'Physical and mental challenge': Corn maze season is upon us
This week will mark opening day for several of the state's challenging and popular corn mazes, including Sauchuk's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Plympton.
On weekends starting Saturday, visitors to Sauchuk's roughly 200 acres can take a hayride to the giant pumpkin patch – a sea of orange and white pumpkins – shoot apples from the apple cannon, take a spin in the cow and bee trains, which are pulled around the corn maze, or enjoy family-friendly activities.
More: 'The forefront of athletics': Archies unveils $4.5 million in Braintree stadium improvements
More: Father Bill's shelter in Quincy eyes spring opening; work continues at new police station
The corn maze this year is a nod to former Red Sox player David "Big Papi" Ortiz, and Sauchuk's will raise money for the David Ortiz Children’s Fund. Also new this season is a gem mining activity complete with a sluice and rushing water.
Where to find a corn maze this fall
Sauchuk's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, Plympton: According to its website, "in 2007, Scott Sauchuk grew the first large-scale corn maze in the eastern Massachusetts region." Sauchuk's season runs from Sep. 17 to Oct. 30 on weekends only. Visit sauchukmaze.com for more information.
Davis Farmland Mega Maze, Sterling: The Davis Farmland attraction was hailed by CNN as the best corn maze in the country. "This year’s maze encompasses 8 acres of corn and almost 3 miles of puzzling pathway networks," according to the Davis Farmland website. It is open on weekends starting Oct. 1. Go to davismegamaze.com for details.
Marini Farm, Ipswich: Owners of this venue say it takes an average of an hour and a half to wind your way through the maze, but it also offers a 20-minute "mini" maze. The maze is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday through September. October hours vary. . For more information, visit marinifarm.com.
More: Predicting what South Shore high school football teams will win in Week 1
Mike's Maze, Sunderland: Every year Mike's has a new maze, along with themed games. Other attractions include horse-drawn wagon rides, firing potato cannons and picking pumpkins. Mike's is open on weekends through Nov. 6. Visit mikesmaze.com for more information.
Connors Farm, Danvers: This 7-acre corn maze with farm-themed play areas is open through Oct. 31, weekdays and weekends. "This year’s maze is fashioned in honor of race car legend Bentley Warren," according to onlyinyourstate.com. "After exploring the twists and turns of the massive maze, visitors can test their skills at pumpkin bowling, hang out with the farm animals, enjoy a hayride and other awesome fall-themed activities." For more information, visit connorsfarm.com.
Flint Farm, Mansfield: This maze opens Saturday, Sept. 17, through Oct. 30 on Saturday and Sunday. Also offered are hayrides, ice cream, fresh vegetables, a pumpkin patch and fall decor for sale. Visit flintfarmstand.com for more information.
Crescent Farms, Haverhill: This maze is fashioned out of 10 acres of corn. The grand opening has not been announced yet. Keep checking crescentfarm.com for details.
This article originally appeared on wickedlocal.com: Plympton corn maze inspired by Red Sox's David Ortiz opens Saturday
