Fall lovers, rejoice. Cider Mill doughnuts, cider are back for 2024 season

The hot summer day ahead didn't stop Endicott doughnut lovers from stopping by opening day at The Cider Mill Thursday morning for their first bites of the season.

Though the line didn't stretch too far, a steady stream of customers filed through the red barn doors around 8 a.m., welcomed by the smell of doughnuts frying and powdered sugar dust in the air.

Little visitors pressed their faces against the glass to watch The Cider Mill employees in action, preparing hundreds of doughnuts for the day's in-person and pickup orders, which were especially popular in the early morning hours — The Cider Mill opened at 7 a.m. Thursday but opened the window for online orders on Tuesday.

Assistant manager Bret Metzle has been working at The Cider Mill for 15 years and said he enjoys every minute of it. On opening day, he estimated they would serve around 2,500 customers.

More on The Cider Mill: What to know about 2024 season

Many of the customers Thursday morning said The Cider Mill is an annual family tradition they look forward to every year, and they left toting dozens of freshly made doughnuts and gallon jugs of apple cider.

Deb Howard, 64, of Apalachin, said she comes to The Cider Mill every year, and she arrived early Thursday to beat the heat. She was pleasantly surprised to find there was no line when she arrived, and she had her next stop for the day already lined up.

“I’m headed to the dog park and we are going to have cider and doughnuts,” she said.

The Cider Mill will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. until November. To place orders online visit order.ehungry.com/The-Cider-Mill/order

This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Cider Mill is open in Endicott. What to know about 2024 season