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local craft items, and even a few fun things for children to buy. Pumpkins of all sizes are avail- able now, too, and fit right in with a bag of pick-your-own apples for a perfect fall outing.
With all they offer, the family’s scenic orchard is still their prize accomplishment.
Cardigan Mountain Orchard has earned the designation of being a New Hampshire Farm of Distinction. It’s a distinction presented to working farms that exhibit “exemplary neatness, or- ganization, and overall visual ap- peal” while presenting a positive view of agriculture in the state. Land stewardship is also a re- quirement and the Bleilers’ have certainly accomplished all of that
NEWFOUNDLAKELIFE.COM
October 2025
and more.
Earlier in September, their
Macs and Ruby Red Macs were ready for picking and later in the month, Cortlands and Honey Crisp apples were ripe as well. Other popular varieties will be available through the coming weeks, ending the season with Empire apples in mid-October.
At the end of September Steve and his sons David and Stephen planned to start pressing their very popular, non-pasteurized apple cider.
“It’s not what we put in it, but what we keep out that counts,” is their secret behind its quality.
Because of that, the cider sells quickly, though, so they recom- mend people call ahead to place an order or check on availability.
While at the orchard, the pub- lic is invited to also take a stroll
up Nancy’s Trail, named for Nancy Bleiler. The path was one of her favorite places to walk or snowshoe in the winter, offering a beautiful view of Mt. Cardigan. When she passed away a few years ago the family named the trail in her memory. Dogs may accompany their humans for the walk, but are not permitted to be under the trees or out in the or- chard.
Those who don't have time to pick their own apples can always stop by Cardigan Mountain Old Country Store at 231 Lake Street in Bristol, right across from the Bristol Public Safety building. There you will also find cider, pumpkins and hundreds of lo- cally crafted items that are perfect gifts for friends and loved ones. Walking into the store itself is a wonderful experience, offering a
step back in time with its nostalgic decor and atmosphere. The store is open Wednesday-Saturdays, 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., from now through Christmas Eve, when they will close for the winter.
If the bridge replacement is still underway, the detour is as pretty as a ride up Mt. Cardigan Road. Just follow the signs, which will lead you around the church to the next left-hand turn onto Fowler River Road.
To reach the orchard, visitors can also head down West Shore Road in Bristol. At the turn for Wellington Beach, remain going straight where the road then be- comes Fowler River Road. Watch for the light blue and red signs for the orchard pointing out where you will continue going straight until you reach the intersection of Wellington Road and Brook
Road. Take the left there onto Brook Road and drive approxi- mately one mile to the top, then turn left again onto Mt. Cardigan Rd. The orchard is 0.7 miles from there. The total ride from Lake Street is roughly eight miles and offers scenic views of not only Newfound Lake but the Fowler River, Mt. Cardigan and other nearby mountains and fields as well.
Cardigan Mountain Orchard is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. until the end of October. Updates on which apples are being picked can be found any time on their Facebook page or website, www. cardiganmtorchard.com. Those with questions or who would like to order cider can do so at car- diganorchard@gmail.com or by calling 603-744-2248.
Learn about our Non- game wildlife in NH. Joshua Megyesy of the NH Non Game and Endangered wildlife division of Fish and
Non Game Wildlife Seminar
Game will present a discus- sion on species and projects the department is working on. Turtles, butterflies, bats and raptors are some of the non-
game wildlife and their habits, threats and actions. Come join us the Slim Baker Lodge Bris- tol, NH on Tuesday Oct 21st from 6 – 7:30 pm with a time
for Q and A’s with the pre- senter. I am with the Outdoors Workshop at the Hill Village Bible Church and this event is free of charge. Come as a
family! Call or text Jeff 603- 770-4386 to register. E-mail jeffbeach74@gmail.com