scotch. \nBlackout goes even further in that direction. It’s Clyde’s most popular hard cider and wine flavor\, with strong oak notes that the mill describes as almost reminiscent of whiskey. \nThen things get fruitier. \nBoomerang combines apple and cranberry for a tart\, sweeter cider. \nGoodfella adds blackberry and lands on the sweeter end of the lineup. \nYellow Jacket combines apple and orange\, producing some sweetness with a citrus bite. \nCherry Bomb adds another fruit-driven option. \nBecause Clyde’s rotates its hard ciders\, individual varieties can change during the season. \nThe Apple Wine List Goes Much Further\nThe wine side of the operation offers even more variety. \nClyde’s currently lists 14 apple wines\, ranging from dry expressions of apple to much sweeter fruit combinations. \nApple Wine is the driest of the wine lineup. \nSpiced Apple uses mulling spices for a distinctly fall-oriented version. \nSpider Cider combines sweetness with pumpkin spices and can be warmed or used in a hot toddy. \nStrawberry Bliss is the sweetest wine in the lineup\, combining apple and strawberry. \nBlueberry Spinner combines apple and blueberry. \nApple Raspberry leans sweet but tart. \nCider House Blend combines apple\, orange and cranberry. \nSeveral of the hard cider varieties\, including Original\, Lucky Lion\, Blackout\, Boomerang\, Goodfella and Yellow Jacket\, are also produced as wines. \nThe distinction comes back to filtration. \nSame roots. \nDifferent finish. \nYes\, You Can Taste Them for Free\nClyde’s offers separate hard cider and wine tastings throughout its season. \nAnd the tastings are free. \nNo purchase is required and no reservation is necessary. \nVisitors can sample up to four hard ciders and up to four wines at their respective tasting locations. \nHard cider tastings take place in the cellar beneath the press building. \nWine tastings are held in the tasting room\, which has its own connection to the property’s history: the building is a converted grist mill once used to produce johnnycake meal. \nTastings are first-come\, first-served. \nCurrent tasting hours are: \nMonday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\nSunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. \nEveryone participating in a tasting must show a valid ID\, regardless of age or appearance. Clyde’s does not accept expired IDs or photographs of identification. \nConnecticut alcohol rules also mean Clyde’s cannot sell its hard cider or wine before 10 a.m. on Sundays. \nA Few Clyde’s Flavors to Know Before You Taste\nIf you don’t know where to start\, the tasting bottles are generally arranged from driest to sweetest\, and the staff can help narrow the choices. \nFor something dry: Original or Apple Wine. \nFor strong oak character: Blackout. \nFor dry and crisp: Lucky Lion. \nFor tart cranberry: Boomerang. \nFor something sweeter: Goodfella. \nFor fall spice: Spiced Apple or Spider Cider. \nFor very sweet fruit: Strawberry Bliss or Blueberry Spinner. \nOne warning for anyone accustomed to mass-market hard cider: remember the alcohol content. \nAt 12 to 14 percent ABV\, Clyde’s hard cider is much closer to wine strength than a typical bottle or can of commercial cider. \nCan You Bring Back a Clyde’s Growler?\nYes. \nClyde’s sells 64-ounce growlers of hard cider and offers growler refills. \nThere are a couple of important rules. \nClyde’s refills growlers rather than exchanging them\, so customers should clean their growler before bringing it back. The mill can only refill glass growlers that have a stamped or imprinted 64-ounce measurement. \nWine cannot be used for growler fills. \nThe refill program is for hard cider. \nHard cider should also be kept cool after purchase. Clyde’s recommends refrigeration. \nThere’s More Than Cider\nThe tasting room also contains Clyde’s gift shop\, with merchandise and locally made products that can include handmade earrings\, postcards and art prints. \nElsewhere at the mill\, visitors can browse honey produced by local beekeepers\, jarred foods\, family-made candied apples\, baked goods and other seasonal products. \nThat makes it possible to spend considerably more time at Clyde’s than simply buying a gallon of cider and heading home. \nWatch the press. \nGet cider and donuts. \nExplore the store. \nGo downstairs for a hard cider tasting. \nVisit the wine tasting room. \nBrowse the gift shop. \nIt’s effectively several different experiences spread across the historic property. \nIs B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill Good for Kids?\nYes. \nClyde’s welcomes children of all ages. \nThe working mill is also an opportunity to show kids a piece of machinery doing the job it was actually designed to do more than a century ago. \nThere is no alcohol involved in the regular sweet cider\, and the bakery\, cider and mill demonstration make Clyde’s an easy family fall stop. \nJust don’t confuse the two kinds of cider. \nThe traditional hard cider and apple wines are 12 to 14 percent alcohol and are strictly for adults 21 and older. \nCan You Pick Apples at Clyde’s?\nNo. \nThis is one of the most useful things to know before making the trip. \nB.F. Clyde’s is a cider mill\, not a pick-your-own orchard. \nThe mill purchases apples from small orchards and uses them to produce its cider. \nIf apple picking is part of your fall plans\, you’ll need to visit an orchard separately. \nCan You Bring a Dog?\nYes\, with restrictions. \nLeashed pets are permitted on the grounds. \nThey aren’t allowed inside the buildings or on the porch\, and visitors need to bring whatever they need to clean up after their pets. \nParking Can Be the Hardest Part of a Fall Visit\nClyde’s popularity comes with one predictable problem. \nIt gets busy. \nThe main parking lot can fill during peak periods\, particularly on fall weekends. \nClyde’s asks visitors to try the main lot first and to respect posted no-parking areas and neighboring properties if parking along nearby roads. \nAn auxiliary lot is available at 49 North Stonington Road. It’s approximately four-tenths of a mile from the mill\, so visitors using it should expect a walk. \nIf your schedule is flexible\, a weekday visit can make the entire experience easier. \nIf you’re coming specifically to see the press operate\, Tuesday or Thursday morning offers the combination of a weekday visit and a scheduled pressing window. \nClyde’s Isn’t a Museum\, and That’s the Point\nThere are plenty of places where historic machinery survives behind ropes. \nClyde’s is different. \nBenjamin Clyde started making cider in 1881. \nHe acquired his own mill in the 1890s. \nThe equipment installed in 1898 survived the arrival of hydraulic presses\, mass food production\, supermarkets\, interstate highways and more than a century of changes in how Americans buy their food. \nThe family survived with it. \nToday\, fourth\, fifth and sixth generations are involved in the operation. \nEvery September\, the doors open again. \nApples arrive. \nThe steam-powered machinery starts moving. \nFresh cider begins flowing. \nAnd people line up for cider donuts. \nThat’s why B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is more than another place to add to a Connecticut fall checklist. It’s a piece of New England’s agricultural and industrial history that never stopped doing its job. \n2026 Visitor Guide\nAttraction: B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\n2026 Season Opening: September 1\, 2026\nCurrent Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\, seven days a week\nLocation: 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nAdmission: Free\nChildren: Welcome\nPets: Leashed pets allowed on the grounds; not inside buildings or on the porch\nApple Picking: No\nSweet Cider: Available\nCider Donuts and Baked Goods: Available\nHard Cider: Available for adults 21+\nApple Wine: Available for adults 21+\nAlcohol Content: Hard cider and wine are generally 12–14% ABV\nTastings: Free; no reservation required\nHard Cider Tastings: Cellar beneath the press building\nWine Tastings: Tasting room\nTasting Hours: Monday–Saturday\, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday\, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.\nTypical Pressing Schedule: Tuesday\, Thursday\, Saturday and Sunday\, 10 a.m.–noon\nParking: Main lot plus auxiliary parking at 49 North Stonington Road\nThanksgiving: Closed\nShipping: Not available\nPreorders/Call-Ahead Orders: Not available \nHard Cider Menu\nAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers History \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/b-f-clydes-cider-mill-2026-complete-guide/2026-09-06/
LOCATION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\, 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T190000
DTSTAMP:20260902T222012Z
CREATED:20260902T222012Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T222012Z
UID:10007429-1788627600-1788634800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Red Lion Reggae Band on the Niantic River
DESCRIPTION:Red Lion Reggae Band on the Niantic River Saturday\, September 5\, bringing live roots reggae directly onto the water for an unusual Save the River-Save the Hills event beginning at 5 p.m. \nThere isn’t a parking address to plug into the GPS. \nIn fact\, the event flyer says exactly the opposite: \nNo parking. By boat\, canoe\, kayak\, or float. No landing or docking.  \nIf you’re used to arriving at a club\, festival\, or park to see a band\, this one requires a completely different plan. \nYou need to be on the river. \nRed Lion Comes Out of Southern New England’s Reggae Scene\nRed Lion Reggae Band brings together musicians with roots in a number of reggae projects familiar around southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island. \nMembers have musical connections to groups including Soulshot\, Large Up\, Dub Squad\, Inity\, Space Mon Rah and High Voltage Band. \nAt the front is vocalist and percussionist Eric “Irie Feelinz” Williams. \nGuitarist and vocalist Jeff Gibson is another member of the group. \nRather than approaching reggae simply as summertime party music\, Red Lion has been described around the regional music scene as playing conscious\, uplifting reggae\, combining original lyrics with a message centered on positivity and unity. \nThat makes the group a particularly appropriate choice for an environmental gathering on the Niantic River. \nReggae Has Always Had Something to Say\nReggae certainly works on the water. \nBut there’s more to the pairing than atmosphere. \nThe genre that developed in Jamaica during the late 1960s and 1970s has a long history of connecting music with social commentary\, spirituality\, political struggle and calls for unity. \nBob Marley and the Wailers took that message around the world\, but conscious reggae has never been limited to Marley. \nArtists including Peter Tosh\, Burning Spear and generations that followed used reggae to address the world around them rather than treating the music solely as entertainment. \nRed Lion operates within that broader tradition while drawing on decades of reggae played much closer to home. \nThe members’ connections to multiple New England bands give the project a lineage within the region’s own reggae community. \nA Band Built From Familiar Regional Players\nSoutheastern Connecticut has sustained a surprisingly durable reggae scene. \nRed Lion is one of its newer combinations. \nThe band has appeared around New London and elsewhere in southern New England\, including a downtown New London Let Loose Thursday performance. \nThe group’s sound crosses roots reggae and related styles while retaining the live-band character at the center of the genre: vocals\, guitar\, bass\, drums and rhythm working together rather than a preprogrammed approximation of reggae. \nThat should translate particularly well to Saturday’s setting. \nThere isn’t much need to manufacture a tropical atmosphere when the audience is already floating on the Niantic River on Labor Day weekend. \nThe Concert Is Really About the River\nThe location isn’t incidental. \nSave the River-Save the Hills is a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to protecting the Niantic River Estuary\, its watershed and the Oswegatchie Hills. \nIts work extends across the watershed in East Lyme\, Waterford\, Montville and Salem. \nThe organization has spent years advocating for the river while also trying to make a larger point about watersheds: \nWhat happens on land eventually affects the water. \nDevelopment\, stormwater runoff\, nutrients\, sewage and changes to the surrounding landscape can all influence an estuary. \nThat’s why the organization’s name includes both halves. \nSave the River. \nSave the Hills. \nThe Niantic River Isn’t Really a Conventional River\nThe Niantic River is an estuary connected to Niantic Bay and Long Island Sound. \nFresh water draining from the surrounding watershed meets salt water moving inland from the Sound\, creating a productive environment for marine and coastal life. \nThat connection also makes the estuary sensitive to what happens upstream and along its shores. \nWater doesn’t respect town boundaries. \nRunoff entering a tributary miles away can ultimately become part of the same system used by boaters\, anglers\, wildlife and people living along the Niantic River. \nSave the River-Save the Hills has built much of its work around that interconnectedness. \nOne of Its Most Practical Programs Happens From a Boat\nThe organization doesn’t limit itself to advocacy. \nIt also operates the Niantic River pumpout boat. \nThe concept is remarkably straightforward. \nRecreational boats equipped with holding tanks accumulate sewage. Instead of that waste entering local waters\, boaters can use the pumpout service to have it removed. \nThe program operates during boating season\, with service continuing beyond Labor Day on a reduced weekend schedule. \nIt’s one of those environmental programs that isn’t particularly glamorous but produces an easily understood result: \nWaste removed from a boat is waste that doesn’t end up in the estuary. \nSo there is something fitting about Save the River-Save the Hills bringing people together for another event that can only be experienced from boats. \nThe Hills Above the River Matter Too\nThe organization’s other major focus is visible from its name. \nSave the River-Save the Hills has worked alongside Friends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and other conservation advocates to protect undeveloped land in the Oswegatchie Hills. \nMore than 450 acres are already protected within the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. \nAdditional land has remained the subject of a long-running conservation effort. \nThe reason is both scenic and ecological. \nForested hills absorb rainfall\, provide wildlife habitat and help reduce the amount and speed of runoff moving toward waterways. \nProtecting the forest above the Niantic River therefore becomes part of protecting the river itself. \nIt’s watershed conservation in its most literal form. \nEarlier Saturday\, People Will Be Running Through Those Hills\nSeptember 5 happens to put both halves of the organization’s mission on display\, although the events are separate. \nAt 9 a.m.\, the fifth annual Run for the Hills 5K takes place at the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. \nThat event is a roughly 3.3-mile trail race and hike raising money for maintenance of the preserve. \nEight hours later\, Red Lion begins playing on the Niantic River. \nSomeone could conceivably spend the morning running through the hills and the evening listening to reggae from a boat\, but neither event depends upon attending the other. \nFor the evening crowd\, the river itself is the venue. \nWhat We Know — and What We Don’t\nThis is one event where it’s important not to fill in missing details. \nThe promotional flyer confirms a 5 p.m. performance Saturday\, September 5\, on the Niantic River with Red Lion Reggae Band. \nIt also explicitly says there is no parking and access is by boat only. \nWhat isn’t stated is equally important. \nThe flyer doesn’t provide a conventional street address for the concert. It doesn’t advertise a ticket price. It doesn’t identify a public shoreline viewing area. And it doesn’t tell attendees to park somewhere and walk to the performance. \nIt also doesn’t establish whether the musicians will be performing aboard a vessel\, from a dock\, float or waterfront property. \nUntil organizers provide more specific instructions\, those details shouldn’t be assumed. \nThe important instruction for anyone interested in attending is the simplest one on the flyer: \nBy boat only. \nA Different Kind of Labor Day Weekend Concert\nThere will be plenty of places around southeastern Connecticut to hear live music over Labor Day weekend. \nVery few require arriving by water. \nThat gives Red Lion’s September 5 performance a character of its own before the first note is played. \nBoats on the Niantic River. \nA regional reggae band playing conscious music. \nAnd an organization using the water it’s spent years trying to protect as the setting for the gathering. \nSometimes the venue tells most of the story. \nThis time\, the venue is the river. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Red Lion Reggae Band on the Niantic River\nDate: Saturday\, September 5\, 2026\nTime: 5 p.m.\nLocation: Golden Spur\, Niantic River\nFeaturing: The Red Lion Reggae Band\nMusic: Roots and conscious reggae\nPresented in Support of: Save the River-Save the Hills\nAccess: By boat\, canoe\, kayak\, or float. No landing or docking.\nParking: None\nAdmission: No admission charge is stated on the promotional flyer \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/red-lion-reggae-band-on-the-niantic-river/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T210000
