Mill Opens for 170th Season with Nat’l Recognition, Signature Events

FLY CREEK—The Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard will open for its milestone 170th season on Thursday, May 8, welcoming visitors back to one of Central New York’s most beloved and enduring attractions.

Since 1856, the mill has offered guests a unique blend of history, hospitality, and flavor, officials said in a press release—from fresh-pressed cider and mill-aged New York cheddar to buttercream fudge and a scenic millpond experience. Reaching 170 seasons marks a rare achievement in American small business and underscores the mill’s role as both a working agricultural site and a tourism destination.

“This season is especially meaningful for us,” said owner Bill Michaels. “Celebrating 170 years is a testament to the generations of guests, employees and community members who have supported the mill. We’re proud to continue that tradition while also sharing our story on a national stage.”

That national spotlight comes through the mill’s recent inclusion in a documentary produced by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program. The Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard was selected as one of just three alumni businesses from across the United States to be featured in the film, which highlights the impact of small businesses on local economies and communities.

According to the press release, the documentary segment featuring the Fly Creek Cider Mill and Orchard was filmed on-site over three days during the 2025 season, capturing both daily operations and the guest experience that defines the mill. The production included visits from Goldman Sachs Executives John Rogers and Asahi Pompey, who met with Michaels and staff to explore the role of small businesses in strengthening local economies and communities.

The documentary debuted during the 10,000 Small Businesses program’s Advocacy Summit in Washington D.C., bringing the story of Fly Creek and rural New York entrepreneurship to a national audience of policymakers and business leaders.

“Being selected by the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program as one of just three businesses featured nationwide is an incredible honor,” said Michaels. “It gave us the opportunity to bring the story of a small, rural New York business to a national stage in Washington D.C. to demonstrate how businesses like ours drive tourism, support agriculture and sustain local economies across the country.”

Looking ahead to the summer season, Michaels said the mill will once again host the Cousins Maine Lobster food truck on Friday, June 6 and again on September 13. After drawing large crowds during its previous visit, the return is expected to be one of the highlights of the early summer calendar, pairing the nationally known lobster offerings with the mill’s signature setting and products.

Michaels said guests visiting throughout the season can enjoy the mill’s tasting room, featuring New York State beverages, explore the Mill Store Marketplace, stocked with regional goods, and take in the charm of the historic property just minutes from Cooperstown.

Opening day festivities begin May 8, with the mill operating daily throughout the season.

For more information, including hours, events, and details on the Cousins Maine Lobster visit, visit www.flycreekcidermill.com.