“A corn maze? What if I get lost?”
“What if I can’t get out?”
“What if it gets dark?”
“Is there a number I can call?”
“Is it safe?”
There’s a fear of corn fields, navarrofobia, and in turn, corn mazes.
Most corn-maze-related fear is from ex-Manhattanites, used to living in a grid pattern that even the West Village scares them as confusing.
Really, there’s nothing to fear.
The Samascott Orchard’s Corn Maze in Kinderhook is a huge, sprawling ten-acre corn wonderland. When you enter the corn maze, (behind the store) they give you a punch card. If you get all of the punches (cut-outs) at the punch stands throughout the maze, you can claim your ice cream at the stand. (You have to pay to enter the maze. The punch card has various cut-out shapes to discourage cheating).
You can leave the corn maze AT ANY TIME!
I recommend the corn-flavored ice cream, made from corn grown on the farm itself.
My other favorite is the “Dwight Schrute” ice cream made from locally-grown beets.
You do not have to finish the punch card – you can BUY the ice cream instead of WINNING it – but is that any fun, especially when twelve-year-olds are turning in their punch cards in front of you?
“What if I’m trapped?”
It’s corn stalks, not steel bars.
Theoretically, you could unceremoniously walk between the corn stalks in your white cable knit sweater and Ughs, carrying a pumpkin spice latte, and destroy months of gardening and preparation and ruin the maze for others after you. But, why would you do that? You won’t be stranded forever. If you are stranded, hopefully, your latte and apple cider donuts will stave off a slow death of thirst and starvation, until a kind soul guides you out.
Give yourself enough time to work through the maze. It could take a couple of hours, seriously.
A corn-maze will give you and your friends/family tons of autumnal photos for your instagram feed, and is it a true experience of FALL in the Hudson Valley.
Navigating a corn maze can be a thrilling challenge! Bring a map if available, stay hydrated, and wear comfy shoes. Use landmarks to avoid getting lost. Enjoy the adventure and embrace the fun of the corn maze!
Wear waterproof boots, especially if it rained before your visit. If you’re going at night, bring a flashlight or two. Leave your dogs at home.