DTSTAMP:20260817T212025Z
CREATED:20260817T212025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260817T212025Z
UID:10007213-1788616800-1788642000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Next Up Festival 2026 Brings Seven Hours of Live Music to Wilcox Park
DESCRIPTION:Next Up Festival 2026 returns to Wilcox Park in downtown Westerly on Saturday\, September 5\, with seven hours of live music celebrating young and emerging performers alongside established local artists. \nThe free\, all-ages festival runs from 2 to 9 p.m. and combines live bands with food\, art\, activities for children and adults\, and an afternoon and evening built around Westerly’s growing community of young musicians. \nVisitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in around the park’s historic gazebo for the performances. \n \nGiving the Next Generation a Stage\nThere’s a bigger purpose behind the festival than filling Wilcox Park with music for an afternoon. \nNext Up Music Inc. is a Westerly-based nonprofit created to support the next generation of musicians and music professionals. Its work emphasizes mentorship\, collaboration and opportunities that can help developing artists take the next steps in their careers. \nThe organization offers artists opportunities that can include mentorship\, live performances\, scholarships or financial assistance\, studio time\, photography and video production. \nThe festival is where much of that mission becomes visible. \nRather than limiting the stage to established acts\, Next Up is designed to put emerging musicians in front of a real audience and give the community a chance to discover artists who may still be at the beginning of their careers. \nThat’s where the name comes from: who’s next up? \nFive Years of Next Up in Westerly\nThe festival has grown substantially since its early years. \nNext Up organizers described the 2023 edition as drawing hundreds of people\, while subsequent festivals expanded beyond music to include activities\, art and other attractions. By 2025\, the event was being promoted as a showcase for young musicians\, student bands and local artists. \nThe 2026 festival marks its fifth year in Westerly. \nThis year’s event again stretches across seven hours\, from 2 to 9 p.m.\, making it considerably more than a concert in the park. \nExpect multiple musical performances along with food\, art and activities for both children and adults throughout the day. \nThe complete 2026 performance schedule has not yet been released publicly. We’ll update this guide as additional performers and set times are announced. \nA Festival in the Heart of Westerly\nThe location is a pretty good match for what Next Up is trying to do. \nWilcox Park is the 14-acre Victorian strolling park and arboretum beside Westerly Library in the center of downtown Westerly. \nIts gazebo has long served as a gathering place for outdoor concerts and community events\, and the park hosts everything from theatre performances to the Chorus of Westerly’s Summer Pops. \nFor Next Up\, that means young performers aren’t tucked away in a club or private venue. They’re playing in one of the community’s most recognizable public spaces. \nThe downtown location also makes it easy to turn the festival into a longer Westerly outing\, with restaurants\, shops and other businesses within walking distance of the park. \nBring a Chair and Stay Awhile\nThis isn’t an event where you need to arrive at 2 p.m. and remain planted in one spot until 9. \nTreat it more like a festival. \nBring a blanket or lawn chair\, find a place on the grass and come and go as different artists take the stage. Food will be available\, along with activities and other attractions around the park. \nAnd because admission is free\, families can stop by for part of the afternoon or make a full day of it without buying festival tickets. \nCommunity Support Keeps the Festival Free\nKeeping a seven-hour music festival free requires considerable community backing. \nThe Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce is again partnering with the festival\, while Next Up has also relied on businesses\, organizations and individual donors to support its programming. \nPrevious festival supporters have included Westerly Library & Wilcox Park and Westerly’s UNITED Theatre and UNITED Music School. \nThat support allows Next Up to maintain one of the event’s central ideas: giving developing performers a legitimate festival stage while allowing the community to hear them without putting admission behind a paywall. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Next Up Festival 2026\nDate: Saturday\, September 5\, 2026\nTime: 2–9 p.m.\nLocation: Wilcox Park\nAddress: 44 Broad Street\, Westerly\, RI 02891\nAdmission: Free\nAges: All ages\nWhat to Bring: Lawn chairs or blankets\nFeaturing: Live music\, food\, art and activities for children and adults. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/next-up-festival-2026-brings-seven-hours-of-live-music-to-wilcox-park/
LOCATION:Westerly Library & Wilcox Park\, 44 Broad Street\, Westerly\, RI\, 02891\, United States
CATEGORIES:Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T230000
DTSTAMP:20260816T022849Z
CREATED:20260816T022849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260816T022849Z
UID:10007201-1788609600-1788649200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Rhythm & Roots Festival 2026 Guide: Music\, Schedule\, Food\, Camping & More
DESCRIPTION:Rhythm & Roots Festival 2026 returns to Ninigret Park in Charlestown for three full days of roots music over Labor Day weekend\, September 4–6\, with more than 40 performances spread across three stages\, on-site camping\, dancing\, workshops\, food vendors\, a swimming pond and activities for families. \nThis year’s headliners include St. Paul & The Broken Bones\, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives\, Tower of Power\, Margo Price\, The Devil Makes Three and Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, backed by a lineup that stretches from blues and Americana to Cajun\, zydeco\, bluegrass\, soul\, country and New Orleans jazz. \nBut Rhythm & Roots has never really been a festival where you show up for one headliner and leave. \nMusic begins at 1 p.m. each day and continues until 11 p.m.\, with performances moving among the Rhythm Stage\, Roots Stage and Dance Stage. There are workshops during the afternoon\, plenty of room to dance\, food from more than a dozen vendors\, craft shopping and an entire campground that becomes its own little community for the weekend. \nAnd yes\, bring the kids. Children 12 and younger are admitted free. Ninigret Park has a playground and Little Nini Pond for swimming\, giving families something unusually valuable at a three-day music festival: somewhere for the kids to burn off energy between sets. \nHere’s what you need to know before heading to Charlestown. \nRhythm & Roots Festival 2026 Dates and Hours\nThe 28th annual Rhythm & Roots Festival takes place Friday through Sunday\, September 4–6\, 2026\, at Ninigret Park in Charlestown. \nFestival gates are open: \nFriday\, September 4: Noon–11 p.m.\nSaturday\, September 5: Noon–11 p.m.\nSunday\, September 6: Noon–11 p.m. \nCampers can make a considerably longer weekend of it. The campground opens Thursday morning for campers holding the appropriate early-access camping ticket\, and all campsites must be cleared by noon Monday. \nFriday: St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Marty Stuart\nFriday doesn’t function as a shortened opening night. Rhythm & Roots launches with a full day of music beginning at 1 p.m. \nThe Rhythm Stage builds toward a particularly strong evening pairing. Futurebirds perform from 5 to 6:20 p.m.\, followed by Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives from 6:40 to 8:10 p.m. \nThen St. Paul & The Broken Bones closes the stage from 8:30 to 10:15 p.m. \nFriday Rhythm Stage\n1:00–2:00 p.m. — Paul Gabriel Blues Band\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Adam Ezra Group\n3:30–4:45 p.m. — Donna The Buffalo\n5:00–6:20 p.m. — Futurebirds\n6:40–8:10 p.m. — Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — St. Paul & The Broken Bones \nThe Roots Stage takes a different route through the day\, moving heavily into zydeco and Louisiana music. \nFriday Roots Stage\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Los Texmaniacs Workshop\n3:30–4:30 p.m. — Sons of Levin\n5:00–6:00 p.m. — Los Texmaniacs\n6:30–8:00 p.m. — Kindred Valley\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — The Mallett Brothers Band \nAnd then there’s the Dance Stage. This is where Rhythm & Roots begins showing why calling it simply a “concert festival” doesn’t quite capture the weekend. \nFriday Dance Stage\n1:00–2:30 p.m. — Planet Zydeco\n3:00–4:30 p.m. — Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys\n5:00–6:30 p.m. — Old-Fashioned Aces\n7:00–8:30 p.m. — Ruben Moreno\n9:00–11:00 p.m. — Pine Leaf Boys \nYou could spend the entire first day at one stage and hear a coherent afternoon of music. Or bounce among all three and make it something completely different. \nThat’s basically the Rhythm & Roots formula. \nSaturday: Tower of Power and Margo Price\nSaturday puts Tower of Power at the top of the bill\, closing the Rhythm Stage from 8:30 to 10:15 p.m. \nImmediately before them is Margo Price\, performing from 6:40 to 8:10 p.m.\, while Big Bad Voodoo Daddy takes the 5 p.m. slot. \nSaturday Rhythm Stage\n1:00–2:00 p.m. — Knickerbocker All-Stars\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Johnny Mullenax\n3:30–4:45 p.m. — Los Texmaniacs\n5:00–6:20 p.m. — Big Bad Voodoo Daddy\n6:40–8:10 p.m. — Margo Price\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — Tower of Power \nSaturday Roots Stage\nThe Roots Stage opens with two workshops before moving into a full afternoon and evening of performances. \n1:00–2:00 p.m. — Acoustic Jam Workshop\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Workshop\n3:30–4:30 p.m. — The Alpaca Gnomes\n5:00–6:00 p.m. — The Quahogs\n6:30–8:00 p.m. — Ward Hayden & The Outliers\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — Donna The Buffalo \nSaturday Dance Stage\n1:00–2:30 p.m. — Old-Fashioned Aces\n3:00–4:30 p.m. — Ruben Moreno\n5:00–6:30 p.m. — Pine Leaf Boys\n7:00–8:30 p.m. — Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble\n9:00–11:00 p.m. — Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys \nIf dancing is your reason for coming\, Saturday night is probably the night to circle. Curley Taylor leads directly into a two-hour closing set from Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys. \nSunday: The Devil Makes Three and Preservation Hall Jazz Band\nSunday doesn’t wind the festival down gently. \nThe Devil Makes Three gets the final 8:30 p.m. Rhythm Stage slot\, preceded by Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, Yonder Mountain String Band and Roomful of Blues. \nSunday Rhythm Stage\n1:00–2:00 p.m. — The Moonrise Cartel\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Canyon Lights\n3:30–4:45 p.m. — Roomful of Blues\n5:00–6:20 p.m. — Yonder Mountain String Band\n6:40–8:10 p.m. — Preservation Hall Jazz Band\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — The Devil Makes Three \nSunday Roots Stage\n1:00–2:00 p.m. — Sunday School with Christine Ohlman\n2:15–3:15 p.m. — Accordion Workshop\n3:30–4:30 p.m. — Blues Jam Workshop\n5:00–6:00 p.m. — Jason Ingriselli & The Miles North\n6:30–8:00 p.m. — The Suitcase Junket\n8:30–10:15 p.m. — Quinn Sullivan \nSunday Dance Stage\n1:00–2:30 p.m. — Pine Leaf Boys\n3:00–4:30 p.m. — Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble\n5:00–6:30 p.m. — Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys\n7:00–8:30 p.m. — Ruben Moreno\n9:00–11:00 p.m. — Old-Fashioned Aces \nOne thing worth noticing in that schedule is how frequently musicians return on different days or stages. \nThat’s intentional. Rhythm & Roots isn’t built like a typical rock festival where every band gets 45 minutes and disappears. The festival grew from Cajun\, zydeco\, bluegrass and other roots traditions where workshops\, dancing\, collaborations and repeat performances are part of the experience. \nMore Than 40 Performances Across Three Stages\nThe breadth of the lineup is probably the festival’s biggest strength. \nThere’s southern soul from St. Paul & The Broken Bones\, country and bluegrass history with Marty Stuart\, the horn-powered funk and soul of Tower of Power\, Americana from Margo Price\, traditional New Orleans jazz from Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, progressive bluegrass from Yonder Mountain String Band and the genre-blurring acoustic sound of The Devil Makes Three. \nThen follow the schedule deeper. \nYou’ll find Rhode Island’s own Roomful of Blues and Knickerbocker All-Stars\, Texas conjunto from Los Texmaniacs\, Louisiana zydeco from the Pine Leaf Boys and Curley Taylor\, Cajun music from Steve Riley & The Mamou Playboys\, plus blues\, country\, folk and regional artists throughout the weekend. \nThat’s been part of Rhythm & Roots’ identity from the beginning. The festival describes its musical territory broadly\, encompassing Cajun\, zydeco\, blues\, country\, bluegrass and Americana\, rather than forcing everything under one genre. \nRhythm & Roots Has Been Doing This Since 1998\nThere’s some real Rhode Island music history behind the weekend. \nFestival founder Chuck Wentworth spent decades immersed in roots music\, including 37 years hosting Traditions on WRIU. He became involved with Rhode Island’s Cajun & Bluegrass Festival in 1981 and eventually took responsibility for booking its performers. \nIn 1998\, Wentworth and festival producer Mary Doub revived the struggling event as Rhythm & Roots. After its first year in Escoheag\, they moved it to Ninigret Park\, where the flatter and considerably larger property offered room for multiple stages\, camping and parking. \nThe Wentworth family operated Rhythm & Roots as an independent family festival for more than two decades. \nIt very nearly ended in 2022. \nWentworth announced that health problems were forcing him to shut down Lagniappe Productions and cancel the festival. Instead\, Connecticut-based GoodWorks Entertainment acquired Rhythm & Roots and brought it back that same Labor Day weekend\, promising to preserve the community and family atmosphere Wentworth had built. \nThe 2026 festival is the 28th annual Rhythm & Roots. \nBring the Kids\nThis deserves considerably more attention than the usual “family friendly” label buried near the bottom of a festival page. \nChildren 12 and under get into Rhythm & Roots free. \nNinigret Park also has a large playground and Little Nini Pond\, a freshwater swimming area inside the park. The festival promotes the weekend as something that can work for everyone from toddlers to grandparents. \nThat changes the equation for families considering an all-day festival. \nKids don’t have to spend ten hours being told to sit quietly next to a folding chair while Mom and Dad watch bands. Break up the music with the playground or swimming\, grab something to eat\, and then head back toward the stages. \nThe festival grounds also include a Kids Tent and other activities as part of the weekend. \nFood at Rhythm & Roots\nYou could also make a pretty respectable weekend out of eating your way through the festival. \nThe announced food lineup includes: \nNewport Chowder — seafood\nAlaina’s Mobile — American\nGood Karma Cafe — coffee and beverages\nThai Jasmine — Thai\nGinger Love Cafe — Filipino street food\nThe Potato Caboose — loaded baked potatoes\nSunset Farm — hamburgers and barbecue\nThe Breachway Grill — tacos and more\nAtomic Blonde — ice cream\nDel’s Lemonade — frozen lemonade\nTimi’s Greek Food — Greek and Middle Eastern food\nKettle Korn Express — freshly made kettle corn\nTing Ting Dumplings — Asian cuisine\nChili Brothers — Cajun and Creole\nVetrano’s — pizza \nThat range isn’t accidental. Food has long been treated as another part of the Rhythm & Roots experience\, with the festival specifically seeking a mix that reflects some of the same cultural variety found on its stages. \nThere are also craft vendors selling handmade clothing\, jewelry\, artwork\, musical items and other goods\, plus official Rhythm & Roots merchandise. The festival says it generally features about 25 artisans. \nCamping at Ninigret Park\nFor some longtime attendees\, camping isn’t simply somewhere to sleep after the music. \nIt’s part of Rhythm & Roots. \nNinigret Park becomes a temporary campground exclusively for the festival\, accommodating tents\, cars\, pop-up campers and RVs on its flat grassy grounds. Festival organizers even note that performers sometimes stay in the campground\, which can lead to informal music and late-night jams after the stages shut down. \nCamping runs from Thursday at 9 a.m. through noon Monday for those holding the appropriate passes. \nThere are no utility hookups. The campground provides potable water\, portable toilets and hand-washing stations\, while showers require a separate shower pass. \nEveryone older than 12 staying in the campground needs a full festival camping ticket\, and every vehicle entering the campground requires an additional vehicle pass. \nOne important update for anyone reading this guide while considering a camping weekend: regular 2026 three-day camping passes are currently sold out through the festival’s primary