The Best Cider Donuts, According to Readers

It’s officially autumn, which means our cider donut diet has commenced. And by diet, we mean they are a large part of our diet ;) So many donuts to sample, so little time. 

We enlisted the help of our Instagram community (@glensfallsliving) to help us find the very best cider donuts in the area. Not surprisingly, there were a lot of opinions on the matter, but out of the many recommendations, there were a few clear winners. 

And so, if you’re looking for the best cider donuts within an hour or so of Glens Falls, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the top picks from your neighbors, and start planning your cider donut road trip (we have to try them all, don’t we?!).  

#1 Hicks Orchard

This was, by far, the top pick amongst those who responded. And not to play favorites but, well, it just so happens to be one of our favorites too! Why you ask? There’s the nostalgia factor of course — many people noted they’d grown up heading out to Hicks for apples and donuts — but more importantly, the donuts are moist, have the perfect amount of sugar on top, and they melt in your mouth. As one reader put it, “Hicks is the only choice!”. Pro tip: enjoy them warm! 

18 Hicks Road, Granville / Website 

#2 The Silo

This one snuck up on us, but it was the second most frequently mentioned spot! The Silo is a year round restaurant in Queensbury and not an orchard, which, apparently, is a big part of the draw! “Easily accessible and you can brunch at the same time!,” a reader noted. Another reader said she even served them at her wedding instead of cake! Year round cider donuts close to home? Excuse us while we zip over to Aviation Road to grab a half dozen! 

537 Aviation Road, Queensbury / Website 

#3 Saratoga Apple

Another frontrunner, Saratoga Apple scored big points with readers for moistness, warmth (hot off the fryer!), and that oh so important melt in your mouth factor. A hot tip from a reader: they’re best enjoyed with a glass of their hard cider in their on-site tasting room!

1174 Route 29, Schuylerville / Website

#4 McWhorter’s Orchard

Another Washington County favorite, McWhorter’s was frequently mentioned as having the best flavor and consistency. Bonus points for the Adirondack chairs with a view to enjoy them in!

5635 State Route 40, Argyle / Website

#5 Lakeside Farms

The final in our top five brings us south to Lakeside Farms in Ballston Lake, just off Exit 11 of the Northway. Our readers assure us it’s worth the drive for these “crisp on the outside, soft on the inside” donuts with the perfect amount of sugar. While you’re there, sit down for breakfast or lunch in their restaurant and shop their country store (you might wind up bringing home a pie, too!).

336 Schauber Road, Ballston Lake / Website

Honorable Mentions

You can never have too many donuts, right? Here are a few more recommendations we received:

The Garden Barn, Fort Edward

Saratoga Gluten Free Goods Bakery, Schuylerville

Indian Ladder Farm, Altamont

Would love to hear which is your favorite in the comments below! See you in the donut line!

The Best Breakfast in Glens Falls, According to Readers

It’s the weekend and you’re in the mood for brunch. Where to?! We enlisted the help of our Instagram and Facebook community to help us find the very best weekend breakfast spots in and around Glens Falls. Per usual, there were a lot of opinions on the matter, but out of the many recommendations, there were seven top favorites.

And so, if you’re looking for the best breakfast in and around Glens Falls, we’ve got you covered. Read on for the top picks from your neighbors, and start planning your next brunch (we have to try them all now, don’t we?!).  

The outdoor seating at [farmacy] on a sunny spring day

#1 [farmacy]

With unlimited mimosas and favorites like the donut holes, pancakes, and lobster Benedict, brunch at [farmacy] was a top pick amongst those who responded! Readers love their patio along Ridge Street in the summer months, along with the fun atmosphere, friendly staff, and of course, the menu, which one reader noted includes lots of “elevated classics”. Always fresh and fun!

22 Ridge Street, Glens Falls / Website

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#2 The Silo

It was no surprise to see The Silo as a fan favorite - if you’ve ever driven by on a weekend morning, their packed parking lot is a giveaway that this is a top breakfast spot for locals. The nostalgia factor was a big player here, with many responding that they’ve been loyal regulars for a decade or more (they’ve been in business since 1982, after all!). Plus, we’ve got to give bonus points here for their amazing cider donuts - they were voted one of the best cider donuts in the area according to GFL readers, too!

537 Aviation Road, Queensbury / Website

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Pastries from The Market at Park & Elm

#3 Park & Elm

The newest of the bunch, The Market at Park & Elm has made their mark downtown with readers loving their breakfast sandwich offerings as well as their assortment of house-made pastries and muffins. Said one reader, “they take the breakfast sandwich up a notch” with options like smoked salmon, grilled chorizo, and pulled pork. You might as well grab a pastry or two while you’re there, you know, for later ;)

19 Park Street, Glens Falls / Website

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Breakfast is served on the Park 26 Patio at The Queensbury Hotel

#4 Park 26 at The Queensbury Hotel

If you’re looking for a serene spot to enjoy breakfast with a quintessential Glens Falls view, Park 26 at The Q is your place! Readers loved enjoying breakfast on the patio overlooking City Park and the Bandstand, and their classic menu, with mentioned favorites including their brioche French toast, eggs Benedict, and steak and eggs.

88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls / Website

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#5 Kru Coffee

If you’re looking for a hidden breakfast gem, Kru is it! One reader noted they have a “sneaky good breakfast for a coffee shop”, which feels like high praise and also a potential new motto? Known for their fantastic coffee, their breakfast is also a hit, with many readers declaring that the combo of coffee and breakfast sandwiches (maybe on one of their made from scratch bagels) can’t be beat.

