Excited About This (Hard) Cider Tour
Ready for a day of crisp air, lake views, and even crisper cider? We’ve mapped out the ultimate "Apple-y Ever After" tour around Cayuga Lake. Whether you’re a dry-cider devotee or a fan of those sweet, funky notes, this loop hits all the best spots while taking you on a scenic highway tour of the West side of Lake Cayuga.
The Morning Kick-Off: Bellwether Hard Cider
After taking in the amazing lake views, continue on to Bellwether, the first dedicated cidery in the Finger Lakes. They specialize in variety, from traditional English-style dry ciders to sparkling "Champagne method" pours.
The Vibe: Knowledgeable, relaxed, and often features a few friendly cidery cats.
Weekend Hours: Saturday 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM and 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Sunday. They have limited weekday hours, so call ahead.
Phone: (607) 387-9464.
Food: Mostly focused on the pour, but you might find light snacks.
Nearby POI: You’re minutes away from Taughannock Falls State Park, home to the tallest waterfall in the Eastern US.
The Midday Stop: The Scenic Finger Lakes Cider House
Start your day at the Finger Lakes Cider House at Good Life Farm. It’s the undisputed hub of the local cider scene, overlooking 69 organic acres and the lake.
The Vibe: Immersive, eco-friendly, and very "farm-to-table".
Weekend Hours: Open daily at 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. (Friday–Monday in winter, 7 days a week March–December).
Phone: (607) 351-3313.
Food: Yes! They serve a locally sourced lunch menu featuring meats, cheeses, and farm-fresh bread.
Nearby POI: Cayuga Lake Creamery is just half a mile away for a post-cider scoop.
The Hidden Gem: Black Diamond Farm & Cider
For the true connoisseur, Black Diamond is a must-visit. Run by a retired Cornell professor, this spot is all about heritage apples and award-winning, small-batch bottles.
The Vibe: Quiet, authentic, and educational—like a masterclass in a glass.
Weekend Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Note: Tours/tastings often require booking online).
Phone: (607) 279-5112.
Food: Minimal on-site, but they are right outside the foodie-friendly village of Trumansburg.
Nearby POI: Take a stroll through the village of Trumansburg for quirky shops and cafes.
Hack: Add an unforgettable stop at Idiot Brothers Cider, where you’ll meet two fascinating brothers who brought their passion for hard cider back from San Diego and opened this amazing artisan shop. We are so entranced with their story and their products that we dedicate a special blog post to them.
The Sunset Finale: South Hill Cider
Your final stop before returning to the Cabin on Comfort is just south of Ithaca at South Hill Cider. The views here are legendary, especially if you snag a spot on the patio during golden hour.
The Vibe: Lively and scenic, with frequent live music events.
Weekend Hours: Saturday 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Phone: (607) 792-1097.
Food: Yes! They offer a full menu Thursday–Sunday, including items like pasture-raised sausage boards and hot pastrami.
Nearby POI: You're close to the Buttermilk Falls State Park upper falls hiking trail head.
And there you have it: A full but relaxed day of scenic views and tasting the some of the best hard ciders in the Finger Lakes region.