ticket seller. The ticketing page directs buyers to its fan exchange for resale availability. \n  \nWhat Tickets Cost\nAs of August 15\, standard non-camping tickets remain available. \nSingle-day admission: $102\nTwo-day pass: $185\nThree-day non-camping pass: $269 \nThose prices are listed as all-in pricing\, with fees included. \nChildren 12 and younger are free. \nThree-day non-camping admission includes access to all three stages\, food and craft vendor areas\, Little Nini Pond\, the playground and other festival grounds\, along with free daily on-site parking. \nThere is also a paid Lagniappe Lounge upgrade offering early entry\, a covered area\, private bar\, air-conditioned flush toilets and a viewing platform. A regular general admission ticket is still required. \n  \nWhat You Can Bring\nFestival-goers may bring food and water in a small soft-sided cooler no larger than 18 by 12 by 12 inches. \nHard coolers and coolers on wheels aren’t allowed. \nNeither are outside alcohol or glass bottles. Potable water is available on the festival grounds for refilling bottles. \nThat’s particularly useful if you’re bringing children and planning to stay for most of the day. You don’t have to buy every snack or bottle of water inside the festival. \nParking and Getting There\nNinigret Park is in Charlestown\, just off Route 1. \nThe festival address is: \n4890A Old Post Road\nCharlestown\, RI 02813 \nStandard three-day non-camping admission includes free daily parking. Preferred parking is separately ticketed when available. \nFestival organizers specifically ask drivers not to stage or line up on Route 1 before entering the park. \nRain or Shine\nRhythm & Roots takes place rain or shine\, and tickets are non-refundable. The artist lineup is also subject to change. \nGiven that this is three days outdoors in Rhode Island at the end of summer\, checking the forecast before packing isn’t a bad idea. \nThen again\, neither is packing for two different seasons. It’s New England. \nRhythm & Roots Festival 2026 at a Glance\nDates: Friday–Sunday\, September 4–6\, 2026 \nHours: Noon–11 p.m. daily \nMusic Begins: 1 p.m. daily \nLocation: Ninigret Park \nAddress: 4890A Old Post Road\, Charlestown\, RI 02813 \nStages: Rhythm Stage\, Roots Stage and Dance Stage \nHeadliners and Featured Artists: St. Paul & The Broken Bones\, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives\, Tower of Power\, Margo Price\, The Devil Makes Three\, Preservation Hall Jazz Band\, Yonder Mountain String Band\, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy\, Donna The Buffalo\, Roomful of Blues and more \nSingle-Day Tickets: $102 \nTwo-Day Tickets: $185 \nThree-Day Non-Camping Pass: $269 \nChildren: Ages 12 and under admitted free \nParking: Free daily parking included with non-camping festival admission \nCamping: On-site camping available only with appropriate camping passes; primary 2026 camping passes are currently sold out \nFood: More than a dozen food vendors offering seafood\, barbecue\, Cajun and Creole\, Thai\, Filipino\, Greek and Middle Eastern food\, pizza\, tacos\, desserts and more \nFamily Activities: Playground\, Little Nini Pond swimming area and Kids Tent \nWeather: Rain or shine \nRefunds: No refunds \nMore Information\nComplete festival information\, including schedules\, policies\, camping details and updates\, is available on the Rhythm & Roots Festival website. \nTo purchase admission\, click the Event Ticketing link. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/rhythm-roots-festival-2026-guide-music-schedule-food-camping-more/2026-09-05/
LOCATION:Ninigret Park\, 5 Park Lane\, Charlestown\, RI\, 02813\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ninigret Park
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T170000
DTSTAMP:20260705T020852Z
CREATED:20260510T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020852Z
UID:10000472-1788606000-1788627600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history\, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit\, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition\, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia. \nThe exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years\, including the Titanic\, the Vasa\, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus\, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught\, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline. \nInteractive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios\, operate a remote underwater vehicle\, experiment with ship stability\, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts\, archaeological tools\, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade\, exploration\, disaster\, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families\, history buffs\, LEGO® fans\, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/brickwrecks-sunken-ships-in-lego-bricks-3/2026-09-05/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brickwrecks-Sunked-Ships-in-Lego-Bricks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T170000
DTSTAMP:20260903T133221Z
CREATED:20260903T133221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260903T133221Z
UID:10007438-1788602400-1788627600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Family Field Day at Mystic Seaport Museum
DESCRIPTION:Family Field Day at Mystic Seaport Museum brings sack races\, bucket brigades\, barrel rolling\, and other classic outdoor games to the Village Green on Saturday\, September 5. \nThe Labor Day weekend event is designed as an old-fashioned field day for all ages\, using the Museum’s historic Seaport Village as the backdrop for an afternoon built around simple games rather than screens or elaborate attractions. \nFamily Field Day is included with regular Mystic Seaport Museum admission\, so there is no separate event ticket required. Participants can check in at a pop-up tent on the Village Green and take home a commemorative ribbon from the day. \nSack Races\, Bucket Brigades and Barrel Rolling\nThe activities reach back to the kind of games that could once turn a schoolyard\, community picnic or town gathering into a competition. \nMystic Seaport Museum has specifically announced sack races\, bucket brigades and barrel rolling among the September 5 activities\, with additional field-day games planned. \nThe format keeps things simple and physical. \nSack races have competitors trying to hop their way across a finish line while standing inside sacks. Bucket brigades turn teamwork into the competition\, with participants working together to move water from one point to another. Barrel rolling adds a game that feels especially at home inside a recreated maritime village. \nThe Museum is describing the event as appropriate for visitors of all ages rather than limiting participation to children. \nA Field Day in the Middle of a 19th-Century Seaport\nThe location makes Family Field Day different from holding the same collection of games on a modern athletic field. \nMystic Seaport Museum’s Village Green sits within a recreated 19th-century coastal community populated with historic buildings\, working trades and waterfront spaces. \nThe Museum’s Seaport Village contains dozens of historic structures gathered from locations around New England and arranged to interpret life in a maritime community during the 1800s. \nVisitors can move between homes\, shops and trade buildings while interpreters demonstrate skills that were once part of everyday coastal life. \nFamily Field Day puts recreational activities into that setting. \nInstead of simply learning how people lived and worked in earlier generations\, families get a chance to participate in the kind of uncomplicated group play that predates modern amusement parks\, video games and organized youth sports. \nTake Home a Field Day Ribbon\nVisitors who want to participate can stop at the event’s pop-up tent to check in. \nMystic Seaport Museum says participants will be able to take home a commemorative ribbon. \nThere’s no indication that families need to arrive at a specific time or commit to an organized tournament. The activities are part of the Museum’s Labor Day weekend programming and take place during a regular day at the Museum. \nThat makes it easy to combine Field Day with the rest of a Mystic Seaport Museum visit. \nMake It a Full Museum Day\nFamily Field Day is only one part of what’s available once visitors are inside the gates. \nMystic Seaport Museum covers approximately 19 acres along the Mystic River and combines historic vessels\, exhibition galleries\, a recreated seaport village and a working preservation shipyard. \nThe centerpiece of the waterfront collection is the Charles W. Morgan\, launched in 1841 and now the world’s last surviving wooden whaleship. \nVisitors can also explore the Museum’s collection of historic watercraft and watch maritime preservation work underway at the Henry B. du Pont Preservation Shipyard. \nFor families\, the Museum also maintains hands-on and interactive experiences that connect subjects such as sailing\, maritime history and science. \nThat makes Field Day something that can be folded into a much larger day rather than necessarily being the sole reason for visiting. \nA family could spend some time competing on the Village Green\, explore the historic village\, climb aboard vessels open to visitors and continue along the waterfront. \nA Labor Day Weekend Send-Off to Summer\nThe September 5 date puts Family Field Day at the beginning of Labor Day weekend and near the unofficial end of the summer season. \nThat’s intentional. \nMystic Seaport Museum is presenting the event as a way to wrap up summer with an afternoon of outdoor play\, laughter and family activities. \nThere’s also something fitting about doing that without making the day overly complicated. \nNo specialized equipment is needed. \nThere isn’t a long schedule of performances to follow. \nAnd there’s no separate admission charge once visitors are inside the Museum. \nShow up at the Village Green\, find the Field Day check-in tent and join a game. \nFamily Field Day Is Included With Museum Admission\nThere is no additional charge for Family Field Day beyond regular Mystic Seaport Museum admission. \nVisitors do still need admission to the Museum itself. \nThe Museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.\, with the grounds remaining open until 6 p.m. \nBecause Family Field Day takes place inside the Museum\, visitors can purchase regular admission and spend the rest of the day exploring the campus before or after participating in the games. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Family Field Day\nDate: Saturday\, September 5\, 2026\nVenue: Mystic Seaport Museum\nLocation: Village Green\nAddress: 75 Greenmanville Avenue\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nMuseum Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.\nGrounds Close: 6 p.m.\nAdmission: Included with regular Mystic Seaport Museum admission\nActivities: Sack races\, bucket brigades\, barrel rolling and additional classic field-day games\nAges: All ages\nCheck-In: Pop-up tent on the Village Green\nKeepsake: Participants can take home a commemorative ribbon \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase Museum admission\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/family-field-day-at-mystic-seaport-museum/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Family-Field-Day-at-Mystic-Seaport-Museum.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T180000
DTSTAMP:20260901T212201Z
CREATED:20260901T212201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T212201Z
UID:10007307-1788598800-1788631200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill 2026: Complete Guide
DESCRIPTION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is now open for the 2026 season\, beginning another fall of fresh-pressed sweet cider\, cider donuts\, traditional hard cider\, apple wine and one of the most unusual pieces of working history in Connecticut. \nThe family-owned Old Mystic landmark opened for the season September 1 and is currently scheduled to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 129 North Stonington Road. \nBut calling Clyde’s a cider shop doesn’t quite explain why generations of families make a trip here every fall. \nThe mill has been family-owned since 1881. Fourth\, fifth and sixth generations of the family still work in the business. Apples are still crushed and pressed using historic machinery powered by steam. Visitors can watch the machinery operate\, descend into the cellar for traditional hard cider tastings\, sample apple wines in a converted grist mill and leave with a bag of cider donuts. \nClyde’s calls itself the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. \nMore precisely\, it is the last operating steam-powered cider mill in the country\, according to the mill\, and its historic cider-making machinery has been recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. \nIt isn’t a reproduction of an old cider mill. \nIt’s the real thing. \nA Mystic Fall Tradition Since 1881\nThe story begins with Benjamin F. Clyde. \nIn 1881\, Clyde began producing cider from apples he had pressed at other local mills. He eventually rented a press before purchasing his own mill in 1897. \nThe equipment that followed would become the heart of the operation visitors still come to see. \nClyde purchased a screw press manufactured by Boomer & Boschert of Syracuse\, New York. The company also supplied the apple grater\, elevator and cider pump\, along with plans for the mill building. \nThe machinery was installed in 1898. \nAt the time\, cider mills were hardly unusual in rural America. \nThey served much the same role for apple growers that grist mills did for farmers growing grain. Orchards could bring surplus apples to a centrally located mill\, where the fruit could be processed and pressed into juice. Some of that juice could then be fermented into hard cider. \nMost of those community mills disappeared. \nClyde’s didn’t. \nThe Steam-Powered Mill Is Still Working\nThat’s what makes a visit different from touring a preserved historic building. \nThe machinery still has a job. \nApples enter the cider-making system and are elevated to a grinder\, where they’re reduced to pulp. That pulp is prepared for pressing\, and the historic screw press applies the tremendous pressure needed to extract the juice. \nThe technology was impressive for its era. \nAccording to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\, the all-steel screw press could apply pressure at three speeds and represented one of the last generations of screw presses before hydraulic presses became widespread during the 20th century. \nASME designated B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1994\, recognizing the machinery as a rare survivor of an industry that was once common throughout America’s apple-growing regions. \nMore than a century after the equipment was installed\, Clyde’s still uses the mill to make cider. \nWhen Can You Watch Clyde’s Press Cider?\nVisitors don’t have to settle for looking at the machinery. \nClyde’s runs it during the season. \nThe mill’s typical pressing schedule is: \nTuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–noon\nSaturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.–noon \nThe schedule can vary because Clyde’s presses according to production needs\, so the machinery isn’t guaranteed to be running continuously throughout those periods. \nEven when the press isn’t operating\, visitors are welcome to look inside the historic press building. \nFor anyone specifically interested in seeing the steam-powered machinery at work\, a pressing morning is the best time to plan a visit. \nHow Clyde’s Makes Sweet Cider\nFresh sweet cider is the product that started everything. \nClyde’s purchases its apples from small orchards rather than operating a pick-your-own orchard of its own. The apples are processed at the mill and pressed into cider using the historic equipment. \nThe finished sweet cider is flash pasteurized on the property. \nVisitors can buy cider to take home or drink it while visiting\, and seasonal cider drinks have become part of the experience alongside the mill’s baked goods. \nThat combination has helped turn what was originally a working agricultural business into a fall destination. \nYou can come to learn how a 19th-century cider press works. \nYou can also come because you want cider and a donut. \nNeither is the wrong reason. \nAbout Those Clyde’s Cider Donuts\nFor plenty of visitors\, the steam engine has competition. \nClyde’s cider donuts have become almost as closely associated with the mill as the cider itself. \nThe store sells its well-known cider donuts along with other baked goods and seasonal treats. The selection can vary\, but the broader shop also carries jarred products\, honey from local beekeepers\, candied apples made by the family and other locally produced goods. \nIt’s part bakery\, part country store and part historic attraction. \nAnd on a busy fall weekend\, the line is evidence that plenty of people know exactly what they came for. \nThen There Is the Cider Downstairs\nThe word “cider” gets considerably more complicated at Clyde’s. \nSweet cider is only part of the story. \nClyde’s also makes traditional hard cider using a process very different from the sweeter\, carbonated canned ciders that have become common in supermarkets and bars. \nThe hard cider begins with apple juice and ferments before aging in oak whiskey barrels. \nThe process from juice to finished hard cider typically takes about a year. \nAfter fermentation and aging\, the hard cider receives relatively little filtration before being sold. That preserves more of the raw\, oaky character produced by the barrel. \nThe result is considerably stronger than many commercial hard ciders. \nClyde’s hard ciders and apple wines generally contain 12 to 14 percent alcohol. \nHard Cider vs. Apple Wine: What’s the Difference?