140 Glen Street, Glens Falls / Website

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Grab a smoothie from Juicin’ Jar

#6 Juicin’ Jar

If a healthy breakfast is calling your name, look no further than Juicin’ Jar! Open on Saturdays, one reader noted they love their “lighter options”, including smoothies, avocado toast, or a yogurt parfait. Enjoy in their cafe or stroll to City Park to sip amongst the blooms.

16 Exchange Street, Glens Falls / Website

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#7 Jam N Eggs

Just over the bridge in South Glens Falls, Jam N Eggs was a hit among readers for their “consistently delicious” breakfasts. Including classics like omelettes and home fries, along with specials like Jam N Apple French Toast, sounds like you can’t go wrong!

31 Main Street, South Glens Falls / Website

From Your Neighbors: Favorite Books

Read any good books lately? With a little extra time on our hands at home these days, we’re hoping to do a little less scrolling and little more reading. With that in mind, we asked you all to share some of your favorite reads with us on Instagram, and you came through in a big way. If you’re in the market for a new book to enjoy over the next couple of weeks (to help you escape from the news for just a few hours!), here are some suggestions and a few words from your neighbors:

The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah: Kristen Hannah makes you feel like you are right there with her characters in this heartbreaking and inspiring WWII novel. Make sure you have some free time when you start it because you won't be able to put it down, also some tissues might come in handy! 
-Lorinda Huntington (@lorindakae)

Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: You will be easily drawn into this singer and group through their careers, loves and lives. Daisy is a character who you will remember and be infatuated with.
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)

The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates: A fictitious tale from Ta Nehisi-Coates who usually writes important non-fiction must reads. Set during the times of slavery, with some fantasy elements with Harriet Tubman making appearances in the book, too. 
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)

The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón: Set in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, this mystery has it all: books, love, history and many thrilling moments. Escape into this thriller and be transported to another time in Spain. 
-Daniel J. Gibbs (@d._gibbs)

Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng: I loved the characters and the little surprises throughout the whole book....this author is an amazing storyteller. Holds your attention from the first page to the last...!
- Debbie W

The Peach Keeper by Sarah Addison Allen: Sarah Addison Allen’s books, although especially The Peach Keeper at the moment, are my escapist comfort (re)reads in stressy times.
- Jen Sain

Arguing with Zombies by Paul Krugman: Gearing up for the election season, I’ve been reading Paul Krugman’s Arguing with Zombies to help me understand both sides of politics. :) And I have more time to read it since the library extended its return policy!
- Sean Palladino (@seanpalladino)

Crucial Conversations by Patterson, Grenny, McMillan, Switzler: A crucial conversation is when there are opposing opinions, high stakes and strong emotions. They happen at home, at work and with friends. This is a great book that gives you tools on how to navigate through tough talks resulting in stronger relationships and better production.
- Caroline (@carolinenyctrainer)

Escape to Erie’s End by Wade Vermeersch and Pamela Muntean: For Jay, Val, Vern, Meg, Dave and Jess it will be a summer of discovery, both beautiful and tragic. Follow their adventure into the turbulent waters of adolescence… It’s all walks on the beach and bonfires until the waves come crashing down on their whirlwind summer. 
- @waderlikesmedia

The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris: The Tattoist of Auschwitz captured us because it was about the power of love through difficulty. It’s hard to put down, and when you do you’ll be thinking of the characters. It’s Historical Fiction, but based on a true story. 
- Amanda and Erinn

Make Something Good Today by Erin + Ben Napier: Make Something Good Today is a loving memoir by HGTV Hometown’s Erin and Ben Napier. It reminds readers that all good things come with hard work and makes them believe that what’s meant to be will always find a way. I’ve read this book multiple times and still find it so inspiring!
- Hannah Smith (@prettymuchhan)

The Unlikely Escape of Uriah Heep by H.G. Parry: Perfect for literature nerds! The premise is that characters from a variety of novels (from Dickens to the Brontes to Roald Dahl) have come to life and have to join forces to defend their existence. I loved getting to revisit some beloved characters in a new way, and seeing them interact with other characters in the modern world. I suppose its genre would be sci-fi/fantasy, which I don’t normally go for, but the literary aspect of it was too attractive to resist.
- @andreaverna30

Winter Hours by Mary Oliver: The final chapter of Winter Hours is everything to me right now. Oliver manages to help us understand that we don’t have to go anywhere in order to travel great distances. Our spiritual and creative work can be more than enough to sustain us for a lifetime.
- @kittycantz

Today Will Be Different by Maria Semple: I bought this book because I needed "today to be different" on that day. The story was easy, relatable and hopeful. In the monotony of these days, it might do the trick!
-@fortidays

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck: There's a reason it is a classic. If you haven't read it, this could be a great time. Story of hardship, survival, perseverance and triumph. You're guaranteed thoughtful introspection right to the end.
-@fortidays

Voyage of Mercy by Stephen Puleo: My brother in law just published his 7th book this month - the story of America's first humanitarian mission which was during the potato famine in Ireland.
-@fortidays

…from @tristatallon95: If you like biographies, I’d recommend First: Sandra Day O’Connor by Evan Thomas and Jon Meacham’s bio about George H.W. Bush. For fiction, The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah is a favorite, and Finding Dorothy is another great read. A favorite classic of mine is The Good Earth by Pearl Buck.

If you have any suggestions to add, feel free to leave them in the comments below! Happy reading!

P.S. Don’t forget to check the digital catalog at Crandall Library for e-books!

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