Bad Seed Cider Co.: A Craft Cider Destination in the Hudson Valley

Three glasses of cider sit on a wooden countertop, each a different shade from red to pale gold. Behind them, a chalkboard menu labeled Cider and a few apples are visible. The setting appears to be a bar or tasting room.

Nestled in the heart of New York’s Hudson Valley, Bad Seed Cider Co. is a must-visit destination for cider lovers and those looking to experience the region’s rich apple-growing heritage. Known for its bold and innovative craft ciders, Bad Seed offers small-batch, locally sourced, and unfiltered ciders that challenge traditional expectations. With a commitment to high-quality ingredients and creative flavors, this cidery has become a favorite among both locals and visitors seeking an authentic farm-to-glass experience.

For travelers looking to visit Bad Seed Cider Co. without the hassle of driving, taking Amtrak to the Hudson Valley is a fantastic option. The Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station is the closest major stop, making it easy to travel from New York City, Albany, or beyond and enjoy a cider-filled day trip or weekend getaway.


Arriving at Bad Seed Cider Co. via Amtrak

A scenic train ride on Amtrak’s Hudson River Line is one of the best ways to reach Bad Seed Cider Co., allowing visitors to sit back and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Hudson Valley along the way.

Amtrak Routes Serving the Hudson Valley

🚆 Empire Service – Connects New York City to Albany and Niagara Falls, stopping at Poughkeepsie.
🚆 Ethan Allen Express – Travels from New York City to Vermont, with a stop in Poughkeepsie.
🚆 Adirondack – Runs between New York City and Montreal, making a stop in Poughkeepsie.

How to Get from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station to Bad Seed Cider Co.

🚖 Taxi or Rideshare – Uber and Lyft are readily available and can take you to Bad Seed Cider Co. in about 30 minutes.
🚗 Car Rentals – Available at the station for visitors looking to explore more of the Hudson Valley.
🚌 Local Shuttle Services – Some Hudson Valley tour companies offer cider, wine, and brewery tours that include transportation.

Taking Amtrak to Poughkeepsie not only makes getting to Bad Seed Cider Co. easy, but also allows visitors to enjoy the region’s stunning scenery without the need to drive.


The Bad Seed Cider Experience

Craft Ciders with an Edge

Bad Seed Cider Co. is known for producing unique and full-flavored craft ciders, setting itself apart from mainstream, mass-produced ciders. The cidery focuses on dry, crisp, and unfiltered ciders made with 100% fresh-pressed apples—no artificial flavors or added sugars.

Some of their most popular ciders include:

🍏 Dry Hard Cider – A classic and refreshing cider, made with a blend of locally grown apples.
🌶 Habanero Cider – A bold and spicy cider with a hint of heat, perfect for adventurous drinkers.
🍯 Bourbon Barrel Aged Cider – Aged in bourbon barrels for a smooth, oaky finish.
🍓 Strawberry Mint Cider – A refreshing summer seasonal with real fruit and fresh herbs.
🌲 Hop Cider – A cider infused with hops, offering a beer-like complexity with a crisp apple base.

With a rotating selection of seasonal and experimental ciders, visitors can always find something new to try.


Cider Taproom and Tasting Room

Bad Seed Cider Co.’s taproom is a welcoming and laid-back space where guests can enjoy flights of cider, pints, and growlers in a rustic, barn-style setting.

🍏 Tasting Flights – Choose four different ciders to sample a variety of flavors.
🍺 Full Pours & Pints – Enjoy your favorite cider on tap.
🛍 Take Home Ciders – Pick up bottles, cans, or growlers to enjoy later.

The taproom also has indoor and outdoor seating, making it a great place to relax with friends or family.


Cidery Tours and Orchard Experience

For visitors looking for a behind-the-scenes look at how cider is made, Bad Seed Cider Co. offers guided tours of its production facility and orchards.

🍎 Learn about the apple-growing process and how different apple varieties affect cider flavors.
🔬 See the fermentation and aging process up close in the cidery.
🍏 Enjoy fresh cider tastings straight from the source.

The orchard setting adds to the authentic farm experience, allowing guests to wander through the apple trees and soak in the beauty of the Hudson Valley.


Events and Live Music at Bad Seed Cider Co.

Bad Seed Cider Co. regularly hosts events, live music, and seasonal festivals, making it an exciting place to visit throughout the year.

🎶 Live Music Nights – Enjoy local bands and musicians while sipping cider.
🎃 Fall Harvest Festivals – Celebrate apple season with food, games, and special cider releases.
🛍 Farmers Markets & Craft Fairs – Shop local goods, artisan foods, and handmade products.
🍽 Food Truck Weekends – Enjoy delicious eats from rotating food vendors.

These fun and social events make every visit to Bad Seed Cider Co. a unique experience.


Nearby Attractions in the Hudson Valley

A trip to Bad Seed Cider Co. can be part of a larger Hudson Valley adventure, as the region is home to stunning landscapes, historic sites, and culinary hotspots.

🏞 Walkway Over the Hudson – A scenic pedestrian bridge offering panoramic views of the Hudson River.
🏰 Historic Huguenot Street – One of the oldest settlements in New York, featuring colonial-era homes and museums.
🍷 Hudson Valley Wine Trail – Visit local wineries and experience the region’s renowned vineyards.
🛍 Downtown Poughkeepsie & Kingston – Explore boutique shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and craft breweries.

Pairing a visit to Bad Seed Cider Co. with one of these local attractions makes for a fantastic day trip or weekend getaway.


Lodging Options Near Bad Seed Cider Co.

For visitors planning to extend their stay, there are plenty of comfortable and charming accommodations nearby:

🏨 Luxury Stay: The Roundhouse – A boutique hotel with waterfront views and upscale dining.
🏡 Cozy Bed & Breakfast: Stonegate Bed & Breakfast – A charming, historic inn in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
🛏 Budget Stay: Hampton Inn Poughkeepsie – A comfortable and affordable option near the train station.

Staying overnight allows visitors to fully experience the cider scene, explore nearby attractions, and relax in the scenic Hudson Valley.


Plan Your Visit

Before heading to Bad Seed Cider Co., keep these tips in mind:

Check the Tasting Room Hours – Hours vary seasonally, so it’s best to check before visiting.
Take Amtrak for a Relaxing Trip – Avoid driving and enjoy a scenic train ride to Poughkeepsie.
Book a Tour in Advance – Guided tours and cider tastings can fill up quickly.
Try a Flight of Ciders – With so many flavors, sampling a variety is the best way to find your favorite.


Conclusion

For cider lovers and those looking to experience the best of the Hudson Valley, Bad Seed Cider Co. is a must-visit destination. Offering bold craft ciders, a welcoming taproom, and a scenic orchard setting, it’s the perfect place to sip, relax, and enjoy the flavors of New York apples.

🚆 Take Amtrak for a stress-free journey, explore the beauty of the Hudson Valley, and discover why Bad Seed Cider Co. is one of the top cideries in New York!

BADSEEDHARDCIDER.COM
 
Address
43 BAILEYS GAP ROAD HIGHLAND, NY 12528
Miles from Poughkeepsie Amtrak Station
5.9