\nThis is one of the more interesting parts of Clyde’s operation because the two products begin in essentially the same place. \nBoth the hard cider and apple wine start as fermented apple juice aged in oak whiskey barrels. \nWhat happens afterward separates them. \nClyde’s hard cider is only lightly filtered to remove sediment. That leaves it with a bolder flavor\, more pronounced oak character and more bite. \nThe apple wine receives considerably more filtration. \nThat additional processing produces a smoother\, somewhat sweeter product that is also shelf stable before opening. \nSo someone expecting Clyde’s hard cider to taste like a modern canned hard cider may be surprised. \nThis is closer to an older cider-making tradition. \nWhat’s in the Hard Cider Cellar?\nThe hard cider cellar sits underneath the press building. \nThat’s where visitors can taste Clyde’s traditional hard ciders and where the product has been made for generations. \nAvailability changes throughout the season\, but Clyde’s 2026 lineup includes several recurring varieties. \nThe Original is the starting point. It’s dry\, without added fruit flavors competing with the oak character of the barrel. \nLucky Lion is also dry and crisp\, with a character Clyde’s says some drinkers compare to Scotch. \nBlackout goes even further in that direction. It’s Clyde’s most popular hard cider and wine flavor\, with strong oak notes that the mill describes as almost reminiscent of whiskey. \nThen things get fruitier. \nBoomerang combines apple and cranberry for a tart\, sweeter cider. \nGoodfella adds blackberry and lands on the sweeter end of the lineup. \nYellow Jacket combines apple and orange\, producing some sweetness with a citrus bite. \nCherry Bomb adds another fruit-driven option. \nBecause Clyde’s rotates its hard ciders\, individual varieties can change during the season. \nThe Apple Wine List Goes Much Further\nThe wine side of the operation offers even more variety. \nClyde’s currently lists 14 apple wines\, ranging from dry expressions of apple to much sweeter fruit combinations. \nApple Wine is the driest of the wine lineup. \nSpiced Apple uses mulling spices for a distinctly fall-oriented version. \nSpider Cider combines sweetness with pumpkin spices and can be warmed or used in a hot toddy. \nStrawberry Bliss is the sweetest wine in the lineup\, combining apple and strawberry. \nBlueberry Spinner combines apple and blueberry. \nApple Raspberry leans sweet but tart. \nCider House Blend combines apple\, orange and cranberry. \nSeveral of the hard cider varieties\, including Original\, Lucky Lion\, Blackout\, Boomerang\, Goodfella and Yellow Jacket\, are also produced as wines. \nThe distinction comes back to filtration. \nSame roots. \nDifferent finish. \nYes\, You Can Taste Them for Free\nClyde’s offers separate hard cider and wine tastings throughout its season. \nAnd the tastings are free. \nNo purchase is required and no reservation is necessary. \nVisitors can sample up to four hard ciders and up to four wines at their respective tasting locations. \nHard cider tastings take place in the cellar beneath the press building. \nWine tastings are held in the tasting room\, which has its own connection to the property’s history: the building is a converted grist mill once used to produce johnnycake meal. \nTastings are first-come\, first-served. \nCurrent tasting hours are: \nMonday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\nSunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. \nEveryone participating in a tasting must show a valid ID\, regardless of age or appearance. Clyde’s does not accept expired IDs or photographs of identification. \nConnecticut alcohol rules also mean Clyde’s cannot sell its hard cider or wine before 10 a.m. on Sundays. \nA Few Clyde’s Flavors to Know Before You Taste\nIf you don’t know where to start\, the tasting bottles are generally arranged from driest to sweetest\, and the staff can help narrow the choices. \nFor something dry: Original or Apple Wine. \nFor strong oak character: Blackout. \nFor dry and crisp: Lucky Lion. \nFor tart cranberry: Boomerang. \nFor something sweeter: Goodfella. \nFor fall spice: Spiced Apple or Spider Cider. \nFor very sweet fruit: Strawberry Bliss or Blueberry Spinner. \nOne warning for anyone accustomed to mass-market hard cider: remember the alcohol content. \nAt 12 to 14 percent ABV\, Clyde’s hard cider is much closer to wine strength than a typical bottle or can of commercial cider. \nCan You Bring Back a Clyde’s Growler?\nYes. \nClyde’s sells 64-ounce growlers of hard cider and offers growler refills. \nThere are a couple of important rules. \nClyde’s refills growlers rather than exchanging them\, so customers should clean their growler before bringing it back. The mill can only refill glass growlers that have a stamped or imprinted 64-ounce measurement. \nWine cannot be used for growler fills. \nThe refill program is for hard cider. \nHard cider should also be kept cool after purchase. Clyde’s recommends refrigeration. \nThere’s More Than Cider\nThe tasting room also contains Clyde’s gift shop\, with merchandise and locally made products that can include handmade earrings\, postcards and art prints. \nElsewhere at the mill\, visitors can browse honey produced by local beekeepers\, jarred foods\, family-made candied apples\, baked goods and other seasonal products. \nThat makes it possible to spend considerably more time at Clyde’s than simply buying a gallon of cider and heading home. \nWatch the press. \nGet cider and donuts. \nExplore the store. \nGo downstairs for a hard cider tasting. \nVisit the wine tasting room. \nBrowse the gift shop. \nIt’s effectively several different experiences spread across the historic property. \nIs B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill Good for Kids?\nYes. \nClyde’s welcomes children of all ages. \nThe working mill is also an opportunity to show kids a piece of machinery doing the job it was actually designed to do more than a century ago. \nThere is no alcohol involved in the regular sweet cider\, and the bakery\, cider and mill demonstration make Clyde’s an easy family fall stop. \nJust don’t confuse the two kinds of cider. \nThe traditional hard cider and apple wines are 12 to 14 percent alcohol and are strictly for adults 21 and older. \nCan You Pick Apples at Clyde’s?\nNo. \nThis is one of the most useful things to know before making the trip. \nB.F. Clyde’s is a cider mill\, not a pick-your-own orchard. \nThe mill purchases apples from small orchards and uses them to produce its cider. \nIf apple picking is part of your fall plans\, you’ll need to visit an orchard separately. \nCan You Bring a Dog?\nYes\, with restrictions. \nLeashed pets are permitted on the grounds. \nThey aren’t allowed inside the buildings or on the porch\, and visitors need to bring whatever they need to clean up after their pets. \nParking Can Be the Hardest Part of a Fall Visit\nClyde’s popularity comes with one predictable problem. \nIt gets busy. \nThe main parking lot can fill during peak periods\, particularly on fall weekends. \nClyde’s asks visitors to try the main lot first and to respect posted no-parking areas and neighboring properties if parking along nearby roads. \nAn auxiliary lot is available at 49 North Stonington Road. It’s approximately four-tenths of a mile from the mill\, so visitors using it should expect a walk. \nIf your schedule is flexible\, a weekday visit can make the entire experience easier. \nIf you’re coming specifically to see the press operate\, Tuesday or Thursday morning offers the combination of a weekday visit and a scheduled pressing window. \nClyde’s Isn’t a Museum\, and That’s the Point\nThere are plenty of places where historic machinery survives behind ropes. \nClyde’s is different. \nBenjamin Clyde started making cider in 1881. \nHe acquired his own mill in the 1890s. \nThe equipment installed in 1898 survived the arrival of hydraulic presses\, mass food production\, supermarkets\, interstate highways and more than a century of changes in how Americans buy their food. \nThe family survived with it. \nToday\, fourth\, fifth and sixth generations are involved in the operation. \nEvery September\, the doors open again. \nApples arrive. \nThe steam-powered machinery starts moving. \nFresh cider begins flowing. \nAnd people line up for cider donuts. \nThat’s why B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is more than another place to add to a Connecticut fall checklist. It’s a piece of New England’s agricultural and industrial history that never stopped doing its job. \n2026 Visitor Guide\nAttraction: B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\n2026 Season Opening: September 1\, 2026\nCurrent Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\, seven days a week\nLocation: 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nAdmission: Free\nChildren: Welcome\nPets: Leashed pets allowed on the grounds; not inside buildings or on the porch\nApple Picking: No\nSweet Cider: Available\nCider Donuts and Baked Goods: Available\nHard Cider: Available for adults 21+\nApple Wine: Available for adults 21+\nAlcohol Content: Hard cider and wine are generally 12–14% ABV\nTastings: Free; no reservation required\nHard Cider Tastings: Cellar beneath the press building\nWine Tastings: Tasting room\nTasting Hours: Monday–Saturday\, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday\, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.\nTypical Pressing Schedule: Tuesday\, Thursday\, Saturday and Sunday\, 10 a.m.–noon\nParking: Main lot plus auxiliary parking at 49 North Stonington Road\nThanksgiving: Closed\nShipping: Not available\nPreorders/Call-Ahead Orders: Not available \nHard Cider Menu\nAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers History \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/b-f-clydes-cider-mill-2026-complete-guide/2026-09-05/
LOCATION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\, 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260905T110000
DTSTAMP:20260902T211930Z
CREATED:20260902T211930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260902T211930Z
UID:10007428-1788598800-1788606000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Run for the Hills 5K at Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Run for the Hills 5K at Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve returns Saturday\, September 5\, inviting runners and hikers onto the trails of one of East Lyme’s largest protected natural areas while raising money to maintain the land they’re traveling through. \nThe fifth annual trail race begins at 9 a.m. at the preserve in Niantic. Check-in opens at 8 a.m.\, and an awards ceremony follows at 10:30 a.m. \nThis isn’t a conventional road 5K. The approximately 3.3-mile route follows hiking trails through the preserve\, including a stretch by Clark Pond\, with exposed rocks\, roots and uneven footing along the way. Hikers are welcome to participate alongside runners. \nOnline registration is currently $30 before the registration service fee. Day-of registration is $35 cash. \nA 5K That’s Actually a Little Longer Than a 5K\nThe name is easy to remember. \nThe course isn’t quite as simple. \nRun for the Hills covers approximately 3.3 miles\, making it slightly longer than the traditional 3.1-mile 5K distance. \nMore importantly\, those miles aren’t on pavement. \nThe route follows trails within the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve\, where runners should expect exposed rocks\, tree roots and the naturally uneven surfaces of a coastal Connecticut forest. \nThat makes the event a trail race in the real sense rather than a road race that happens to pass through a park. \nThe route takes participants around the perimeter of the preserve and past Clark Pond\, combining a competitive event with an introduction to a landscape that can be surprisingly rugged considering how close it sits to downtown Niantic. \nYou Don’t Have to Run It\nOne of the more welcoming aspects of Run for the Hills is that organizers explicitly invite hikers. \nThere’s no requirement to attack the course at racing speed. \nSomeone who wants to support the preserve and experience the route at walking pace can register and hike it instead. \nThat makes sense considering the purpose of the event. \nRun for the Hills isn’t simply using the preserve as a convenient location for a race. Proceeds go directly toward maintaining the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve. \nThe land is the reason for the event. \nMore Than 450 Acres of Coastal Forest\nThe Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve protects more than 450 acres in Niantic\, creating a large block of forest remarkably close to the developed shoreline. \nVisitors find ponds and wetlands\, rocky ridges\, glacial features and stretches of forest threaded together by miles of trails. \nThe preserve’s main entrance is reached from Memorial Park Drive off Route 161\, with parking near the athletic fields. \nFor Saturday’s race\, organizers say parking will be available adjacent to the preserve. Overflow parking will be available at East Lyme Town Hall at 108 Pennsylvania Avenue. \nThe preserve is maintained with help from Friends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve\, the nonprofit organization behind Run for the Hills. \nThat maintenance takes work. \nTrails need attention. Invasive plants need to be managed. Signs and educational resources need to be maintained. Storms and erosion can create new problems. \nRun for the Hills turns one morning of recreation into a fundraiser for that continuing stewardship. \nThe Oswegatchie Hills Are Bigger Than the Existing Preserve\nThe protected nature preserve is also part of a larger environmental story. \nFor years\, conservation organizations have fought to protect additional undeveloped land in the Oswegatchie Hills overlooking the Niantic River. \nFriends of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve and Save the River-Save the Hills have worked with other conservation advocates to preserve more of the surrounding forest and prevent large-scale development in the watershed. \nThat’s where the geography becomes particularly important. \nThe hills don’t exist in isolation from the river below. \nRain falling across the landscape moves through soil\, wetlands\, streams and groundwater on its way toward the Niantic River. Forested land can absorb rainfall and slow runoff before it reaches the estuary. \nProtecting the hills therefore has implications beyond preserving hiking trails. \nIt’s also part of protecting the watershed. \nLast Year’s Race Drew More Than 120 Runners\nRun for the Hills has grown quickly. \nThe fourth annual race in 2025 drew more than 120 runners to the preserve. \nParticipants ranged from 8 to 77 years old and came from eight states\, including competitors traveling from as far away as South Carolina\, Georgia and New Hampshire. \nOrganizers reported that the race brought many first-time visitors into the preserve. \nThat may be one of the event’s most useful side effects. \nPeople can read about open-space preservation. They can look at acreage numbers on a map. \nRunning three-plus miles through the actual forest makes the thing being protected considerably less abstract. \nAwards Follow the Race\nSaturday’s schedule begins with race-day check-in at 8 a.m. \nThe race starts at 9. \nAt 10:30 a.m.\, participants will gather at the nature preserve for an awards ceremony and refreshments. \nAwards will recognize the overall first-place male and female finishers. \nThe top three men and women will also be recognized across seven age divisions: 19 and younger\, 20–29\, 30–39\, 40–49\, 50–59\, 60–69 and 70 and older. \nThe race will be professionally timed by SNERRO\, LLC. \nAnd because hikers are welcome\, nobody needs to be chasing an age-group medal to have a reason to participate. \nOne of Two Save the River-Save the Hills Events Saturday\nThe trail race isn’t the only conservation-themed event happening around the Niantic River on September 5. \nLater Saturday\, Red Lion Reggae Band is scheduled to perform at a separate Save the River-Save the Hills event on the Niantic River. \nThat event begins at 5 p.m. and is accessible by boat rather than from a conventional land-based concert venue. \nThe two events are separate and require very different plans\, but they share the same larger environmental backdrop: protecting the Oswegatchie Hills and the Niantic River watershed. \nEvent Details\nEvent: 5th Annual Run for the Hills 5K\nDate: Saturday\, September 5\, 2026\nCheck-In: 8 a.m.\nRace Start: 9 a.m.\nAwards Ceremony: 10:30 a.m.\nLocation: Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve\nAddress: 10 Memorial Park Drive\, Niantic\, CT 06357\nDistance: Approximately 3.3 miles\nCourse: Trail course with rocks\, roots and uneven terrain\nHikers: Welcome\nOnline Registration: $30 before registration service fee\nDay-of Registration: $35 cash\nParking: Adjacent to the preserve\nOverflow Parking: East Lyme Town Hall\, 108 Pennsylvania Avenue\, Niantic\nTiming: SNERRO\, LLC\nBeneficiary: Maintenance of the Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo register\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n  \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/run-for-the-hills-5k-at-oswegatchie-hills-nature-preserve/
