Fly Creek Cider Mill Honored

 ABA is the oldest, largest and one of the most trusted motorcoach and group tour associations in the American travel industry. Its annual “Best of the Best” list draws attention to industry members who continuously go above and beyond for group tours and the motorcoach industry as a whole. This is the seventh year that the organization has published the list, which features categories such as Adventure, Culture, Entertainment, Festivals & Events, Food & Beverage, Lodging, and Shopping.

Bill Michaels, the owner of the Fly Creek Cider Mill, bought the site in 1999 from his parents, who had operated it since 1962. The Mill itself dates to 1856 and offers guests the perfect mix of old and new touches, from a historic 1889 cider press to a brand-new tasting room, pond boardwalk and pavilion introduced earlier this year.

Fly Creek is a popular stop for motorcoach groups, which are drawn to the Cooperstown area by the region’s agricultural ties, historic sites and shopping. They get a combination of all those things – plus delicious food – during a visit to the Mill.

Though this award acknowledges the Cider Mill’s contribution to the group tour industry, Fly Creek also welcomes individual travelers of all ages. Anyone can tour the Mill; see the millpond ducks and geese; stock up on local foods; and enjoy fresh cider, donuts and pies.

Fly Creek enjoyed a very successful year in 2022, and this fall was incredibly busy thanks to leaf-peepers who know that Upstate New York has plenty of maple trees that rival what can be seen in New England. The Mill will close for the season on December 11, but when it reopens prior to Mother’s Day next May, it will introduce “Flight Tastings” from the Farm Winery for motorcoach tours. This new experience will give guests a chance to choose from hard ciders, apple or grape wines, spirts, craft beers, and sweet cider. They can enjoy all that in the Mill’s new second-story tasting room.