2 days Ago By By Dakota Driscoll | Special to the Daily Sentinel |
CLINTON — The historic Clinton Cider Mill, a cherished fall destination in the Mohawk Valley, is set to undergo a significant expansion, thanks to a $364,000 grant from New York State’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI). This project, part of a $9.7 million investment in Clinton and Kirkland, aims to transform the mill into a year-round attraction to enhance its role in the community’s economic and cultural landscape.
The expansion that was announced in August will see the addition of an indoor dining space, allowing the mill to extend its operations beyond the traditional cider season, which typically runs from late August to Thanksgiving. The project has been a long time coming, with the application process spanning four years before finally securing the DRI grant. For the Clinton Cider Mill, which has been operating since 1903, this expansion is not just about growth but about sustainability and continuity.
“One of the main goals of the grant is to boost the local economy. Adding more jobs will do this, as we will be able to operate year-round,” said Ben Fehlner, part-owner of the longtime family-owned and operated business. The new facilities will include spaces for events, workshops, and possibly even a small production line for craft hard cider, leveraging locally sourced apples to diversify their offerings.
“Being open year round will not only help the economy, but it allows our customers to enjoy cider and donuts for longer than our normal three-month season.” The expansion is expected to be completed by the fall of 2026, coinciding with the mill’s 100th anniversary, marking a century of service with a vision for the next 100 years. This project not only promises to boost local tourism but also aims to create a sustainable model for other seasonal businesses in the region.
Gov. Kathy Hochul praised the initiative, stating, “Projects like the expansion of the Clinton Cider Mill are exactly what the DRI was designed for, revitalizing our communities, supporting local businesses, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.” As fall approaches, the Clinton Cider Mill stands not just as a symbol of an autumn tradition but as a beacon of community resilience and innovation, officials said, ready to welcome its visitors with the warmth of freshly pressed cider — soon to be all-year round.
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