LOCATION:Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve\, 10 Memorial Park Drive\, Niantic\, 06357\, United States
CATEGORIES:Oswegatchie Hills Nature Preserve
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Run-for-the-Hills-5K-at-Oswegatchie-Hills-Nature-Preserve.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260904T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260904T210000
DTSTAMP:20260901T003300Z
CREATED:20260831T181048Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T003300Z
UID:10007289-1788548400-1788555600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Moth Ball at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
DESCRIPTION:Moth Ball at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center turns the lights on after dark Friday\, September 4\, for a hands-on look at the surprisingly diverse world of moths living around Mystic. \nFrom 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.\, DPNC will set up illuminated sheets and wait to see what flies in. Participants won’t simply watch. They’ll help count and catalog the moths that arrive\, take a nighttime nature walk and learn more about insects that spend much of their lives unnoticed by us. \nAnd that’s part of the fun. \nNobody knows exactly who is coming to the Moth Ball. \nButterflies Get the Day Shift\nButterflies have a considerable public-relations advantage over moths. \nThey’re out when we are. \nWe see monarchs crossing a meadow\, swallowtails visiting flowers and little skippers bouncing around the garden. We photograph them\, plant gardens for them and generally agree that butterflies are among the insects we’re happy to have around. \nThen the sun goes down. \nThat’s when an enormous part of the Lepidoptera world takes over. \nMoths and butterflies belong to the same insect order\, Lepidoptera\, but moths account for the overwhelming majority of its species. And the little brown moth bouncing against the porch light represents only a tiny fraction of what they can look like. \nConnecticut is home to moths that can be green\, pink\, orange\, yellow or patterned with elaborate eyespots. Some are barely noticed. Others can be startlingly large. \nMoth Ball is designed to find out which ones are flying around the Nature Center on one September night. \nTurn On a Light and See Who Arrives\nThe setup is wonderfully simple. \nDPNC will use custom light sheets to observe moths after dark. \nA bright light illuminates a pale sheet\, creating a large surface where visiting insects can land and be examined without disappearing against leaves\, bark and the darkness surrounding them. \nThen you wait. \nMoths and other nocturnal insects begin arriving\, turning a blank piece of fabric into a temporary field station. \nParticipants can get close enough to examine patterns\, body shapes\, antennae and other characteristics that would be nearly impossible to study while an insect is flying through the woods. \nDPNC will use the evening as an actual hands-on survey\, with visitors helping count and catalog what appears. \nThe night’s species list won’t be known until the moths write it themselves. \nWhy Do Moths Fly Toward Lights?\nEveryone has seen it happen. \nTurn on a porch light and sooner or later something starts circling it. \nThe familiar explanation is that moths are simply “attracted to light\,” but scientists have found that the behavior is more complicated. \nNocturnal insects evolved in a world where the brightest objects in the night sky were extremely far away. Researchers have investigated how moths and other insects use natural light for orientation and why nearby artificial lights disrupt that behavior. \nRecent research suggests artificial light can interfere with an insect’s ability to maintain its normal orientation to the sky\, causing it to repeatedly turn around or circle the source rather than deliberately flying straight toward it. \nFor naturalists\, that confusion has an unintended benefit. \nLight becomes a remarkably effective tool for seeing animals that would otherwise remain hidden in the dark. \nThe Giants of Connecticut’s Moth World\nThere’s no guarantee that one of Connecticut’s spectacular giant silk moths will appear at Moth Ball. \nBut they’re out there. \nThe state is home to species including the luna\, cecropia\, polyphemus and promethea moths. \nThe cecropia is the largest native moth in North America\, with a wingspan that can reach roughly six inches. \nPolyphemus moths carry enormous eyespots on their hindwings. Their name comes from Polyphemus\, the one-eyed Cyclops of Greek mythology. \nThen there’s the luna. \nFew insects look quite like it. \nA luna moth has large pale-green wings\, prominent eyespots and sweeping tails extending from its hindwings. An adult can span several inches from wingtip to wingtip. \nThose long tails aren’t simply ornamental. \nResearch indicates that they can help defend luna moths against one of their major nighttime predators: bats. The twisting tails can interfere with a bat’s echolocation attack\, potentially drawing the strike away from the moth’s body. \nIt’s a remarkable defense system happening in darkness where most people never see it. \nThe Moth That Doesn’t Stop for Dinner\nThe adult luna moth has another unusual characteristic. \nIt doesn’t eat. \nOnce the moth emerges from its cocoon\, its digestive system is essentially finished with its job. The adult has no functional mouthparts for feeding. \nAll of the energy it will have as an adult was stored while it was a caterpillar. \nThat doesn’t leave much time. \nThe adult stage generally lasts only about a week. Its purpose is to find a mate and reproduce before that stored energy is exhausted. \nThink about that the next time you see a luna moth resting beneath a light. \nYou’re looking at a very brief chapter of a much longer life cycle. \nMoths Have a Night Job\nMoths aren’t simply nighttime butterflies. \nThey also perform important work in the ecosystem. \nMany species visit flowers and move pollen between plants after daytime pollinators have stopped working. Their caterpillars consume vegetation and\, in turn\, become an important food source for other animals. \nBirds depend heavily on caterpillars when feeding their young. \nAdult moths become prey for bats\, birds\, spiders and other animals. \nThat puts moths in the middle of a much larger food web. \nTake away the moths and you haven’t simply lost some insects around the porch light. You’ve removed food from animals higher up the chain and pollinators from plants that depend on nighttime visitors. \nA Nature Center After Dark\nThe setting makes Moth Ball particularly interesting. \nDenison Pequotsepos Nature Center protects a landscape of forest\, meadow and wetland habitat in Mystic. Together with its other properties\, DPNC provides more than 10 miles of trails and hundreds of acres of protected habitat. \nMost visitors experience those woods during daylight. \nMoth Ball offers a different shift. \nThe program includes a nature walk after dark\, along with a short presentation and craft. But the light sheets provide the evening’s experiment. \nSet them up. \nTurn on the lights. \nAnd watch the surrounding habitat begin revealing animals that were there all along. \nWho Will Come to the Moth Ball?\nThat’s the question DPNC can’t answer in advance. \nMaybe the sheets will fill with small moths that take some work to identify. \nMaybe something colorful arrives. \nMaybe a sphinx moth makes an appearance. \nMaybe one of the giant silk moths turns up. \nOr maybe the most interesting insect of the night is a species nobody walking in expected to see. \nThat’s different from visiting a zoo or nature exhibit where the animals are already waiting. \nAt Moth Ball\, nothing has been placed on display. \nThe insects are wild. \nThe woods are open. \nAnd the guest list is entirely up to them. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Moth Ball\nDate: Friday\, September 4\, 2026\nTime: 7:15–9:15 p.m.\nLocation: Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\nAddress: 109 Pequotsepos Road\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nDPNC Members: $12.75\nNonmembers: $15\nActivities: Moth observation\, counting and cataloging\, presentation\, nature walk and craft\nMoth Observation: Custom illuminated light sheets\nRegistration: Preregistration required\nEvent Categories: Families\, Walk \nMoth Ball at Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center takes visitors into the nighttime world of Mystic’s moths with illuminated observation sheets\, a nature walk and a hands-on effort to count and catalog whatever species arrive. \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/moth-ball-at-denison-pequotsepos-nature-center/
LOCATION:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center\, 109 Pequotsepos Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260904T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260904T170000
DTSTAMP:20260705T020852Z
CREATED:20260510T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020852Z
UID:10000471-1788519600-1788541200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history\, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit\, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition\, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia. \nThe exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years\, including the Titanic\, the Vasa\, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus\, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught\, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline. \nInteractive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios\, operate a remote underwater vehicle\, experiment with ship stability\, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts\, archaeological tools\, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade\, exploration\, disaster\, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families\, history buffs\, LEGO® fans\, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/brickwrecks-sunken-ships-in-lego-bricks-3/2026-09-04/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brickwrecks-Sunked-Ships-in-Lego-Bricks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260904T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260904T180000
DTSTAMP:20260901T212201Z
CREATED:20260901T212201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T212201Z
UID:10007306-1788512400-1788544800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill 2026: Complete Guide
DESCRIPTION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is now open for the 2026 season\, beginning another fall of fresh-pressed sweet cider\, cider donuts\, traditional hard cider\, apple wine and one of the most unusual pieces of working history in Connecticut. \nThe family-owned Old Mystic landmark opened for the season September 1 and is currently scheduled to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 129 North Stonington Road. \nBut calling Clyde’s a cider shop doesn’t quite explain why generations of families make a trip here every fall. \nThe mill has been family-owned since 1881. Fourth\, fifth and sixth generations of the family still work in the business. Apples are still crushed and pressed using historic machinery powered by steam. Visitors can watch the machinery operate\, descend into the cellar for traditional hard cider tastings\, sample apple wines in a converted grist mill and leave with a bag of cider donuts. \nClyde’s calls itself the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. \nMore precisely\, it is the last operating steam-powered cider mill in the country\, according to the mill\, and its historic cider-making machinery has been recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. \nIt isn’t a reproduction of an old cider mill. \nIt’s the real thing. \nA Mystic Fall Tradition Since 1881\nThe story begins with Benjamin F. Clyde. \nIn 1881\, Clyde began producing cider from apples he had pressed at other local mills. He eventually rented a press before purchasing his own mill in 1897. \nThe equipment that followed would become the heart of the operation visitors still come to see. \nClyde purchased a screw press manufactured by Boomer & Boschert of Syracuse\, New York. The company also supplied the apple grater\, elevator and cider pump\, along with plans for the mill building. \nThe machinery was installed in 1898. \nAt the time\, cider mills were hardly unusual in rural America. \nThey served much the same role for apple growers that grist mills did for farmers growing grain. Orchards could bring surplus apples to a centrally located mill\, where the fruit could be processed and pressed into juice. Some of that juice could then be fermented into hard cider. \nMost of those community mills disappeared. \nClyde’s didn’t. \nThe Steam-Powered Mill Is Still Working\nThat’s what makes a visit different from touring a preserved historic building. \nThe machinery still has a job. \nApples enter the cider-making system and are elevated to a grinder\, where they’re reduced to pulp. That pulp is prepared for pressing\, and the historic screw press applies the tremendous pressure needed to extract the juice. \nThe technology was impressive for its era. \nAccording to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\, the all-steel screw press could apply pressure at three speeds and represented one of the last generations of screw presses before hydraulic presses became widespread during the 20th century. \nASME designated B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1994\, recognizing the machinery as a rare survivor of an industry that was once common throughout America’s apple-growing regions. \nMore than a century after the equipment was installed\, Clyde’s still uses the mill to make cider. \nWhen Can You Watch Clyde’s Press Cider?\nVisitors don’t have to settle for looking at the machinery. \nClyde’s runs it during the season. \nThe mill’s typical pressing schedule is: \nTuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–noon\nSaturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.–noon \nThe schedule can vary because Clyde’s presses according to production needs\, so the machinery isn’t guaranteed to be running continuously throughout those periods. \nEven when the press isn’t operating\, visitors are welcome to look inside the historic press building. \nFor anyone specifically interested in seeing the steam-powered machinery at work\, a pressing morning is the best time to plan a visit. \nHow Clyde’s Makes Sweet Cider\nFresh sweet cider is the product that started everything. \nClyde’s purchases its apples from small orchards rather than operating a pick-your-own orchard of its own. The apples are processed at the mill and pressed into cider using the historic equipment. \nThe finished sweet cider is flash pasteurized on the property. \nVisitors can buy cider to take home or drink it while visiting\, and seasonal cider drinks have become part of the experience alongside the mill’s baked goods. \nThat combination has helped turn what was originally a working agricultural business into a fall destination. \nYou can come to learn how a 19th-century cider press works. \nYou can also come because you want cider and a donut. \nNeither is the wrong reason. \nAbout Those Clyde’s Cider Donuts\nFor plenty of visitors\, the steam engine has competition. \nClyde’s cider donuts have become almost as closely associated with the mill as the cider itself. \nThe store sells its well-known cider donuts along with other baked goods and seasonal treats. The selection can vary\, but the broader shop also carries jarred products\, honey from local beekeepers\, candied apples made by the family and other locally produced goods. \nIt’s part bakery\, part country store and part historic attraction. \nAnd on a busy fall weekend\, the line is evidence that plenty of people know exactly what they came for. \nThen There Is the Cider Downstairs\nThe word “cider” gets considerably more complicated at Clyde’s. \nSweet cider is only part of the story. \nClyde’s also makes traditional hard cider using a process very different from the sweeter\, carbonated canned ciders that have become common in supermarkets and bars. \nThe hard cider begins with apple juice and ferments before aging in oak whiskey barrels. \nThe process from juice to finished hard cider typically takes about a year. \nAfter fermentation and aging\, the hard cider receives relatively little filtration before being sold. That preserves more of the raw\, oaky character produced by the barrel. \nThe result is considerably stronger than many commercial hard ciders. \nClyde’s hard ciders and apple wines generally contain 12 to 14 percent alcohol. \nHard Cider vs. Apple Wine: What’s the Difference?\nThis is one of the more interesting parts of Clyde’s operation because the two products begin in essentially the same place. \nBoth the hard cider and apple wine start as fermented apple juice aged in oak whiskey barrels. \nWhat happens afterward separates them. \nClyde’s hard cider is only lightly filtered to remove sediment. That leaves it with a bolder flavor\, more pronounced oak character and more bite. \nThe apple wine receives considerably more filtration. \nThat additional processing produces a smoother\, somewhat sweeter product that is also shelf stable before opening. \nSo someone expecting Clyde’s hard cider to taste like a modern canned hard cider may be surprised. \nThis is closer to an older cider-making tradition. \nWhat’s in the Hard Cider Cellar?\nThe hard cider cellar sits underneath the press building. \nThat’s where visitors can taste Clyde’s traditional hard ciders and where the product has been made for generations. \nAvailability changes throughout the season\, but Clyde’s 2026 lineup includes several recurring varieties. \nThe Original is the starting point. It’s dry\, without added fruit flavors competing with the oak character of the barrel. \nLucky Lion is also dry and crisp\, with a character Clyde’s says some drinkers compare to Scotch. \nBlackout goes even further in that direction. It’s Clyde’s most popular hard cider and wine flavor\, with strong oak notes that the mill describes as almost reminiscent of whiskey. \nThen things get fruitier. \nBoomerang combines apple and cranberry for a tart\, sweeter cider. \nGoodfella adds blackberry and lands on the sweeter end of the lineup. \nYellow Jacket combines apple and orange\, producing some sweetness with a citrus bite. \nCherry Bomb adds another fruit-driven option. \nBecause Clyde’s rotates its hard ciders\, individual varieties can change during the season. \nThe Apple Wine List Goes Much Further\nThe wine side of the operation offers even more variety. \nClyde’s currently lists 14 apple wines\, ranging from dry expressions of apple to much sweeter fruit combinations. \nApple Wine is the driest of the wine lineup. \nSpiced Apple uses mulling spices for a distinctly fall-oriented version. \nSpider Cider combines sweetness with pumpkin spices and can be warmed or used in a hot toddy. \nStrawberry Bliss is the sweetest wine in the lineup\, combining apple and strawberry. \nBlueberry Spinner combines apple and blueberry. \nApple Raspberry leans sweet but tart. \nCider House Blend combines apple\, orange and cranberry. \nSeveral of the hard cider varieties\, including Original\, Lucky Lion\, Blackout\, Boomerang\, Goodfella and Yellow Jacket\, are also produced as wines. \nThe distinction comes back to filtration. \nSame roots. \nDifferent finish. \nYes\, You Can Taste Them for Free\nClyde’s offers separate hard cider and wine tastings throughout its season. \nAnd the tastings are free. \nNo purchase is required and no reservation is necessary. \nVisitors can sample up to four hard ciders and up to four wines at their respective tasting locations. \nHard cider tastings take place in the cellar beneath the press building. \nWine tastings are held in the tasting room\, which has its own connection to the property’s history: the building is a converted grist mill once used to produce johnnycake meal. \nTastings are first-come\, first-served. \nCurrent tasting hours are: \nMonday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\nSunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. \nEveryone participating in a tasting must show a valid ID\, regardless of age or appearance. Clyde’s does not accept expired IDs or photographs of identification. \nConnecticut alcohol rules also mean Clyde’s cannot sell its hard cider or wine before 10 a.m. on Sundays. \nA Few Clyde’s Flavors to Know Before You Taste\nIf you don’t know where to start\, the tasting bottles are generally arranged from driest to sweetest\, and the staff can help narrow the choices. \nFor something dry: Original or Apple Wine. \nFor strong oak character: Blackout. \nFor dry and crisp: Lucky Lion. \nFor tart cranberry: Boomerang. \nFor something sweeter: Goodfella. \nFor fall spice: Spiced Apple or Spider Cider. \nFor very sweet fruit: Strawberry Bliss or Blueberry Spinner. \nOne warning for anyone accustomed to mass-market hard cider: remember the alcohol content. \nAt 12 to 14 percent ABV\, Clyde’s hard cider is much closer to wine strength than a typical bottle or can of commercial cider. \nCan You Bring Back a Clyde’s Growler?\nYes. \nClyde’s sells 64-ounce growlers of hard cider and offers growler refills. \nThere are a couple of important rules. \nClyde’s refills growlers rather than exchanging them\, so customers should clean their growler before bringing it back. The mill can only refill glass growlers that have a stamped or imprinted 64-ounce measurement. \nWine cannot be used for growler fills. \nThe refill program is for hard cider. \nHard cider should also be kept cool after purchase. Clyde’s recommends refrigeration. \nThere’s More Than Cider\nThe tasting room also contains Clyde’s gift shop\, with merchandise and locally made products that can include handmade earrings\, postcards and art prints. \nElsewhere at the mill\, visitors can browse honey produced by local beekeepers\, jarred foods\, family-made candied apples\, baked goods and other seasonal products. \nThat makes it possible to spend considerably more time at Clyde’s than simply buying a gallon of cider and heading home. \nWatch the press. \nGet cider and donuts. \nExplore the store. \nGo downstairs for a hard cider tasting. \nVisit the wine tasting room. \nBrowse the gift shop. \nIt’s effectively several different experiences spread across the historic property. \nIs B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill Good for Kids?\nYes. \nClyde’s welcomes children of all ages. \nThe working mill is also an opportunity to show kids a piece of machinery doing the job it was actually designed to do more than a century ago. \nThere is no alcohol involved in the regular sweet cider\, and the bakery\, cider and mill demonstration make Clyde’s an easy family fall stop. \nJust don’t confuse the two kinds of cider. \nThe traditional hard cider and apple wines are 12 to 14 percent alcohol and are strictly for adults 21 and older. \nCan You Pick Apples at Clyde’s?\nNo. \nThis is one of the most useful things to know before making the trip. \nB.F. Clyde’s is a cider mill\, not a pick-your-own orchard. \nThe mill purchases apples from small orchards and uses them to produce its cider. \nIf apple picking is part of your fall plans\, you’ll need to visit an orchard separately. \nCan You Bring a Dog?\nYes\, with restrictions. \nLeashed pets are permitted on the grounds. \nThey aren’t allowed inside the buildings or on the porch\, and visitors need to bring whatever they need to clean up after their pets. \nParking Can Be the Hardest Part of a Fall Visit\nClyde’s popularity comes with one predictable problem. \nIt gets busy. \nThe main parking lot can fill during peak periods\, particularly on fall weekends. \nClyde’s asks visitors to try the main lot first and to respect posted no-parking areas and neighboring properties if parking along nearby roads. \nAn auxiliary lot is available at 49 North Stonington Road. It’s approximately four-tenths of a mile from the mill\, so visitors using it should expect a walk. \nIf your schedule is flexible\, a weekday visit can make the entire experience easier. \nIf you’re coming specifically to see the press operate\, Tuesday or Thursday morning offers the combination of a weekday visit and a scheduled pressing window. \nClyde’s Isn’t a Museum\, and That’s the Point\nThere are plenty of places where historic machinery survives behind ropes. \nClyde’s is different. \nBenjamin Clyde started making cider in 1881. \nHe acquired his own mill in the 1890s. \nThe equipment installed in 1898 survived the arrival of hydraulic presses\, mass food production\, supermarkets\, interstate highways and more than a century of changes in how Americans buy their food. \nThe family survived with it. \nToday\, fourth\, fifth and sixth generations are involved in the operation. \nEvery September\, the doors open again. \nApples arrive. \nThe steam-powered machinery starts moving. \nFresh cider begins flowing. \nAnd people line up for cider donuts. \nThat’s why B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is more than another place to add to a Connecticut fall checklist. It’s a piece of New England’s agricultural and industrial history that never stopped doing its job. \n2026 Visitor Guide\nAttraction: B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\n2026 Season Opening: September 1\, 2026\nCurrent Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\, seven days a week\nLocation: 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nAdmission: Free\nChildren: Welcome\nPets: Leashed pets allowed on the grounds; not inside buildings or on the porch\nApple Picking: No\nSweet Cider: Available\nCider Donuts and Baked Goods: Available\nHard Cider: Available for adults 21+\nApple Wine: Available for adults 21+\nAlcohol Content: Hard cider and wine are generally 12–14% ABV\nTastings: Free; no reservation required\nHard Cider Tastings: Cellar beneath the press building\nWine Tastings: Tasting room\nTasting Hours: Monday–Saturday\, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday\, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.\nTypical Pressing Schedule: Tuesday\, Thursday\, Saturday and Sunday\, 10 a.m.–noon\nParking: Main lot plus auxiliary parking at 49 North Stonington Road\nThanksgiving: Closed\nShipping: Not available\nPreorders/Call-Ahead Orders: Not available \nHard Cider Menu\nAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers History \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/b-f-clydes-cider-mill-2026-complete-guide/2026-09-04/
LOCATION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\, 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BF-Clydes-Cider-Mill-2026-Complete-Guide.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T170000
DTSTAMP:20260705T020852Z
CREATED:20260510T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020852Z
UID:10000470-1788433200-1788454800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history\, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit\, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition\, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia. \nThe exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years\, including the Titanic\, the Vasa\, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus\, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught\, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline. \nInteractive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios\, operate a remote underwater vehicle\, experiment with ship stability\, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts\, archaeological tools\, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade\, exploration\, disaster\, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families\, history buffs\, LEGO® fans\, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/brickwrecks-sunken-ships-in-lego-bricks-3/2026-09-03/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brickwrecks-Sunked-Ships-in-Lego-Bricks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T180000
DTSTAMP:20260804T232003Z
CREATED:20260804T232003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T232003Z
UID:10007096-1788429600-1788458400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:The Dinosaur Place Roaring Good Deal
DESCRIPTION:Available at the popular Montville attraction inside Nature’s Art Village\, the promotion makes it even easier to spend a day exploring one of New England’s largest dinosaur-themed adventure parks. \nThe Dinosaur Place features more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs spread across miles of wooded nature trails\, along with one of the region’s largest zero-depth splash pads\, multiple playgrounds\, maze attractions\, picnic areas\, and family-friendly activities. Children can climb\, splash\, explore\, and imagine themselves in a prehistoric world while parents enjoy a full day of outdoor recreation. \nTo receive the discount\, guests must purchase tickets online and enter the promotional code DinoDeal26 during checkout. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday only and cannot be redeemed at the gate. Whether you’re planning a family outing\, entertaining visiting grandchildren\, or simply looking for an affordable weekday adventure\, the Roaring Good Deal makes one of southeastern Connecticut’s most popular attractions even more accessible. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Roaring Good Deal – Save 15% at The Dinosaur Place \nDates: Mondays through Thursdays \nHours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. \nLocation:\nThe Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village\n1650 Route 85\nMontville\, CT 06370 \nDiscount: 15% off online admission \nPromo Code: DinoDeal26 \nHow to Redeem: Purchase tickets online and enter the promotional code during checkout. \nMore Information\nAdditional information\, current operating dates\, and online ticket purchases are available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/the-dinosaur-place-roaring-good-deal/2026-09-03/
LOCATION:The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village\, 1650 Hartford-New London Tpke\, Montville\, 06370\, United States
CATEGORIES:The Dinosaur Place
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Dinosaur-Place-Roaring-Good-Deal-Monday-Thursday-All-Summer-Long.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T180000
DTSTAMP:20260901T212201Z
CREATED:20260901T212201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T212201Z
UID:10007305-1788426000-1788458400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill 2026: Complete Guide
DESCRIPTION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is now open for the 2026 season\, beginning another fall of fresh-pressed sweet cider\, cider donuts\, traditional hard cider\, apple wine and one of the most unusual pieces of working history in Connecticut. \nThe family-owned Old Mystic landmark opened for the season September 1 and is currently scheduled to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 129 North Stonington Road. \nBut calling Clyde’s a cider shop doesn’t quite explain why generations of families make a trip here every fall. \nThe mill has been family-owned since 1881. Fourth\, fifth and sixth generations of the family still work in the business. Apples are still crushed and pressed using historic machinery powered by steam. Visitors can watch the machinery operate\, descend into the cellar for traditional hard cider tastings\, sample apple wines in a converted grist mill and leave with a bag of cider donuts. \nClyde’s calls itself the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. \nMore precisely\, it is the last operating steam-powered cider mill in the country\, according to the mill\, and its historic cider-making machinery has been recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. \nIt isn’t a reproduction of an old cider mill. \nIt’s the real thing. \nA Mystic Fall Tradition Since 1881\nThe story begins with Benjamin F. Clyde. \nIn 1881\, Clyde began producing cider from apples he had pressed at other local mills. He eventually rented a press before purchasing his own mill in 1897. \nThe equipment that followed would become the heart of the operation visitors still come to see. \nClyde purchased a screw press manufactured by Boomer & Boschert of Syracuse\, New York. The company also supplied the apple grater\, elevator and cider pump\, along with plans for the mill building. \nThe machinery was installed in 1898. \nAt the time\, cider mills were hardly unusual in rural America. \nThey served much the same role for apple growers that grist mills did for farmers growing grain. Orchards could bring surplus apples to a centrally located mill\, where the fruit could be processed and pressed into juice. Some of that juice could then be fermented into hard cider. \nMost of those community mills disappeared. \nClyde’s didn’t. \nThe Steam-Powered Mill Is Still Working\nThat’s what makes a visit different from touring a preserved historic building. \nThe machinery still has a job. \nApples enter the cider-making system and are elevated to a grinder\, where they’re reduced to pulp. That pulp is prepared for pressing\, and the historic screw press applies the tremendous pressure needed to extract the juice. \nThe technology was impressive for its era. \nAccording to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\, the all-steel screw press could apply pressure at three speeds and represented one of the last generations of screw presses before hydraulic presses became widespread during the 20th century. \nASME designated B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1994\, recognizing the machinery as a rare survivor of an industry that was once common throughout America’s apple-growing regions. \nMore than a century after the equipment was installed\, Clyde’s still uses the mill to make cider. \nWhen Can You Watch Clyde’s Press Cider?\nVisitors don’t have to settle for looking at the machinery. \nClyde’s runs it during the season. \nThe mill’s typical pressing schedule is: \nTuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–noon\nSaturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.–noon \nThe schedule can vary because Clyde’s presses according to production needs\, so the machinery isn’t guaranteed to be running continuously throughout those periods. \nEven when the press isn’t operating\, visitors are welcome to look inside the historic press building. \nFor anyone specifically interested in seeing the steam-powered machinery at work\, a pressing morning is the best time to plan a visit. \nHow Clyde’s Makes Sweet Cider\nFresh sweet cider is the product that started everything. \nClyde’s purchases its apples from small orchards rather than operating a pick-your-own orchard of its own. The apples are processed at the mill and pressed into cider using the historic equipment. \nThe finished sweet cider is flash pasteurized on the property. \nVisitors can buy cider to take home or drink it while visiting\, and seasonal cider drinks have become part of the experience alongside the mill’s baked goods. \nThat combination has helped turn what was originally a working agricultural business into a fall destination. \nYou can come to learn how a 19th-century cider press works. \nYou can also come because you want cider and a donut. \nNeither is the wrong reason. \nAbout Those Clyde’s Cider Donuts\nFor plenty of visitors\, the steam engine has competition. \nClyde’s cider donuts have become almost as closely associated with the mill as the cider itself. \nThe store sells its well-known cider donuts along with other baked goods and seasonal treats. The selection can vary\, but the broader shop also carries jarred products\, honey from local beekeepers\, candied apples made by the family and other locally produced goods. \nIt’s part bakery\, part country store and part historic attraction. \nAnd on a busy fall weekend\, the line is evidence that plenty of people know exactly what they came for. \nThen There Is the Cider Downstairs\nThe word “cider” gets considerably more complicated at Clyde’s. \nSweet cider is only part of the story. \nClyde’s also makes traditional hard cider using a process very different from the sweeter\, carbonated canned ciders that have become common in supermarkets and bars. \nThe hard cider begins with apple juice and ferments before aging in oak whiskey barrels. \nThe process from juice to finished hard cider typically takes about a year. \nAfter fermentation and aging\, the hard cider receives relatively little filtration before being sold. That preserves more of the raw\, oaky character produced by the barrel. \nThe result is considerably stronger than many commercial hard ciders. \nClyde’s hard ciders and apple wines generally contain 12 to 14 percent alcohol. \nHard Cider vs. Apple Wine: What’s the Difference?\nThis is one of the more interesting parts of Clyde’s operation because the two products begin in essentially the same place. \nBoth the hard cider and apple wine start as fermented apple juice aged in oak whiskey barrels. \nWhat happens afterward separates them. \nClyde’s hard cider is only lightly filtered to remove sediment. That leaves it with a bolder flavor\, more pronounced oak character and more bite. \nThe apple wine receives considerably more filtration. \nThat additional processing produces a smoother\, somewhat sweeter product that is also shelf stable before opening. \nSo someone expecting Clyde’s hard cider to taste like a modern canned hard cider may be surprised. \nThis is closer to an older cider-making tradition. \nWhat’s in the Hard Cider Cellar?\nThe hard cider cellar sits underneath the press building. \nThat’s where visitors can taste Clyde’s traditional hard ciders and where the product has been made for generations. \nAvailability changes throughout the season\, but Clyde’s 2026 lineup includes several recurring varieties. \nThe Original is the starting point. It’s dry\, without added fruit flavors competing with the oak character of the barrel. \nLucky Lion is also dry and crisp\, with a character Clyde’s says some drinkers compare to Scotch. \nBlackout goes even further in that direction. It’s Clyde’s most popular hard cider and wine flavor\, with strong oak notes that the mill describes as almost reminiscent of whiskey. \nThen things get fruitier. \nBoomerang combines apple and cranberry for a tart\, sweeter cider. \nGoodfella adds blackberry and lands on the sweeter end of the lineup. \nYellow Jacket combines apple and orange\, producing some sweetness with a citrus bite. \nCherry Bomb adds another fruit-driven option. \nBecause Clyde’s rotates its hard ciders\, individual varieties can change during the season. \nThe Apple Wine List Goes Much Further\nThe wine side of the operation offers even more variety. \nClyde’s currently lists 14 apple wines\, ranging from dry expressions of apple to much sweeter fruit combinations. \nApple Wine is the driest of the wine lineup. \nSpiced Apple uses mulling spices for a distinctly fall-oriented version. \nSpider Cider combines sweetness with pumpkin spices and can be warmed or used in a hot toddy. \nStrawberry Bliss is the sweetest wine in the lineup\, combining apple and strawberry. \nBlueberry Spinner combines apple and blueberry. \nApple Raspberry leans sweet but tart. \nCider House Blend combines apple\, orange and cranberry. \nSeveral of the hard cider varieties\, including Original\, Lucky Lion\, Blackout\, Boomerang\, Goodfella and Yellow Jacket\, are also produced as wines. \nThe distinction comes back to filtration. \nSame roots. \nDifferent finish. \nYes\, You Can Taste Them for Free\nClyde’s offers separate hard cider and wine tastings throughout its season. \nAnd the tastings are free. \nNo purchase is required and no reservation is necessary. \nVisitors can sample up to four hard ciders and up to four wines at their respective tasting locations. \nHard cider tastings take place in the cellar beneath the press building. \nWine tastings are held in the tasting room\, which has its own connection to the property’s history: the building is a converted grist mill once used to produce johnnycake meal. \nTastings are first-come\, first-served. \nCurrent tasting hours are: \nMonday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\nSunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. \nEveryone participating in a tasting must show a valid ID\, regardless of age or appearance. Clyde’s does not accept expired IDs or photographs of identification. \nConnecticut alcohol rules also mean Clyde’s cannot sell its hard cider or wine before 10 a.m. on Sundays. \nA Few Clyde’s Flavors to Know Before You Taste\nIf you don’t know where to start\, the tasting bottles are generally arranged from driest to sweetest\, and the staff can help narrow the choices. \nFor something dry: Original or Apple Wine. \nFor strong oak character: Blackout. \nFor dry and crisp: Lucky Lion. \nFor tart cranberry: Boomerang. \nFor something sweeter: Goodfella. \nFor fall spice: Spiced Apple or Spider Cider. \nFor very sweet fruit: Strawberry Bliss or Blueberry Spinner. \nOne warning for anyone accustomed to mass-market hard cider: remember the alcohol content. \nAt 12 to 14 percent ABV\, Clyde’s hard cider is much closer to wine strength than a typical bottle or can of commercial cider. \nCan You Bring Back a Clyde’s Growler?\nYes. \nClyde’s sells 64-ounce growlers of hard cider and offers growler refills. \nThere are a couple of important rules. \nClyde’s refills growlers rather than exchanging them\, so customers should clean their growler before bringing it back. The mill can only refill glass growlers that have a stamped or imprinted 64-ounce measurement. \nWine cannot be used for growler fills. \nThe refill program is for hard cider. \nHard cider should also be kept cool after purchase. Clyde’s recommends refrigeration. \nThere’s More Than Cider\nThe tasting room also contains Clyde’s gift shop\, with merchandise and locally made products that can include handmade earrings\, postcards and art prints. \nElsewhere at the mill\, visitors can browse honey produced by local beekeepers\, jarred foods\, family-made candied apples\, baked goods and other seasonal products. \nThat makes it possible to spend considerably more time at Clyde’s than simply buying a gallon of cider and heading home. \nWatch the press. \nGet cider and donuts. \nExplore the store. \nGo downstairs for a hard cider tasting. \nVisit the wine tasting room. \nBrowse the gift shop. \nIt’s effectively several different experiences spread across the historic property. \nIs B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill Good for Kids?\nYes. \nClyde’s welcomes children of all ages. \nThe working mill is also an opportunity to show kids a piece of machinery doing the job it was actually designed to do more than a century ago. \nThere is no alcohol involved in the regular sweet cider\, and the bakery\, cider and mill demonstration make Clyde’s an easy family fall stop. \nJust don’t confuse the two kinds of cider. \nThe traditional hard cider and apple wines are 12 to 14 percent alcohol and are strictly for adults 21 and older. \nCan You Pick Apples at Clyde’s?\nNo. \nThis is one of the most useful things to know before making the trip. \nB.F. Clyde’s is a cider mill\, not a pick-your-own orchard. \nThe mill purchases apples from small orchards and uses them to produce its cider. \nIf apple picking is part of your fall plans\, you’ll need to visit an orchard separately. \nCan You Bring a Dog?\nYes\, with restrictions. \nLeashed pets are permitted on the grounds. \nThey aren’t allowed inside the buildings or on the porch\, and visitors need to bring whatever they need to clean up after their pets. \nParking Can Be the Hardest Part of a Fall Visit\nClyde’s popularity comes with one predictable problem. \nIt gets busy. \nThe main parking lot can fill during peak periods\, particularly on fall weekends. \nClyde’s asks visitors to try the main lot first and to respect posted no-parking areas and neighboring properties if parking along nearby roads. \nAn auxiliary lot is available at 49 North Stonington Road. It’s approximately four-tenths of a mile from the mill\, so visitors using it should expect a walk. \nIf your schedule is flexible\, a weekday visit can make the entire experience easier. \nIf you’re coming specifically to see the press operate\, Tuesday or Thursday morning offers the combination of a weekday visit and a scheduled pressing window. \nClyde’s Isn’t a Museum\, and That’s the Point\nThere are plenty of places where historic machinery survives behind ropes. \nClyde’s is different. \nBenjamin Clyde started making cider in 1881. \nHe acquired his own mill in the 1890s. \nThe equipment installed in 1898 survived the arrival of hydraulic presses\, mass food production\, supermarkets\, interstate highways and more than a century of changes in how Americans buy their food. \nThe family survived with it. \nToday\, fourth\, fifth and sixth generations are involved in the operation. \nEvery September\, the doors open again. \nApples arrive. \nThe steam-powered machinery starts moving. \nFresh cider begins flowing. \nAnd people line up for cider donuts. \nThat’s why B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is more than another place to add to a Connecticut fall checklist. It’s a piece of New England’s agricultural and industrial history that never stopped doing its job. \n2026 Visitor Guide\nAttraction: B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\n2026 Season Opening: September 1\, 2026\nCurrent Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\, seven days a week\nLocation: 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nAdmission: Free\nChildren: Welcome\nPets: Leashed pets allowed on the grounds; not inside buildings or on the porch\nApple Picking: No\nSweet Cider: Available\nCider Donuts and Baked Goods: Available\nHard Cider: Available for adults 21+\nApple Wine: Available for adults 21+\nAlcohol Content: Hard cider and wine are generally 12–14% ABV\nTastings: Free; no reservation required\nHard Cider Tastings: Cellar beneath the press building\nWine Tastings: Tasting room\nTasting Hours: Monday–Saturday\, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday\, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.\nTypical Pressing Schedule: Tuesday\, Thursday\, Saturday and Sunday\, 10 a.m.–noon\nParking: Main lot plus auxiliary parking at 49 North Stonington Road\nThanksgiving: Closed\nShipping: Not available\nPreorders/Call-Ahead Orders: Not available \nHard Cider Menu\nAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers History \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/b-f-clydes-cider-mill-2026-complete-guide/2026-09-03/
LOCATION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\, 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/BF-Clydes-Cider-Mill-2026-Complete-Guide.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T170000
DTSTAMP:20260705T020852Z
CREATED:20260510T162306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T020852Z
UID:10000469-1788346800-1788368400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks
DESCRIPTION:Brickwrecks: Sunken Ships in LEGO Bricks drops visitors into centuries of maritime mystery and disaster at Mystic Seaport Museum.. The internationally touring exhibition combines massive LEGO® ship recreations with real maritime history\, creating an experience that feels part museum exhibit\, part interactive adventure. As the first American stop for the exhibition\, Mystic Seaport becomes the latest host for a showcase that has previously appeared at major maritime museums in Europe and Australia. \nThe exhibit features eleven detailed LEGO® models recreating famous shipwrecks and maritime disasters spanning thousands of years\, including the Titanic\, the Vasa\, Franklin’s Arctic expedition ships Terror and Erebus\, and the ancient Uluburun trading vessel. Created in partnership with LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan “The Brickman” McNaught\, the displays combine historical storytelling with surprisingly intricate engineering and visual detail. Some models even include cross-section cutaways revealing what happened beneath the waterline. \nInteractive experiences throughout the exhibit invite visitors to test survival scenarios\, operate a remote underwater vehicle\, experiment with ship stability\, and build LEGO® creations of their own. Alongside the models are replica artifacts\, archaeological tools\, and multimedia displays exploring how modern researchers investigate shipwrecks and what those discoveries reveal about trade\, exploration\, disaster\, and human history. The result is an exhibit that works equally well for families\, history buffs\, LEGO® fans\, and anyone who still secretly wants to touch every museum display. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/brickwrecks-sunken-ships-in-lego-bricks-3/2026-09-02/
LOCATION:Mystic Seaport\, 75 Greenmanville Ave\, Mystic\, CT\, \,06355-1946\,\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Seaport
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Brickwrecks-Sunked-Ships-in-Lego-Bricks.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T180000
DTSTAMP:20260804T232003Z
CREATED:20260804T232003Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T232003Z
UID:10007095-1788343200-1788372000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:The Dinosaur Place Roaring Good Deal
DESCRIPTION:Available at the popular Montville attraction inside Nature’s Art Village\, the promotion makes it even easier to spend a day exploring one of New England’s largest dinosaur-themed adventure parks. \nThe Dinosaur Place features more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs spread across miles of wooded nature trails\, along with one of the region’s largest zero-depth splash pads\, multiple playgrounds\, maze attractions\, picnic areas\, and family-friendly activities. Children can climb\, splash\, explore\, and imagine themselves in a prehistoric world while parents enjoy a full day of outdoor recreation. \nTo receive the discount\, guests must purchase tickets online and enter the promotional code DinoDeal26 during checkout. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday only and cannot be redeemed at the gate. Whether you’re planning a family outing\, entertaining visiting grandchildren\, or simply looking for an affordable weekday adventure\, the Roaring Good Deal makes one of southeastern Connecticut’s most popular attractions even more accessible. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Roaring Good Deal – Save 15% at The Dinosaur Place \nDates: Mondays through Thursdays \nHours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. \nLocation:\nThe Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village\n1650 Route 85\nMontville\, CT 06370 \nDiscount: 15% off online admission \nPromo Code: DinoDeal26 \nHow to Redeem: Purchase tickets online and enter the promotional code during checkout. \nMore Information\nAdditional information\, current operating dates\, and online ticket purchases are available by clicking the Event Website link at the bottom of this page. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/the-dinosaur-place-roaring-good-deal/2026-09-02/
LOCATION:The Dinosaur Place at Nature’s Art Village\, 1650 Hartford-New London Tpke\, Montville\, 06370\, United States
CATEGORIES:The Dinosaur Place
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/The-Dinosaur-Place-Roaring-Good-Deal-Monday-Thursday-All-Summer-Long.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T180000
DTSTAMP:20260901T212201Z
CREATED:20260901T212201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260901T212201Z
UID:10007304-1788339600-1788372000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill 2026: Complete Guide
DESCRIPTION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is now open for the 2026 season\, beginning another fall of fresh-pressed sweet cider\, cider donuts\, traditional hard cider\, apple wine and one of the most unusual pieces of working history in Connecticut. \nThe family-owned Old Mystic landmark opened for the season September 1 and is currently scheduled to operate seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 129 North Stonington Road. \nBut calling Clyde’s a cider shop doesn’t quite explain why generations of families make a trip here every fall. \nThe mill has been family-owned since 1881. Fourth\, fifth and sixth generations of the family still work in the business. Apples are still crushed and pressed using historic machinery powered by steam. Visitors can watch the machinery operate\, descend into the cellar for traditional hard cider tastings\, sample apple wines in a converted grist mill and leave with a bag of cider donuts. \nClyde’s calls itself the oldest steam-powered cider mill in the United States. \nMore precisely\, it is the last operating steam-powered cider mill in the country\, according to the mill\, and its historic cider-making machinery has been recognized by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers as a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. \nIt isn’t a reproduction of an old cider mill. \nIt’s the real thing. \nA Mystic Fall Tradition Since 1881\nThe story begins with Benjamin F. Clyde. \nIn 1881\, Clyde began producing cider from apples he had pressed at other local mills. He eventually rented a press before purchasing his own mill in 1897. \nThe equipment that followed would become the heart of the operation visitors still come to see. \nClyde purchased a screw press manufactured by Boomer & Boschert of Syracuse\, New York. The company also supplied the apple grater\, elevator and cider pump\, along with plans for the mill building. \nThe machinery was installed in 1898. \nAt the time\, cider mills were hardly unusual in rural America. \nThey served much the same role for apple growers that grist mills did for farmers growing grain. Orchards could bring surplus apples to a centrally located mill\, where the fruit could be processed and pressed into juice. Some of that juice could then be fermented into hard cider. \nMost of those community mills disappeared. \nClyde’s didn’t. \nThe Steam-Powered Mill Is Still Working\nThat’s what makes a visit different from touring a preserved historic building. \nThe machinery still has a job. \nApples enter the cider-making system and are elevated to a grinder\, where they’re reduced to pulp. That pulp is prepared for pressing\, and the historic screw press applies the tremendous pressure needed to extract the juice. \nThe technology was impressive for its era. \nAccording to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers\, the all-steel screw press could apply pressure at three speeds and represented one of the last generations of screw presses before hydraulic presses became widespread during the 20th century. \nASME designated B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in 1994\, recognizing the machinery as a rare survivor of an industry that was once common throughout America’s apple-growing regions. \nMore than a century after the equipment was installed\, Clyde’s still uses the mill to make cider. \nWhen Can You Watch Clyde’s Press Cider?\nVisitors don’t have to settle for looking at the machinery. \nClyde’s runs it during the season. \nThe mill’s typical pressing schedule is: \nTuesday and Thursday: 10 a.m.–noon\nSaturday and Sunday: 10 a.m.–noon \nThe schedule can vary because Clyde’s presses according to production needs\, so the machinery isn’t guaranteed to be running continuously throughout those periods. \nEven when the press isn’t operating\, visitors are welcome to look inside the historic press building. \nFor anyone specifically interested in seeing the steam-powered machinery at work\, a pressing morning is the best time to plan a visit. \nHow Clyde’s Makes Sweet Cider\nFresh sweet cider is the product that started everything. \nClyde’s purchases its apples from small orchards rather than operating a pick-your-own orchard of its own. The apples are processed at the mill and pressed into cider using the historic equipment. \nThe finished sweet cider is flash pasteurized on the property. \nVisitors can buy cider to take home or drink it while visiting\, and seasonal cider drinks have become part of the experience alongside the mill’s baked goods. \nThat combination has helped turn what was originally a working agricultural business into a fall destination. \nYou can come to learn how a 19th-century cider press works. \nYou can also come because you want cider and a donut. \nNeither is the wrong reason. \nAbout Those Clyde’s Cider Donuts\nFor plenty of visitors\, the steam engine has competition. \nClyde’s cider donuts have become almost as closely associated with the mill as the cider itself. \nThe store sells its well-known cider donuts along with other baked goods and seasonal treats. The selection can vary\, but the broader shop also carries jarred products\, honey from local beekeepers\, candied apples made by the family and other locally produced goods. \nIt’s part bakery\, part country store and part historic attraction. \nAnd on a busy fall weekend\, the line is evidence that plenty of people know exactly what they came for. \nThen There Is the Cider Downstairs\nThe word “cider” gets considerably more complicated at Clyde’s. \nSweet cider is only part of the story. \nClyde’s also makes traditional hard cider using a process very different from the sweeter\, carbonated canned ciders that have become common in supermarkets and bars. \nThe hard cider begins with apple juice and ferments before aging in oak whiskey barrels. \nThe process from juice to finished hard cider typically takes about a year. \nAfter fermentation and aging\, the hard cider receives relatively little filtration before being sold. That preserves more of the raw\, oaky character produced by the barrel. \nThe result is considerably stronger than many commercial hard ciders. \nClyde’s hard ciders and apple wines generally contain 12 to 14 percent alcohol. \nHard Cider vs. Apple Wine: What’s the Difference?\nThis is one of the more interesting parts of Clyde’s operation because the two products begin in essentially the same place. \nBoth the hard cider and apple wine start as fermented apple juice aged in oak whiskey barrels. \nWhat happens afterward separates them. \nClyde’s hard cider is only lightly filtered to remove sediment. That leaves it with a bolder flavor\, more pronounced oak character and more bite. \nThe apple wine receives considerably more filtration. \nThat additional processing produces a smoother\, somewhat sweeter product that is also shelf stable before opening. \nSo someone expecting Clyde’s hard cider to taste like a modern canned hard cider may be surprised. \nThis is closer to an older cider-making tradition. \nWhat’s in the Hard Cider Cellar?\nThe hard cider cellar sits underneath the press building. \nThat’s where visitors can taste Clyde’s traditional hard ciders and where the product has been made for generations. \nAvailability changes throughout the season\, but Clyde’s 2026 lineup includes several recurring varieties. \nThe Original is the starting point. It’s dry\, without added fruit flavors competing with the oak character of the barrel. \nLucky Lion is also dry and crisp\, with a character Clyde’s says some drinkers compare to Scotch. \nBlackout goes even further in that direction. It’s Clyde’s most popular hard cider and wine flavor\, with strong oak notes that the mill describes as almost reminiscent of whiskey. \nThen things get fruitier. \nBoomerang combines apple and cranberry for a tart\, sweeter cider. \nGoodfella adds blackberry and lands on the sweeter end of the lineup. \nYellow Jacket combines apple and orange\, producing some sweetness with a citrus bite. \nCherry Bomb adds another fruit-driven option. \nBecause Clyde’s rotates its hard ciders\, individual varieties can change during the season. \nThe Apple Wine List Goes Much Further\nThe wine side of the operation offers even more variety. \nClyde’s currently lists 14 apple wines\, ranging from dry expressions of apple to much sweeter fruit combinations. \nApple Wine is the driest of the wine lineup. \nSpiced Apple uses mulling spices for a distinctly fall-oriented version. \nSpider Cider combines sweetness with pumpkin spices and can be warmed or used in a hot toddy. \nStrawberry Bliss is the sweetest wine in the lineup\, combining apple and strawberry. \nBlueberry Spinner combines apple and blueberry. \nApple Raspberry leans sweet but tart. \nCider House Blend combines apple\, orange and cranberry. \nSeveral of the hard cider varieties\, including Original\, Lucky Lion\, Blackout\, Boomerang\, Goodfella and Yellow Jacket\, are also produced as wines. \nThe distinction comes back to filtration. \nSame roots. \nDifferent finish. \nYes\, You Can Taste Them for Free\nClyde’s offers separate hard cider and wine tastings throughout its season. \nAnd the tastings are free. \nNo purchase is required and no reservation is necessary. \nVisitors can sample up to four hard ciders and up to four wines at their respective tasting locations. \nHard cider tastings take place in the cellar beneath the press building. \nWine tastings are held in the tasting room\, which has its own connection to the property’s history: the building is a converted grist mill once used to produce johnnycake meal. \nTastings are first-come\, first-served. \nCurrent tasting hours are: \nMonday–Saturday: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\nSunday: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. \nEveryone participating in a tasting must show a valid ID\, regardless of age or appearance. Clyde’s does not accept expired IDs or photographs of identification. \nConnecticut alcohol rules also mean Clyde’s cannot sell its hard cider or wine before 10 a.m. on Sundays. \nA Few Clyde’s Flavors to Know Before You Taste\nIf you don’t know where to start\, the tasting bottles are generally arranged from driest to sweetest\, and the staff can help narrow the choices. \nFor something dry: Original or Apple Wine. \nFor strong oak character: Blackout. \nFor dry and crisp: Lucky Lion. \nFor tart cranberry: Boomerang. \nFor something sweeter: Goodfella. \nFor fall spice: Spiced Apple or Spider Cider. \nFor very sweet fruit: Strawberry Bliss or Blueberry Spinner. \nOne warning for anyone accustomed to mass-market hard cider: remember the alcohol content. \nAt 12 to 14 percent ABV\, Clyde’s hard cider is much closer to wine strength than a typical bottle or can of commercial cider. \nCan You Bring Back a Clyde’s Growler?\nYes. \nClyde’s sells 64-ounce growlers of hard cider and offers growler refills. \nThere are a couple of important rules. \nClyde’s refills growlers rather than exchanging them\, so customers should clean their growler before bringing it back. The mill can only refill glass growlers that have a stamped or imprinted 64-ounce measurement. \nWine cannot be used for growler fills. \nThe refill program is for hard cider. \nHard cider should also be kept cool after purchase. Clyde’s recommends refrigeration. \nThere’s More Than Cider\nThe tasting room also contains Clyde’s gift shop\, with merchandise and locally made products that can include handmade earrings\, postcards and art prints. \nElsewhere at the mill\, visitors can browse honey produced by local beekeepers\, jarred foods\, family-made candied apples\, baked goods and other seasonal products. \nThat makes it possible to spend considerably more time at Clyde’s than simply buying a gallon of cider and heading home. \nWatch the press. \nGet cider and donuts. \nExplore the store. \nGo downstairs for a hard cider tasting. \nVisit the wine tasting room. \nBrowse the gift shop. \nIt’s effectively several different experiences spread across the historic property. \nIs B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill Good for Kids?\nYes. \nClyde’s welcomes children of all ages. \nThe working mill is also an opportunity to show kids a piece of machinery doing the job it was actually designed to do more than a century ago. \nThere is no alcohol involved in the regular sweet cider\, and the bakery\, cider and mill demonstration make Clyde’s an easy family fall stop. \nJust don’t confuse the two kinds of cider. \nThe traditional hard cider and apple wines are 12 to 14 percent alcohol and are strictly for adults 21 and older. \nCan You Pick Apples at Clyde’s?\nNo. \nThis is one of the most useful things to know before making the trip. \nB.F. Clyde’s is a cider mill\, not a pick-your-own orchard. \nThe mill purchases apples from small orchards and uses them to produce its cider. \nIf apple picking is part of your fall plans\, you’ll need to visit an orchard separately. \nCan You Bring a Dog?\nYes\, with restrictions. \nLeashed pets are permitted on the grounds. \nThey aren’t allowed inside the buildings or on the porch\, and visitors need to bring whatever they need to clean up after their pets. \nParking Can Be the Hardest Part of a Fall Visit\nClyde’s popularity comes with one predictable problem. \nIt gets busy. \nThe main parking lot can fill during peak periods\, particularly on fall weekends. \nClyde’s asks visitors to try the main lot first and to respect posted no-parking areas and neighboring properties if parking along nearby roads. \nAn auxiliary lot is available at 49 North Stonington Road. It’s approximately four-tenths of a mile from the mill\, so visitors using it should expect a walk. \nIf your schedule is flexible\, a weekday visit can make the entire experience easier. \nIf you’re coming specifically to see the press operate\, Tuesday or Thursday morning offers the combination of a weekday visit and a scheduled pressing window. \nClyde’s Isn’t a Museum\, and That’s the Point\nThere are plenty of places where historic machinery survives behind ropes. \nClyde’s is different. \nBenjamin Clyde started making cider in 1881. \nHe acquired his own mill in the 1890s. \nThe equipment installed in 1898 survived the arrival of hydraulic presses\, mass food production\, supermarkets\, interstate highways and more than a century of changes in how Americans buy their food. \nThe family survived with it. \nToday\, fourth\, fifth and sixth generations are involved in the operation. \nEvery September\, the doors open again. \nApples arrive. \nThe steam-powered machinery starts moving. \nFresh cider begins flowing. \nAnd people line up for cider donuts. \nThat’s why B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill is more than another place to add to a Connecticut fall checklist. It’s a piece of New England’s agricultural and industrial history that never stopped doing its job. \n2026 Visitor Guide\nAttraction: B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\n2026 Season Opening: September 1\, 2026\nCurrent Hours: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.\, seven days a week\nLocation: 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, CT 06355\nAdmission: Free\nChildren: Welcome\nPets: Leashed pets allowed on the grounds; not inside buildings or on the porch\nApple Picking: No\nSweet Cider: Available\nCider Donuts and Baked Goods: Available\nHard Cider: Available for adults 21+\nApple Wine: Available for adults 21+\nAlcohol Content: Hard cider and wine are generally 12–14% ABV\nTastings: Free; no reservation required\nHard Cider Tastings: Cellar beneath the press building\nWine Tastings: Tasting room\nTasting Hours: Monday–Saturday\, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday\, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.\nTypical Pressing Schedule: Tuesday\, Thursday\, Saturday and Sunday\, 10 a.m.–noon\nParking: Main lot plus auxiliary parking at 49 North Stonington Road\nThanksgiving: Closed\nShipping: Not available\nPreorders/Call-Ahead Orders: Not available \nHard Cider Menu\nAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers History \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \n  \n  \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/b-f-clydes-cider-mill-2026-complete-guide/2026-09-02/
LOCATION:B.F. Clyde’s Cider Mill\, 129 North Stonington Road\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:B.F. Clyde's Cider Mill
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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260901T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260901T140000
DTSTAMP:20260708T202300Z
CREATED:20260708T201136Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260708T202300Z
UID:10006667-1788264000-1788271200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Teen Café: Summer Edition
DESCRIPTION:Teen Café: Summer Edition offers teens a welcoming place to relax\, recharge\, and connect with friends during the summer. Held daily in the Teen Space\, the casual drop-in program provides a comfortable environment where teens can enjoy refreshments\, conversation\, and a break from the summer heat. \nWhether stopping by for lunch\, a quick snack\, or simply to spend time with friends\, Teen Café creates a laid-back atmosphere designed just for teens. With friendly conversations and a dedicated gathering space\, it’s an easy way to meet new people\, catch up with familiar faces\, or unwind between summer activities. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Teen Café: Summer Edition\nSchedule: Daily\nDate Featured: Thursday\, July 9\, 2026\nTime: Noon-2:00 p.m.\nLocation: Teen Space\n\nWhat’s Included\nTeens can enjoy: \n\nCold drinks\nLight lunch\nTasty snacks\nFriendly conversation\nA welcoming space to relax and socialize\n\nWho Can Attend\nTeen Café is designed for teens looking for a fun\, informal place to spend part of their summer day. \n  \nContact:\n\nLynn Dougan401 596-2877 x301 \n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/teen-cafe-summer-edition/2026-09-01/
LOCATION:Westerly Library & Wilcox Park\, 44 Broad Street\, Westerly\, RI\, 02891\, United States
CATEGORIES:Westerly Library & Wilcox Park
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Teen-Cafe-at-the-Westerly-Public-Library-in-the-Teen-Space-daily-this-summer-12pm-to-2pm.jpg
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